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| Hello Friends, I’m Colin Ridge, Journey Coordinator for November’s Outdoor Adventure Journey in New Zealand! You will be blown away by this opportunity to experience the great outdoors in two of New Zealand’s leading outdoor areas. We have it all – hiking, biking, white water rafting, canoeing, archery, and golfing – and we throw in the sightseeing of some of New Zealand’s most famous attractions. |
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The Journey to your first home-hosting begins with a bang, including visits to the famous Waitomo glow-worm caves and the Otorohanga Kiwi House. What a start! Then, FF South Taranaki offers some amazing hikes for you to enjoy including:
- Mount Taranaki – round-trip from Dawson Falls
- Climbing Mount Paritutu followed by a beach walk and boat trip to view the seal colony
- Admiring the bush and birds at the Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve
- Visiting the local Envirofur possum fur products factory and the Tawhiti Museum
- Beach walking from Ohawe to Waihi beaches enjoying the sea life<
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| We then travel inland to the rugged central plateau and the Tongariro National Park with dual UNESCO World Heritage status covering “mixed cultural and natural values.” We stay for two nights at the world-famous hotel, The Chateau, on the side of Mount Ruapehu. This is an area to be explored. You can take one of the many local walks, or go high up the mountain on the gondolas, or, if you are really adventurous, you may choose to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19.4km tramp up and over Mount Tongariro, described as one of the best one-day walks in the world. (Note that there will be a transport cost for this). |
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| On our Journey north to Taupo, we will stop at the famous trout capital of Turangi where we ride the mountain bike trail, followed by a real highlight of the Journey – whitewater rafting down the famed Tongariro River. |
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| Taupo is known as an adventure capital in New Zealand. There are so many options, and we start with an outdoor sports day, including golf putting and driving, archery, and clay target shooting. We have our very own triathlon – although not of a racing kind. We start with a canoe ride down the mighty Waikato River, then enjoy a forest walk through the trees and bush, followed by a bike ride along the river with an experienced guide. You will learn about one of the first geothermal power stations in the world, Prawn Park, local flora and fauna, and the river itself. We will also be able to view the Aratiatia Rapids. |
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| You have a free day where you are spoiled with choices. What about a bungee, a sky dive, a parasail, a helicopter or float plane ride, a boat ride on our great lake, or try your hand at trout fishing. You may decide to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing again, or a hike or bike ride on one of the many area trails. You could also just take time out to enjoy Taupo’s lakefront café culture. It is up to you! There is no need to pre-book as these can be done after you arrive, but note that any cost involved is not included in the overall fee. |
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| The Journey finishes in Rotorua where you will stay two nights and enjoy the many wonders of the city. Included will be a guided tour, including a Maori experience at Whakarewarewa, a tree-top walk, a visit to the beautiful Rotorua gardens which will be in spring bloom, and maybe gondola ride or one of many other delights that are part of this world-famed thermal city’s heritage. From Rotorua, you will make your own plans, which could be to return to Auckland and the home, or to other places in New Zealand like Queenstown or the South Island. |
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| As you can see, a reasonable degree of fitness is required to take part in this wonderful experience. I am looking forward to forming new friendships with fellow adventurers in the great outdoors of New Zealand! In friendship, Colin Ridge, FF Taupo colinjanet123@gmail.com |
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Outdoor Adventure: South Taranaki and Taupo, New Zealand: November 4 to 20, 2019
The cost of this Journey is $1960 USD and includes FFI and host fees, as well as all internal costs. NOT INCLUDED: International airfare and optional activities. All accommodation is on a twin share basis and a single supplement will be an additional fee. |
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