New Zealand Multisport
Biking, Hiking & Kayaking on the North Island
Journey to New Zealand's North Island and you'll find a land of such astounding diversity, you couldn't imagine limiting yourself to just one activity - this area is perfect for biking, hiking, kayaking, swimming and much more. Journey with Backroads from the lush Coromandel Peninsula, to the geothermal region of Rotorua and the famous Hawke's Bay wine region, with plenty of opportunities to stop and taste the local elixir. Combine the country's extraordinary beauty with its people's adventurous spirit and effortless hospitality, and you've got a destination ideal for active exploration.
Trip Planning Links
- Ride through Hawke's Bay, a wine region known for cabernet varietals
- Experience traditional Maori customs and foods at a marae (ceremonial meeting place)
- Stroll past giant tree ferns and hanging vines to a secret valley
- Kayak on Lake Rotoiti to a small hot spring accessible only by boat
- Mangapapa Petit Hotel, a country mansion you won't want to leave
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 pauanui
Meet in Auckland and shuttle to the Coromandel Peninsula 
Our Kiwi guide Damian Johansen leads a walk through a pristine forest Pedal to Hahei and hike to the white-rock sculpture of Cathedral Cove, where white-sand beaches and beautiful waters await.
Days 3-4 rotorua
Hike the lush Karangahake Gorge, crossing suspension bridges and exploring an old gold-mining tunnel before cooling off with a swim under a waterfall Kayak on tranquil Lake Rotoiti and take a dip in lakeside hot springs Bike along Lake Rotorua's beautiful north shore On a tour of the Agrodome, feed sheep, deer and emu, and see Kiwi sheepshearers in action.
Day 5 taupo
Pedal along rolling pastures of Kiwi farmland with dramatic vistas Visit Waikite Hot Pools for a relaxing soak 
At Waiotapu, walk past geysers, thermal springs, colorful silica terraces and percolating mud pots.
Days 6-8 Havelock North
Take a walk to impressive Huka Falls Feeling fearless? Try a bungee jump over the Waikato River Pedal through the beautiful and world-famous Hawke's Bay wine region, past vineyards and shady oak trees, and stop for tastings Hike through redwoods and sheep pastures to the top of dramatic Te Mata Peak for 360-degree views.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I can't wait to take another Backroads trip. It proved to be the best way to experience a new place and be assured we're hitting the high points of each location. It is a great feeling to be taken care of and treated so well by our leaders!- St. Paul, MN More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the New Zealand tour experts. For multisport tours in Asia & the Pacific, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Asia & the Pacific multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Asia & the Pacific biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Asia & the Pacific walking and hiking tours click here.
New Zealand Multisport
INTIMATE RETREATS: Premiere Inns
Puka Park Resort
Pauanui (2 nights) Settle into your private chalet at this secluded wilderness retreat set among 25 acres of New Zealand bush.
Duxton Hotel
Rotorua (2 nights) Enjoy this lovely property set on Lake Rotoiti, with pools, tennis courts, on-site spa treatments and spacious guest rooms.
Millennium Hotel
Taupo (1 night) Check in to your oversized room with beautiful views of Lake Taupo.
Mangapapa Petit Hotel
Hawke's Bay (2 nights) Built over a century ago, this beautifully renovated country retreat offers lovely grounds, an incredible restaurant and a host of amenities.
New Zealand Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 20 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 6 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 30 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Kayaking 3 hours
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 21, 39 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 13, 24 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 26, 29, 58 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3 miles
- 500-1000 feet elevation gain