Compare Subantarctic Kayaking: Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand & Australia by Southern Sea Ventures vs New Zealand – North Island Multisport by G Adventures
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 8,375 | $ 2,479 |
| Price Per Day | $ 644 | $ 310 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners |
| Description |
Kayak among the prolific wildlife of the subantarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia and experience the rich biodiversity of a UNESCO world heritage area. We visit the Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell island group. The islands are home to immense numbers of seabirds including albatross, prions, terns, shearwaters and petrels and surrounded by colonies of Royal Penguins, Kings, Rockhoppers and Gentoos. Elephant seals, furs seals, sea lions and whales ensure this treasure trove of wildlife is the scene for many paddling adventures. Join us on a humbling and inspirational expedition in this southern ocean "Galápagos". Our subantarctic kayaking adventures take place aboard the mother-ship, Spirit of Enderby, home to a fleet of sturdy plastic kayaks. If you choose to paddle with us, you’ll be a member of a small select paddling group that is accompanied by a dedicated kayak guide. You’ll have the option to kayak every day that conditions permit—or even twice a day. These are small-ship expedition cruises rather than fully programmed tours, and each Subantarctic sea kayaking trip is guaranteed to have new and inspiring experiences. |
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:
Meet at Dunedin Hotel, group dinner, overnight hotel.
Day 2:
Transfer to Port of Otago, board mothership.
Day 3:
The Snares: NE Island paddle and cruise.
Days 4-5:
Auckland Islands: Enderby Island, Carnley Harbour paddle and exploring.
Day 6:
At Sea
Days 7-8:
Macquarie Island. Kayak and shore visits.
Day 9:
At sea
Days 10-11:
Campbell Island. Kayaking weather permitting.
Day 12:
At sea.
Day 13:
Disembark Bluff, transfer to Invercargill. Trip concludes
Day 1 Auckland
Arrive to your hotel by 3pm today to jump straight into the action with an exclusive introduction to the All Blacks. Experience the mighty Haka and then opt to grab dinner with your group.
Please book any arriving flights to land by 1pm into Auckland. Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbouron a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1. If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour.
Day 2 Auckland/Rotorua
Enjoy a morning cycle through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge, then travel on to the lakes region of Rotorua. En route to Rotorua visit Okere falls.
Please note that an E-bike upgrade is available at an additional cost of NZ $50. This can be arranged with the CEO on Day 1 of the trip at the welcome meeting.
Day 3 Rotorua
Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, go hiking, or soak in some hot springs. Later in the afternoon, visit the New Zealand Arts and Crafts Institute to speak to local Maori carvers and tuck into a delicious Hangi meal cooked underground.
This region of New Zealand is renowned for its geothermal qualities. Enjoy free time to experience the regions' geothermal wonders. Go white water rafting or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs.
Day 4 Rotorua/Whanganui National Park
Admire the scenery while heading to Whanganui National Park.
Travel to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and nature conservancy that serves as our gateway to Whanganui National Park. Marvel at the Whanganui River - the third longest in New Zealand - as it flows out to the west coast of the North Island from Mt Tongariro. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
Note: While in Whanganui National Park, the order and length of activities on Days 4 & 5 may vary according to weather conditions.
Day 5 Whanganui National Park
Experience one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” by kayak on a day trip into the heart of Whanganui National Park. Explore the Whanganui River further by jet boat, visiting old Maori and European settlements. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
During short walks or stops en route, learn about the region's history and local conservation efforts. Return to Blue Duck Station for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Note: While in Whanganui National Park, the order and length of activities on Days 4 & 5 may vary according to weather conditions.
Day 6 Whanganui National Park/Tongariro National Park
Today we conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek and spend time hiking an active volcano. Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery. After the trek, travel to a ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night and opt for a hot soak to ease those tired muscles.
Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery. Start early and collect supplies before heading out. The transfer will drop the group off at the beginning of the self-guided trek and collect everyone at the other end. After the trek, travel to a nearby alpine village for the night and enjoy a well earned dinner with your travel companions.
Note: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trek is highly weather dependent and will take place only if conditions are safe to do so. Alternate activities for inclement weather will be arranged.
Day 7 Tongariro National Park/Waitomo District
Travel north to the small town of Waitomo, located near an extensive underground cave system. Enjoy a free afternoon, and opt to tour the caves by foot or with a bit of adrenaline by rappelling into them. Settle into your accommodation close by, and enjoy a final dinner together to say farewell to those finishing their tour in Auckland tomorrow.
Day 8 Waitomo District/Auckland
After an early start, visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark. Travel north to Auckland where your tour will end around 1pm.
When arranging your transportation, please take into consideration your flight must depart Auckland no earlier than 17:00 on Day 8.
