We depart the cosmopolitan city of Auckland and drive along the water front towards the Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland's North Shore. The motorway will quickly sweep us northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to farmland. Time / weather permitting, we will stop at Historic Puhoi Village (a town originally settled in 1863 by immigrants from Bohemia) for a meander in the Sunday Farmers Market for some fresh local produce. After passing via Whangarei, a series of small settlements will lead us north. We will take a rest stop in Kawakawa just to see the remarkable public toilet designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser. From here the road to the Bay of Islands becomes quite twisty, but we will enjoy some amazing scenery along the way. Passing through Paihia Paihia is rich in culture, history and natural resources, Known as the jewel of the magnificent Bay of Islands, with shimmering safe waters and superb beaches, there are plenty of recreational activities in among the 144 islands: sail, fish, swim, dive, snorkel, charter a launch or paddle a sea kayak around the islands. Paihia is the perfect stepping stone into the Bay of Islands.. Overnight Nomads Bay Adventurers (or similar) (L, D)

This morning is a cruise though the famous "Hole in the Rock". You cruise through the waters of the Bay of Islands while keeping a look out for bottlenose dolphins and whales. Then past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the incredible Hole in the Rock. Take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before heading back into the sheltered waters of the Bay. Your afternoon is free to wander around and relax in Paihia or take a ferry across to historic Russell. Overnight Nomads Bay Adventurers (or similar). (B)

An early departure today for a trip along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) - New Zealand's Northern most point - to uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region rich in Maori culture and tradition. The journey will take us to Cape Reinga, where according to Maori legend, spirits depart on their journey to the homeland - Hawaiki. On our way, we will visit the ancient Puketi Kauri Forest, with a 20 minute boardwalk past 1,000 year old Kauri trees and native bush. When we get to Cape Reinga, we stand on the northern most tip of New Zealand and watch the Pacific Ocean collide with the Tasman Sea. We drive along the vast and empty Ninety Mile Beach and after, we stop at the ‘world famous’ Mangonui Fish Shop for an early evening fresh fish and chips dinner. Continuing south, we take the back country route past the Herekino Forest to Kohukohu where we catch the ferry over the Hokianga Harbour to Rawene. Further on is Opononi, where you set up camp and wander down to the historic Oponini Hotel for a well deserved beverage... Overnight Opononi Beach Holiday Park. (B, L, D)

Today is a relatively long day. We depart Opononi and travel down State Highway 12 to Auckland. From here we continue on State Highway 2 and journey past Paeroa towards Karangahake Gorge on the Ohinemuri River. Tonight we relax around camp after a full day. Overnight Karangahake River Camp Park.  (B, L, D)

You have this morning to explore the area: The Karangahake Gorge region is packed with history and beauty, much of it accessible through a variety of walks. You can opt for a 1 hour round trip walk departing from the Gorge Bridge or cross the Ohinemuri River and take the Karangahake Tunnel Loop Walk, which is 45 minutes round trip and takes you through a 1086 metre tunnel and back along the river.. The Karangahake Walkway follows the old Paeroa-Waihi railway line past the massive stamper batteries built during the gold rush of the 1890s. After your walk and a coffee at the Ohinemuri Estate Winery, we continue via Tauranga / Mount Maunganui to Rotorua. After driving through Te Puke - New Zealand's Kiwi fruit capital - the road climbs over the Mamaku Range before descending towards Lake Rotorua, which is actually a large crater filled with water. Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city's past and present. We visit Te Puia for an afternoon of manaakitanga (hospitality) offered by Māori to manuhiri (guests).  After your personal encounter with Maori people, culture and place we continue to our camp ground. Overnight Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park. (B, L, D)     *Upgrades may be available here.

Our day begins with a scenic drive from Rotorua through remote villages and dense rainforest into the heart of Te Urewera National Park. Forest is the dominant scenery on the adventurous road to Waikaremoana; it is one of the last true back country state highways. We will be driving through the Kaingaroa Forest (one of the world's largest pine plantations), followed by the native forest of Whirinaki and the Urewera Ranges.Lake Waikaremoana is situated in the Te Urewera National Park, the largest area of untouched natural wilderness remaining in the North Island of New Zealand. Waikaremoana is one of New Zealand's most beautiful wilderness lakes. We will stay 2 nights here to really enjoy the beauty. Overnight at The Lake Waikaremoana Motorcamp, nestled between the lake edge and surrounding bush.
(B, L, D)     *Upgrades may be available here.

You are in the midst of Te Urewera, the third largest National Park in New Zealand, and the largest remaining tract of Native Forest in the North Island. The primeaval rain-forest is home to many native birds and remains today as virgin as it was in the 1840's, when Pioneer Missionary William Colenso traversed this remote homeland of Tuhoe, “Children of the Mist”.  Enjoy the peace and tranquility of a day swimming in the lake or walking in the bush. You can fill your day with activities or simply relax and energise; you couldn't feel further removed from the pressures of the world here at Lake Waikaremoana. There are a number of short walks starting from near the campground, including a stroll to the Aniwaniwa Falls about 15 minutes away. Overnight at The Lake Waikaremoana Motorcamp. (B, L, D)     *Upgrades may be available here.

Hawkes Bay is New Zealand's leading food and wine region and is home to the oldest winemaker and producer of award-winning red wines. Hawkes Bay is also renowned for its world-class concentration of Art Deco Architecture, a result of rebuilding after a devastating earthquake in 1931. After the wilds of the Urewera National Park, Napier will give you all the perks of a bustling township. We will take an afternoon Winery Bike Tour; or if that does not take your fancy, there is a selection of optional activities to choose from to fill your afternoon. You could spend your time at Napier's Ocean Spa, take a tractor ride to visit the Gannet Colony or simply take a guided walk of Napier's Art Deco Architecture. Tonight is free to relax after a full day. Overnight Kennedy Park Camp Ground  (B, L)     *Upgrades may be available here.

Full day in Napier. This morning we take a tour to the tip of Cape Kidnappers, home of the largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Spend time with, and get incredibly close to, the majestic gannets in their natural habitat and discover how nature has shaped and formed the towering cliffs of the Cape Kidnappers coastline. Your afternoon is free to wander the city, take a Art Deco Walking Tour, do some more wine tasting at the New Zealand Wine Centre, spend the afternoon at Splash Planet, dip into the hot pools on Marin Parade or just take it easy.. Overnight Kennedy Park Camp Ground  (B, D)     *Upgrades may be available here.

This morning we continue along New Zealand's 'Classic Wine Trail' to Greytown in the Wairarapa. En-route you will pass by the famous Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka. Continuing South is an easy circuit through pastoral landscapes to outlying vineyard clusters and charming small villages. Wairarapa's oldest settlement, Greytown, has retained its  colonial character. Its streets are graced with Victorian buildings and beautiful tree-filled gardens. The main street now houses chic cafés, boutiques, galleries and antique shops. After pitching our tents, we can take a walk down the main street to grab some supplies from the The French Baker or Schoc Chocolates. and have a wine at the White Swan Hotel. Overnight Greytown Camp Ground. (B, L, D)

This morning we leave for Cape Palliser, the southern most point of the North Island; we travel through stunning landscape and along narrow, gravel roads teetering above angry swells that lash the shore with the full fury of Antarctic seas. The road to Cape Palliser is one of the area's highlights. The shoreline was settled by Maori about 800 years ago and traces of their occupation can still be seen. The Cape Palliser lighthouse was built in 1897 and the view is worth the hike up 258 steps. Just before we reach the Cape Palliser lighthouse, we will see one of New Zealand’s largest fur seal colonies. En-route we will also stop at the Putangirua Pinnacles, formed by 120,000 years of erosion. We will check-out the wild sea scenery with a lunch stop at the iconic Lake Ferry Pub; they are world famous for their fish and chips, and also offer whitebait fritters, crayfish and paua when available. After lunch, we continue onto Wellington, where we can head out for a night on the town.. Overnight Nomads Capital Wellington (or similar).  (B, L)

Molesworth Station is a very special place as it is a reserve and a working cattle station; it combines farming, conservation and recreation in one vast area. At 180,476 hectares (approx. 500,000 Acres) it is New Zealand's largest farm. It has a rich history and a stunning and dramatic landscape. Molesworth Station may seem isolated, but it has a long human history. Established trails through Molesworth were used by Ngai Tahu Maori for food gathering and access between the West Coast - an important source of jade (pounamu) - and the East Coast. Maori told of these routes to early European settlers, who drove their stock over the Station's high passes. Historic homestead accommodation along the tracks are testimony of dwellings erected to service these travelers. We travel past idyllic rural life scenes, narrow gorges, rough country and we will get a notion of the incredible early pioneer spirit and gusto. Today is a day to meander through the station, grab the mountain bikes for a ride and take is slow. You have a picnic lunch en-route and then continue to historic Jollies Pass stock track and exit Molesworth Station. Arriving in Hanmer Springs we settle in and have our first evening together as a group. Hanmer Springs is a thermal pool resort set in a breathtaking natural landscape surrounded by forests and mountains. Overnight Mountain View Camp Ground (or similar).  (B, L, D)     *Upgrades may be available here.

The scenic Inland Road, which takes us past the entrance to the ski village of Mount Lyford, will accompany us to Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds: a Whale Watch Tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. You can also walk to see fur seal colonies and spy on big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels. We continue to Christchurch.  The impressive scenery of the coastal ranges will wow you all the way to the surf beaches of Woodend and Amberley and the vineyards and olive groves of Waipara. We arrive in Christchurch where your amazing New Zealand tour will end. (B, L)