Day 1

Meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (wearing Backroads T-shirts) at 9 a.m. at the Hilton Auckland, located at Prince’s Wharf in downtown Auckland. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes, and have your daypack and rain jacket handy.

Shuttle to Pauanui 2½ Hours
Shuttle to Broken Hills 30 Minutes
Broken Hills Valley Hike 3 Miles
Shuttle to Puka Park Resort 30 Minutes

Haere mai—welcome to New Zealand! After meeting in Auckland, we shuttle to the town of Pauanui on the Coromandel Peninsula and get acquainted with our local Kiwi guide, Damian, over lunch at a favorite café. Hiking with Damian means you get to visit part of the rain forest that few people see. Cross a sparkling creek and pass through peaceful farmland to discover a forest and a ―secret‖ valley that has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. As we stroll past giant tree ferns, swirling clear-water swimming holes and hanging vines, Damian shares his extensive knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna, as well as his infectious enthusiasm for his spectacular ―backyard.

After the hike we shuttle to our home for the next two nights, the acclaimed Puka Park Resort. Settle into your private villa, tucked into the forest beneath a canopy of tree ferns, and enjoy plush amenities such as comfy robes and a private porch. This evening we reconvene for cocktails, followed by dinner at Puka Park’s Miha Restaurant, whose menu features dishes inspired by the region’s abundance of fresh fish and produce.

Lodging: Puka Park Resort

Day 2

Hahei Biking Route 20 Miles with Shuttle
Shorter Option: 13 Miles with Shuttle
Cathedral Cove Hike 3 Miles
Shuttle to Pauanui 1 Hour

Today we’re off to see more of the glorious Coromandel Peninsula. We meet by the beach, where your Backroads Trip Leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety—don’t forget that you’ll be riding on the left-hand side of the road! After pedaling the short flat route through tranquil Pauanui, hop aboard a ferry for a quick ride across Tairua Inlet. If you’re up for a challenge, tackle the winding climb over Pumpkin Hill, so named because of the soil’s orange hue. Or if you’d prefer, grab a lift to the summit in the van. Either way, the views across the native bush and out to the Pacific Ocean are spectacular. Enjoy the downhill as you continue north toward Hahei. When the terrain levels out, turn off the main road and meet rolling dairy farmland and scenic forest—the perfect introduction to bicycling in New Zealand.

In Hahei, park your bike and relish a picnic lunch overlooking the beautiful beach and dramatic Pacific coastline. Then change into your hiking clothes and head out on a walk that curls through the headlands above several secluded bays, weaving in and out of puriri groves. The trail leads to Cathedral Cove, a little piece of heaven on earth. This serene stretch of white-sand beach is bordered by hole-in-the-wall cliffs and monoliths. The pale-coral colored sandstone has eroded into impressive sculptures, and the shallow water is bright blue. On a sunny day, it’s a superb spot for a dip, so make sure you have your swimsuit handy. After enjoying the beach, climb back up to the trailhead to meet the Backroads van for the drive back to Pauanui. Tonight we savor mouth-watering cuisine in the hotel’s sophisticated dining room.

Lodging: Puka Park Resort

Day 3

Shuttle to Karangahake Gorge 1½ Hours
Karangahake Gorge Hike 5 Miles
Shuttle to Rotorua 2 Hours

We start the day by shuttling south to the striking Karangahake Gorge, a historically rich gold-mining area, active for more than 75 years until 1952. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Ohinemuri River, you’re immediately immersed in dense rain forest and surrounded by verdant tree ferns. As you hike uphill along the edge of the gorge, the foliage opens up for tremendous views of the countryside. Head back into the lush peaceful forest and make your way over another suspension bridge to the entrance of a 100-yard-long mining tunnel. Guide yourself through the darkness with a torch (a.k.a. flashlight), provided by your Backroads leaders, and emerge at an idyllic swimming hole complete with a series of small waterfalls. Cool off with a refreshing swim before the final downhill stretch through the most dramatic part of the gorge, which is bordered by sheer cliff walls and reverberates with the sound of rushing water.

Back in the van, take in views of the passing landscape, which bring to mind the area immortalized as ―The Shire‖ in the Lord of the Rings films. Our destination is the thermal region of Rotorua, where steaming lakes, boiling mud pools and soothing naturally heated baths create a living breathing landscape. Settle in at the picturesque Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay, set on the tranquil shores of Lake Rotoiti (or ―Small Lake‖ in the Maori language). Relax and take in the vistas from your hotel room, opt for a game of boules or play chess on a giant outdoor board.
Later we head to Taheke Marae, a modern working Maori marae. A marae is a sacred space in Polynesian societies used for spiritual ceremonies and social gatherings. You’re sure to enjoy this fascinating look into Maori culture, as well as our feast of New Zealand specialties. Lodging: Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay

Day 4

Kayaking on Lake Rotoiti 3½ Hours
Shuttle to Agrodome 1 Hour Round-Trip
Agrodome Visit 1½ Hours

This morning we meet our local kayak guide, Jen, at the boat launch outside our hotel. After she instructs us on basic paddling techniques and water safety, we shove off in sturdy two-person crafts. This scenic excursion along the lake’s shoreline offers an opportunity to explore quiet inlets and spot a variety of native birds. Paddle to a small hot spring, accessible only by boat, for a dip in some of the area’s thermal pools before kayaking to the other side of the lake. A short shuttle ride brings us back to the hotel for a delicious barbecue, complete with chicken, lamb and beef, as well as salads and Pavlova—a favorite Kiwi puff-pastry dessert.

After lunch we shuttle to the Agrodome, situated amid the sprawling green hills of a working sheep farm, where we get an introduction to New Zealand’s ―sheep culture‖ and agricultural way of life. Help feed the sheep, emus and deer on a private tour before watching a master shearer demonstrate the finer points of sheep shearing.

Tonight we sit down to a meal of fine cuisine in the hotel dining room.

Lodging: Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay

Day 5

Shuttle to Start of Ride 30 Minutes
Waikite Hot Pools Biking Route 21 Miles
Shorter Option: 17 Miles with Shuttle
Waiotapu Walk 2 Miles
Shuttle to Taupo 1 Hour

Rotorua lies directly over a volcanic fault line, creating an incredible landscape that seems to bubble, steam and vent at every turn. This geothermal activity is fascinating to view up close, and you’ll have that chance today. Start pedaling on quiet roads through grassland and farmland, and emerge along the white cliffs of the Paeroa Range. Our ride ends at Waikite Hot Pools, a popular local swimming spot, where you’ll want to test the water—it’s heated from within the earth and cascades into pools perfect for a relaxing soak.

After lunch at the on-site café, it’s a quick shuttle ride to the highlight of today’s explorations, the Waiotapu geothermal area, an eerily beautiful landscape filled with multi-hued silica terraces, percolating mud pots, gushing geysers, volcanic craters and mysterious caves. Walk past features such as Rainbow Crater, Champagne Pool and the aptly named Artist’s Palette, a collection of hot and cold pools in an array of colors.

The day comes to a close at the Millennium Hotel & Resort in Taupo, located on the shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption in the 2nd century, now the lake is clear, cold (except for an area near our hotel that’s fed by hot spring water), tranquil and filled with record-size trout. Set out on your own this evening to explore town and dine at one of the many restaurants near the lakeshore.

Lodging: Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupo

Day 6

Huka Falls Walk 2.5 Miles
Shuttle to Hawke’s Bay 2 Hours
Apley Biking Route 13 Miles with Shuttle
Longer Option: Hawke’s Bay Hills 24 Miles with Shuttle

Following breakfast we shuttle the short distance to impressive Huka Falls. Huka is Maori for ―great body of spray,‖ and as you watch the river squeeze through a narrow rock channel and shoot out in a dramatic churning surge, you’ll understand why. Take a leisurely walk to Taupo, traveling along the banks of the Waikato River and past the North Island’s loftiest bungee-jumping platform—more than 160 feet high. Bungee jumping is a New Zealand–born craze and it’s quite a rush. If you’ve always wanted to give it a try, now’s your chance! (Please note that this activity is not included in the trip price.)

After the hike we head to the famous Hawke’s Bay wine region, stopping for a wonderful Kiwi-style lunch on the spacious grounds of River Valley Café. From here, head out by bike to explore this agriculturally rich land. Begin pedaling in the Esk Valley, an idyllic area filled with vineyards and evergreens. Before long you’re greeted by quite a few short but steep hills (feel free to hop in the van to avoid most of them). Leaving the valley behind, wind your way through fertile pastureland, where you might have to brake for a herd of cows crossing the road. Spinning farther south, descend into the expansive vineyards, fruit orchards and rolling fields of Hawke’s Bay. The area is known for producing some of New Zealand’s best wines and is often referred to as the ―Bordeaux of New Zealand‖ because of its wonderful full-bodied reds. The ride ends at the Silky Oaks Chocolate Factory—if you’re a chocolate-lover, you won’t want to miss a visit to the factory and gift shop specializing in all things chocolate.

Our home for the next two nights is the elegant and inviting Mangapapa Petit Hotel. Featuring a spa, pool, grass tennis court, award-winning cuisine and warm personable service, this hotel is truly luxurious—a perfect spot to indulge in the breathtaking vistas and incredible gastronomy of this world-class wine region. Dinner tonight is a short drive away at the top-rated Terroir Restaurant, a foodie’s dream set in the extraordinary landscape of the Craggy Range Winery.

Lodging: Mangapapa Petit Hotel

Day 7

Tukituki Biking Route 26 Miles
Longer Option: Waimarama 58 Miles

After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, set to explore more of Hawke’s Bay. Pedal to the Pacific Ocean and take in incredible views of Cape Kidnappers, a striking peninsula that forms the southern edge of the bay. Just a few feet from the ocean, spin through coastal vineyards that produce some of New Zealand’s best-known vintages.

Then leave the Pacific behind as you travel along a quiet tree-lined country road beside the flowing Tukituki River. After a small ascent, ride in the shadow of Te Mata Peak, with the rugged coast and craggy mountains framing the lush Hawke’s Bay wine region below. What you do next is entirely up to you. If you’re interested in tackling challenging terrain, set your sights on the town of Waimarama, where large rolling hills, ocean vistas and a few extended sections of gravel make for an adventurous and fantastic ride. If you’d rather spend the rest of your day reveling in the luxuries of the wine country, there are a number of wineries and shops awaiting your patronage. You’re on your own for lunch to sample the local delicacies and enjoy the famous Hawke’s Bay sunshine. The village of Havelock North also begs for a visit, with numerous restaurants and plenty of shopping. Or return to the hotel for a deluxe spa treatment (not included in the trip price) or lounging time by the pool.

This evening we toast to a fun-filled week during a farewell dinner at Mangapapa’s superb restaurant. The chef here is truly a one-man-show—conjuring up delectable dishes and providing us with the perfect celebration of a memorable trip.

Lodging: Mangapapa Petit Hotel

Day 8

Te Mata Peak Hike 3 Miles
Shuttle to Napier Airport 30 Minutes

Cap off your Kiwi journey with an incredible hike. After shuttling to the trailhead, set out along a path that winds 1,300 feet through forests, redwood groves and up the grassy ridgeline to the summit of Te Mata Peak. With stunning views of the ocean and countryside—and the thrilling climb to the top—there’s no better way to conclude our wonderful week in New Zealand. We enjoy a sumptuous picnic lunch on the grounds of the hotel before shuttling to the Napier Airport, where our trip comes to a close.