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The cost of your trip includes the following:
Please note that the following are not included, and are your responsibility to arrange:
Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand. Our trip will begin at 10am on March 5th, so we highly recommend arriving the previous evening so you’re rested and ready to start our journey. If you arrive on the morning of 5th we’ll meet you at the airport.
We'll travel through the central Waikato today to the edge of Ngati Manawa tribal lands and the stunning Whirinaki Forest, where we will meet our hosts for the next two days, Nadine and Karl of Kohutapu Lodge.
Staying at Kohutapu Lodge immerses us immediately into a rich and intimate Maori cultural experience that is truly unique in New Zealand. We’ll be welcomed by Nadine and Karl’s warm Māori manaakitanga (hospitality) and have a celebration welcome dinner together.
Nadine and Karl will prepare enough food not only for our welcome feast, but also for us to help package up and deliver to the Murupara community and school - just one way Kohutapu show their deep commitment and support for their community.
Our first evening will be spent on whakawhanaungatanga (getting to know each other) and setting the tone for the GOOD Awaits Aotearoa experience.
Day 2
Today we will have the privilege of walking with our hosts in Te Pua a Tāne, The Whirinaki Rainforest, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most diverse forests. We’ll take a gentle 12km (7.5mile) hike through this ancient, awe-inspiring forest, visiting the Aniwhenua Waterfall, touching 1000 year old trees, learning how plants are used as medicine, and being rejuvenated through forest bathing in this old growth forest.
Tonight we’ll enjoy another dinner at Kohutapu Lodge tonight before relaxing and connecting over storytelling around the campfire.
Day 3
Travelling further south today, we’ll make our way to our next hosts, Brian and Nicola Megaw of River Valley Lodge.
River Valley sits right next to the beautiful Rangitikei River and we’ll spend the next two nights enjoying the tranquillity of rural New Zealand, experiencing life on a regenerative farm. We’ll have dinner from River Valley’s very own garden, a “taster” of what we’ll be able to explore in their permaculture farm the next day.
Day 4
Choose your day! River Valley offers stunning white water rafting trips for those who want to be on the river. Or you can choose to rent an ebike and explore the country roads in this beautiful area. Or just relax by the river, read, snooze, or just breathe in the surrounding beauty. Some of us will enjoy this disconnected downtime, while others may choose to be more active. Your choice.
For those interested in joining our expert and passionate local River Valley guides on the Rangitikei River, choose either an adventurous grade 5 white water rafting experience, or a gentle grade 2 ride. The white water trip on the thunderous Rangitikei river will get your adrenaline pumping, or cruise downstream from the lodge for a more serene connection with nature. Both experiences are magical.
In the afternoon we’ll korero (chat) in River Valley Acres - the lodge garden. Brian, Nicola and their family believe in serving food that is ethical, local and environmentally sustainable. Their garden and food philosophy is an expression of their core beliefs about the holistic nature of what River Valley does.
Dinner will be a seasonal and creative celebration of the bounty that is River Valley.
Day 5
Today we’re heading down the Kāpiti coast and taking a ferry from Paraparaumu Beach to breathtaking Kāpiti Island, a nature reserve that is home to some of New Zealand’s most treasured and endangered species. We’ll be hosted by Kāpiti Island Nature Tours who have been welcoming visitors to the Island for generations and will share the unique ecological and human history of this place with you.
After a dinner with our hosts at the Lodge, we’ll have the privilege of walking with our guides after dark to try spotting New Zealand’s treasured kiwi and other nocturnal species in the wild. After our walk we’ll bunk down in modest cabin accommodation on the island.
Day 6
Waking up to the serenity of Kāpiti Island is something special - a whole chorus of New Zealand’s native birds will greet you in the morning! Today we’ll explore more of the island with our hosts, either wandering and bird watching at the base of Kāpiti’s maunga (mountain), or by climbing the trig track to a spectacular view at the top.
We’ll depart the island by ferry in the late afternoon and travel to Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington for our last night on the North Island. We’ll rest and get refreshed at the central-city Bolton Hotel. Dinner tonight offers a unique dining experience that supports a local charity restaurant, Everybody Eats.
Day 7
Today we’ll leave the North Island of Aotearoa and head south via the Interislander Ferry, arriving via the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. We’ll settle in to Kimi Ora Eco Resort in Kaiteriteri, where we’ll be spending the next three nights while we explore the Nelson-Tasman region. Climate Positive Kimi Ora offers us lovely accommodation, stunning views of Kaiteriteri Bay while dining on sumptuous locally sourced and seasonal vegetarian dishes.
Day 8
Today we’ll explore the stunning Abel Tasman coastline in a paddling waka (Māori canoe). Embracing the spirit of adventure, together we’ll push off from the golden sand beaches and paddle out into the turquoise waters of Abel Tasman National park. Paddling a waka is a journey of discovery, combining idyllic scenery, exercise, history and tradition. This unique experience leaves you feeling connected and empowered.
Lee-Ann and Todd Jago own Waka Abel Tasman, and are passionate about waka, the outdoors, tikanga Māori (correct Māori etiquette) and sharing these things with others. Their community is at the heart of everything they do as well as uplifting rangitahi (young people). By spending a day with Waka Abel Tasman, we are helping their community’s growth and empowerment.
Day 9
The Nelson Tasman region is committed to reducing their carbon footprint and today we’ll spend time with some of the trailblazers who are certified Zero Carbon or Climate Positive businesses. We’ll learn about what it means to be Zero Carbon while experiencing the wonderful local offerings of the “Top of the South” - flat whites and forest walks, canyons and craft beers.
Day 10
Leaving the gorgeous Nelson Tasman region behind, we’ll travel south and inland, through dense nature forests, to arrive at Maruia Hotsprings. This evening we’ll relax, unwind, and breathe in the remote beauty of this wellness centre and natural hot spring where we will indulge in the healing geothermal waters.
Day 11
Our last full day together will be marked by a visit to host Angela Clifford's The Food Farm, a bountiful and regenerative food experience. As well as enjoying some freshly picked and prepared food from Angela’s farm, we’ll be energised by Angela’s passion for all things food, and explore our own connection to local and seasonal foods.
We’ll spend our last night in Christchurch and celebrate our journey by preparing and sharing food together and recounting stories that have moved us, deepening our own commitment to action on our return home.
Day 12
You’ll farewell new friends today as you prepare to depart today from Christchurch. If you let us know of your return travel plans in advance we can assist with your airport transfer or other requirements.
