The North Island of New Zealand is blessed with spectacular scenery, ranging from bubbling thermal pools to fast flowing rivers. The best way to see all of this? Get up close and personal. This itinerary includes biking through Karangahake Gorge and hiking the Tongariro Crossing – one of the world's most famous one-day hikes – before jet boats and kayaks provide the transport along the Whanganui River. Mix in some bubbling mud and a traditional hangi dinner, and this is the perfect active introduction to New Zealand.

Day 1 Auckland
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Auckland/Rotorua
Enjoy a morning cycle through Karangahake Gorge, then travel to the Rotorua region to the Tamaki Maori Village. After a traditional greeting on the marae (meeting grounds), learn the arts of the haka and poi before a traditional hangi dinner.

Day 3 Rotorua
Enjoy a free day in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, tackle an offroad mountain bike track, go hiking, or hit the spa.

Day 4 Rotorua/Tongariro National Park
Conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek and spend the afternoon hiking an active volcano.

Day 5 Tongariro National Park/Whanganui National Park
Experience another of New Zealand's "Great Walks" (this time, from a canoe) on a day trip into the heart of Whanganui National Park.

Day 6 Whanganui National Park/Raetihi
Explore the Whanganui River further by jet boat, visiting old Maori and European settlements.

Day 7 Raetihi/Wellington
Transfer to Wellington and opt to visit the Te Papa Museum.

Day 8 Wellington
Depart at any time.