Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand. After you arrive and settle into Haka House Auckland City, take some time to walk down to the waterfront and explore the city at your own pace. Later this afternoon, you'll meet your guide at 6pm for an introduction to the tour. From there, you'll head out for dinner together (this is on your own cost).
Optional Activities
- Walk the waterfront
- Explore Auckland city
Landmarks/POIs Auckland Waterfront - Day 2
Auckland to Hahei Beach
You'll leave Auckland and head to Hahei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. When the tides are right, the bus takes you to Hot Water Beach where you'll dig your own natural hot pool in the sand. That evening, the group gathers for a classic Kiwi BBQ dinner at the resort.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Classic Kiwi BBQ group dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit Hot Water Beach
- Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach
Optional Activities
- Kayaking
- Hahei Explorer
Landmarks/POIs Hahei Beach Hot Water Beach Coromandel Peninsula - Day 3
Hahei Beach
This is a full free day in Hahei. You could catch the sunrise and take a kayak to Cathedral Cove, board a boat to see the sea caves, or just relax on the beach. There's also a local pub if you want to grab a beer and kick back with other travelers. It's entirely up to you how you spend your time here.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Cathedral Cove sunrise kayak
- Hahei Explorer boat cruise
- Beach time
- Local pub visit
Landmarks/POIs Cathedral Cove Hahei Beach - Day 4
Hahei to Rotorua
You'll start early to catch the sunrise at Hahei Beach. Then it's back on the bus heading toward Rotorua, with a stop for a scenic walk through Karangahake Gorge along the way. Next you'll visit the Hobbiton Movie Set where Lord of the Rings was filmed, then walk through Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and explore Rotorua township. Ask your guide what other activities are available in the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Karangahake Gorge scenic walk
- Hobbiton Movie Set tour
- Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk
Optional Activities
- Various Rotorua activity options (consult guide)
Landmarks/POIs Karangahake Gorge Hobbiton Movie Set Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest - Day 5
Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua
The morning in Rotorua gives you options: go ziplining, try waterfall plunging with a 7m drop, soak in Polynesian Spa hot pools, or wander through Kuirau Park to see the bubbling mud pools. After lunch, you'll head off the beaten path to Lake Aniwhenua where the local Māori whānau welcomes you at Kohutapu Lodge. You'll see sacred rock carvings, try traditional stick games, and finish with a ground-cooked hangi dinner buffet.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental breakfast), Dinner (Full traditional hangi buffet dinner and dessert)
Included Activities
- Learn the Haka
- Māori flax weaving
- Guided tour to sacred Māori rock carvings
- Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history and challenges
- Traditional hangi buffet dinner and dessert
- Māori cultural games
- Volleyball
Optional Activities
- Rotorua Canopy tours
- Rotorua Rafting
- Polynesian Spa
- Ziplining
- Waterfall plunging (7m waterfall)
- Kuirau Park with bubbling mud pools exploration
Landmarks/POIs Lake Aniwhenua Kuirau Park - Day 6
Lake Aniwhenua to Taupo
After your buffet breakfast, head to Kerosene Creek for a morning soak in the naturally hot river. Then it's on to Taupo to see Australasia's largest lake and the Huka Falls. You'll grab lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon as you like, whether that's exploring the area, relaxing at your accommodation, or just taking in the scenic surroundings.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Kerosene Creek naturally hot river soak
- View Huka Falls
Optional Activities
- Skydiving in Taupo
- Bungy jumping in Taupo
- Explore Taupo
- Walk and relax at accommodation
Landmarks/POIs Kerosene Creek Huka Falls Lake Taupo - Day 7
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Early start into Tongariro National Park for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19 km trail through volcanic landscape with steaming vents, crater lakes, and alpine ridges. If snow or ice is present, you'll need a qualified alpine guide and special equipment (additional cost). Your guide prioritizes safety, so if conditions aren't right for the full crossing, other incredible hiking options in the park are ready to go instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Optional Activities
- Alpine guide and specialist winter gear (required in snow/ice conditions)
- Taranaki Falls walk
- Visit the Volcanic Centre
- Tawhai Falls (Gollum's pool)
Landmarks/POIs Tongariro Alpine Crossing Tongariro National Park Taranaki Falls Tawhai Falls (Gollum's pool) Volcanic Centre - Day 8
Tongariro to Wellington
You'll head to Wellington, known as the coolest little capital in the world. The downtown is packed with character and good restaurants along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Spend your afternoon at Te Papa National Museum, grab a craft beer at a brewery, climb Mt Victoria for panoramic views, stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade, or enjoy Wellington's coffee culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Te Papa National Museum visit
- Wellington Cable Car
- Climb Mt Victoria for panoramic views
- Visit Cuba Street
- Visit Courtenay Place
- Browse cafes and craft breweries
- Walk Oriental Parade
- Gumboot (welly) throwing
Landmarks/POIs Te Papa National Museum Mt Victoria Oriental Parade Cuba Street Courtenay Place Wellington Cable Car - Day 9
Wellington
Another free day in Wellington. You can check out Parliament and the iconic Beehive government building, explore the lively arts scene, visit craft breweries and cafés, do some shopping, walk down Oriental Parade, or browse the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum at your own pace. The city has plenty to offer depending on what interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Te Papa National Museum visit
- Wellington Cable Car
- Weta Workshop visit
- Walk Oriental Parade
- Climb Mt Victoria for views
- Arts and galleries exploration
- Shopping
- Craft beer sampling
- Café hopping
Landmarks/POIs Parliament of New Zealand Beehive (New Zealand Parliament) Te Papa National Museum Oriental Parade Mt Victoria Weta Workshop - Day 10
Departure
Your adventure comes to an end. You'll say goodbye to your guide and the other travelers you've met along the way. Thanks for the memories and hopefully you'll be back to explore New Zealand again sometime.
- Meals
- Breakfast
