Karangahake Gorge

Experience the majestic beauty of New Zealand's diverse landscapes on a 21-day adventure. Take part in unique local activities along the way and end your journey in the city of Christchurch. Day 1: Welcome to Auckland- Arrival at Hostel Welcome evening - Meet your Small Group Tour driver guide and fellow travelers Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel •Explore the stunning Cathedral Cove •Relax at Hot Water Beach by digging your own spa pool Day 3: Coromandel to Waitomo •Hike through the Karangahake Gorge •Admire the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua •Explore the lush Ruakuri Reserve •Spend the night in a Māori village, where you'll learn about local history and culture •Visit Hobbiton (extra) •Discover the town and lake in Rotorua Day 5: Rotorua Free Day •Immerse yourself in the history and culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Village Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo •Walk the scenic Huka Falls walkway •Soak under a waterfall or in the naturally heated rock pools at Spa Park Day 7: Taupo Free day •Today is at your leisure; feel free to explore; you can book one of the many optional activities online via the Trip Planner. Day 8: Taupo to River Valley •Walk the trail to Taranaki Falls •Spend the day at River Valley Lodge, nestled along the Rangitikei River •Taste an organic roast dinner Day 9: River Valley to Wellington •Take in the vibrant city vibes of Wellington, New Zealand's capital Day 10: Wellington Free Day •Today is yours to do as you wish! Day 11: Wellington to Kaikoura •Board a spacious ferry for a ride across the Cook Strait •Sip on some local wine in the Marlborough region •Visit the impressive Kaikoura seal colony Day 12: Kaikoura to Christchurch •Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway •Admire incredible panoramic views of Kaikoura •Discover hidden gems of Christchurch on a city-street art trail Day 13: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo •Marvel at the stars in the Dark Sky Project •Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd Day 14: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook •Spend the day inside the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park •Walk through the Hooker Valley track to Hooker Lake Day 15: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown •Feast on a buffet dinner with panoramic views of Queenstown at the Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant Day 16: Queenstown free day •Have the whole day to yourself and explore the wonders of Queenstown Day 17: Queenstown to Milford Sound •2 hour Milford Sound boat cruise Day 18: Queenstown to Lake Hawea via Wanaka •Take in views over Lake Wānaka from Roys Peak (weather dependent) •Visit the famous Wanaka tree Day 19: Lake Hawea to Franz Josef •Discover the Thunder Creek falls in Mt Aspiring National Park •Admire the famous mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook from Lake Matheson Day 20: Franz Josef •Design and carve your own Greenstone jewelry in a West Coast workshop •Take on a glacier walk Day 21: Franz Josef to Christchurch •Explore a variety of trails across Arthur's Pass •Walk the Castle Hill track •Stop at the Devils Punchbowl waterfalls

(Note: tour includes transport from and return to Auckland with hotel pickup and drop off if required) This scenic ebike tour explores the natural beauty of the Karangahake Gorge. Karangahake Gorge trail is an offshoot of the Hauraki Rail Trail that runs between Waihi and Paeroa. This section of trail is steeped in history from the Gold rush days and has masses of interesting features and scenic sights along the way. A free extension that most guests enjoy is a guided ride around the rim of the huge historic mining pit of the Martha Gold mine in Waihi. Your R&R support wagon will be strategically positioned along the way for refreshments and a bite of lunch at one of the many stunning rest points on this trail. We take care of everything so that you only have to worry about turning the pedals and enjoying the beautiful view from your premium ebike. For some added site seeing there is a 45 minute historic train ride available from Waikino to Waihi most weekend days, and also a tour of the Waikino Gold museum including a guided walk under the massive furnaces used to heat up gold ore in the early days of gold mining. Itinerary: 8:00-8:30 - Pickup from Auckland Pickup point, (or Auckland hotel) 8:30-10:30 - Travel to trail head 10:30 - 10:45 - Bike setup per rider and safety briefing 10:45 -11:30 - Ride 14km from Waikino to Waihi for morning tea stop 11:45 - 12:30 - Ride 8km round Waihi mine pit (scenic site-seeing trail) 12:30 - 13:15 - Ride 14km from Waihi to Waikino 13:15 - 14:00 - Lunch at Waikino (optional extra: tour of Waikino museum and tunnels below gold ore furnaces) 14:15 - 15:30 - Ride 10km from Waikino to Paeroa township, (via railway tunnel and railway over-bridges) 15:30 - 18:00 - Packup and travel back to Auckland drop-off point/hotel Ride Characteristics Grade 1-2 riding, Suitable for Beginner riders upwards. 10-40km, (1–4 hours riding) – choose your distance on the day.