Length :

8 Days in Country

Service Hours :

Cost :

$2,295AUD

Program Dates :

24 Nov - 01 Dec

Start & End Location :

Auckland, NZ

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LET’S GET THE ADRENALINE PUMPING

Jump start your Kiwi adventure with an optional leap from the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere – the Sky Tower in Auckland. You won’t forget the Sky Jump any time soon and it will set the tone for the coming week of adrenaline-pumping action and adventure. Keep the good times rolling during a scenic sailing trip through one of Auckland’s two beautiful harbours and spend the evening checking out the sights and sounds of the city’s laid-back downtown.

THE EXCITEMENT JUST KEEPS COMING

Next you’ll venture into the Waitomo Caves, a system of more than 300 underground caverns that is home to immense limestone formations and the region’s famous glow worms. You will be amazed at how brightly these little creatures illuminate the caves! Here you will black water raft and rock climb through underground waterfalls during a journey unlike any other.

NO TIME FOR SLOWING DOWN!

Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture, will be your base for the next three days of Kiwi adventure and cultural immersion. Start off the first day by climbing into a Zorb ball and tumbling 600 feet down the side of a hill. It sounds crazy, but it’s loads of fun! Once you are warmed up, it’s time for an Agrojet ride. Climb aboard this 13-foot, 450-horsepower jet boat and race through a tight, manmade watercourse at 60 miles an hour. Keep the action going with a Swoop, which is a cross between bungee jumping, bridge swinging and hang-gliding. You’ll be hoisted 120 feet into the air, pull the ripcord and FLY! Spend your evenings in a Maori village, where you will receive a special glimpse into the life and traditions of this unique indigenous group. Enjoy traditionally cooked feasts, join in performances and songs and learn about the fascinating history of the Maori people. You can also shop for some awesome Kiwi crafts and Maori clothing while you are here. Before departing Rotorua, you’ll jump aboard a six-person whitewater raft and head down the Kaituna River, a popular rafting spot that has the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. There are actually three waterfalls in the river’s fourteen rapids. You’ll practice on the first two smaller falls before tackling the 21-foot drop named Tutea Falls. Hold on!

WANT MORE ADVENTURE?

Next you’ll stop at Lake Taupo, one of New Zealand’s most picturesque areas. Here you’ll have a choice of several optional adventure activities, including tandem skydiving, bungee jumping, trout fishing and mountain biking. All of this is set right on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake, creating a stunning backdrop to a day of nonstop activity! Simply put, the North Island Adventure in New Zealand is one of Rustic Pathways’ most varied and action-packed adventure programs. Let New Zealand’s unique spirit of adventure sweep you up during this challenging and action-packed Southern Hemisphere extravaganza! Now all you have to ask yourself is: “Do I have what it takes?”

Itinerary
Inclusions Exclusions
FAQ

Day 1

WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND (AUCKLAND)

Kia Ora! Arrive into Auckland where you will be met by our excited on-ground staff. They will help you settle into your new Kiwi lifestyle. This afternoon, after you’ve checked into your accommodation, we will head straight downtown to Auckland City. For those students who are interested, you can experience an optional SkyJump or SkyWalk! The Skytower is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere! At 192m (630ft) Sky-Jump is a cable controlled base jump. The sky walk is a wobbly walk around the circumference of the viewing deck. Friends on the inside can take pictures! The view is awesome, the experience is unforgettable. If we can squeeze it in, we can have a look Queen Street to explore the shops and get some ideas for souvenirs.

Day 2

CRUISING AUCKLAND HARBOUR

After breakfast this morning, we’ll head back into Auckland City. Enjoy a chance to further explore downdown before heading off for fun filled afternoon of sailing on the Auckland Harbor looking for wild dolphins, whales and massive flocks of hungry birds. This afternoon we can soak up the sun on the harbor, learn about the local marine life and take in the magnificent harbor vistas. Tonight we return to our comfy hostel for a home-made meal and a movie next to the fire place.

Day 3

ROAD TRIP, RAGLAN AND RUGBY (AUCKLAND TO WAITOMO CAVES)

We will depart Auckland this morning and travel south to Waitomo, with a stop at Raglan on the way. On our first leg of the road trip, we’ll travel through Waikato Country to see beautiful rolling farms and hundreds of sheep! The little town of Raglan presents an opportunity to have some classic kiwi fish and chips for lunch, explore the artsy local scene and stop at Whale Rock to check out the surf. At Waitomo, you’ll check into your cabins for the evening. A beautiful rugby field, swimming pool and trampoline are waiting! After you’ve tried some touch rugby on the field, we will venture through the valley to Ruakuri Bushwalk and try to find some glow worms and hobbits.

Day 4

BLACK WATER RAFTING (WAITOMO CAVES TO ROTORUA)

Today we will have an exhilarating caving experience blending climbing, tramping and floating through a unique underground river system. Lower yourself into a sinkhole to see the awesome limestone tomo, to experience the adrenaline rush as you clamber and slide through squeezes, zip into the black water filled abyss and scramble up waterfalls in your pursuit of daylight. After our stay in beautiful Waikato Country we then depart Waitomo and make our way to Rotorua. Along the way, we’ll stop at Otorohanga and visit The Kiwi House. Here, you’ll have the rare chance to see live kiwis and learn about New Zealand’s unique birdlife

Day 5

ZORB, AGROJET, SWOOP AND KIWI CULTURE (ROTORUA)

Start today off with a Zorb ride where you are safely harnessed inside the Zorb before being sent head over heels downhill. Laugh and giggle your whole way down the track with new friends. Next, we’ll visit the iconic AgroVentures Adventure Park. You’ll have a choice of several activities to try and be able to pick two. Now that you’re warmed up, you could try an Agrojet ride. This 13ft, 450 horsepower jet boat will deliver you to speeds of up to 100kph in four seconds! In the tight man-made watercourse, you will take corners not unlike Formula One race cars. Let’s keep the action going with a Swoop if you like. One, two or three people are placed in hang-gliding harnesses, hoisted 40 metres in the air, pull the rip-cord and FLY! To finish off the day we will be experiencing a Maori concert performance which is an essential part of any Rotorua visit.

Day 6

FANTASTIC WHITE WATER RAFTING (ROTORUA TO LAKE TAUPO)

Today we will take on the mighty Kaituna which boasts the highest commercially rafted waterfall (7m) in the world. This spectacular region of the country offers wonderful scenery and some of the finest rafting conditions around! After the rafting we’ll take a final look around Rotorua, visit Huka Falls and then make our way further south to Taupo. Along the way to Taupo, you can unwind in natural hot pools and streams if you wish! We will make our way to Kerosene Creek for a dip in a thermal stream, just underneath a waterfall! Upon arriving in Taupo, explore the downtown area, go in search of hot pools or just relax at our hostel for the afternoon.

Day 7

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES DAY (TAUPO TO AUCKLAND)

We will wake up this morning at the biggest lake in NZ, with Mt. Doom in the background – it is a beautiful sight. Today is the day for your optional sky dive and/or bungee jump for an unforgettable way to end the trip. At this point, surely all of your kiwi dreams came true! After the adrenaline filled activities are concluded, we’ll make our way back to Auckland for the evening.

Day 8

RETURNING HOME OR CONTINUING ONTO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

Our journey sadly ends with packing our stuff and driving to the airport. We hope you had a blast on the North Island Adventure!

An Important Note about Schedule Changes

Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.

Inclusions

Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) each day in New Zealand
Quad-share accommodation
Rustic Pathways program leaders
Local Kiwi leaders
Airport pick-up and transfers
Private transportation
All activities listed in itinerary (except those labelled “optional”)
24/7 support in Thailand from Rustic Pathways
Evacuation cover, medical advice and travel assistance from HX-Global
One Rustic Pathways t-shirt
Pre-departure package with luggage tag, stickers, and country information

Exclusions

International airfares to/from Auckland (we can provide a quote)
Passport costs
Visa costs (not required for Australian citizens to New Zealand)
Immunizations (if required)
Travel insurance (we can provide CoverMore insurance)
Spending money for souvenirs, snacks, internet etc

Do we need to get visas for this program?

Australian citizens do not need a visa for entry as a tourist into New Zealand.

Will there be a flight leader to this country?

Participants will not be accompanied by a flight leader. Our program staff will greet participants when they arrive at Auckland Airport in New Zealand.

How long is the flight to this country?

New Zealand is 3 hours by air from Brisbane, 3.5 hours by air from Melbourne, and 6 hours by air from Perth.

Does the advertised trip length include international travel time?

The start date listed is when you need to be in New Zealand and the departure date listed is the date you will depart New Zealand.  

What time should I arrive and depart?

Participants need to arrive before 4pm on the arrival date and need to depart in the afternoon/evening on the departure date.

Which areas does this program operate in?

This program operates on the North Island of New Zealand and visits Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, and Lake Taupo.

Is your staff certified in First Aid?

Each program will have leaders who are certified in First Aid and CPR. Some of our program leaders are also  certified as Wilderness First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Wilderness EMTs, or Life Guards.

What is the ratio of Program Leaders to participants?

Rustic Pathways maintains a minimum of 1 Program Leader for every 7 participants. Additionally, each program maintains at least 2 primary program leaders, one male and one female.

Who will the other Rustic Pathways students be?

You will be with other Australian Yr. 12 students. You may find yourself in a smaller, cozier setting or part of a big high-energy crew.

What water will we be drinking?

Rustic Pathways ensures that all drinking water for participants is potable and safe to drink. We ask participants to bring reusable water bottles in order to reduce plastic usage.

Can I bring a cell phone?

Participants are allowed to bring phones on their Rustic Pathways program, but must abide by our cell phone policy. Participants will not be allowed to use their phones during group activities, nor at any other time where it is disruptive to the group dynamic. If participants are unable to abide by this policy, disciplinary action may be taken.

What is the weather like?

The weather is an average low of 13 degrees and high of 19 degrees Celsius. Mornings and evenings tend to be a little cooler so a jacket is advisable. Rain is not likely but can occur.

What will the accommodation on this trip be like?

Participants will be staying in budget hotels and hostels.

What kind of food will we be eating?

New Zealand food is similar to Australian food.

What are the bathroom facilities?

All bathrooms are western showers and toilets.

How often will I have the chance to do laundry?

Laundry can be washed by hand at any time. It is best to pack without the expectation of doing laundry.

How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?

On average, our programs in New Zealand are 50% female and 50% male.

What should I know about safety on this program?

Please visit HX Global or Smart Traveller for an up to date report on current situations regarding visiting New Zealand. Staff will alert participants if any changes to safety occur within the country.

What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?

Please consult with a travel doctor or your family physician for immunization and other medical recommendations, based on the area(s) where you will be traveling and on your own medical history. In addition to consulting with a medical professional, please visit the following websites for country specific information around immunizations and traveler’s health. Please let us know if you have specific questions.
www.traveldoctor.com.au – The Travel Doctor
www.smartraveller.gov.au – Australian Government Travel Advice
www.cdc.gov – Centre of Disease Control (US)

What is my membership with HX Global?

HX Global is one of the world’s leading providers of medical evacuation and travel services. All participants traveling with Rustic Pathways will have access to HX Global benefits through Rustic Pathways’ membership.

As a member you will have access to HX Global’s extensive travel information database to help you make informed decisions prior to travel. Additionally, all travelers who travel outside their country of residence will have access to medical evacuation support during their program.