Embrace the diversity of the North Island on a week-long adventure. Starting in Auckland, you'll follow the trail of The Lord of the Rings and seek out glowworm to make a dramatic start to your trip before you go on a journey of a lifetime.
While hopping between luxury hotels including the Sofitel Auckland and Hilton Lake Taupo, you'll visit New Zealand's largest lake, which is more like an inland sea, hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing and witness the volcanic spouts and bubbles of the Rotorua region.
Just before you leave, you might be able to squeeze in a kayaking trip unlike any other around Cathedral Cove. New Zealand is an adventure-lovers paradise, and this North Island trip will show you the best of it!Embrace the diversity of the North Island on a week-long adventure. Starting in Auckland, you'll follow the trail of The Lord of the Rings and seek out glowworm to make a dramatic start to your trip before you go on a journey of a lifetime.
While hopping between luxury hotels including the Sofitel Auckland and Hilton Lake Taupo, you'll visit New Zealand's largest lake, which is more like an inland sea, hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing and witness the volcanic spouts and bubbles of the Rotorua region.
Just before you leave, you might be able to squeeze in a kayaking trip unlike any other around Cathedral Cove. New Zealand is an adventure-lovers paradise, and this North Island trip will show you the best of it!
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Itinerary
Day 1
Dive into New Zealand in Auckland
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Imagine an urban environment within half an hour of beautiful beaches, and hiking trails. Add a sunny climate, a background of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food and wine - you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland, our largest and most diverse city. Catch the Fullers Ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island, an open wildlife sanctuary and nature lover’s paradise. Walk the 1-hour Kawaura Track through coastal forest and pohutukawa trees, thought to be 800 to 1000 years old.
Accommodation
Sofitel Auckland★5 star
Activities
Tiritiri Matangi IslandOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Auckland Airport to AucklandOptional Activity
Destinations
Auckland
Whangaparaoa
Day 2
Auckland to Matamata
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Travel south through the rural farmland of the Waikato region, one of New Zealand’s leading dairy producing and horse breeding areas. One of the major attractions is Caveworld, famous for its thousands of glowworms. From there, drive further inland to Matamata and Hamilton. It's easy to see why these green pastures and rolling hills were chosen to portray Hobbiton and The Shire, you'll finish the day with a tour of the movie set of The Lord of the Rings.
Accommodation
Henley Hotel - Venue, Accommodation & Restaurant★5 star
Activities
Caveworld Glowworm Cave Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set
Transportations
Rental Car from Auckland to CambridgeOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Auckland
Waitomo
Matamata
Cambridge
Day 3
Lake Taupo Adventures, Check-in to the Hilton Lake Taupo
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Leave Waikato behind for the North Island’s most impressive landscapes that is right on its doorstep - the Great Lake Taupo, perfect for adventures. You will be able to check-in to your hotel today, Hilton Lake Taupo. The beautiful Lake Taupo is more of an inland sea really. It was created nearly 2000 years ago by a volcanic eruption so big it darkened the skies in Europe and China. On your way, you'll discover the mesmerising Blue Springs, before you finish the day on a jet boat adventure.
Accommodation
Hilton Lake Taupo★5 star
Activities
Te Waihou Walkway
New Zealand RiverJet The Squeeze
TaupoOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Cambridge to TaupoOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Cambridge
Tapapa
Mihi
Taupo
Day 4
Tongariro National Park
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Another day in the region takes you to Tongariro National Park. Emerald lakes, alpine meadows and hot springs surround the largest volcanoes in the North Island, offering an environment of stunning diversity. All three volcanoes are very much alive, but this doesn’t deter people from skiing the slopes and hiking to the craters. The park's most celebrated activity is the 'Tongariro Alpine Crossing', a one-day trek that traverses the otherworldly terrain along the slopes of all three mountains.
Accommodation
Hilton Lake Taupo★5 star
Activities
Tongariro National Park
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Taupo
Tongariro National Park
Day 5
Check-out of the Hilton Lake Taupo and Drive to the Bay of Plenty
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Check-out of the Hilton lake Taupo and gradually make your way to the Bay of Plenty. Your first stop will be Huka Falls, a dramatic and powerful gush of waterfall that is really unlike any other you have seen before. Then, you'll reach Rotorua, known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Maori culture. You'll finish the day with a birds-eye view of the crater lakes of Rotorua from a helicopter before walking around Mount Tarawera.
Accommodation
Trinity Wharf Tauranga★4 star
Activities
Huka Falls
Rotorua
Volcanic Air Land and Walking Tour
TaurangaOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Taupo to Bay of PlentyOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Taupo
Wairakei
Rotorua
Tauranga
Day 6
Drive to Coromandel
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Make your way north with a few stops along the way. Today, you'll explore the Coromandel Peninsula where waterfalls surprise you with their spectacular heights, falling dramatically down into gorges. You may wish to stop along the way to stretch your legs with a walk to discover the flora and fauna. Before arriving in Coromandel, you have to stop at Hot Water Beach to watch the surfers and hopefully make it in time for a natural spring bath in the sand!
Accommodation
Hahei Bed & Breakfast
Activities
Coromandel Peninsula
Hot Water Beach
Transportations
Rental Car from Bay of Plenty to HaheiOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Tauranga
Kaimarama
Hot Water Beach
Hahei
Day 7
One Last Adventure before You Go
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One of the best sea kayaking trips in the country, the "Cathedral Cove Classic" has got it all - the best way to finish your trip! The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve opens up a sea kayaking paradise full of beaches, islands and rock gardens that are just waiting to be explored. Paddle through sea caves, interact with the local marine life and discover the thrill of kayak sailing. After your morning on the water, you'll pack up and hit the road back to Auckland in time for your flight.
Activities
Cathedral Cove Kayaking
Transportations
Rental Car from Hahei to AucklandOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Hahei
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What’s included?
6 nights accommodation
11 activities
6 breakfasts
Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
Airport transfer
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entrance fees
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
Ground transportation
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 3,513/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
New Zealand in 7 days
5-star, 4-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
