Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Tauranga
Leave Auckland heading to Tauranga, starting with a walk through Karangakake gorge where you'll see native forest and rock formations. Stop in Waihi for lunch, then continue along the coast to Mt Maunganui. Spend the afternoon checking out the area around the mountain and beach, and later meet up with your group for dinner where you can try local food and hear stories from other travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Group dinner with local cuisine)
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Karangakake gorge
- Lunch in Waihi
- Explore Mt Maunganui
Landmarks/POIs Karangakake Gorge Mt Maunganui - Day 2
Tauranga to Rotorua
Head to Rotorua with a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set where they filmed the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. You'll walk around the set and see all the details from the movies, then grab lunch at Shire's Rest Cafe. After that, continue on to Rotorua itself, which sits in an area known for hot springs and geothermal activity throughout the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Shire's Rest Cafe)
Included Activities
- Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour
- Lunch at Shire's Rest Cafe
Landmarks/POIs Hobbiton Movie Set - Day 3
Rotorua
Rotorua is yours to shape how you want. The options are there if you're into white water rafting on the Kaituna River, or if you'd rather keep things calm, the Polynesian Spa has hot pools perfect for soaking. Other choices include the Redwoods Treewalk if you want to be up in the trees, e-bike tours for exploring the area, or hiking Mt Tarawera for something more challenging. Your guide handles booking whatever you pick.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- White water rafting on Kaituna River
- Soak at Polynesian Spa thermal pools
- Explore Redwoods Treewalk
- E-bike tour
- Hike Mt Tarawera
Landmarks/POIs Kaituna River Polynesian Spa Redwoods Treewalk Mt Tarawera - Day 4
Rotorua to Taupo
Travel to Huka Falls and see the sheer force of water dropping down (it's quite something). From there, head to Wai-o-Tapu where the geothermal area has colorful hot springs and geysers scattered throughout. By evening you'll be in Taupo, and if you want, there's an option to take a sunset cruise on Lake Taupo where you can see the lake and surrounding landscape from the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Huka Falls
- Visit Wai-o-Tapu geothermal wonders
Optional Activities
- Sunset cruise on Lake Taupo
Landmarks/POIs Huka Falls Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland Lake Taupo - Day 5
Taupo
Spend the day in Taupo at your own pace exploring local spots and shops. If you want something active, the Tongariro Crossing offers a full-day hike, or jet boating if speed's your thing. For a more relaxed approach, you might try fishing, take a scenic flight over the area, or soak in hot springs. The choice is completely yours.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Tongariro Crossing
- Jet boating
- Fishing
- Scenic flights
- Soak in hot springs
Landmarks/POIs Lake Taupo Tongariro Crossing - Day 6
Taupo to Cambridge
Leave Taupo for Waitomo Caves where a guide takes you through underground passages filled with limestone formations and glowworms lighting up the cave walls. Next is the Hamilton Gardens with a guided walk through different themed garden spaces that represent various cultures and time periods. End the day in Cambridge, a small town where you can wander the streets, check out shops, and grab coffee or a meal at local cafes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Waitomo Glowworm Cave guided tour
- Visit Hamilton Gardens guided tour
Optional Activities
- Explore Cambridge town
Landmarks/POIs Waitomo Glowworm Caves Hamilton Gardens - Day 7
Cambridge to Auckland
Your last morning on the North Island takes you to Raglan, a coastal town where you can spend time browsing shops and cafes, soaking up the local feel. Stop at Bridal Veil Falls, a 55-meter waterfall that's worth seeing before you head back to Auckland. From there it's either airport drop-off or into the city center, depending on your plans.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Bridal Veil Falls
Optional Activities
- Explore Raglan town
- Visit Raglan shops and cafes
Landmarks/POIs Bridal Veil Falls Raglan
