  Auckland to Mercury Bay (Whitianga)
Spend the afternoon at the beach or kayaking!
After visiting the Kiwi Experience office and Mt Eden (one of many dormant volcanoes in Auckland) we head towards the Coromandel Peninsula and spend the afternoon at Cathedral Cove; accessible only on foot or by kayak. This beautiful coastal spot is great for swimming, sea kayaking, and spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. Provided the tides are right we may also check out Hot Water Beach and dig our own hot pools.  Mercury Bay (Whitianga) to Rotorua
Check out New Zealand’s gold mining history and rocket down a hill, on the way to the Maori culture capital of New Zealand
After an early start our first stop is the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush-clad gorge, swing bridges and the history of gold mining in New Zealand. On arriving into Rotorua you will have the chance to go luging or zorbing before experiencing a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and concert in the evening with Tamaki Tours - a night not to be missed!  Rotorua to Waitomo
Experience the glow-worms, underwater caves and forest walks of Waitomo.
Today we start with a visit to Te Puia - a large geothermal reserve with New Zealand’s largest geyser, and a chance to see our famous Kiwi bird. Next it’s onto Waitomo caves (wai meaning water, tomo meaning cave) which are made out of limestone (basically 40 million year old dead fish). We spend the afternoon checking out the Ruakuri reserve. Apart from glow-worms in caves, you will see stalactites, cave coral, fossil oysters and other crazy stuff like tubing and rafting 40 metres underground!  Waitomo to Taupo
A popular backpacker destination, with New Zealand’s biggest lake and plenty to keep you occupied!
The bus departs late today so that you have enough time to experience the caves! Other adventure activity options include quad biking or the brand new Ruakuri Cave walk, which is an engineering masterpiece. Around midday, we leave Waitomo behind and head for Lake Taupo, which is known as the adventure capital of the North Island with skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating and the spectacular Tongariro Crossing!  Taupo (extra day)
We recommend staying an extra night in Taupo because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.
Enjoy a sleep-in (for those not doing the Tongariro Crossing) and experience one of the many activities on offer. A walk down to Spa Park to relax in the natural hot springs by the river is a great way to spend the day (or night). Alternatively if you have time head off on our 'East As': 4 day, 3 night unique add-on trip around the East Cape, which takes you to places few tourists get to see.  Taupo to River Valley
Visit Tongariro National Park, take and enjoy some stunning free walks before arriving at River Valley Adventure Lodge
We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a picnic lunch and a two hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we travel through to the ultimate adventure lodge - River Valley, situated amongst towering cliffs and bush-clad hills. The lodge offers grade five rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding, and a small golf course. Spend the evening enjoying the delicious roast dinner and relaxing by the open fire.  River Valley to Wellington
New Zealand’s capital city is full of culture, cafes and cable cars!
We head away late after a morning white water rafting or horse riding, and head throughthe rolling hills full of deer, cattle and sheep. We arrive in Wellington late in the afternoon. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion and nightlife. It’s home to the largest cultural attraction in New Zealand, Te Papa Museum, which is well worth a look (and it’s free).  Wellington to Taupo
The Rangitikei region has beautiful rivers and lakes as well as Lord of the Rings landscapes!
We’ve got quite a distance to cover today, so we leave early from Wellington to beat the rush hour traffic. We pass through Taihape, where we drop off and pick up people for River Valley Adventure lodge. Departing Taihape we head to the Central Plateau, home of the Tongariro National Park, where we can drop you off in the township of Turangi if you wish to access it. Then it’s through to Taupo and if the weather suits, it’s time to skydive!  Taupo to Auckland (via Rotorua)
Hop-off in Rotorua, or head onwards to the ‘City of Sails’.
This morning we head north to Rotorua, renowned for its Maori heritage and thermal activity in the area. After dropping off passengers in Rotorua, who are spending a night or two here, we make our way to Matamata (aka Hobbiton). You can jump off here if you’re a Lord of the Rings nut. Then it’s onwards through the rolling countryside to Auckland, otherwise known as the ‘City of Sails’. We call into the Kiwi Experience office for a chance to purchase merchandise, confirm future bookings or extend your trip even further! |