Length 6 days

Price NZ$795

NZ$815 from 1st October 2010

GST (Goods and Services Tax) increases from 12.5% to 15% on 1st October 2010. This tour will increase in price to NZ$815. Pay before 30th September 2010 and receive the lower price, regardless of the date of travel.

Grade B - easier, day hikes only
Extras - NZ$30/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - Sea kayaking (NZ$90)
Start - Auckland Visitor Centre, corner Victoria and Federal Streets @ 8:00am
Finish - Auckland 3:00pm (approx.)

The Far North Dossier

This trip dossier contains all the information you require for booking this trip. Please print off and read carefully before booking.

Maximum 11 people.

Itinerary

The Far North is our shortest and easiest trip. It includes plenty of swimming and snorkelling in secret coves of turquoise water, and lots of great day hikes. It is also a bit warmer in the 'winterless North'. Highlights include the remote forested coastal hike on Day 2 near the Bay of Islands, open-coast kayaking at Whangaroa, two nights of isolation at the very tip of New Zealand, the Te Paki sand dunes, and driving along 90 mile beach.

Day 1 Tuesday Join trip in Auckland - 1km/1 hour hiking

Depart Auckland and follow the east coast northwards. Quick stop to supplement supplies for the next 5 days before following crazy coastal back roads to Elliott's Bay. We set up camp just above the beach, at a private campsite. If the weather is wet we can stay in a classic rustic kiwi bach (New Zealand holiday house) instead. Red-tinged pohutukawa trees (New Zealand Christmas trees) cover hidden coves and swimming beaches here. Explore this lovely coastline or swim. If the sea conditions are calm there is excellent snorkelling here.

NOTE: We stop at a cafe at 9:00am if you need to grab some breakfast. Useful things to have in your daypack are: headlamp/torch (small cave to explore at lunch time), a pair of shorts, sandals, swimsuit, camera, wallet.

Day 2 Wednesday Bay of Islands – 9km/6 hours hiking

Tumble out of sleeping bags and leap into the sea. Refreshed, break camp and hike northwards. Climb up through regenerating native bush to the ridge tops and look down on hidden sandy coves and rocky headlands. Catching your breath, gaze out across the bright blue Pacific Ocean. We pass huge steel pots amid the ruins of the old whaling station. These stations are a sad reminder of the many humpback and southern right whales there were once hunted here. Many of New Zealand’s first European settlers came for the sealing and whaling rather than our beautiful natural environment! Lunch at a cute cove of turquoise water, with secret beaches and funky palm trees. Descend from Pukehuia – at 345m, it is the highest hill and best viewpoint in the Bay of Islands. The track ends at a perfect bush-fringed bay of lapping water and moored yachts. Wash away the sweat from our exertion in the clear water. It is a short drive to the historic township of Russell, from where you can take the ferry across to Paihia while your guide drives around to meet you. Stop briefly in Paihia, the main tourist centre of the Bay of Islands, before driving north to our campsite at Tauranga Bay and its welcome hot showers.

Day 3 Thursday Whangaroa Kayaking – 10km/5 hours kayaking

Highly recommended guided kayaking (optional extra). Using a mix of single and double sea kayaks we launch off a private beach and kayak along this uncluttered coastline, past red volcanic headlands, island outcrops, and sandy beaches. After passing through sea caves we reach the sheltered waters of Whangaroa Harbour with its mangrove forests. Lunch on a beautiful beach before returning. Stop to share watery stories over fish and chips at the famous Mangonui Fish Shop. Those not kayaking have free time at the Tauranga beach campsite until early afternoon. Ask your guide about other options. Later, we head to the twin coves campsite of Matai Bay.

Day 4 Friday 90 Mile Beach, Cape Reinga – 2km/2 hours hiking

More swimming and snorkelling, then off again. This time, we take a fascinating drive up the endless hard-packed sands of 90 mile beach to Te Paki’s massive looming sand dunes, where we jump out and impress each other with out of control fat-air-antics on our sandboards. We continue onwards, setting up camp at a beautiful sandy cove. Later we have the option of a cliff-top walk or a drive to the edge of the world at Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. Watch the sun setting in the western sky from this (almost) northernmost tip of New Zealand.

Day 5 Saturday Cape Maria Van Diemen, Kauri forests – 4-12km/2-4 hours hiking

Set off to explore a less visited part of the cape’s coastline. Cross Te Paki Station to the surreal iron-stained sand dunes of Cape Maria Van Diemen. Climbing high, we get grand views of this incredible piece of New Zealand landscape. Wander along an expansive stretch of empty beach before returning for lunch. In the afternoon, we leave the Far North and begin the journey southwards, passing through Kaitaia, across the Hokianga on a car ferry, and on to the Waipoua Forest. There, New Zealand’s biggest kauri tree Tane Mahuta, makes us feel humble as we curl up in our tents. Often, we’ll hear the screeching call of the endangered North Island Brown Kiwi, whose numbers are sadly dwindling each year.

Day 6 Sunday Kauri forests – 2km/1 hour hiking

This morning we walk the Trounson Kauri Reserve to bask in the shadows of these huge trees. An intensively managed mainland conservation ‘island’, surrounded by a sea of farmland, Trounson is one of the healthiest forests in the country and provides refuge for many threatened species. This reserve is also home to a well nurtured and protected (from predators) population of kiwi. We arrive in Auckland at approximately 3:00pm.

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.
Your vehicle has snorkelling gear, boogie/sandboards, and a barbecue.

Additional costs

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.
Kitty fund and optional activities must be paid for during the trip.

Hiking and fitness – B

Average of 4-5 hours of physical activity per day.
At times, carrying a small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks are generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

What to take

New Zealand's weather is very changeable so you need to be prepared for any eventuality. Thankfully, it's warmer up north so thermal underwear and warm hats become an option rather than a necessity. However, you still need to take the essential items listed below otherwise you will find yourself being frog-marched to the closest outdoor shop for an unwanted spending spree! See the Recommended gear list page for further information on each essential item we recommend you bring.

Essential items

• hiking boots or shoes
• 2-season sleeping bag
• waterproof raincoat (goretex or similar)
• warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
• shorts for hiking
• polypro/thermal underwear – top and long-johns (winter only)
• warm hat or balaclava
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• drink bottle (1 litre)
• spare shoes or sandals
• flashlight/head lamp
• insect repellent (sandflies like foreign blood)
• spare set of clothes

Optional items

Gaiters, binoculars, gloves/mittens, earplugs, walking poles and camera.

We supply

Therm-a-rest sleeping mat (self-inflating foam mat), tents, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, first aid kit, safety equipment and maps, snorkelling gear, boogie/sandboards and barbecues.

Luggage

We allow space for 120 litres per person (one large pack plus one day pack). You may be required to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. If you can’t easily carry all your gear without falling over, then you have too much! Any gear you do not need while hiking can be locked in the vehicle. We do not accept any responsibility for security of your luggage. We highly recommend travel insurance.

Equipment hire

We have high-quality hiking equipment that you can hire for our trips. Please arrange hire gear when you book. Requests for hire equipment must be made at least 5 days before the departure date. Cancellation of gear hire must also occur at least 5 days in advance or no refund will be given.

Transport

We travel in a 10- or 12-seat minibus, towing a trailer with camp equipment and luggage. We use a mix of 2-Wheel-Drive and 4-Wheel-Drive vehicles depending on the trip and the time of year. All vehicles have a stereo and we carry a range of natural history reference books. We average 2-3 hours driving per day (we drive – you get to watch the amazing New Zealand scenery slip by while listening to your favourite tunes). We travel on a range of roads, from sealed highways to dusty, windy, bouncy tracks. We can stop whenever you want to take photos or check out the strange locals! We try not to drive too much, but occasionally we might do a 5-hour drive.

Food

All food is run on a kitty system and everyone chips in to prepare and cook meals. Each person’s contribution is about NZ$10 per day. Although we have an excellent menu system – barbecues, salads, pancakes, and pasta – it frequently gets hijacked by the inspired cook. We always carry lots of hiking food – chocolate, peanuts, raisins and biscuits. The vehicles carry a full range of cooking equipment, including gas burners, woks, frying pans, and billies. When we go on overnight hikes, we carry small (but impressive) liquid fuel stoves. We realise cooking is a creative art and look forward to your input. Vegetarian meals are no problem – just advise us when you book.

Accommodation

The trip uses a range of accommodation from camping and backcountry huts to cribs (summer house), hostels, and cabins. We generally camp if the weather is fine so you get to enjoy the outdoors more and it costs you less. In less pleasant weather, your guide will arrange accommodation for the group. Note that the accommodation and food costs are not included in the price of this trip.

Camping

We camp as much as we can in a range of locations, under natural rock overhangs, on the beach, at Department of Conservation campsites, and in established campgrounds with showers. We provide 2-person tents for you to sleep in and a 3/4 length thermarest-style (self-inflating) hiking mat. We frequently have a small campfire.

Huts

We make use of excellent Department of Conservation huts. They are equipped with mattresses, running water, and an outside toilet. Cooking is done on a portable stove. We do not have sole rights to huts and so must share with other hikers.

Cabins/cribs

When the weather is bad we will seek out alternative accommodation. This can be anything that is available, from a private crib (summer house) to a cabin at a campground. You must be prepared to go for 3 days (sometimes more) without a hot shower. There is always a river or lake for you to wash in. Some of our campsites/huts have saunas or natural hot pools!

Questions

Do we all get involved with camp duties?

Everyone is fully involved with the running of the trip, from collecting firewood, to setting up camp, and cooking meals. You are expected to do your share of work. If you are not a great cook, don’t worry; your guide and other people in the group will help you. People often say that this is a great aspect of our trips that everyone is working together. Some of our most hilarious moments happen when people get tangled dismantling a tent on a windy day.

Does it matter if I am travelling alone?

Most of the people on our trips are travelling alone. The trips are an excellent way to meet and hang out with a fine bunch of people. There is time to chill out and take in the splendour too when you feel like a bit of solitude.

Can I do more than one trip?

Yes. More and more people are connecting trips to cover the whole of New Zealand. We really are the hassle-free way to experience New Zealand’s best adventures.

I am travelling and have a lot of stuff that I will not need on the trip – what should I do with it?

You can store it at your accommodation if you plan on returning to the area. Or, you can travel with it on the trip. We allow a maximum space of 120 litres per person (1 large pack plus a day pack). Depending on how full the trip is, we may require you to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. During overnight hikes everything is locked securely in the vehicle.

What do I do with my valuables (passport, airline tickets, money) while we are hiking?

Keep them with you in your hiking pack. We pack all those things in plastic bags to keep them dry and keep them with us while we are hiking.

Can I be picked up at my hostel or accommodation?

No, sorry. We try to leave the city early so we can spend more time in the wilderness. Taxiing around Auckland drives everyone nuts and it’s best to start in a good mood. We meet at a central location – the local Visitor Information Centre – so it doesn’t cost you much to get there in a taxi, shuttle, bus, or by walking!

I'm a vegetarian – is that a problem?

Not at all. We usually have vegetarians in the group. All the guides are familiar with vegetarian cooking. We also have lots of excellent vegetarian recipes. Sometimes the whole group will cook vegetarian or we may cook a separate vegetarian meal. The hangi (Maori earth oven) meal is always a mixture of vegetarian and meat foods.

What is the weather going to be like?

New Zealand’s weather is very changeable so you need to be prepared for any eventuality. Some days we can be broiling in 30 degrees and the next day we could be freezing in a cool southerly from the sub-Antarctic. It is best to be prepared for the worst conditions we are likely to expect – see our Weather page for links to New Zealand weather sites. We may get some rain on the trip so a good waterproof raincoat is important. It’s warmer up north so thermal underwear and warm hats become an option rather than a necessity.

Who is the guide for my trip?

Check out the Guides page – you will have one of them! All the guides are carefully selected and trained. They are fun people with at least a decade of outdoor experience and mountain first aid certification, along with a natural history qualification. We plan the guide roster well in advance but there are occasionally last-minute changes to who is guiding what particular departure.

Which is the best trip to go on?

It depends on what you want, how much time you have, and where you want to go. You can do anything from our 6 day Far North beach trip to a combination of trips for 40 or more days! The Volcanoes and Rainforest trip has amazing volcanic scenery, the West Coast Wilderness has grand mountains and rainforests, and the Secret South has a lot of travel above the bushline and wildlife (dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and seals).

Will I be fit enough?

Our trips are graded on a scale from A to E. Read the Fitness page and choose a trip to suit you. If you are concerned about your fitness, get out on some day hikes in the weeks prior to your trip departure.

Who is in my group?

A maximum of 11 people, with a range of ages, nationalities, and work backgrounds. Most people are between 20 and 40, although we have had people from 17 to 72. On average, half are women and half are men. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.

How far in advance do I need to book?

The sooner the better for trips departing in the peak season (November-April). We get many advance bookings so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment.

Do I really need boots and will they get wet?

The tracks on this trip are easier than our other trips. Hiking boots aren't essential and they usually stay dry.

What type of gear should I buy?

If you intend to do a lot of hiking then it is worth buying quality equipment – good leather hiking boots and hiking clothing. If you think you might not do any more hiking after the trip then you could buy cheaper alternatives. Just remember that it won’t last as long or do the job as well. See our Recommended gear list for advice on the items you need to bring.

Will I be able to do laundry during my trip?

Yes, at least once, usually halfway through the trip. There is always the opportunity to hand-wash those essential items. We recommend bringing items that are quick drying and plenty of spare pairs of socks and underwear, since you will most likely have to line-dry clothing.

Can I charge my camera / phone / laptop etc while on the trip?

About two or three times per trip we stay at places that have electricity so you will be able to recharge batteries. If you have a vehicle adaptor, bring it along as there may be an opportunity to charge items while we are driving.

How much cash will I need during the trip?

Every 3 or 4 days we pass through a town so you can run off to the bank if you need to. Usually the person in charge of the kitty gets $100 off you at the start of the trip.

What if I can’t keep up with the rest of the group?

We hike together as a group, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch. Some activities are optional if you feel like having some time out.

Are we going to encounter dangerous animals?

New Zealand does not have any snakes, bears, lions, or alligators. We have a small poisonous spider called the katipo that is so rare that it was recently made a protected species. At certain times of the summer and autumn, wasps can be a problem in some of our beech forests. If you are allergic to their sting, then make sure you carry medication, and tell your guide about it at the beginning of the trip. Otherwise, it is great to climb through the bush and lie in the grass without a thing to worry about.

Booking conditions

Payment

For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Transferring

You can transfer to another trip/departure as long as you do so more than 20 days prior to your pre-booked departure. Transfers within 20 days will require a cancellation and new booking. All transfers are subject to seat availability.

Cancellations

More than 20 days prior to departure – 80% refund if full amount paid.
20 to 10 days prior to departure – 50% refund.
Less than 10 days prior to departure – NO REFUND.
Deposits are not refunded.

Travel insurance

We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. We ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a trip. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.

Medical conditions

When you book you must notify us of any medical condition or medical history and any medications that you are on. In particular, we want to know about asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, allergies to wasp/ bee stings, and food allergies.

Client responsibilities

With any outdoor activity, there is an element of risk. Active Earth New Zealand operates in remote and mountainous areas. Risks could include hypothermia due to adverse weather conditions, or personal injury or property damage from hiking over rugged and uneven terrain.

The staff and management of Active Earth New Zealand take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers. However, you must follow our instructions (and use the safety equipment provided) at all times. Adults accompanying any person under the age of 18 must ensure that the underage person follows our instructions at all times. You must release or indemnify Active Earth New Zealand and our staff against any liability we incur to anyone else, resulting from your failure to follow our instructions or the failure of any person accompanying you under the age of 18 to follow our instructions.

Active Earth New Zealand and their guides reserve the right to make any alterations to the itinerary in the interest of safety, comfort, or unforeseen circumstances due to causes such as weather, illness, or misadventure.

Active Earth New Zealand operates in remote areas. Every reasonable endeavour will be made to keep to our published schedules but no guarantee is given. Active Earth New Zealand will not be held liable for costs incurred by change, delay, or the missing of connecting services.

Active Earth New Zealand reserves the right to exclude a person from a tour at any time if, in the opinion of the guide or operator, that person may be likely to risk the health, safety, or comfort (because of unsociable behaviour) of him or herself, other clients, or the environment. In such circumstances Active Earth New Zealand will not be obliged to offer any refund or transfer of ticket.

Active Earth New Zealand
Postal Address: PO Box 51, Lyttelton 8841, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 384 3706; Fax: +64 3 376 6483
Free Phone New Zealand: 0800 20 10 40
Email: info@ActiveEarthNewZealand.com