Auckland, Rotorua & Taupo

Auckland - Waihi - Mount Maunganui / Tauranga. Get ready for a day full of adventure and breathtaking views as we leave Auckland at 09:00, and head towards Tauranga (detailed pick-up information is in the Trip Notes). Our journey will include a stop at the scenic Karangahake Gorge for a short hike, followed by free time for lunch in the quaint town of Waihi.

We continue along the beautiful coastline, arriving at the charming town of Mount Maunganui, on the outskirts of Tauranga. As evening approaches, we'll gather for a group dinner (not included) to share stories and savour the local cuisine. This scenic town has the ocean to each side and a now-green extinct volcano to the north!

Please note: This tour offers a great mix of included activities and a variety of optional excursions. Optional activities can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. A full list of the activities included in the cost of your tour is available in the 'Inclusions' section of the tour.

Mount Maunganui / Tauranga - Hobbiton - Rotorua. Our journey today starts with an included visit to Hobbiton, the iconic movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. On our guided tour, we'll delve into the movie-making process, explore the intricate details of the set, and enjoy an included lunch at the charming Shire's Rest Cafe. Following this, we'll proceed to Rotorua, where you can relax or enjoy some of the optional activities on offer, including a hike to Mount Tarawera, a Polynesian Spa treatment or an e-bike tour.

Today is free for you to enjoy a wide range of activities in and around Rotorua. You can experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Kaituna River, go zorbing or explore the Redwoods Treewalk.

Rotorua - Taupo. Today after breakfast, we'll travel to Huka Falls to observe its remarkable power, and then visit the geothermal marvels of Wai-O-Tapu. Entrance is included to this geothermal wonderland, sculpted by volcanic activity over millenia. We'll continue to Taupo, where in the evening, you have the option to go on a breathtaking sunset cruise. Enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Taupo and its surrounding scenery.

Taupo offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. You can spend the day leisurely discovering the town’s attractions or choose from a range of optional activities. For those craving excitement, the Tongariro Crossing or a thrilling jet boat ride are great choices. If you prefer a laid-back experience, you can try fishing, take a scenic flight, or unwind in the area's natural hot springs.

Taupo - Waitomo - Hamilton - Cambridge. Get ready for a day packed with adventure and discovery as we depart from Taupo and journey to Waitomo. Here, we'll enjoy an included guided tour to delve into Waitomo's enchanting underground caves, admire the captivating limestone formations, and see the glowworms that illuminate the caverns.

Following our cave exploration, we'll proceed to the beautiful Hamilton Gardens, known for its stunning themed gardens that each depict different civilizations, cultures, and historical periods. After our guided tour of the gardens, we proceed to the charming town of Cambridge, where we'll have the opportunity to stroll through the quaint streets and visit local shops and cafes.

Cambridge - Raglan - Auckland. On your final day on the North Island, we'll visit the breathtaking coastal town of Raglan. You'll have the morning to soak in the town's unique charm, exploring local shops and cafes.

After a leisurely morning, we'll head to the impressive 55-metre Bridal Veil Falls. We'll then make our way back to Auckland, where you will be dropped off at the Auckland airport at around 16:00 (more information is in the Trip Notes).