Day 1 - AUCKLAND - HOT WATER BEACH

Leaving Auckland at 10am we head to the Coromandel, renowned worldwide for its natural beauty, misty rainforests and pristine white, sandy beaches. The peninsula is home to some of the most impressive coastlines in the country. Enjoy a stunning walk from Hahei beach to Cathedral cove, where you will find an iconic limestone archway that sits right down at the beach. Take the coastal walkway or take in the coastline from the water while on one the best guided sea kayak trips in New Zealand. We then travel a short distance to camp at Hot Water Beach. This beautiful beach offers a unique experience as geothermal water reservoirs under the ground bring hot water to the surface at low tide allowing you to dig your very own hot pool in the sand.
Included meals: Dinner

Day 2 - HOT WATER BEACH - ROTORUA

This morning is filled with activity as we make our way to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Learn about the mining history of the area we stop at the historic town of Waihi where will take a short break to view Martha’s mine, a gold and silver mine that is still in operation today. From there we travel through the Karangahake Gorge taking in the views and the remnants of its historic mining past. You can explore this area by foot or pedal and we will all meet in the heart of the gorge for a delicious picnic lunch. After this action packed morning we start making our way towards Rotorua, the oldest and most established thermal resort in the country. On route we drop those visiting Hobbiton in Matamata around 1.30pm and continue on to Rotorua. Known as “Sulphur city”, Rotorua has a lot of Geothermal activity and soon after arriving you’ll notice something a little bit different, a smell of sulphur and a number of steaming vents and mud pools across the city. This is the cultural and geological heart of the North Island and the perfect place to experience and learn about Maori culture and the dramatic natural thermals. We’d highly recommend a dip in the soothing pools of the Polynesian spa to relax and unwind! You can also try a range of activities, like zip lining, OGO and the luge or go biking in the Whakarewarewa forest and finish up the day with a Maori cultural experience, there really is something for everyone!
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - ROTORUA - TURANGI

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day before we check out the geysers & mud pools at Wai-O-Tapu (included free with your trip). We first visit the Lady Knox Geyser before exploring one of New Zealand’s most extensive geothermal networks that have created a unique landscape with colourful sulphur lakes and diverse volcanic vistas. We take time to explore Huka Falls where over 220,000 litres of water gets forced through a narrow canyon and spills out dramatically at the end every second. The falls are part of the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river which flows down from Lake Taupo, Australasia’s largest lake. After viewing the falls take a scenic walk along the river and take a quick dip in a natural hot water stream on your way into Taupo city where you’ll have some time to explore and check out the views across the lake. The city of Taupo is considered the North Island's adrenalin capital so there's no shortage of activity options. Test your fear of heights on the giant swing, bungy or skydiving. The scenery we pass through today includes the largest man made forest in the Southern Hemisphere - the Kaingaroa forest, a crossing of the Waikato River and a beautiful drive around the edge of Lake Taupo on our way into camp in Turangi.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - TURANGI - PAEKAKARIKI

Today you have the chance to experience the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - considered NZ's best day hike, offering a remarkable journey across volcanic landscapes. Lava flows, emerald-coloured lakes, magnificent views and steaming vents combine to make this an unforgettable hike. The 80,000 hectare Tongariro National Park is a Dual World Heritage Area, with its centrepiece Mount Ruapehu rising dramatically 2797m from the surrounding area is the North Islands highest peak. Next to Mt. Ruapehu are two smaller volcanic mountains - Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings) and Mount Tongariro, you will be walking in between these two giants as part of the crossing. For those who aren't keen on hiking you can enjoy short local walks or cycle the Tongariro river track. There is also the option to go White Water Rafting, on grade 3 rapids. After the hike we make our way south and stay on the Kapiti coast in a quiet little place called Paekakariki
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - PAEKAKARIKI - WELLINGTON

This tour ends in Wellington with an early arrival at New Zealand’s beautiful capital city by 9am. Our nation’s capital offers great cafes and bars, along with plenty to see and do including the celebrated Te Papa Museum & the botanical gardens.
Included meals: Breakfast