Itinerary

Day 1 - Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)

We head south through the ‘Waikato’ and some of the world’s best dairy farmland before crossing over a small mountain range and dropping down into the ‘Coromandel region’. We head to our remote beach area to hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove, explore Stingray Bay and have a chance to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach (tide dependent). We stay in our exclusive campsite at the beach and enjoy a BBQ. Quad share cabins only (D).

Day 2 - Hahei to Rotorua

Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast and passing through many idyllic beach towns, we stop for some great walks along the way. These may include Whangamata Beach, the Mt Paku Trig Walk, Bowen Town Heads, and Mt Manganui coastal hike. We then head to our unique Maori cultural stop at “Uncle Boys”. We enjoy a hangi meal and a concert with the local Maori, have a chance to learn the Haka for men and the Poi for women. This is a truly different experience and a great photo opportunity. From here we make the small trip to Rotorua to our accommodation for the evening. (B, D).

Day 3 - Rotorua to Waitomo

This morning we explore the Rotorua area, visiting stunning lakes, geothermal areas and hiking through Redwood forest. For those after some other adventure you have options of doing a skydive, going white water rafting, or simply wandering around and seeing some of NZ’s most tacky souvenirs. We then take the back road to New Zealand’s premier caving destination where you get a chance to take in the local farming culture and countryside. We do a walk where you can see the famous glow worms and give you options to do some amazing caving activities (D).

Day 4 - Waitomo to National Park

An early start this morning as we head further south to the Central Plateau and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Today you get a chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing, which is highly regarded as New Zealand’s best one-day walk. For those less active there will be shorter walks and a visit to the Department of Conservation (DOC) volcanic centre. If the weather is unfavourable we have great options which include the smaller walks and the volcanic centre but also a visit to Lake Taupo and an option of swimming in geothermal pools. Tonight’s accommodation is at our exclusive lodge ‘The Park’ (B, D).

Day 5 - National Park to Wellington

Following the great day we have had in National Park we head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.  We have the afternoon to explore “Te Papa”, NZ’s national museum and strongly recommend the walk along Oriental Parade’ and/or up Mt Victoria to get the best view of the city. We stay in central Wellington accommodation tonight (B).

Day 6 - Wellington to Auckland

For those of you not continuing with us onto the South Island, we will head back to Auckland via Lake Taupo. Today is a long day’s driving through picturesque New Zealand scenery, broken up with a walk and lunch in the Taupo region (B). .