10 Day New Zealand Northern Trail

Welcome to Auckland! Upon settling into your accommodation, prepare for a 6pm pre-tour meeting where you'll meet your Tour Manager and get acquainted with your fellow travellers, setting the stage for an exciting road trip.

The rest of the evening is yours to explore. We suggest visiting the Auckland Sky Tower, New Zealand's tallest structure, where the adventurous can experience a thrilling jump, securely harnessed, of course. Alternatively, the Auckland War Memorial Museum offers a fascinating insight into the region's history, set against the backdrop of the picturesque Auckland Domain.

Following a substantial breakfast, we're set to depart the bustling city in our air-conditioned coach, bound for the scenic delights of the Coromandel Peninsula. Known for its stunning beaches and ethereal rainforests, the journey to the Coromandel is nothing short of breathtaking, with the road winding closely along the coastline, revealing increasingly pristine ocean views. Have your cameras at the ready to capture the splendid scenery.

The Coromandel is famed for its unique Hot Water Beach, attracting thousands annually to dig their own natural hot tubs in the sand. Tide permitting, we'll seize our buckets and spades for a bit of fun. On arrival, there's ample time to explore the area's attractions, whether it's lounging on the sandy shores, kayaking, indulging in the thermal pools, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere.

Special Note: The Cathedral Cove walk has been closed until further notice due to significant weather damage early in 2023. Kayaking from Hahei to Cathedral Cove remains an option, as does relaxing on Hahei Beach. With several Coromandel roads still out of commission, some adjustments to our route will be necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Zealand experience, with your guide keeping you updated on any changes to our itinerary.

Today's road trip to the artistic haven of Raglan provides your first glimpse of the North Island's picturesque tree-lined hills and valleys. Your Haka guide has some delightful sights to share with you along the way, including the impressive 55-metre high Bridal Veil Falls.

Whether you've always wanted to try your hand at surfing or are eager to return to the waves, Raglan is an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced surfers. If surfing isn't your cup of tea, there's plenty to savor in this laid-back town. With a charming mix of cafes, bars, surf shops, and galleries, Raglan's streets exude character and creativity. You can unwind on the beach, explore kayaking opportunities, or revel in the diverse bush and coastal landscapes on Raglan's scenic walking trails. For dinner tonight, indulge in New Zealand's unofficial dish – fish and chips (or "fush and chups," as it tends to sound in a Kiwi accent). And what better way to savor this delightful meal than on a sunset boat cruise of Raglan Harbour?

Our first destination of the day is the Waitomo Caves, renowned for their captivating glow worms. You can embark on informative walking tours of the caves, delving into the history, geology, and Māori mythology that make this corner of New Zealand so extraordinary. For those who prefer to stay above ground, we highly recommend exploring the tree-adorned gorges and limestone arches along the nearby Ruakuri Forest Walk, a particular favorite among Haka guides.

The highlight of today is a visit to one of New Zealand's most iconic attractions – the Hobbiton Movie Set. On a comprehensive guided tour of this 12-acre Middle-earth set, you'll encounter Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even have the opportunity to enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. In the afternoon, we'll continue our journey to Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. Our Rotorua experience begins with The Redwoods Treewalk, an incredible included activity that enables you to explore the majestic Redwood Forest via a series of suspension bridges and elevated living decks, ranging from 9 to 12 meters in height.

Rotorua offers a diverse range of attractions, from its natural beauty and unique geothermal landscapes to its rich Māori culture. We'll spend a full day here to make the most of it. This area is globally renowned for its geothermal activity, boasting neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, powerful geysers, and bubbling mud pools aplenty.

For an exhilarating encounter with nature, soar through the lush ancient forest canopy on a zipline tour, complete with swing bridges, crossings, and treetop platforms. It's an excellent way to acquaint yourself with native plants and birds, many of which are exclusive to New Zealand. In the evening, we'll be warmly welcomed to a Māori village for an unmissable cultural experience, featuring combat demonstrations and, of course, the mesmerizing haka. This encounter goes beyond the performance, offering the opportunity to witness magnificent geothermal activity and even catch a glimpse of kiwi birds.

In the morning, explore Rotorua's numerous attractions, such as the wonderfully relaxing Polynesian Spa or the naturally impressive Kuirau Park, teeming with steaming, hissing, and bubbling geothermal pools. Don't forget to indulge in some delightful local treats – a ginger slice and a pie are as Kiwi as it gets!

Following our time in Rotorua, we'll make a brief drive to Taupō, a picturesque lakeside town with a breathtaking mountain backdrop. While the journey is short, we'll take our time to appreciate bubbling mud pools and thundering waterfalls along the way. We'll conclude our day in Taupō, where we'll spend the next two nights. This town is home to New Zealand's largest crater lake and provides the ideal gateway to one of the world's top 10 one-day hikes – the Tongariro Crossing.

Lake Taupō, an enormous volcanic crater formed 70,000 years ago in one of history's most significant eruptions, has evolved into one of New Zealand's premier holiday destinations. As it is New Zealand, adventure sports abound in this area!

Notably, the region is home to New Zealand's most renowned day hike, the 19.4 km Tongariro Crossing, which encompasses Tongariro, one of the nation's most renowned and stunning volcanoes. While it provides a serious workout for your legs, the awe-inspiring views and landscapes make every minute worthwhile. At the summit, you'll be greeted by turquoise and green lakes, with vistas stretching all the way to the coast. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, we recommend skydiving over the lake or bungy jumping over New Zealand's longest river (and for the particularly daring, taking a dip!). The area offers a myriad of other activities as well, including quad biking, scenic cruises to view Māori rock carvings, lakeside hikes, mountain biking, and the chance to relax in local geothermal pools.

Today, we make our way to Wellington, often referred to as the "coolest little capital city in the world." Situated on the edge of a breathtaking harbor and surrounded by lush, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact city. It exudes vibrancy, excitement, and culture, seamlessly blending the buzz and sophistication of a major city with the uniqueness and charm of a smaller town. Following a brief afternoon orientation from your guide, head up Mount Victoria to enjoy some of the city's most splendid views.

In the evening, the city lights of Wellington await your exploration. Discover why Wellington is renowned for its foodie culture, with an abundance of dining options to choose from tonight. Furthermore, Wellington is widely acknowledged as the craft beer capital of New Zealand. If you're keen to put this reputation to the test, don't hesitate to consult your Haka guide for insider tips on the best-hidden gems in town.

mmerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Wellington, a city known for its breezy character, where you might want to abandon the hairspray and embrace the wind.

As always, your guide will acquaint you with the city through an orientation tour, encompassing a scenic drive around the bays, passing through central Wellington to reach the Botanic Gardens and Parliament Buildings. Today's itinerary also includes a visit to Zealandia, an innovative conservation project and the world's inaugural fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary. It has successfully reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife, some of which were absent from mainland New Zealand for over a century. We'll also drop by Weta Studios, renowned for its creative contributions to the world of Lord of the Rings.

Consider taking an optional tour to witness prop-makers in action and delve into the immersive realm of filmmaking. Wellington boasts a plethora of cultural attractions, with Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand, being its crowning jewel. Located on Wellington's magnificent waterfront, this internationally acclaimed museum seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with traditional exhibits to narrate the tales of New Zealand's land and people. While entry to the museum is free, you may opt for a guided tour with one of their experienced guides for a deeper exploration. If the great outdoors beckon to you, venture to Kapiti Island for an optional nature tour, where you can observe endangered birds up close and gain insights into New Zealand's unique flora and fauna.

Today marks the conclusion of our tour, so it's time to say goodbye to your newfound friends as you each embark on your individual journeys. Rest assured, you'll carry with you a treasure trove of unforgettable shared experiences to cherish on your future adventures!