Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Hahei
You'll get picked up from central Auckland and driven toward Coromandel Peninsula with a few stops to take in the scenery. Once you reach Hahei, head to Cathedral Cove (you might recognize it from the Narnia films). The afternoon opens up for kayaking or swimming in the turquoise water. By evening, make your way to Hot Water Beach to soak in the natural hot pools while watching the sunset, which is really the perfect way to end the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Entry to Hot Water Beach
- Exploration of Cathedral Cove
Optional Activities
- Kayaking in Hahei
- Swimming in turquoise waters
- Scenic stops along Auckland to Hahei route
Landmarks/POIs Cathedral Cove Hot Water Beach - Days 2 - 3
Hahei to Rotorua
You'll leave Hahei early and drive toward Rotorua, stopping at Wai-O-Tapu along the way to see geothermal features at work. Once in Rotorua, you've got plenty of options for the afternoon and next day. Luging, zorbing, and white water rafting are available if you want action, or you could watch a cultural performance and take in the geothermal landscape. On your second day there, you can relax in natural thermal hot springs, check out the bubbling mud pools, or hike up Mount Tarawera's volcanic crater.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Breakfast
Included Activities
- Entry into Wai-O-Tapu
- Access to natural thermal hot springs in Rotorua
- Observation of bubbling mud pools
Optional Activities
- Luging in Rotorua
- Zorbing in Rotorua
- White water rafting in Rotorua
- Cultural performances in Rotorua
- Hiking Mount Tarawera volcanic crater
Landmarks/POIs Wai-O-Tapu Mount Tarawera - Day 4
Rotorua to Taupo
You'll head to Taupo, stopping at Hobbiton if you want to explore the Lord of the Rings filming location. From there, you'll see Huka Falls and get a sense of the region's trout-filled rivers. Later in the afternoon, find a spot by Lake Taupo for a sunset drink. When it gets dark, you can either take a scenic sailing cruise across the lake or head to one of the local restaurants for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Huka Falls Walking Loop
- Viewing of Lake Taupo shoreline
Optional Activities
- Hobbiton movie set exploration
- Scenic sailing cruise on Lake Taupo
- Dining at local restaurants in Taupo
- Sunset drink by Lake Taupo
Landmarks/POIs Hobbiton Huka Falls Lake Taupo - Day 5
Taupo
Spend a full day doing what Taupo does best. If you want thrills, there's jetboating or skydiving from 15,000 feet above the lake. If you prefer hiking, tackle Mount Tauhara or the Tongariro Crossing, which is a serious one-day walk but worth the effort. Sailing on the lake is another option if you want something a bit more relaxed. You've got real choices here.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Jetboating on Lake Taupo
- Scenic sailing on Lake Taupo
- Skydiving from 15,000 feet
- Hiking Mount Tauhara
- Tongariro Crossing one-day walk
Landmarks/POIs Mount Tauhara Tongariro Crossing Lake Taupo - Day 6
Taupo to Raglan
Start early heading to Raglan, but first you'll stop at Waitomo, the underground caving town where you have 3.5 hours to do cave activities. Your guide will help you pick between wet or dry options depending on what sounds good. After Waitomo, continue to Raglan, a laid-back surf town where you'll spend the night. There's an included group dinner at a spot your guide knows well.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Group dinner at a favourite spot of your guide)
Included Activities
- Exploration of Waitomo (3.5 hours)
- Group dinner in Raglan
Optional Activities
- Wet caving activities in Waitomo
- Dry caving activities in Waitomo
Landmarks/POIs Waitomo Caves - Day 7
Raglan to Auckland
Your last morning in Raglan gives you time to walk along the dramatic coast and check out the black sand beach. If you feel up for it, try to catch a wave or two. Around 1pm, you'll start the drive back to Auckland with photo stops along the way, possibly including a stop at New Zealand's favorite ice cream shop. You should roll into Auckland by 4pm.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Exploration of Raglan coastal scenery
- Raglan black sand beach access
Optional Activities
- Surfing at Raglan
- Ice cream stop en route to Auckland
Landmarks/POIs Raglan Beach
