Thank you, guys for helping me see there is more to life. There is a whole world out there and I intend to see it and live it. Nicola, UK

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

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 5 ½ days

Price NZ$655

Grade B - easier, day hikes only
Extras - NZ$25/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - Sea kayaking (NZ$85)
Start - Auckland Visitor Centre, corner Victoria and Federal Streets @ 8:00am
Finish - Auckland 3:00pm (approx.)

2009/2010 dates are available on request.

Keen for more?

Link this trip with:

Volcanoes and Rainforest
Take the time to truly appreciate the rugged North Island. The Far North leaves four days AFTER the Volcanoes and Rainforest gets in (with Auckland finish option), just sit tight!

West Coast Wilderness
Relax with the calmer pace of a Far North trip AFTER the action-packed adventure of the West Coast Wilderness. Finishing in Queenstown on Thursday, you have four days to gravitate to Auckland for a Tuesday departure on The Far North. (Watch out - they only leave fortnightly.)

Volcanic Plateau
The Far North links effortlessly to the Volcanic Plateau with one day between to give a total North Island Adventure of 11 days. It's simply meant to be - these two were made for each other.

Secret South
Sorry, you just missed it. Not everything works! If you're prepared to hang for a week you can catch the next one.

The Far North

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. Shorter and easier than our other trips (day hikes only).

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 hike 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 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 hike through surreal dune scapes to Cape Maria Van Diemen. Travel south via Hokianga and camp in Waipoua Kauri Forest. 2-4 hours hiking.

Day 6

Explore the Trounson Kauri Reserve then return to Auckland, arriving about 2:00pm. 1 hour hiking.

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.

Additional costs

• Kitty fund NZ$25/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 trip.

Hanging around Auckland?

See our Auckland Guide