Emerald Lakes on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Queenstown, New Zealand (PRWEB) August 22, 2013
Active Adventures, a New Zealand-based tour operator known for legendary Kiwi hospitality on their small group adventures, has launched an extended adventure vacation in New Zealand’s North Island. Aimed at travelers looking to tour New Zealand in an active style, the trip includes Northland, a special region known locally as ‘birthplace of the nation’, offering more of an insight into our cultural background. The 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure, nicknamed the ‘Kauri’, is Active’s first small group adventure to visit this part of the country.
Activities on the Ultimate North Island Adventure ‘Kauri’ average four to six hours on most days, including hiking and cycling, while guides share their extensive knowledge of the historical significance of the region. “We’ve long been offering tours in New Zealand through our magnificent scenery, but this trip is special as it combines scenery with our extraordinary culture,” says Matthew Yates, a travel specialist at Active Adventures New Zealand. The extended ‘Kauri’ has it’s foundations on the successful 5-day Essence of the North Island ‘Kauri’, recently named in 50 Tours of a Lifetime 2013 by National Geographic Traveler. “We’re adding to an award-winning itinerary by extending into Northland and sharing more of our cultural heritage with our guests” Yates explains.
Hikes include a forest walk through stands of giant kauri trees, a ridge top hike out to Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands, as well as arguably the best mountain day-hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The tour also includes a free day in Auckland, mountain biking near Rotorua, a visit to wild west coast beaches, and a choice of sea kayaking or snorkelling in New Zealand’s second oldest marine reserve, Poor Knights Islands. For those looking to squeeze in more time on the water, there is an add-on option available for an overnight cruise to explore more of the beautiful Bay of Islands.
The ‘Kauri’ is US$3799 + tax per person, which includes lots of hearty home-cooked meals as well as some nights out at local restaurants, 10 nights of accommodation in lodges and bed and breakfasts, Kiwi guides, comfortable ground transportation and all activities as described in the ‘Kauri’ New Zealand itinerary. The first tour departs on 06 November this year.
“We’ve nicknamed the trip the ‘Kauri’ after our largest, living native tree which is unique to the Northland region, and second only in size to the sequoia redwood in Oregon. The trip is perfect as an add-on to any of our South Island tours, combining the North and South Island to offer a complete New Zealand adventure” says Yates.
About Active Adventures:
Active Adventures is a New Zealand-based tour operator specializing in bucket list travel and small group adventures with unsurpassed personal service and attention to detail. In addition to New Zealand tours, they also run multi-activity tours in Peru, Patagonia, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands as well as trekking tours in Nepal. Call Matthew or Jodi to discuss trips to New Zealand and to request a brochure on 1.800.661.9073 (it’s free!).