Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
Head south-east from Auckland toward the Coromandel Peninsula, where you'll find some great beaches worth exploring. Hot Water Beach is the main stop here, and you can dig into the sand to find naturally heated water for soaking. If you're interested in water activities, there's optional kayaking out to Cathedral Cove available. For dinner, grab some fish and chips or just settle in for a relaxing evening.
Included Activities
- Hot Water Beach visit
Optional Activities
- Cathedral Cove Kayaking
Landmarks/POIs Hot Water Beach Cathedral Cove - Day 2
Coromandel to Waitomo
Leave the Coromandel behind and drive to Karangahake Gorge for a hike through walkways and old mining tunnels. After that, you'll head to Waitomo to check out the glow-worm caves, which have interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations throughout. There's also a walk through Ruakuri Scenic Reserve to do. If you want something more adventurous, black water rafting in tubes beneath glowing worms is optional.
Included Activities
- Karangahake Gorge Walk
- Ruakuri Scenic Walk
Optional Activities
- Waitomo Glowworm cave tour
- Black Water Rafting - Labyrinth
- Ruakuri Cave Tour
Landmarks/POIs Karangahake Gorge Waitomo Caves Ruakuri Scenic Reserve - Day 3
Waitomo to Rotorua
There's an optional stop at Hobbiton village if you want to see the Lord of the Rings movie set. Then you'll move on to Rotorua, where you can see bubbling mud pools, geysers, and natural hot springs. Several activities are available here, including white water rafting, zip lining through the canopy, or a 3-hour Mitai Maori Village evening experience that includes cultural performances and a traditional feast.
Included Activities
- Ruakuri Bushwalk
Optional Activities
- Hobbiton
- White Water Rafting
- Zip Lining
- Mitai Māori Village evening experience
Landmarks/POIs Hobbiton Rotorua - Day 4
Rotorua
This day is all about what Rotorua has to offer. You'll experience the Kaituna river rapids, explore geothermal wonders, and see pristine lakes and forests throughout the area. Optional activities include white water rafting, the Mountain Jade Highlights tour, or the Wai Ariki restorative spa experience if you'd rather take it easier.
Optional Activities
- Kaituna River White Water Rafting
- Mountain Jade Highlights tour
- Wai Ariki restorative journey
Landmarks/POIs Kaituna River - Day 5
Rotorua to Lake Taupō
Start with an optional visit to Te Puia geothermal reserve before heading to Lake Taupo. The walk to Huka Falls is included, so you'll get there and see the thundering water. Later, spend some time at the lake itself, which sits in an extinct volcano crater. Yacht sailing to Maori rock carvings or skydiving above the lake are both available if you want to add more to your day.
Included Activities
- Huka Falls walk
Optional Activities
- Te Puia Geothermal wonderland
- Skydive Taupo
- Taupo Sailing Adventure
- Tongariro Crossing hike
Landmarks/POIs Te Puia Huka Falls Lake Taupō - Day 6
Lake Taupō to Wellington
Head south toward Tongariro National Park and do a two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. From there, you'll travel to Wellington, the capital city, where there's a lot happening culturally and in terms of restaurants and nightlife. Mount Victoria offers good views if you make the trip up, and there's a craft beer scene plus Cuba Street to explore around the city.
Included Activities
- Tongariro National Park walk
- Mount Victoria lookout
Optional Activities
- Te Papa Museum
- Cuba street nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Tongariro National Park Mount Victoria Te Papa Museum Cuba Street
