Geyserland and Lake
Start: Anywhere
Finish: Anywhere
Hop On Hop Off buses in January & February 2023 are now SOLD OUT.
An excellent bus pass to see the North Island when you have limited time.
After the beaches of the Coromandel, you’ll be taken onto Waitomo to explore the labyrinth of caves with a legendary black water rafting trip or one of the many nature walks.
From Waitomo, you’ll head to Rotorua, the geothermal and cultural capital of New Zealand, where you can partake in a traditional feast and marvel at the boiling mud and shooting geysers. The trip carries on to one of New Zealand’s tourism meccas, Taupo, famous for the vast lake, Mt. Doom of Lord of the Rings fame (Mt. Ngaruhoe), and tandem skydiving.
- Start anywhere, finish anywhere.
- Minimum of 7 days travel
- Valid for Sale between November 2022 and 30th April 2023
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Pre-Book and pay for accommodation via the Online TRIP PLANNER (48 hours in advance)
- Pre-Book and pay for activities via the Online TRIP PLANNER
- Flexible, easy, stress-free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
*T&C's apply
To view our current bus timetables, please click here.
NZ $435
Auckland to Hot Water Beach
Departing Auckland we head south-east to the pristine beaches of the Coromandel and the world-famous Cathedral Cove (included). Here you have the option to kayak around this stunning coastline (optional activity) as well as the opportunity to visit Hot Water Beach (included); a unique surf beach where if you catch the tide right, you can dig a hole in the sand to create your own personal spa pool.
Accommodation
- Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park (not included, book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Cathedral Cove walk (free)
- Hot Water Beach (free)
- Cathedral Cove Kayaking
Hot Water Beach to Waitomo
Leaving the gorgeous Coromandel behind we’ll venture into the enchanting Karangahake Gorge nestled among the Kaimai Ranges, for a hike (included) amongst the walkways and old mining tunnels. If that isn’t enough fun for one day, then never fear, next we’ll be heading over to Waitomo ('wai' meaning water, 'tomo' meaning hole) for a magical tour of the world-famous glow-worm caves. For those feeling a little more adventurous, you will have the opportunity to experience a Black Water Rafting trip.
Accommodation
- Waitomo Homestead Cabins (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Karangahake Gorge Walk (free)
- Waitomo Glowworm caves
- Black Water Rafting - Labyrinth
- Black Water Rafting - Abyss
Waitomo to Rotorua
We start the day with a walk through the Ruakuri Reserve and say goodbye to those glowing little critters. Next, we'll roll on through to Rotorua; a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers and natural hot springs. Optional activities (which are not included) are luging down the SkyLine, White Water Rafting, Hells Gate, Mountain biking through the Redwoods, Zorb, Wai-o-tapu, Polynesian Spa or National Kiwi Hatchery.
Accommodation
- Tamaki Maori Village (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
- Rock Solid Backpackers (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Ruakuri Bushwalk (free)
- Tamaki Maori Village evening show
- Tamaki Maori Village evening show & overnight stay
- Skyline Gondola and Luge
Rotorua to Taupo
If you haven't had a chance yet to explore the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, we will check it out this morning before heading onto Great Lake Taupo, taking in a walk to the pounding Huka Falls (included). In Taupo there is lots to do, just tell us what you’re in the mood for and we’ll get you there. The lake itself (actually an extinct volcano crater) is a sight to behold from the shoreline (included), but the more adventurous might want to take the opportunity to experience optional activities such as sail across the lake on a yacht to the Māori rock carvings, or even get a birds-eye view by skydiving above it. On your free day in Taupo, head to Tongariro National Park and hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (extra activity); a dramatic landscape of stunning contrasts created by extinguished lava flows and emerald lakes. It’s no surprise Tongariro is often described as one of New Zealand’s best one-day hikes.
Accommodation
- Based By The Lake (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Te Puia Geothermal wonderland
- Huka Falls (free)
- Skydive Taupo
- Sail Barbary Cruise
- Tongariro Crossing hike
Taupo free day
Taupo’s central location means it’s a hop, skip and a jump away from other world-class activities which we give you the option to experience on this free day. Head up the Sky Waka (extra activity) to experience Mount Ruapehu or hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (extra activity); a dramatic landscape of stunning contrasts created by extinguished lava flows and emerald lakes. It’s no surprise Tongariro is often described as one of New Zealand’s best one-day hikes.
Reserved Accommodation
- Based By The Lake (not included)
Experiences
- Tongariro Crossing shuttle bus
- Skydive Taupo
Taupo to Auckland (via Rotorua)
Heading to Rotorua, renowned for its Maori heritage and thermal activity, jump off the bus in Rotorua* or continue onwards through the rolling countryside to Auckland, known as the ‘City of Sails’.
*Please note this bus is an express service to Auckland, but you can jump off the bus in Rotorua
Accommodation
- Lylo Auckland (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Auckland Skytower
- Auckland nightlife
- Walk up Mt Eden
- Explore Mission Bay
- Jump on a ferry to Rangitoto Island, or Waiheke Island
