As a family, we would recommend this trip - the kids managed walks and kayaking easily and have hopefully learnt something about the flora, fauna and geology of New Zealand - better than being in school.Susan, UK

It was a great experience which I'd love to do again. Isabel, Portugal

Please let the world know more about you. This is one of my best holidays ever. Johan, Norway

A fantastic, well organised trip - I'd certainly recommend people try for themselves. Excellent value for money too! Samantha, UK

Length 6 days

Grade A or B - day hikes only
Extras - NZ$30/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - Sea kayaking (NZ$95)
Start - Atrium pick up zone 20 metres from Sky Tower base, corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland @ 8:00am
Finish - Auckland 3:00pm (approx.)

Thank you for a really excellent introduction to New Zealand. The Far North is not to be missed. Andrew, UK

First sight of the largest Kauri tree was a wonderful shock! Susan, Australia

Our guide was fun, always upbeat, knowledgeable and flexible. Lisanne, Netherlands

You have a very beautiful country and have done an excellent job in showing off the northern end of it. Jane, Canada

Family Group Far North

Great for adults who love to get out hiking but these days need a trip that kids can do too. It's the perfect trip for a couple of families to commandeer. Travel to New Zealand’s northernmost tip. Hike to secret beaches, kayak rocky headlands, snorkel turquoise waters, marvel at ancient trees, and scream down massive sand dunes.

Highlights

• Remote coastal hiking on Maori land near the Bay of Islands
• Sea kayaking at Whangaroa harbour and coast
• Two nights of utter isolation at the very tip of New Zealand
• Four-wheel-driving along 90 Mile Beach
• Hiking the surreal dune scapes of Cape Maria Van Diemen
• Ancient and mighty Kauri forests
• Sandboarding on the immense Te Paki dunes

Day 1

Journey to the Bay of Islands via glowworm caves. After setting up camp, explore beautiful remote coastline or walk to nikau palm grove. Relax and chat over an evening camp meal. 1 hour hiking.

Day 2

Hike the headlands and coves of this almost unknown Northland wilderness coast. Explore a historic whaling station and take a swim in the bright blue ocean before driving via Paihia to beach camp. 5 hours hiking.

Day 3

Sea kayak (optional extra) along a volcanic coastline, exploring headlands, beaches and caves. Camp at Karikari Peninsula or halfway up 90 Mile Beach (tide dependent). 5 hours kayaking.

Day 4

Snorkel coastal waters, four-wheel-drive up 90 Mile Beach and sandboard on huge dunes. Set up camp then hike to sunset from the edge of the world at Cape Reinga. 2 hours sandboarding and 2 hours hiking.

Day 5

Explore coastline and trek through surreal dune scapes to Cape Maria Van Diemen. Travel south via Hokianga and camp in Trounson Kauri Reserve. Hear kiwi calling at night. 2-4 hours hiking.

Day 6

Explore the Trounson Kauri Reserve then return to Auckland, arriving about 3:00pm. 1 hour hiking.

Trip price

• Rates include guide, vehicle, tents, thermarests and stoves.

Notes

• As this trip is subject to tide times and sea or storm conditions, activities may unfold in a different order than stated above. Some 4WD routes we use can become impassable.
• The vehicle has snorkelling gear, boogie/sandboards, and a barbecue.
• We have had children as young as 7 on this trip. For families we make the days more flexible, so if some want to turn back half way or take it easy, we can make that work. The kayaking is in the stunning Whangaroa Harbour rather than open coast, and as we use double kayaks it's safer.

Additional costs

• Kitty fund NZ$30/day (for food and camp/hut fees). During winter (April-September) or on wet weather summer trips, you may need to budget an extra NZ$10/day as we use alternative accommodation more often.
• The prices for optional activities are listed in the trip summary box on the top right of the page, and in the trip dossier. Optional activities include sea kayaking.
• Kitty fund and optional activities must be paid for during the tour.

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