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If you're heading to the North Island but don't have time for the full loop this is the best way to experience the natural and activity highlights.

You get to cycle, hike, swim and explore the best of the North including the dramatic thermal wonders, fantastic beaches and towering forests. You will also get the chance to enjoy one of the best one day walks in the World and the winterless Bay of Islands.

• You can take extended breaks at any of the points on the tour
• Most nights you can upgrade to cabins for a small fee and a taste of rural luxury

Key: B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included U = upgrade available

NOTE: Optional activities are mentioned in itinerary

Day 1: Depart Auckland 10am. Leave the city for the golden beaches and warm waters of the Bay of Islands. Visit the historic Treaty House. Enjoy the mangrove walk leading to the thundering Haruru waterfalls. Cycle scenic route. Star-gazing around the camp fire. L/D U

Day 2: Delicious pancake breakfast. Spend the day in the Bay of Islands clear turquoise waters, just relaxing at the beach or taking out one of the free boogie boards. Enjoy lush Opua Forest walks. Cycle scenic loop to Russell visiting Kauri Grove on the way. Great optional trip to Cape Reinga, sail the Bay of Islands, dolphin swimming, Waka paddle and village tour or dive the Rainbow Warrior. In the evening enjoy an optional Maori Concert and Haka! A second night at same camp. B/L/D U

Day 3: A day full of adventure. Great cycle routes and walk options, then on to the dunes of Opononi for beach fun and optional sand boarding. Cycle or bus to Waipoua Forest to explore the giant Kauri trees. Travel Hibiscus Coast to camp at the famous Waiwera hot pools for a relaxing dip. B/L/D U

Day 4: Return to the “City of Sails”. The beautiful Coromandel Peninsula awaits us so bring your swimming gear. A relaxing afternoon at Cathedral Cove beach, if the tide is right, dig pools and bathe in the thermal springs of Hot Water Beach.

Optional sea kayak around dramatic coastlines. Scenic cycle ride to camp from Tairua hill (great downhill parts) We camp near the beach tonight. B/L/D U

Day 5: Drive or cycle to stunning Whiritoa beach for a swim or forest walk amongst the massive Pohutukawa trees. We continue to Rotorua and its thermal wonders. Optional activities like the head spinning Zorb or the relaxing Polynesian Pools. Cyle ride from camp around the Lake nestled below the dormant but dramatic Mt Tarawera. B/L/D

Day 6: A relaxed start at our lake side camp. We visit Wai-O-Tapu, mud pools. Drive on to the impressive Huka Falls. Walk or cycle to the great lakeside setting of Taupo. Optional skydiving, bungy or rock ‘n ropes. Mts Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu dominate the skyline as we journey along the shores of one of the largest crater lakes in the world. Camp in Turangi. B/L/D U

Day 7: Chance to try one of the World’s greatest one day walks - the “Tongariro Alpine Crossing”. Alternatively, cycle around the mountain enjoying an inspiring backdrop. After some great exploring we head to our accommodation for recharging and refuelling. B/L/D U

Day 8: Onto the capital, Wellington, for café culture, good bars, the celebrated Te Papa Museum and the botanical gardens. If your still keen and feeling flush the capital is a great place for some shopping. B U