Itinerary
- Day 1
Wellington
You'll arrive in Wellington and head to your accommodation for a 7:30pm welcome meeting with your group leader and other travelers. After that, the evening is yours to explore. Wellington has a great food scene and craft beer culture worth checking out on your own if you're interested.
Optional Activities
- Explore Wellington's food and craft beer scene
Landmarks/POIs Wellington - Day 2
Wellington
Start the day at Zealandia, a conservation project where they've brought back over 20 native bird species. Your leader takes you through the city covering the bays, central Wellington, the Botanic Gardens, and Parliament Buildings. By afternoon, you can either visit Weta Workshop (the special effects studio from Lord of the Rings) or head to Te Papa Museum to see New Zealand's history and cultural displays.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary visit
- Orientation tour - Wellington bays, central Wellington, Botanic Gardens, Parliament Buildings
Optional Activities
- Weta Workshop studio tour
- Te Papa Museum visit
Landmarks/POIs Zealandia Wellington Botanic Gardens Parliament Buildings Weta Workshop Te Papa Museum - Day 3
Wellington to Taupo
Spend your final Wellington morning on Cuba Street grabbing breakfast or checking out the City Gallery. Then you'll head north toward Lake Taupo, passing views of the volcanic peaks Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro along the way. You'll arrive in Taupo, a busy town on a crater lake, where you're staying for two nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Huka Falls visit
Optional Activities
- Cuba Street exploration for breakfast
- City Gallery visit
Landmarks/POIs Cuba Street City Gallery Wellington Lake Taupo Mount Ruapehu Mount Ngauruhoe Mount Tongariro - Day 4
Taupo
You have a free day at Lake Taupo to do what interests you. The area has lots of adventure sports and hiking options. If you want a real challenge, the Tongariro Crossing is a 19.4km day hike that takes you around a volcano with views of lakes, craters, and native bush.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Tongariro Crossing hike (19.4km)
Landmarks/POIs Lake Taupo Tongariro Crossing - Day 5
Taupo to Rotorua
Leave Lake Taupo and drive to Rotorua, stopping at Huka Falls to see the bright blue water. In Rotorua, you'll walk through an ancient redwood forest on suspension bridges up to 12 metres high. After that, get a full tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set where Lord of the Rings was filmed, including the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. The evening is free to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Huka Falls visit
- Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (fully guided 12-acre Middle-earth set including Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and Green Dragon Inn drink)
Landmarks/POIs Huka Falls Redwood Forest Canopy Walk Hobbiton Movie Set - Day 6
Rotorua
Check out Rotorua's geothermal features including mud pools, geysers, and fluorescent lakes. If you're into it, there's optional ziplining through the forests. Later this evening, you'll experience Māori culture at a cultural site with a hangi dinner and a haka performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Hangi dinner)
Included Activities
- Pohutu Geyser visit
- Hangi Dinner and Haka Dance
Optional Activities
- Ziplining through ancient forests
Landmarks/POIs Pohutu Geyser - Day 7
Rotorua to Raglan
You can start with an optional visit to Waitomo Caves where thousands of glow worms light up the underground system, or walk through Ruakuri Forest's dense rainforest with views of gorges and limestone arches. Then travel to Raglan, a laid-back surf town. Tonight you'll take a sunset boat cruise around Raglan Harbour with fish and chips.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Fish and chips)
Included Activities
- Ruakuri Bush Walk
- Sunset Boat Cruise around Raglan Harbour
- Fish and Chips Dinner
Optional Activities
- Waitomo Caves visit
- Waitomo Caves walking tour
Landmarks/POIs Waitomo Caves Ruakuri Forest Raglan Harbour - Day 8
Raglan to Coromandel Peninsula
Spend the morning in Raglan exploring local cafes, galleries, and shops, or relax on the beach and do a hiking trail for views. In the afternoon, head north toward the Coromandel Peninsula passing through tree-covered hills and valleys. You'll have photo stops including the 55-metre Bridal Veil Falls.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit local cafes, shops, and galleries
- Beach relaxation
- Hiking trails
Landmarks/POIs Bridal Veil Falls - Day 9
Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland
Your leader shows you around the Coromandel Peninsula this morning, which has white sand beaches and lush rainforests. Stop at Hot Water Beach where you can dig in the sand for a natural hot tub (tide depending). By afternoon, travel to Auckland along the coast with blue water views. Your leader can point out some good restaurants in this vibrant city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hot Water Beach visit
Optional Activities
- Natural hot tub at Hot Water Beach (tide dependent)
Landmarks/POIs Hot Water Beach Cathedral Cove - Day 10
Auckland
Your North Island trip ends this morning. You'll say goodbye to your group and depart Auckland.
Landmarks/POIs Auckland
