10 Day North Island ADVENTURE Tour Hihi - Stray NZ

Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) the land of the long white cloud. Make your way to your hostel and then go and explore the city, we recommend starting at the waterfront which is a downhill walk from your accommodation. Meet your Guide at 6pm for an introduction to your tour and a welcome drink before heading out for a group dinner together. Accommodation: Central city hostel Free activities: Walk the waterfront Included activities: Welcome drink

Auckland has one of the best harbours in the world and it’s known locally as the “City of Sails”. Today you’ll get to experience Auckland from the water as we head out to Rangitoto Island for the day. This dormant volcano which is 1 of 44 in the region sits just out from the city in the Waitemata harbour, the views are simply stunning from the city scape and out to the gulf and surrounding islands. It’s the perfect way to get you in the groove with this amazing country and clear your head to get you ready for the amazing experience over the next 23 days of non-stop adventure! Accommodation: Central city hostel Meal inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch Included activity: Water taxi to Rangitoto Island, hike a volcano

Today’s the day we say ‘haere rā’ (goodbye) to Auckland and ‘kia ora!’ (hello) to the trip of a lifetime! First stop, Hahei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. This gorgeous little place will capture your heart (and have you calculating how much it would cost to move to NZ’s coast eternally). When the tides are right, we’ll drive over to the nearby Hot Water Beach and dig ourselves an all-natural hot pool in the sand. Who said backpackers can’t do luxury? Accommodation: Cabin accommodation by the beach Meal inclusions: Breakfast Meal options: We’ll stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies en-route - Self-cater or join the optional group BBQ dinner Free activities: Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach

Rise and shine for an early start this morning as you walk to Cathedral Cove to watch the sunrise. Then it’s straight back into the bus for our journey to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Before we get to Rotorua, we’ll stop for an incredibly scenic walk through the Karangahake Gorge and then we’ll head to the home of the Hobbit and enjoy a tour of the real movie set, which was created right here in Middle Earth! When we arrive in Rotorua, head for a walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and then explore the township. There are so many activities available in Rotorua - ask your guide for options! Accommodation: Central Rotorua hostel Meal inclusions: Breakfast Included activity: Hobbiton Free activities: Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk

This morning we’ll head to Kuirau Park where we’ll see some geothermal activity, boiling mud pools and steaming lakes! After hanging out in a major tourist destination like Rotorua, you’ll probably feel ready to experience a more authentic slice of New Zealand culture. Today we venture off the beaten track to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua. Kohutapu Lodge is owned by a local Maori family who are passionate about their Maori tribal heritage and their local community. You'll see sacred Maori rock carvings, play traditional stick games and watch the preparation of a ground cooked 'hangi', before tasting it for yourself! Prepare your tastebuds - this will probably be the best meal you eat in New Zealand, or maybe even in your lifetime! Exclusive experience includes: 1 night’s accommodation at the serene lakeside Kohutapu Lodge Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert Continental breakfast Guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history and challenges Accommodation: Scenic lakefront cabins Included activity: Learn the Haka, Maori flax weaving Meal inclusions: Breakfast, traditional hangi dinner and dessert included Free activities: Maori rock carvings, volleyball, Maori cultural games

Rise and shine! Enjoy your buffet breakfast and get ready for a day of jam-packed adventure. Keep your togs (swimwear) handy, because our first stop is Kerosene Creek – a naturally hot river and the perfect place for a morning soak. Then it’s on to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the mighty Huka Falls, grab lunch and take a walk to explore or simply relax at your accommodation. Accommodation: Centrally located hostel by the lake Optional paid activities: Skydiving or bungy in Taupo Meal inclusions: Breakfast Meal options: We’ll stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies - Self-cater or join the optional group dinner Free activities: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk Taupo

This morning we’ll head to the iconic Tongariro National Park for an adventurous couple of days. On arrival at the park, we’ll receive a safety briefing for our canoe tour along the Whanganui River, part of one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Whanganui National Park is covered in lush native forest with the Whanganui River flowing through the heart of it, and this is where you’ll be canoeing today. The river is rich with Maori and European history, the largest reminder of which is the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. Paddling downstream you’ll see waterfalls, spectacular sheer gorges and farmland - views for days! Accommodation: Alpine chalets Included activity: Guided canoe tour along the Whanganui River Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch

Limber up! Today you get the chance to tick off one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand, the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Considered one of the world’s top one-day walks, this 19 km hike takes you across a rocky plateau with dramatic volcanic peaks, craters and turquoise lakes that you (and your Instagram feed) will remember for a lifetime. The Crossing is open to walk year-round (alpine gear and guide are required in winter), but it is subject to the weather conditions. If the weather prevents you from doing the Crossing, there are other awesome short walks in the area. Tonight, unwind after a big day in your chalet. Accommodation: Alpine chalets Included activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing transfers Meal inclusions: Breakfast Meal options: Pack a lunch & plenty of snacks and water. Free activities: Taranaki Falls walk, visit the Volcanic Centre, Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s pool)

Onwards to Wellington, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with great restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Fill your afternoon by browsing through the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum, grab a craft beer at a brewery, climb to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views or take a stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Oh and, most importantly for the coffee lovers, you’ll be glad to know that Wellington’s coffee culture and cafe scene is considered one of the best in NZ. Accommodation: Central city hostel Meal inclusions: Breakfast Meal options: Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen Free activities: Walk Oriental Parade, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views, visit Te Papa National Museum, Gumboot (welly) throwing

Today your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your guide and your new Stray mates, we hope you had a great time and we look forward to adventuring with you again in the future! Meal inclusions: Breakfast