Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city positioned between two harbours. After checking in at Lylo Auckland from 2 p.m., you'll meet up with other travelers and your Kiwi Experience Driver Guide at the Welcome Evening starting at 7 p.m.
Included Activities
- Welcome Evening at Lylo Auckland
Optional Activities
- Stroll along Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter
- Catch a ferry
- Hike to the top of Rangitoto Island (dormant volcano)
- Sail to Waiheke Island
Landmarks/POIs Viaduct Harbour Wynyard Quarter Rangitoto Island Waiheke Island - Day 2
Auckland to Waitomo
Kick off with breakfast at Miss Lucy's in Auckland, then head south toward Raglan, a rugged coastal town good for wandering through shops and grabbing coffee. From there, you'll continue to Waitomo for a 90-minute underground walking tour of Ruakuri Cave where you'll see limestone formations and glowworms while learning about Māori history and legends.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at Miss Lucy's)
Included Activities
- Ruakuri Cave Tour (90-minute walking tour)
- Bridal Veil Falls Walk
Optional Activities
- Raglan sightseeing and exploration
- Black Water Rafting - Black Labyrinth experience (upgrade)
- Black Water Rafting - Black Abyss experience (upgrade)
Landmarks/POIs Raglan Ruakuri Cave Bridal Veil Falls - Day 3
Waitomo to Rotorua
After breakfast at Waitomo Chalets, you'll hike through Ruakuri Scenic Reserve taking in landscape views and spotting native wildlife. Later you'll explore the Hobbiton Movie Set, checking out the hobbit holes and gardens before having a drink at The Green Dragon pub. To finish things off, head to the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua to see and learn about the kiwi bird.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at Waitomo Chalets)
Included Activities
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- National Kiwi Hatchery
- Ruakuri Scenic Reserve walk
Landmarks/POIs Ruakuri Scenic Reserve Hobbiton Movie Set The Green Dragon pub National Kiwi Hatchery - Day 4
Rotorua
You have the morning and most of the afternoon free to explore Rotorua however you'd like. Later, you'll head to Te Pā Tū Māori Village to experience Māori traditions and culture, including performances and a traditional meal, followed by time around a bonfire hearing Māori myths and legends. You'll sleep in a traditional sleeping house for the night.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional seasonal kai (meal) at Te Pā Tū Māori Village)
Included Activities
- Immerse yourself in history and culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Village
- Traditional Māori performances
- Bonfire and Māori myths and legends
Optional Activities
- Rotorua Canopy Tours
- Zorb (giant inflatable ball rolling)
- Rotorua Skyline luging
- Redwoods Treetop Walk
- Jade Carving
- Explore geothermal activity areas
Landmarks/POIs Te Pā Tū Māori Village Rotorua Canopy Tours Zorb Rotorua Rotorua Skyline Redwoods Treetop Walk - Day 5
Rotorua to Taupo
Start with breakfast at Te Pā Tū before traveling south to Taupo. You'll check out Huka Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls by volume, with a chance to take photos and do a short walk. As the sun sets, you'll board a scenic cruise across Lake Taupo (a volcanic caldera lake) with pizza on board while heading toward the Māori Rock Carvings. Bring your own drinks and a swimsuit if you want to take a dip.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at Te Pā Tū), Dinner (Pizza onboard Lake Taupo Sunset Sailing cruise)
Included Activities
- Lake Taupo Sunset Sailing with pizza
- Huka Falls sightseeing
Optional Activities
- Taupo Skydiving
- AJ Hackett Swing
- AJ Hackett Bungy
- AJ Hackett Combo - Swing & Bungy
Landmarks/POIs Huka Falls Lake Taupo Māori Rock Carvings - Day 6
Taupo to River Valley
You'll travel to River Valley Lodge on the Rangitikei River in the central North Island. Pick from adventure activities like whitewater rafting, horse trekking, or e-biking, or spend the day relaxing and disconnecting. This evening, the River Valley Chef will prepare a farm-to-table dinner using locally sourced, ethically raised, and sustainable ingredients.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farm-to-table dinner prepared fresh by the River Valley Chef, featuring ethically sourced, local, and sustainable food)
Included Activities
- Farm-to-table dinner at River Valley Lodge
Optional Activities
- River Valley White Water Rafting
- River Valley Horse Riding (experience required)
- River Valley E-Bike
Landmarks/POIs River Valley Lodge Rangitikei River - Day 7
River Valley to Wellington
Head to Wellington, New Zealand's compact capital with nature and creative energy all around. You'll walk through hidden laneways, find street art, and follow the sculpture walk along the waterfront. Stop at Mount Victoria for city views, then spend time at Te Papa, a major museum on Wellington Harbour showing stories of Aotearoa, New Zealand. This evening, track down hidden bars and try one of Wellington's known cafes and restaurants as you say goodbye to the Northern Crossing.
Included Activities
- Mount Victoria viewpoint
- Te Papa museum visit
Optional Activities
- Explore hidden laneways and street art
- Sculpture walk along Wellington waterfront
- Visit hidden bars, cafés, and restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Mount Victoria Te Papa Wellington Waterfront
