12-Day North Island Highlights

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Once you arrive at EcoZip HQ – located high on a hill with spectacular sea views to Auckland City – you'll take to the skies on their unique ziplines. With dual cables each over 200 metres long, you'll fly side-by-side in an unforgettable shared experience. Your ziplining adventure is followed by a magical guided nature walk, where you’ll discover ancient, stately trees and a treasure trove of stories and Maori legends.

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This morning, you'll say goodbye to your seaside hotel as your driver picks you up and takes you to the ferry terminal on Waiheke Island. From here, you'll catch the short ferry back to Auckland where you'll be transferred to your city hotel where you'll stay for the next two nights. Auckland is the main gateway city to New Zealand and the country's largest urban area, but within minutes of the city, you can experience uncrowded beaches, rural countryside and forests.

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Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city as well as see how Aucklanders live and play. This city tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as Mount Victoria in Devonport and Westhaven marina. Your afternoon eco-tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes, you'll leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the rainforest. You'll move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast.

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This morning, you'll be transferred from your hotel to the rental car depot where you'll pick up your rental car for the rest of the journey. You'll then travel south through the fertile Waikato region to the cave area of Waitomo where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the glowworm caves. You'll then continue on to 'Middle Earth' where you'll find the Hobbiton Movie Set and enjoy a guided tour. Then, it is only a short drive south to your hotel in Rotorua through the corrugated town of Tirau.

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Today, you'll visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve to view the boiling mud pools and cascading Pohutu geyser and see local Maori carvers in action. A traditional welcome marks the start of 45 minutes of song and dance inside the sacred meeting house – Marae. Later on, you'll experience the unique landscape and history of Mt Tarawera which created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu. This fully guided walking experience encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area.

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Today, you'll embark on an exhilarating adventure, white water rafting on the Kaituna River. Travelling through 14 rapids including waterfalls ranging in height from one metre to a whopping seven metres tall, you'll pass through bush-clas canyons with steep sides and beautiful New Zealand native forest aplenty. Accompanied by professional rafting guides, you'll be in safe hands for this adrenaline overload!

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The journey from Rotorua to Taupo is relatively short. The scenery is entertainment in itself, thanks to the unique volcanic geography and the exotic pine forest plantations along the way. Upon arrival, you'll be able to get stuck straight into the activities on offer with a Hukafalls Jetboat Ride. You'll enjoy 360° spins and thrills in a beautiful river environment. Then, you'll explore the largest Crater Lake in New Zealand aboard Cruise Cat to see Maori rock carvings.

Today, you'll travel along the shores of Lake Taupo to Turangi, before travelling over the Desert Road – dominated in the background by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngaurahoe and Tongariro – to arrive at the small town of Taihape. Continuing on, sea views and the satellite towns and cities of the capital lead to Wellington City.

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This morning, you'll begin the day with a short guided tour of New Zealand’s nature, art, history, and cultural heritage at Te Papa. In the afternoon, you'll head off on a Rover Lord Of The Rings coach tour which takes you to the best locations in Wellington City to explore key sites in the film-making process with your specialist Lord of the Rings guide. After visiting the many exciting landmarks, you'll then finish the tour with a scenic drive around the harbour back to the city.

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Situated at the tip of New Zealand's North Island, Wellington is not only the capital but also one of the coolest cities in New Zealand. The compact city is a vibrant and powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine, all surrounded by stunning scenery. In between the food trucks, gourmet restaurants and cool cafes that you'll want to explore, Wellington has you covered with adrenaline-fuelled activities as well as more relaxing activities.