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YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE AWAITS
new zealand tiritiri matangi island hobbs beach

Auckland and the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf Extension

Tiritiri Matangi, Rangitoto, and Waiheke Island

Overview

Considered to be some of the best cruising grounds in the world, the islands of the Hauraki gulf lie within close proximity to Auckland, but offer experiences that are a world away from bustling city life. You'll explore this diverse range of islands as well as Auckland's vibrant waterfront on this five-day extension before or after one of our New Zealand adventures. Based from your Auckland waterfront hotel and accompanied by one of our fantastic Trip Leaders, visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, sample some of the city's fabulous "kai moana," or seafood, at lovely restaurants, and take day trips by ferry to three distinct islands. Spend a day on Tiritiri Matangi, a wildlife sanctuary and successful conservation story with prolific birdlife, climb to the top of Rangitoto, a volcanic island that juts dramatically from the sea, and walk along gorgeous sandy beaches on Waiheke Island, a haven for artists and winemakers.

Day 1
Arrive in Auckland / Viaduct Basin

Arrive at the Auckland International Airport where you'll be transferred to your hotel at the Viaduct Basin, Auckland's vibrant waterfront. Your guide can recommend a place to grab a bite to eat in one of the area’s many restaurants, and you can stretch your legs on a stroll through the harbor after your long flight. Overnight at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour…Meals on your own.
Driving Time: 30 minutes

View Lodging
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Auckland, New Zealand
Days 1 to 4 (4 nights)
Day 2
Rangitoto Island

After breakfast, visit the great Auckland War Memorial Museum, renowned for its unique collection of Maori and Pacific treasures. The exhibit “Scars on the Heart” tells the story of New Zealand at war, while “He Taonga Maori” is a collection of thousands of priceless Maori artifacts, including the last great Maori war canoe carved from a giant totara tree. Then wander along the waterfront to watch yachts from New Zealand's America's Cup yacht racing campaign and learn about the history of the race. New Zealand currently holds the America's Cup trophy and will host the next battle for the cup in 2022. Board a ferry for a short trip to Rangitoto Island, the looming volcanic island that stands guard over Auckland. Evidence of previous eruptions from this dormant volcano can be seen in the landscape as you hike to the top of the volcano for outstanding views of the city and islands of the Hauraki Gulf. The trail to the summit climbs 850 feet above sea level through the world's largest pohutukawa forest. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is on your own tonight—you’ll find wonderful choices near the hotel, from local seafood and wine to lively rooftop bars and gourmet European cuisine...BL

View Lodging
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Auckland, New Zealand
Days 1 to 4 (4 nights)
Day 3
Tiritiri Matangi Island

This morning you’ll meet your guide and enjoy breakfast at a harbor-front café before ferrying across the gulf to Tiritiri Matangi. Meaning “looking to the wind” in Maori, Tirtiri Matangi is now one of the most successful conservation projects in the world. It’s also rich in Maori and European history. Accompanied by a ranger from the Department of Conservation, you'll tour this impressive wildlife sanctuary before setting off on a hike around the island. Today, unwanted predators that once decimated the island have been eradicated, and the previously pastoral land has been replenished with native plants and trees. Rare native birds and reptiles like the unique tuatara lizard have reclaimed their habitats. Look for some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds on your hike including the takahē, a large, flightless bird, and the saddleback, a glossy black bird with a chestnut-shaped saddle. In the afternoon, return to Aukland for dinner on your own and overnight at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour…BL

View Lodging
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Auckland, New Zealand
Days 1 to 4 (4 nights)
Day 4
Waiheke Island

Take a ferry today to Waiheke Island, known for its wineries, Bohemian artists, and white sandy beaches. Its diverse microclimates create a wide range of soils resulting in a large variety of wines including reds like Merlot and Malbec, and whites from Chardonnay to Pinot Gris. You’ll walk around the coastline through vineyards and forests to white sand and surf. In the quaint beach town of Oneroa, stroll into galleries, book stores, gift shops, and quirky cafes, and enjoy lunch at the local Mud Brick Winery where sweeping views stretch across the water. Return to the city to enjoy your last night in Auckland…BL
Driving Time: 15 minutes

View Lodging
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Auckland, New Zealand
Days 1 to 4 (4 nights)
Day 5
Depart Auckland

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home or your New Zealand hiking adventure…B
Driving Time: 30 minutes

Auckland and the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf Extension

Highlights

Highlights

Stay in the lively Auckland Viaduct Basin with a wide range of restaurants and nightlife; visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum
Explore Tiritiri Matangi, one of the world's most succesful conservation projects, and look for rare native birds and plants
Visit Rangitoto Island and hike through the world's largest pohutukawa forests
Relax on Waiheke Island and stroll along its white sandy beaches and laidback small towns

Details

Length: 5 days
Cost From: $3295  
Full pricing
Arrive: Auckland, New Zealand
Depart: Auckland, New Zealand
Lodging: 4 nights hotel in Auckland
View Lodging
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included each day
Activity: Walking, Wildlife and Natural History
Trip Level:

Walking, hiking, and cultural tours

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

Extension Cost

Prices are per person, valid through Spring 2023
$3295 (2 members)
Solo Traveler: $4995
Single supplement: $695 for 3 members or more
Call for Winter 2023/Spring 2024 pricing
*Please note that this extension may be joined by other participants. The extension price will be determined by the total number of extension guests.

Prices are not guaranteed until services are confirmed.

Information on pricing policy

Wilderness Travel Pricing Policy

Prices are quoted in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. For late sign-ups, payments submitted less than 15 days prior to departure must be made by credit card, cashier's check, or bank wire.

To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are tier priced according to the number of full-paying participants on the trip. Wilderness Travel staff, trip physicians, or guests of Wilderness Travel (travel writers, photographers, leaders-in-training) are not included in the tier pricing count.

All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee.

Please note that for certain trips (usually in the Southern Hemisphere), prices are seasonal, rather than following the calendar year. In such cases, the prices will be clearly listed for the specific season, such as: Fall/Winter. Prices for the following season are normally available approximately six months before the first departure of the season.

View Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions

Payment Schedule*

At time of reservation: $600
75 days prior to departure: Balance

*Payment schedules for certain trips vary, including but not limited to Boat-based Trips, Private Journeys, Extensions, and Special Events. These exceptions are clearly indicated in the Detailed Itineraries for each of these trips.

Prices are listed in US dollars and all payments must be made in US dollars by credit card, check, or wire transfer.

Pricing

To offer the lowest possible price, all of our tours are priced according to the number of full-price participants on the trip. Wilderness Travel staff, trip physicians, or guests of Wilderness Travel (e.g., travel writers, photographers, leaders-in-training) are not included in the tier pricing count.

Your statements will show the highest tier price (smallest group size at which we can operate) until the final payment is due. If the price decreases due to an increase in group size before the trip departs, you will receive a tier refund for the difference.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and do not include airfare. A full list of what is included and not included in the base trip cost is noted in the trip’s Detailed Itinerary. Prices are subject to change as we are occasionally faced with exceptional cost increases or currency fluctuations that we cannot absorb. We do everything we can to keep our prices the same as published.

Please note that for trips in the southern hemisphere such as Patagonia and New Zealand, prices are seasonal. In such cases, the prices quoted in our catalog are for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 only, and are so noted on the catalog trip page and in the Detailed Itinerary. Prices for Fall 2022 would not normally be available until early 2023.

Single Supplements

Accommodations are based on double occupancy. Participants who request single accommodations (subject to availability) must pay a single supplement fee, which is noted in the Detailed Itinerary.

Cancellation and Transfer Policy

If it becomes necessary for you to cancel or transfer to a different trip, the following fees will apply, calculated from the date we receive a written cancellation notice, which can be sent by email, fax, or standard mail.

Cancellation Fee Schedule*

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No charge!
61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

*Cancellation and transfer schedules may differ for certain group trips, as well as Cruises, Private Journeys, Extensions, and Special Events. These exceptions are clearly indicated in the Detailed Itineraries for each of these trips.

Cancellation and Transfer Fees apply to the entire Trip Cost, including the base trip cost and any additional costs, single supplement fees, internal airfare, park fees, permits, etc.

Rates are based on group participation and no partial refunds will be given for unused trip arrangements for any reason whatsoever. If you are confirmed on a trip that requires a Medical Form signed by a doctor, normal cancellation penalties apply if your doctor does not sign the form.

Cancelled Trips

Wilderness Travel reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to departure for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient sign-ups or logistical problems that may impede trip operations. In such a case, a full refund of all land payments is given, which will release Wilderness Travel from any further liability.

If a trip is cancelled due to force majeure (war, labor strikes, earthquakes, flooding, etc.), Wilderness Travel will refund the portion of the trip cost not already advanced to suppliers (hotels, transportation companies, etc.) and use good faith efforts to recover and refund the balance as promptly as possible. However, Wilderness Travel does not guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made, and our use of good faith efforts to recover these payments will not include the institution of any legal proceedings in foreign jurisdictions. Wilderness Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for a cancelled trip (e.g., non-refundable purchase of air tickets, visa fees, inoculations, equipment, etc.) or for any additional arrangements should the trip member depart prior to the scheduled group departure date.

Travel Protection Plan

Wilderness Travel recommends that you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Wilderness Travel offers a customized Travel Protection Plan through Travelex Insurance Services. Details will be sent to you in your Welcome Packet. You can also learn more at here.

Trip Member’s Requirements

Trip members have the responsibility to select a trip appropriate for their abilities and interests. In order to assist you, we grade each trip with a Trip Level and include a detailed “What the Trip is Like” section in each trip’s Detailed Itinerary. Trip members are responsible for preparing for the trip by thoroughly reading the Detailed Itinerary and Pre-Departure booklet and understanding the physical requirements of the trip. Our Area Specialists are available to discuss the fitness level and travel conditions of the trip with you. Wilderness Travel reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to prohibit a trip member from joining or continuing a trip if, in our opinion, the participant is determined to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the tour activities or if the participant is deemed unfit for group travel. Under these circumstances, refunds will not be given.

Limitation of Liability

The payment of a deposit represents acceptance by the tour member(s) of this Release of Liability, Assumption of All Risks and Binding Arbitration Agreement.

Wilderness Travel, Inc., its employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors and successors, (collectively Wilderness Travel) does not own or operate any entity that provides, or is to provide, goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, yacht and other transportation companies, food service providers, equipment suppliers, local ground handlers, naturalist and certain guides, etc. As a result, Wilderness Travel is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person, or of any other third party.

Wilderness Travel is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind that may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including without limitation any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as an airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van, yacht or vessel, local ground handler or guide, whether or not it uses the Wilderness Travel name, financial default or insolvency of any supplier that is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.

Wilderness Travel is not responsible for any loss, injury, death or inconvenience due to delay or change in schedule, overbooking of accommodation, default of any third party, attacks by or bites from wild or domestic animals, pests or insects, epidemics or the threat thereof, sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care and/or evacuation to same, if necessary, weather, strikes, acts of God or government, lost or misplaced luggage, acts of terrorism or the threat thereof, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, or any other cause beyond its control.

I am voluntarily participating in this trip (or any trip to which I may subsequently transfer) with the knowledge of the numerous risks and dangers involved including but not limited to negligence on the part of Wilderness Travel (for example, negligence in the conduct or arrangement of the trip in any respect from inception to completion, negligence with regard to selection of suppliers, locations and otherwise). I acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of adventure travel, such as this trip, is derived in part from the inherent risks incurred by travel and activity beyond the accepted safety of life at home or work and that these inherent risks contribute to such enjoyment and excitement, and are a reason for my participation. I agree to be responsible for my own welfare and accept any and all risks of delay, unanticipated events, inconvenience, illness, injury, emotional trauma or death.

Wilderness Travel reserves the right to refuse as a trip participant, or remove, at his or her own expense and without any refund, from a trip, any person it judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who it determines detracts from the enjoyment of the trip by others. I agree to follow all written and verbal rules of safety or otherwise presented to me by Wilderness Travel, the trip leaders, or the local ground handler. Wilderness Travel reserves the right to make route, hotel, itinerary, leader changes and trip modifications as required or desirable to improve the trip quality and/or to accommodate the comfort and wellbeing of guests.

Binding Arbitration

Any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this contract, brochures, web information, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in Berkeley, California, according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) California law excluding any application or consideration of the California Arbitration Act. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable.

Miscellaneous Matters

Wilderness Travel shall not be liable for (a) expenses such as additional hotel nights and meals not specified in the individual trip itineraries, but which may be required to get to or from a trip start or end; (b) expenses due to the delay of a trip for any reason (e.g., bad weather, trail conditions, land slides, flooding, sickness, etc.); (c) expenses incurred in recovering luggage lost by airlines, belongings left behind on a trip, or in shipping purchases or other goods home from abroad.

Wilderness Travel reserves the right to take photographic or film records of any of our trips, and may use any such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes without payment.

 

California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Wilderness Travel is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. California law requires certain Sellers of Travel to have a trust account or bond. Wilderness Travel has such a trust account.

Extension Cost Includes

  • Accommodation
  • Meals as indicated
  • Services of guides
  • Airport transfers
  • Activities as indicated

Extension Cost Does Not Include

International airfare; additional hotel nights or extra costs that may be necessitated by airline changes; meals not specified (BLD) after each itinerary day; airport departure tax, items of personal nature (medical immunizations, visas, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.); optional gratuities to hotel staff, transfer agents, drivers, and guides.

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Auckland, New Zealand

This hotel is situated right on Auckland’s harbor, making it the perfect base during our time here. Guest rooms are clean and spacious, with very comfortable beds as well as modern bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and separate rain showers. There is a great restaurant to enjoy a drink, and an open-air cafe that overlooks the harbor. The hotel is a short walk to all the city sights.

Our Trips using this Lodging

  • Auckland and the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf Extension
Sofitel auckland viaduct harbour 01
Sofitel auckland viaduct harbour 02
Sofitel auckland viaduct harbour 03
Sofitel auckland viaduct harbour 04
Sofitel auckland viaduct harbour 05
Sofitel auckland viaduct harbour 06
Sofitel auckland viaduct harbour 07
Sofitel auckland viaduct harbour 08

Best Matched Trips

Pair this extension with any of the following adventures
tongariro crossing new zealand hiker

Hiker's Journey to New Zealand

From North to South Island on the Best Trails of the Te Araroa

Hike the best parts of New Zealand’s Te Araroa trail on the North and South Islands, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Queen Charlotte Track.

12 days from: $8295

Trip Level:

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

new zealand aerial view coastline tutukaka

New Zealand: Hidden Treasures of the Far North

Great Hikes and Cultural Adventures in a Land of Maori Legends

Hiking and cultural tour of New Zealand’s North Island, with wine tasting, snorkeling, Maori legends, and the Te Araroa trail at iconic Cape Reinga.

8 days from: $5995

Trip Level:

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

new zealand milford sound mitre peak

New Zealand: South Island Adventure

A Dream Journey in Nature’s Wonderland

Hike the South Island of New Zealand's most beautiful national parks, swim with dolphins, cruise Milford Sound, taste local wines, enjoy Kiwi culture.

13 days from: $8195

Trip Level:

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

underwater swimming with the humpbacks tonga

Tonga: Swimming with Humpback Whales

In the Remote Tropical Ha’apai Islands

Journey to Tonga for unforgettable encounters with humpback whales, along with sea kayaking adventures, snorkeling, and exploring Tonga's Ha'apai Islands.

8 days from: $7295

Trip Level:

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

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Wilderness Travel

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Wilderness Travel Awards
1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Wilderness Travel Awards
1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Discover
  • Our Trips
  • New Trips
  • Special Offers
  • Top Ten Places in 2023
  • Wish List
  • Travel Blog
Keep in Touch
  • Contact Us
  • Catalog Request
  • Digital Catalog
  • Enews Sign-up
  •  
  •  
  •  
About WT
  • Welcome
  • How We Travel
  • Our Leaders
  • Making a Difference
  • Awards
  • WT in the News
  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Resources
  • Reserving a Trip
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Toucan Club
  • Referrals
  • Post-trip Survey
  • Client Forms & Helpful Links
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Agents
  • Gear Store
  • Gift Certificates
  • Travel During Covid-19
  • Site Map