When you travel through New Zealand you can’t help but get swept up by the deep-rooted magic and unreal landscapes that wow you around every corner.
Widely recognised today as one of the most sustainable countries in the world, New Zealand is setting the standard for its top-down green approach and culturally diverse society and attitudes.
The land of the long white cloud is, of course, naturally jaw-droppingly beautiful but remarkably, you’ll still find yourself saying “where is everyone?” – another drawcard to visiting this special land.
And when it comes to embracing visitors, you’ll struggle to find a warmer welcome, anywhere in the world.
Inspiring Journeys ‘The Endless Shores’ adventure will see you land in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital for the government, culture and arts before you head north to Auckland, creating your own journal of unforgettable chapters along every step of the way.
Ready for a small group adventure that requires only minimum effort and fitness levels but delivers maximum wonder and excitement? Let’s go.
What will you experience on this trip?
The genuine value of this journey lies in the fact that you’ll get to experience such a rich blend of authentic North Island moments.
Soothe your soul in geothermal hotspots, seek out different perspectives and friendly locals in vibrant cities, sample some of New Zealand’s finest food and wine and absorb yourself in the awe-inspiring Maori heritage that tells the stories of this ancient land.
One of the truly sustainable highlights on the trip is a visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you will learn all about the Kiwi Breeding Program that Inspiring Journeys in partnership with TreadRight support has helped hatch 55% of kiwi’s nationwide.
On an exclusive ‘behind the scenes tour,’ you’ll catch a glimpse of the shy iconic national bird in the park’s nocturnal kiwi habitat.
“There is only around 68,000 kiwi left in all of New Zealand with 2% of unmanaged kiwis being lost every year. The brown kiwi is one of New Zealand’s most common kiwi species; however, the population is steadily declining by about 2–3% a year. Without on-going support, experts estimate brown kiwi will be extinct in the wild within two generations.”
Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park
Rotorua’s’ Rainbow Springs now receives eggs from 15 different sanctuaries and reserves around the North Island of the country, meaning that it is New Zealand’s’ leading Kiwi hatchery as over 1500 eggs have been hatched at Rainbow Springs since 1995. An incredible achievement in the contribution to the survival of such an endangered animal.
‘Choice’ is the common thread throughout the entire journey which begins in Wellington and will see you travelling north up to Auckland and the Bay of Islands.
Choose to check out world-leading Weta Cave, home of the creative wizards behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, take a walking tour around Wellington to discover the cities hidden gems or head to the incredible Te Papa Museum of New Zealand where a guide will reveal the behind the scene secrets of the exhibits. Which option will you choose?
Your time in Hawkes Bay will see you learn about Art Deco history and heritage in the immaculate living museum that is Napier as well as enjoy wine-tasting and dinner at one of the areas renowned wineries.
On the way to Rotorua, you’ll pass mythical Lake Taupo and visit spectacular Huka Falls before you’ll be embraced by the Hongi touch of your Maori hosts at Tamaki Maori Village. Here you’ll be introduced to members of the Maori community and learn about their special bond with nature and the past, present and future.
“We are Tamaki Maori Village; our village is built both in honour of our ancestors and in celebration of our beautiful culture. Deep in the lush Rotorua forest, our location is not only visually beautiful but rooted upon sacred Maori grounds. The place our ancestors once roamed is now buzzing with life from across the globe. We offer an awe-inspiring journey back in time to ancient Maori lands. We share the story of our ancestors: not only the way they lived, but their spiritual beliefs, stories, artworks and tattoos and the stories passed down through generations”
Rosie Belvie, Tamaki Maori Village
Later, indulge in the mouth-watering flavours of a tradition Hangi feast cooked underground using geothermal steam.
Then it’s time to explore the Redwoods Forest Treewalk just outside of Rotorua. Here you’ll get an elevated view of these Redwood giants from a series of 23 suspension bridges linking the majestic trees, for a completely unique perspective of the ancient rainforest above and below.
Redwoods Treewalk has undertaken the planting of several hundred native New Zealand ferns around the Treewalk to improve the forest environment as well as a variety of impressive sustainable initiatives.
On your way to Auckland, you’ll explore the iridescent Waitomo Caves on an exclusive Eco Glowworm experience with a local expert and the magical subterranean world of Footwhistle Cave.
After spending time in the cosmopolitan hub of Auckland, you’ll find contrast again as you pass the golden sands of Orewa heading north to the native forest of Waipoua.
Here you’ll join a local Maori guide and head deep into the forest of Waipoua, a sanctuary that is home to many native trees including the largest Kauri tree in existence, Tane Mahuta (over 2,000 years old).
Lastly, but certainly not least, you’ll get to cruise through the Bay of Islands Maritime Park and explore some of the 144 islands in the bay, before taking in the small towns of Northland, over the Harbour Bridge and back into Auckland city.
What will the positive impact be?
By choosing to travel with Inspiring Journeys, you’ll be making a tangible impact on the native wildlife of Australia & New Zealand, through Inspiring Journeys partnership with the Treadright Foundation.
Inspiring Journeys works together with Treadright to create a positive impact on the people and communities they visit, help protect marine and wildlife, and care for the planet we all call home.
Reducing the environmental impact is at the core of what Inspiring Journeys do. To show that their support is actionable, they’ve committed to eliminating all single-use plastics in both their offices and out on the road by 2022.
Trip details
The Endless Shores experience includes;
- 10 nights staying in hand-picked accommodation in 4-star rated hotels, selected to immerse you in your destination
- 10 breakfasts
- 2 Local dining experiences
- Complimentary refreshments throughout the journey
- 1 Celebration dinner and 3 dinners with local wine
- Travel by bespoke vehicle with reclining seats, WiFi and air-conditioning
- Expert journey director and driver-guide escorts
- All entrance and National Park fees
- Sustainable Travel Kit, including refillable water bottle and backpack
- Airport transfers
- Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish
- Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities
With included activities;
- City tour of Hawkes Bay with a local guide
- Wine-tasting at one of the renowned wineries in Hawke’s Bay
- Visit the spectacular Huka Falls
- Visit Whakarewarewa Living Village
- Visit Tamaki Maori Village
- Behind the scenes at Rainbow Springs
- Redwoods Treewalk
- Visit Waitomo Caves on an exclusive Eco Gloworm experience with a Local Expert
- Sightseeing city tour of Auckland
- Join a local Maori guide into the forest of Waipoua
- Cruise through the Bay of Islands Maritime Park
11 days/10 nights from $5,850
To book or find out more, head to https://inspiringjourneys.com/the-endless-shores/
Ask your local Travel Agent to help design your itinerary for you.
This article was brought you by Inspiring Journeys.