After months of creation, Alyra team offer you an itinerary to this dream destination. Prepare yourself to experience this unique trip in the Home of Middle-earth. OPTION 1 Aotearoa : Land of the long white cloud - North Island (Te Ika-a-Maui).

PART 1 – Days 3 to 5: The coast and idyllic beaches of the North Island 

• Discover Auckland, the largest city in New-Zealand. Highlights include the city’s many shops and cafés located on the famous Queen street, as well as its parks, seaside promenades and lively port.
• Hike Mount Eden, where the peak offers an uninterrupted view of the islands of Auckland Bay.
• Visit the Coromandel Peninsula and its picturesque beaches.
• Explore Hot Water Beach, a natural hot springs. Hot water lying under the beach’s sand reaches the surfaces by filtering through two subterranean fissures. Digging into the sand creates natural warm water pools and your own private outdoor Jacuzzi!
• Journey through Cathedral Cove, a gigantic limestone arch.
• Take in the sunset from the peak of Mount Maunganui, a volcanic crater that rises from the Pacific Ocean, 232 meters above sea level.

2 nights in Auckland in a hostel
Private transport from Auckland to Coromandel (2h15)
1 night at Mound Maunganui in a hostel
Private transport from Mount Maunganui to Rotorua (3h)

PART 2 – Days 6 to 8: Geothermal Energy, Maori Culture and Mountains

• Rotorua - Visit to the volcanic city and Maori cultural encounter including a dinner and show. Discover the warrior dance haka as well as Maori traditional cuisine using the hangi cooking method. -Urban exploration of geothermal phenomenon in the heart of the city: bubbling mud pools, small geysers, plumes of smoke… -Experience agricultural life at the Agrodome where you can observe sheep. This cow and sheep-breeding farm, situated on a 160-hectare property, offers visitors an authentic experience of agricultural life in New Zealand.
• Hike Tongariro : a walk amongst the volcanoes                    -Hike (3 - 4 hours) in Tongariro National Park, a designated UNESCO world heritage site, known for its beauty and the diversity of its panoramic views. This park served as the location for many of the scenes in the the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

2 nights in Rotorua in a hostel
Private transport from Rotorua to Tongariro (2h)
1 night in Tongariro in a hostel
Private transport from Tongariro to Wellington (4h)

PART 3 –Days 9 to 12: The center of the North Island and the capital city Wellington

• The centre of the North Island: The ground travel route towards the capital Wellington offers stunning and diverse landscapes.
• Learn about the country’s heritage of rugby as well as the famous “All Blacks” rugby team during a visit to the Rugby Museum in the city of Palmerston North.
• Discover the vibrant and eclectic city of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.
• Take in a panoramic aerial view of Wellington from inside the funicular (cable car) en route to the city’s botanical garden, a sprawling 25 hectares housing thousands of species of plants and flowers.
• Walk through the port to the Te Papa museum, featuring innovative and interactive expositions covering the culture, history, fauna and flora of New Zealand.
• Visit to the historic neighbourhood of Cuba Street where you will find cool and quintessentially “kiwi” restaurants, bars and cafes.
• Visit a seal colony located between cliffs of red volcanic rocks and the strong tidal waters of the Cook Straight, then take a dip in the Bay of Fitzroy.

3 nights in Wellington in a hostel
Private transport from Wellington to New Plymouth (4h40)

PART 4 – Day 13 to 15: New Zealand’s West coast: Unspoilt nature and black sand

• Discover the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.
• Bike excursion along an ocean-side path, followed by a picnic and swimming at Fitzroy beach.
• Enjoy the black sand beaches and cool, eco-friendly ambience of the city of Raglan “the pearl of Waikato”.
• Visit the 55 meter high Bridal Waterfalls
• Beginner surfing lesson at “Surfers Paradise”
• Nighttime glow-worm observation: these insects use bioluminescence to shine in the darkness.

1 night in New Plymouth in a hostel
Private transport from New Plymouth to Raglan (3h30)
2 nights in Raglan in a hostel
Private transport from Raglan to Auckland (1h30)
Days 15 to 16: Flight from Auckland to Montréal

• Preps

  Travel documents
  A valid passport that expires at least 6 months after the date of your return flight back home.

  Luggage
  The least amount of luggage possible. We recommend bags that are practical and easy to carry. One large bag and a small day back-pack is ideal.

  Health
  We recommend you consult your local medical travel clinic (or doctor) a few months before leaving in order to ensure you have the necessary vaccines. Your medical insurance card might not cover costs incurred due to injuries or health costs when you are abroad. If you need to travel with medication of some kind, please bring a doctor’s prescription.

  Safety
  We recommend you bring a concealed belt that can hold your important documents, credit cards and currencies. It is illegal to take any objects found in archeological sites or any natural resources from any of the national parks, ecological reserves, protectorates or any other sites visited.

  Insurance
  Find information of our availaible travel insurance: Cancellation/medical policy and Youth travel policy.

• These prices include

  • International flights from Montreal and back;
  • Alyra’s CO (Creative Organizer) accompanying the group 24/7;
  • Local transportation;
  • Lodging: multiple occupancy (single and double for an extra cost);
  • Food: 3 meals a day (local authentic food will be served);
  • Snacks and potable water at all times;
  • Non-alcoholic drinks and potable water during meals;
  • Activities/visits mentioned with local guides (when mentioned);
  • Entrance tickets for museums, parks, sites, etc mentioned in the itinerary;
  • Tips to local guides, drivers, restaurants, etc.;
  • Pre-trip prep: 2 meetings with the students/parents to prepare everyone for the trip;

• These prices do not include

  • 0.1% for the OPC (Consumer Protection Office);
  • Insurance Package: Medical, Interruption and Cancelation coverage;
  • Visa expenses (for non-canadian passports);
  • Souvenirs/gifts you decide to buy;