Itinerary
FLIGHTS
Flights must be sorted of your own accord. We provide tickets to take part in this 4 night tour and race of New Zealand, a great opportunity you don't want to miss!
ITINERARY
23 January 2025 - Arrival in Tairawhiti Gisborne
All participants will arrive in Tairawhiti Gisborne either by a domestic flight or by bus. There are several options for domestic flights and buses. Tairawhiti Gisborne is about a 6/7 hour drive or a 1 hour flight from Auckland. Alternatively, guests might consider renting a car if you plan on doing a bigger tour around the island. If participants choose to fly to the local Tairawhiti Gisborne airport, transport to the hotel is included.
Around 18:00, all runners will gather for a short shakeout run guided by a local runner from Gisborne. The run will be a maximum of 5km at a relaxed pace, perfect for starting to get familiar with the beautiful surroundings. After the run, we'll gather for complimentary beer and some fingerfoods, where you can get to know your fellow marathon participants, meet the organizers and raise a glass to the beginning of our Aotearoa New Zealand adventure.
Meals: Finger food after the Shakeout Run
24 January 2025 - Traditional Powhiri
Early this morning, we offer another optional excursion, "Stingray Encounter", in Tatapouri. During this excursion, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with stingrays and other reef dwellers on a reef ecology tour. We'll be back to the hotels in time for the rest of the day's activities.
All participants will get together in the late morning for a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, known as a powhiri. A powhiri is a special ritual of encounter and the perfect way for us to experience Maori traditions. It usually takes place at the Maori meeting grounds, called a marae. The ceremony involves singing, dancing and speeches.
After the ceremony, we will enjoy a lunch at the marae.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to soak in the cultural attractions of the city, hit the beaches, or stretch your muscles on a hike.
In the evening, all participants will meet to enjoy a pasta dinner.
Meals: Lunch at the Powhiri & pasta dinner
25 January 2025 - Race Day
Today's the big day!
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will make your way to the start line, just a short walk away. As the first light of day crests the horizon, you'll set off with music and excitement thrumming through your body.
Both the marathon and half-marathon begin at 06:00. Both races will end at 14:00.
In the evening you can meet other runners at Sunshine Brewery, a boutique brewery from the East Coast, and share your experience and impressions of today’s run while tasting local top quality beer. The first beer is on us.
Later in the evening, we offer an optional excursion, "Gisborne Astro Tours", where you can admire the celestial wonders of the Southern Hemisphere. An accomplished astronomer will be your guide to the starry constellations above.
Meals: Light lunch at the finish line
26 January 2025 - Optional Excursions & Celebration dinner
Today you will have the day free to explore Gisborne at your pace, or you can opt in to join one of our 3 exciting excursions.
You can find more information about these below in the excursions section.
In the evening all participants will be driven out to the celebration dinner at the local vineyard. Together, we'll toast our accomplishments and enjoy a delicious meal while the sun sets over the vineyard.
Meals: Celebration Dinner
27 January 2025 - Farewell Gisborne or Hello Extension
Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to Tairawhiti Gisborne. After check-out, you'll bid farewell to Aotearoa New Zealand - transfer to the domestic airport is included. Alternatively, if you're not quite ready to say goodbye, join us for an exciting 6-day extension.
Meals: None
EXCURSIONS
24 January 2025 - Stingray Encounter
Of all the ways to experience the magical marine environment around Tairawhiti Gisborne, feeding the stingrays on a reef ecology tour is one of the most memorable. We'll begin with a coach bus out to the bay, where participants will suit up in waders to keep you dry and protected.
We'll be wading across the reef at low tide, allowing us to observe and interact with Stingrays, Eagle Rays, Kingfish, and various other reef dwellers. The marine life on the reef is not enclosed, so all the animls are free to come and go. The guides will provide information on reef's inhabitants, known as the Tamariki (Children) of Tangaroa, the Maori god of the sea. We'll learn about the different species. the local legends of Tairawhiti Gisborne, and even gain some insight into some of the methods once used by the Maori to manage their natural resources.
Upon conclusion of the tour, participants will be driven back to their hotels.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Inclusions:
- Transport to/from Tatapouri Bay
- Guided reef ecology tour
- Waders
25 January 2025 - Gisborne Astro Tours
The Southern Cross, Centaurus, and Carina are just a few of the constellations awaiting you in the Southern Hemisphere. On this tour, we'll drive out by coach to a quiet, rural location just outside of Tairawhiti Gisborne. There, we'll meet our astronomical guide and be given a short health/safety briefing, and then an introduction to the astronomy talk.
Next, we'll go outside to identify constellations and gaze through telescopes. There will be 6-7 telescopes set up, and participants can circulate around to see the various targets, all while our informed astronomer answers any questions we might have. The Gisborne Astro Tours are the first and only astro tour on the east coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, and stargazers come from afar to revel in the glorious dark skies of the Land of the Long White Cloud. Let the tranquil environment and knowledgeable guide be your gateway to the stars.
Duration: 2 hours
Inclusions:
- Transportation to/from Patutahi
- Guided astro tour including an inspiring, easy to understand astronomy presentation
- View rare celestial targets only seen from Aotearoa New Zealand's latitude
26 January 2025 - Maunga Hikurangi
The tour to Maunga Hikurangi begins with a 2-hour drive north of Gisborne City to Ruatoria, where we'll transfer to a 4WD veheicle for the journey to and from Maunga Hikurangi.
Standing at 1754m high, Maunga Hikurangi is the highest non-volcanic mountain on the North Island. Maori legend tells that the demigod Maui fished up the North Island out of the sea, and Maunga Hikurangi was the first point to emerge from the sea. It is recognized as the first point on Aotearoa New Zealand to be touched by the morning sun, and the mountain is scared to the local Ngati Porou people.
Roughly two-thirds of the way up the mountain, there are 9 larger-than-life carvings that represent Maui and his whanau (extended family). The pillars – called pou – depict the stories and legends of Maui as the founding ancestor of the Ngati Porou people, which the local guide will help bring to life before your eyes. The tour lasts approximately four hours, and includes lunch on the mountain, as well as a native seedling to plant as part of an eco-project, and participation in a karakia, a traditional Maori blessing.
After the tour on the mountain, we'll return to Ruatoria, where participants will be transferred back to their hotels.
Duration: 8 hours
Inclusions:
- Transportation to/from Ruatoria
- 4WD adventure to/from Maunga Hikurangi
- In-depth cultural tour with an expert Ngati Porou guide
- Native seedling to plant as part of an eco-project
- Participation in a karakia (traditional Maori blessing)
- Lunch atop Maunga Hikurangi
26 January 2025 - Learn to Surf
Tairawhiti Gisborne offers excellent surfing conditions year-round. There is a variety of stunning beaches within a short driving distance from the city, and our skilled surfing instructors are eager to get you standing up on a board. Surfers can enjoy a choice of different surf breaks, from safe sand bottom beach breaks to reef and point breaks - which beach we will surf will be weather dependent.
There will be two surfing lessons offered - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We'll begin by driving out to the beach, where we'll meet our instructors and get suited up. Then, we'll be treated to a two-hour surf lesson where you can test your mettle out on the water. The lesson will be limited to 24 participants per session with 3 surf coaches, so everyone will be able to get some personalized attention.
Duration: 3 hours (Deaprtur 12.30)
Inclusions:
- Transportation
- 2 hour surf lesson
- Wetsuit and surfboard
26 January 2025 - Tolaga Bay and hike to Cooks Cave
This excursion will begin with a 1-hour drive north of Tairawhiti Gisborne to Tolaga Bay, a bay and small town that, at 660m, boasts the longest concrete wharf in the country. Along the bay is a path that leads to Cooks Cove, where Captain James Cook stopped in 1769 as part of his circumnavigation of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Information planels along the walkway tell the story of Cook and his crew's visit to Cooks Cove (Opoutama), the history of local iwi Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, and the excavation of an archeological site at Opoutama, first occupied by Maori. You'll also be able to explore a hole in the wall, called Te Kotere o te Whenua, or, if you fancy a swim, safely take a dip in the cove.
The pathway is an out-and-back walk that totals 5.8km, and, with stops, takes around 2.5 hours. Although the path is generally rated as easy, there is some hill climbing that requires a moderate level of fitness. Good, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Duration: 5 hours
Inclusions:
- Transportation to/from Tologa Bay
EXTENSIONS
Hobbiton & Bay of Plenty - 20-23 January
Day 1 - 20 January 2025: Welcome to Auckland. City Tour
Welcome to Auckland! All participants will arrive in Auckland and find their own way to their hotel for the night at Grand Millenium Auckland. With its approximately 1.3 million inhabitants, Auckland is home to almost a third of New Zealand's population. The city is located on a narrow landmark with water on both sides - the Pacific Ocean to the East and the Tasman Sea to the west - and is thus a true mecca for sailors. The city is affectionately known as the ‘City of Sails’ due to Aucklander’s love of sailing and other water sports. Auckland is built on 50 extinct volcanoes; and while most of them are miniature in size, as green hilltops or even completely invisible, the three largest - Mount Albert, Mount Eden, and One Tree Hill - reign over the landscape.
We will explore the exciting city of Auckland through a bus tour, starting from the hotel at 2pm. The route will take us through the cozy suburbs of Parnell, with old, well-restored houses as well as small restaurants and galleries. We will visit the renowned Bastion Point for panoramic views of the city and the sparkling Hauraki Gulf. After we return to the hotel the rest of the evening is at leisure for you to explore the wonders of Auckland further on your own.
No meals
Day 2 - 21 January 2025: Hamilton Gardens, The Hobbiton and overnight Farm Stay
After breakfast it's time to leave Auckland and travel over the Bombay Hills, where market gardens supply locals as well as export markets. Subsequently, we will continue along the east bank of the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, which runs through the cities of Hamilton, Cambridge and Ngaruawahia.
In Hamilton we will visit the internationally recognised award-winning Hamilton Gardens for a self-guided tour through these stunning gardens. The unique theme of Hamilton Gardens is ‘The story of gardens’ which is explored through a series of five garden collections. The Paradise Garden Collection is a highlight of the gardens and features a Chinese Scholars Garden, English Flower Garden, Japanese Garden of Contemplation, American Modernist Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden, and an Indian Char Bagh Garden. Alternatively, you might be intrigued by one of the Fantasy Gardens – the Tudor Garden; Tropical Garden; Concept Garden or the Mansfield Garden. Try not get lost in the many gardens because you don't want to miss out the next highlight of the tour - Hobbiton.
Now it's time to visit Middle-earth and the many adventures that await us therein. Our explorations lead us to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The journey begins with a guided tour as we traverse the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. We will exit the car allowing the guide to escort you through the ten acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be easily observed and it's possible to see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Upon completion of your tour, we will enjoy a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn.
This evening, meet your hosts for a unique overnight farm stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - 22 January 2025: Bay of Plenty - Scenic Cruise & enjoy the Mount
After breakfast you will regroup with your hosts before we depart over the Kaimai ranges into the picturesque Bay of Plenty. Upon arrival, we will visit the town of Mt Maunganui, often refered to as The Mount by locals. The Mount is a laid back suburb set on a peninsula surrounded by spectacular white sand beaches suitable for both swimming and surfing. Perhaps most iconic is the mountain Mount Maunganui, or Mauao, which rises 232 meters from the sea. The walking tracks to the top of this extinct volcano provide 360 degree views which span the entire length of the Bay of Plenty. We start our visit with a scenic cruise around the area and enjoy its diverse topography; its untouched white sandy beaches, lush green forests, islands and small village settlements, contrasted with the highly developed port infrastructure. Occasionally you may see some seasonal wildlife on your cruise such as blue penguins, sea birds or New Zealandic fur seals. The afternoon is at leisure to spend at The Mount where you can relax on its glittering beaches, hike to the top of Mount Maunganui or go shopping in the many boutiques dotted along The Mount’s main street. We will overnight at Trinity Wharf in Tauranga.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - 23 January 2025: Gisborne
Following breakfast we will depart to Gisborne. The route takes us along the east coast of the North Island where we will pass through the small towns of Matata and Thornton before reaching Whakatane. Whakatane is the heart of the eastern Bay of Plenty, as it aligns with its spectacular coastal shore and contains a rich cultural history. Here we will have time to purchase lunch before departing through the Waioeka Gorge. As we arrive into the sunny township of Gisborne we will check into our chosen accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast
Lakes and Legends - 27 Jan - 1 Feb
Day 1 - 27 January: Tairawhiti Gisborne to Rotorua
On the first day of our extension, we'll travel north through the scenic Waioeka Gorge before reaching Opotiki, and the lovely beach town of Ohope. From Whakatane, we'll travel along the Matata Straights before turning inland to arrive at Rotorua.
Before Rotorua, there is an optional rafting excursion. Participants can experience the thrills and spills of the mighty Kaituna River and take on the world-famous Tutea Falls. Standing at 7 meters tall, the falls are the highest commercially rafted waterfall. Together with your expert guide, your team will enjoy an action-packed 50-minute ride through 14 rapids as the river winds its way through a jungle canyon. No prior experience is necessary, as participants will receieve full and comprehensive training beforehand. All you need is a reasonable level of fitness, a sense of fun and adventure, swimwear and a towel.
For guests who do not choose to participate in the rafting, the coach will continue into Rotorua so you can check into the hotel. Due to its unique thermal and volcanic landscape and rich Maori culture, Rotorua is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most popular destinations. The town forms part of the geologically active "Pacific Ring of Fire," and the bubbling thermal activity just below Earth's crust is evident throughout the city, from natural hot springs to bubbling mud pools.
In the evening, guests will experience the warmth of the Maori people with a night of ceremonial rituals and storytelling. We will enter a replica pre-European Maori village, where we will see the hangi pit opened and then enter the ancestral Meeting House to enjoy a powerful cultural performance featuring tribal songs, myths, legends, and dance, including the vigorous haka. We will also enjoy a hangi buffet dinner, cooked in the traditional way in an earth oven.
After dinner, we'll bid our hosts farewell and return to our accommodation for tonight and the next night, the Distinction Hotel Rotorua.
Meals: Breakfast* and dinner
*Breakfast this day is only included at select hotels (see: inclusions in the 5-day Package)
Day 2 - 28 January: Rototura
This morning, after breakfast, guests are free to choose what they would like to do. We will be offering an optional excursion: zip-lining.
Zip-lining: On this exciting adventure, we'll explore native forest on a 1,2km network of Rotorua ziplines, swing bridges, and treetop platforms. In total, there are 6 ziplines that total more than 650 meters. The highlight is the jaw-dropping, 220-meter Tui Son zipline that departs from 22 meters up a 1000 year-old tree. There are also two treetop swing bridges - the longest suspended a full 50 meters! The treetop platforms are located at varying platforms to allow participants to pause and absorb the magic of the environment. Since 2012, the zip-lining operators have been working to restore the native forest in which they operate. With the help of every customer, the forest is flourishing in a mutually beneficial relationship. Come and forget about the real world for a few hours!
If guests would not like to join the optional excursion, there will be a coach provided to take guests for a visit to Lake Tikitapu. Famous for its striking colour, the lake is known as "Blue Lake" by the locals. There is an easy 1,5 hour walk the lake that offers good views of both Lake Tikitapu and the nearby Green Lake, Rotokakahi. Alternatively, guests may simply relax on their own in Rototura.
The whole group will meet in the afternoon for a special Polynesian Spa experience. We'll drive by coach out to Lake Spa, a deluxe hot mineral bathing and relaxation area that overlooks Lake Rotorua. Enjoy tranquil bathing and lake views in the four alkaline rock pools, each with different temperatures (from 36 C to 42 C). Sink into the serene environment as the sounds of waterfalls and reflections of the glistening water in the grotto relax you completely.
Later in the evening, we'll travel out to Redwoods Nightlights, a 700-meter long eco-tourism walking experience in the heart of Rotorua's Redwood Forest. The tour consists of a series of 28 suspension bridges and 27 majestic Redwood trees that are more than 118 years old. The walk also features 30 exquisite lanterns floating between 9-20 meters above the forest floor, designed by world-renowned designer and sustainability champion David Trubridge. Upon completion of the tour, we'll tranfer back to the Distinction Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - 29 January: Rotorua to Taupo
This morning, after breakfast, we'll begin with a guided walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The walk will take around 2 hours as we embark on an ecology-focused exploration of the craters in this beautiful valley. Heading downhill, we'll pass through some of the youngest eco-systems in the world as we view a wide variety of geothermal activity, native plants, and bird-life. See Echo Crater and Frying Pan Lake, the world's largest hot water spring, as well as the mysterious and dramatic Inferno Crater and its beautiful blue hot lake. When we reach Lake Rotomahana, we'll join a 45-minute boat trip to see the Steaming Cliffs, fumaroles, lake edge geysers, unusual thermal plants, and the site of the Pink and White Terraces that were destroyed in the Mt. Tarawera eruption.
After the boat ride, we'll be shuttled back to the car park, where we'll reboard the coach and travel south through Kaingaroa Forest plantation and the Wairakei Steam fields. Enjoy a stop at the Huka Falls, where the clear waters of the Waikato River gush through a narrow canyon. We'll continue around the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, to our accommodation for the next two nights, Lakeland Resort Taupo where we'll settle in and try to get some good sleep in preparation for the coming day's challenge: the Tongariro Crossing.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - 30 January: The Tongariro Crossing
This morning, we'll take a short drive to the beginning of our trek. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4km of pure, rugged Aotearoa New Zealand beauty. The trek is considered the best one-day walk in the coutnry, and is consistently ranked in the Top 10 one-day walks in the world. The Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage site - rich in both cultural identity as well as breathtaking natural scenery.
Our trail leads up to the saddle between Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro, and then diverts over Mount Tongariro. Fans of Lord of the Rings might recognize Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom itself! At the top of the pass, in the presence of two active volcanoes, we'll experience some of the National Park's special gifts. A cold mountain spring, an active crater, emerald lakes, and hot springs combine to make this is challenging and deeply rewarding experience.
Total walking time is around 7 hours, including stops. No alpine experience is required, and we will be accompanied by a guide.
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Day 5 - 31 January: Taupo to Auckland
This morning, we'll take it easy as we travel north to Waitomo. In Waitomo, we'll stop for a Footwhistle Glowworm Tour. A short, 3,5 km scenic shuttle will take us to the cave, while an experienced guide reveals the rich history of the area. Then, we'll take a short walk through the native forest and past waterfalls to the cave entrance. From there, walk down into the cave through a natural chasm.
The scene in the cave is set for an intimiate cave experience, with solar-powered lights kept low so that we can appreciate the magnificent glowworm displays at their best. Around a corner lies the bones of one of the country's lost treasures, the ancient Moa - a long-extinct bird. The soothing sound of the Footwhistle cave's stream trickles in the darkness below.
After the tour, we'll stop for an included lunch at a local cafe before travelling north yet again, through rolling countryside into Hamilton City, Aotearoa New Zealand's largest inland city. Then continue north, following the Waikato River, over Bombay Hills and into Auckland City. Auckland is built atop 50 extinct volcanoes - while most of them appear either as small, green hilltop or are completely removed, the three largest - Mount Albert, Mount Eden, and One Tree Hill - stand proudly over the landscape.
Upon arrival in Auckland, you'll have time for a tour of the city. Drive through the cozy suburbs of Parnell, with old, well-restored houses, small restaurants, and galleries. Visit Bastion Point for panoramic views of the city and the sparkling Hauraki Gulf. Perhaps you'd like to stretch out the soreness from the trek at the Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park that is one of the largest in the city.
We'll spend the night at Grand Millenium Hotel Auckland City.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 6 - 1 February: Farewell Aotearoa New Zealand
Sadly, it is time to say haere ra to Aotearoa New Zealand. Taxis to the airport are available from the hotel (departure transfer not provided).
Meals: Breakfast
