20 Day North Island Nature Glamping
20 Day North Island Nature Glamping
Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life without compromise on comfort or luxury. Seek refuge in New Zealand's stunning countryside where remote, peaceful and intimate hideaways await you. Listen to native New Zealand bird song, watch spectacular sunsets, relax and enjoy the outstanding panoramic views of New Zealand. This out-of-the-ordinary glamping tour around New Zealand's diverse North Island will be therapy for the senses and mind.
Highlights
Glamping in stunning New Zealand scenery Northland and Bay of Islands Geothermal Rotorua and Taupo See the world's first sunrise in Gisborne Daily hot tubs with incredible views
Regions Visited
Itinerary Map
Terms and Conditions
Prices are based on twin share occupancy in a double room, and are subject to availability. If anything comes back unavailable, we will endeavor to find you a suitable alternative.
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Day 1 : Auckland
Welcome to Auckland and New Zealand.
A private shuttle representative will be waiting for you at the airport's arrival hall and transfer you to your accommodation. Your detailed tour information pack will be given to you once you arrive at your accommodation.
You’ll most likely be pretty tired from a long flight, so take the rest of the day to relax and explore the inner city. Auckland's City Centre is not too big, so you can easily walk around. Visit the Skytower to take in great views of the city, and stroll around the waterfront with its many nice bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal.
Stay at
Day 2-3 : Auckland - Kauri Coast
Your North Island self drive glamping tour starts today, and you will pick up your rental vehicle in the morning.
As you head across the Auckland Harbour Bridge your destination is the beautiful Kauri Coast in Northland, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility New Zealand native forest.
Reconnect over a board game, explore the nearby rocky stream, wander the bush track - or simply lie back in the steaming hot outdoor bath, and gaze through the canopy of trees to the sparkling night sky above.
There's plenty to do off the property as well. Visit Trounson Kauri Park to take in the magnificent Kauri trees, or visit the Kai Iwi lakes. Check out Nelson's Kauri Shop and Mill at Kaihu, just down the road. Explore the nearby beaches! There's miles of white sandy shores to walk along.
Stay at
Driving distance : 181 km - Driving time : approximately 2 hrs 22 min.
Day 4-5 : Kauri Coast - Keri Keri
Kerikeri is an ideal place to explore Northland and the nearby Bay of Islands. Kerikeri village itself, offers a quaint cinema, boutique shops, and lots of great cafes and restaurants. Cottle Hill Winery is less than a minute down the road.
The Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory is 3 minutes away, and another well-known kiwi business, 'Living Nature', a natural skincare and cosmetics factory shop, (which also houses a beauty clinic), is just around the corner. Get a taste of history with a visit to The Stone Store and Kemp House (11 minutes away), and Rewa’s Village - just 12 minutes away.
Charlie’s Rock, an amazing swimming hole, is 12 minutes drive.
Each Saturday there is The Packhouse Market in Kerikeri which offers local culinary treats, crafts, and more. And on Sundays, there is the Kerikeri Farmer’s Market for fruits and vegetables.
Stay at
Driving distance : 147 km - Driving time : approximately 2 hrs. 40 min.
Day 6 : Kerikeri - Mangonui
Explore the Northland and its stunning beaches for another day as your next destination, Mangonui, is only a short drive of about an hour. Visit the northernmost point of New Zealand at Cape Reinga, or hang out at some of the exquisite beaches in the area on the Karikari Peninsula, Taupo Bay or Matauri Bay.
Your stay at the River Bothy is a chance to relax and unwind. Explore the collection of vinyl records on the record player, soak in the outdoor bath and take in the unique surrounds of your olive grove, riverside setting. If you have a kayak or paddleboard - bring it along and explore the river from the water.
There's plenty to do off the property as well. Visit the Butler Point Whaling Museum for a bit of history, or explore the stunning nearby beaches that Doubtless Bay has to offer. The famous Coopers Beach is just a short drive away - gorgeous swimming and miles of white sandy shores.
Stay at
Driving distance : 60.1 km - Driving time : approximately 47 mins
Day 7 : Mangonui - Castaways
Today you will leave Northland behind you, and make your way south to the lush farmlands of the Mighty Waikato region south of Auckland.
You can completely unplug and reconnect at Castaways. Read, relax, soak in the outdoor tub, or lounge in the hammock. Cosy up in bed with a good book and listen to the sound of the surf.
Enjoy the amazing views and changing light on the ocean from wherever you are - the bed, the bath or the hammock! If you can tear yourself away, go for a stroll on the property, either on the farm, or down to the beach.
Castaways offer a range of activities, such as archery and clay target shooting, that you can book directly with Castaways once you've made your booking. You can also book into Bersantai (Castaways day spa) for a hot stone massage or one of the many other tempting treatments available.
Stay at
Driving distance : 369 km - Driving time : approximately 4 hrs 40 mins
Day 8 : Castaway - Coromandel Península
Get off the beaten track today on the gorgeous Coromandel Peninsula, known for its stunning beaches and the famous Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
A wonderfaul glamping experience awaits you at Top Hut, about 40 minutes northeast from Coromandel Town, and well off the tourist trail.
The elevated one roomed hut is nestled amongst native bush, surrounded by Nikau, Kauri, Rimu and the colourful Rata. Private and quiet, it's a complete escape from everyday life.
Tastefully decorated, this unique accommodation has a subtle Moroccan interior theme. Large windows open widely out to the tree tops. Sheepskins and large, decorative cushions on the sofas and window seats invite lounging in the dappled sunlight. It's glamping at its finest, with simple but luxurious natural linen bedding and high thread count 100% cotton sheets.
Outside, the hut deck has everything you need to enjoy outdoor living. Soak up the serenity, relaxing in comfortable deck chairs and toasting marshmallows on the chiminea under twinkling vintage string lights.
The property borders the Department of Conservation Kennedy Bay Block. Bush walks and native trees abound, with plenty of kaka, wood pigeon, fantail tui and bellbird to be found in the surrounding forest. A 10-15 minute walk from the hut leads you down to a rocky shore for a morning ocean dip - the perfect place for a peaceful picnic, fishing, or just sea gazing in an idyllic, unspoilt pohutukawa fringed bay.
Stay at
Driving distance : 180 km - Driving time : approximately 2 hr 37 mins
Day 9 : Coromandel Peninsula - Lake Tarawera
As you leave the Coromandel your self drive tour continues towards Rotorua, the centre of Maori Culture in New Zealand and unique geothermal areas. Your destination for the day is Lake Tarawera just outside Rotorua, one of New Zealand's largest lakes with excellent trout fishing with the landscape dominating Mount Tarawera as a backdrop.
Your stay at Kanuka Lake Tarawera can be as relaxing or action packed as you want it to be.
A beautiful, private, safe and sandy beach is 50m from your tent. Explore the lake edge on the two single kayaks provided, discovering untouched bays and magical natural springs. Or walk the Tarawera Trail to Hot Water Beach, a 1.5 hour walk from the site, to enjoy a soak in the warm thermal water at the lake edge. You'll pass historic sites, past settlements and cross spring-fed streams teaming with trout in the spawning season.
When it's time to relax, grab a good book, jump in the hammock and take in the peaceful surrounds of a magical place. You are truly in touch with nature.
Stay at
Driving distance : 221 km - Driving time : approximately 3 hr 23 mins
Days 10-11: Lake Tarawera - Taupo
Your drive to Taupo is not very long today, but there are some interesting things to see and do on the way. Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal wonderland is one of the most unique geothermal areas you can encounter, or how about a Maori Cultural Experience in Rotorua. A must-see are the impressive Huka Falls are you approach Taupo and its lake, Lake Taupo.
Relax, sit back and take in the gorgeous view from the Dome, or get out and about to enjoy everything the Taupo region has to offer. Explore nearby Whakaipo Bay, either for a swim walk along the beach. Walk the W2K track or bring your mountain bike and bike it! Kinloch Bay is also handy.
Soak in the Wairakei Terraces in the evening (18-minutes drive away), beautiful, adults only, silicone pools, set in amongst gorgeous landscaping.The Huka Prawn Park is another unique local experience. Have lunch on the edge of the Waikato River, fish for prawns and enjoy the nature walk.
Another must do in the area is a kayak tour or boat trip to see the stunning, contemporary Maori carving at Mine Bay.
Stay at
Driving distance : 97.6 km - Driving time approximately : 1 hrs 18 mins
Day 12 : Taupo - Gisborne
Gisborne, your destination for today, is the first city in the world to see the sunrise, and it has a reputation for great food, wine and surf beaches.
You'll be staying at the Manutuke Eco Retreat, a romantic glamping accommodation 15 minutes from Gisborne.
At the campsite, there's 2 SUP boards and a 2-person kayak for exploring the lake on water. Yoga mats are provided for yoga devotees and binoculars are provided for spotting some of the incredible birdlife on the property. If you can bear to tear yourself away from the comfort of your outdoor beanbag, you'll find some great walking across two different properties - one with amazing views and one for tree lovers with mature redwoods, eucalyptus, cedar.
Other highlights in the local area include the spectacular Gisborne beaches, with popular Brown's Beach just 5 minutes drive away.
Stay at
Driving distance : 357 km - Driving time approximately : 4 hrs 37 mins
Day 13 & 14 : Gisborne - Napier
Heading a little further south today into the Hawke's Bay region and Napier, New Zealand's beautiful art deco city, your glamping tour brings you to Hawkhill Cottage, a peaceful escape and the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the Hawke's Bay region. With everything from Art Deco Tours to wineries, the Hawke's Bay Farmers Market to pottery and art studios - and floristry and cooking classes - there really is something for everyone.
If you're keen to get active, bring your bikes! The Hawke's Bay cycle trail has a starting point 5 minutes away from Hawkhill Cottage. Those that wish to just relax and enjoy the peaceful vibe of the cottage will love watching the birdlife found on the lagoon and a range of natives that love to visit the surrounding gardens.
There are plenty of board games and even 'cornholl' (a game similar to petanque) to keep you entertained.
Accommodation :
Driving distance : 214 km - Driving time : approximately : 2 hrs 58 mins
Day 15 : Napier - Wairarapa
Your journey continues south into the Wairarapa region, famous for its vineyards in Martinborough as well as its rugged landscapes. A visit to Cape Palliser, the North Island's most southernpoint, is a must.
Your glamping accommodation for the night is Kawakawa Station.
Relax at the campsite, snooze in the hammock or battle it out over a board game... Soak in the bath and star-gaze at the incredible night sky. If you're a surfer, take note! Kawakawa Sation is directly across the road from popular surf breaks, Craps, Big Ning Nong and Little Ning Nong.
Five minutes down the road is the Putangirua Pinnacles walk, a 2 - 4-hour return trip depending on the route. This epic place was used as a filming location for the 'Paths of the Dead' scene in ‘The Return of the King’, the third movie in Peter Jackson's ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.
Four kilometres in the other direction is the Ngawi Fishing Village, where the main income comes from crayfish (southern rock lobster) fishing. Ngawi has more tractors and bulldozers per capita than anywhere else in the world which are used to haul fishing boats in and out of the water. The line up of colourful tractors on the beach is a tourist attraction in itself!
Ngawi is also home to a permanent fur seal colony. The rookery, at Mangatoetoe, was found in 1991, the first one found in the North Island in the 20th century, indicating that the seals were recovering from previous exploitation. Definitely worth seeing but don’t get too close! .The Cape Palliser Lighthouse is located around 5 km from Ngawi. It was first lit in 1897 but became automated in 1986 and flashes twice every 20 seconds. Challenge yourself to climb the 258 steps up to the lighthouse!
Accommodation :
Driving distance : 177 km - Driving time : approximately 2 hours 18 mins
Day 16 & 17 : Wairarapa -Wellington
Visit the world's coolest little capital in Wellington today, and find out for yourself why Wellington was named best liveable city in the world in 2016.
Whether you're keen to enjoy hustle and bustle of Wellington City, or escaping from it, your stay at Boho Bach is the perfect inner city stay.
A 5 minute walk will get you to Scorching Bay, the best swimming beach in Wellington and the Scorcharama cafe across the road is a great place to enjoy a coffee or brunch. 10-minutete walk in the other direction takes you to Miramar with the Weta Studio tours, the Roxy cinema and many top eating places.
A 20-minute drive will get you straight into the heart of Wellington City with its fantastic shopping, buzzing cafe scene and lively nightlife.
Wellington is famous for the World of Wearable (WOW) Show every year in September/October and the Wellington International Arts Festival in March/April, but there is always plenty going in 'The Coolest Little Capital in the World'!
Accommodation :
Driving distance : 227 km - Driving time : approximately 3 hours 32 mins
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Day 18 : Wellington - New Plymouth
New Plymouth is a bustling hive of activity located on the west coast of the North Island, with the perfectly shaped cone of Mount Taranaki overlookng the city around every corner. The drive drive to New Plymouth takes you along Surf Highway 45, and as it's name suggests, offers many excellent surf breaks.
Immerse themselves in the tranquil ambiance of the countryside setting of the Charming Safari Tents.
Accommodation :
Driving distance : 352 km - Driving time : approximately 4 hours 40 mins
Day 19 : New Plymouth - Waitomo
Waitomo is a village on the North Island of New Zealand. It’s known for its extensive underground cave systems. Thousands of glow-worms light up the Glowworm Caves. The vast Ruakuri Cave features waterfalls and limestone formations.
West, Mangapohue Natural Bridge is a high limestone arch over Mangapohue Stream. Northeast of the village, Otorohanga Kiwi House shelters several species of the rare native kiwi bird.
Accommodation :
Driving distance : 352 km - Driving time : approximately 2 hours 39 mins
Day 20 : Waitomo - Auckland
Today unfortunately your North Island glamping experience comes to an end and you'll be making your way back to Auckland to return your rental vehicle.
Driving distance : 183 km - Driving time : approximately 2 hours 15 mins
NZD4,125.00
Price includes
- Complimentary airport transfers
- Detailed tour pack upon arrival ot accommodation.
- 20 day car rental with unlimited daily kilometers
- Standard insurance with zero excess reduction option.
- First night accommodation in 4 star hotell.
- 20 Nights glamping accommodation
- Coastal Tent gourmet dinner
Cancellation policy
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 45 days or more before the start of the tour, the cancellation fee will be equivalent to the deposit paid
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 30 to 45 days before the start of the tour the cancellation fee shall be 25% of the contract price
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 7 to 30 days before the start of the tour the cancellation fee shall be 50% of the contract price
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 7 days or less before the start of the tour the cancellation fee shall be 100% of the contract price
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