6 Day The Far North Safari

We depart Auckland after a briefing with your guide and follow the east coast northwards via glowworm caves. Take some crazy coastal back roads to our camp just above the beach. Here, you have have a swim or explore this lovely coastline with red-tinged pohutukawa tree's (NZ Christmas tree) over hidden coves and swimming beaches. If the sea conditions are calm there is excellent snorkelling here! 1km/1 hour hiking

This morning take a nice leap into the sea and feel refreshed. We break camp and hike northwards, climbing through regenerating native bush to the ridge tops and look down on hidden sandy coves. Gaze out across the bright blue Pacific Ocean as you catch you're breath, we will pass huge steel pots amid the ruins of an old whaling station. These stations are a sad reminder of the many humpback and southern right whales that were once hunted here by the first European settlers. Unfortunately they were not interested in our beautiful natural environment but rather for the sealing and whaling. We have lunch at a cove of turquoise water, with a secret beach and funky palm tree's. Descend from Pukehuia at 345 metres, it is the highest hill and best viewpoint in the Bay of Islands. 9km/6 hours hiking

This morning you can go on a highly recommended guided kayak (optional, additional fee's) along an uncluttered coastline, past red volcanic headlands, island outcrops and sandy beaches. After passing through sea caves you will reach the sheltered waters of Whangaroa Harbour with its mangrove forests. Have a picnic lunch on a beautiful beach before returning. Stop to share stories over fish and chips at the famous Mangonui Fish Shop. Those not kayaking have free time at the Tauranga beach campsite until early afternoon. Later we head to the twin coves campsite of Matai Bay. 10km/5 hours kayaking

More swimming and snorkelling this morning, then we're off again. This time, take a fascinating drive up the endless hard-packed sands of Ninety Mile Beach to Te Paki's massive looming sand dunes. Continue onwards, setting up camp at a beautiful sandy vover. Later we'll have the option of a cliff-top walk or a drive to the edge of the world at Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. 2km/2 hours hiking

Set off to explore a less visited part of the cape's coastline. Cross Te Paki Station to the surreal iron-stained sand dunes of Cape Maria Van Diemen. Climbing high, you will get grand views of this incredible piece of New Zealand landscape. Leave the far north and begin the journey southwards, passing through Kaitaia, across the Hokianga Harbour on a car ferry, and on to the Waipoua Forest where you'll be humbled by New Zealand's biggest kauri tree - Tane Mahuta. As you curl up in your tent, hear the screehing call of the endangered North Island Brown Kiwi, whose numbers are sadly dwindling each year. 4-12km/2-4 hours hiking

This morning you will walk the Trounson Kauri Reserve to bask in the shadows of these huge ancient tree's. An intensively managed mainland conservation 'island' surrounded by a sea of farmland, Trounson is one of the healthiest forests in the country, providing refuge for many threatened species. This reserve is also home to a well-nurtured and protected population of kiwi. Arrive in Auckland at approximately 3pm. 2km/1 hour hiking