Auckland, Wellington, Tongariro River, and Hawke’s Bay
Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel
Territory: Oceania
Region: New Zealand
Trip Price: $12,350
Duration: 16 days/15 nights
Trip Begins/Ends: Auckland, New Zealand / Wellington, New Zealand
National Parklands: Tongariro NP
All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.
No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities
Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration
High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun
The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process
We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.
The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.
The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!
Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive into Auckland and discover the “City of Sails,” named for beautiful Auckland’s most popular sport. Stay in a boutique hotel in the center of the city.
Enjoy some time wandering around Auckland this morning. Then catch the ferry to Waiheke Island at your leisure. Waiheke Island, in Hauraki Gulf, is part of the protected Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park. While some are drawn to this island for its moniker “Island of Wine,” others come for its amazing saltwater fly fishing. Spend a full day on the water with a private fishing guide, and one afternoon on a privately guided wine tour. Each night, settle in to luxury accommodations in coastal cottages overlooking the white sandy beach and bay. An excellent restaurant is onsite.
Returning from Waiheke Island by ferry, drive south through beautiful countryside to the center of the North Island and the heart of Tongariro National Park. Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand, boasting some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, including emerald lakes, alpine meadows, massive volcanoes, and hot springs.A full day in the great outdoors includes either an all-day horseback ride through the Kaitieke Valley or the Tongariro Crossing, a classic trek through the mountains. Stay in an elegant chateau, with comfortable accommodations and excellent access to all things Tongariro.
Travel east, but not too far! Next stop – Turangi, a small fishing town (with a big reputation) on the west bank of the Tongariro River. This is New Zealand’s hottest trout fishing destination, known in particular for its rainbow trout. Spend days casting a line into the Tongariro River, smaller streams, and possibly neighboring Lake Taupo.After a full day of fishing, retreat to a fabulous fishing lodge on 22 acres within casting distance of the Tongariro River, boasting fine accommodations, superb dining, and excellent hosts.
Another stunning drive! Return to the coast, this time to Hawke’s Bay, an area known for its award-winning wines and variety of fisheries – five rivers flow across the bay! (Don’t speed – you’ll get there, you’ll get there!) Needless to say, there are many angling options to choose from, and your local fishing guide will lead the way depending on weather and conditions. Accommodations are at a very special Relais and Chateaux property, situated atop dramatic cliffs on 6,000 rolling acres of pasture land in one of the most spectacular settings anywhere. Activities are plentiful, with wildlife viewing, clay target shooting, walking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, and spa services. Three days to fish, play, dine, stay!
This fishing extravaganza wraps up with a leisurely drive to Wellington, and more beauty along the way. There is much to see and do in Wellington, and a boutique hotel located opposite the harbor and a stone’s throw from the National Museum is the perfect place from which to stroll and take in the city sites.
Make an easy transfer to the airport for flights home across the Pacific.
Built in 1841 as one of Auckland's first hotels, Hotel DeBrett's iconic building has been reinterpreted into a 25-room luxury boutique hotel. Each room is individually designed and complemented with eclectic furniture and features New Zealand art and photography. DeBretts Kitchen, a glass roofed atrium and courtyard, is a central focal point for guests to enjoy wonderful dinners. Centrally located in downtown Auckland, Hotel DeBrett is a fantast location to explore the sites within this vibrant city.
Overlooking the sun-drenched bay and white sandy beaches of Oneroa, The Boatshed is a chic luxury hotel that provides a relaxing atmosphere for guests. Each of their seven coastal cottages are an eclectic mix of different spaces offering a unique experience that reflect the idea of the Kiwi Bach. Dining at the Boatshed is equally as wonderful as their accommodations. Serving fresh organic produce locally grown, divine seafood, and tender cuts of meat all paired with New Zealand wines in a relaxed al-fresco style!
Since early last century, the famously elegant Chateau Tongariro has occupied a special place in the hearts and minds of New Zealander's and visitors from across the globe. Nestled in the shadow of three towering active volcanoes and at the very foot of the majestic and sacred Mount Ruapehu, the Chateau provides fantastic access to the 800 square kilometer Tongariro National Park.
Established in 1982 by angler and guide, Tony Hayes, the Tongariro Lodge is known for its gourmet dining, luxurious accommodations, quality outdoor activities and offering some of the most experienced fly-fishing guides in New Zealand. Located along the banks of the Tongariro River on the southern shores of Lake Taupo the lodge provides access to spectacular fishing and wonderful access to New Zealand's outdoor playground including the world heritage Tongariro National Park.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is set atop 6,000 rolling acres of stunning pasture-land in Hawkes Bay; affords spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. The cluster of luxury lodge buildings at Cape Kidnappers are suggestive of a working farm – a marriage of river stone and weathered wood, the buildings combine rustic and textured materials with comfortable modern furnishings.
QT Wellington is a 179 room boutique hotel located in the center of Wellington city, opposite Wellington’s beautiful harbor and New Zealand’s National Museum, Te Papa. The hotel features a fascinating gallery with original New Zealand art and a bar/café in which you can relax. Hippopotamus, the hotel’s award winning in house restaurant, offers harbor views and French style cuisine by Laurent Loudea.
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