Northern Round Up

Time to greet the day and begin your adventure! Depart vibrant Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) in the early morning and make your way north toward picturesque Paihia. On the way, enjoy a breakfast stop in Warkworth before heading to Whangārei Falls, for a stretch of the legs and a breath of fresh air. By midday, you'll arrive in the Bay of Islands, a subtropical gem brimming with history and natural splendour. 

This breathtaking region features 144 stunning islands, pristine beaches, and a legacy woven deep into Aotearoa’s past. Be sure to visit Waitangi, the legendary site where the nation’s story began. If you are more of a water lover, the options for adventure are endless. Set off on a cruise to the iconic Hole in the Rock and uncover secret coves and island hideaways. Keep a lookout for the marine life dancing beneath the waves. Prefer a more hands-on thrill? Try your hand at sailing, fishing, diving, or parasailing. Or just kick back, dig your toes into golden sands, and soak up the serenity.

After a leisurely morning in Paihia, leaving in the early afternoon opens up a world of options in Auckland. Whether you’re in the mood to explore, unwind, or dive into something more adventurous, the city has plenty waiting if you feel like chasing it. From island escapes to cultural discoveries or even just soaking in the skyline, the rest of the day is yours to play with—no pressure, just potential.

Bid farewell to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) as your journey takes you southeast to the sun-kissed shores of the Coromandel Peninsula, a coastal paradise known for its pristine beaches, dramatic coastline, and laid-back charm.

Enjoy the opportunity to kayak along crystal-clear waters en route to the iconic Cathedral Cove, a natural masterpiece carved by the sea. Then, tap into nature’s geothermal magic at Hot Water Beach, where, if you time it just right, you can dig your own personal spa pool and soak in naturally heated mineral water beneath the sand. As the day winds down, rest and recharge before diving into the adventures still to come.

Leaving the gorgeous Coromandel behind we’ll venture into the enchanting Karangahake Gorge nestled among the Kaimai Ranges, for a hike amongst the walkways and old mining tunnels. Next, we’ll be heading over to Waitomo (‘wai’ meaning water, ‘tomo’ meaning hole) to visit the magical glow-worm caves. World-famous for their abundance of glow worms, extensive underground river system and stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, a trip to the caves is a trip to another world. However, Waitomo is more than caves and glowworms; it's a cultural hub rich in Māori history, myths and legends. Some of the cave guides are descendants of Chief Tāne Tinorau, the original explorer of the caves. Upon our arrival, we'll stop for a refreshing walk through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve where you can see the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, native forest and small caves. For those feeling adventurous, this afternoon you will have the opportunity to experience a Black Water Rafting trip (optional extra). Brave the underground rapids as you raft in tubes, leap off waterfalls, and float beneath a dazzling sky of glow worms.

It's time to bid farewell to the glowing little critters. For those who wish to live out their Lord of the Rings fantasies, we will stop off at the enchanting village of Hobbiton, where the magic of the movies comes to life (optional extra). Next, we'll roll on to Rotorua, a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers and natural hot springs. You won’t get bored here; plenty of optional activities keep you busy. Take your pick from exhilarating White Water Rafting, thrilling experiences like Zip Lining across the top of the canopy, or exploring the area’s unique geothermal activity and natural hot springs. You can embrace our history and culture this evening with a 3-hour experience at the Mitai Māori Village (optional extra). Witness captivating stories unfold, be enchanted by performers, and satisfy your hunger with a traditional Māori feast.

Conveniently located in the centre of the North Island, Rotorua offers some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions and experiences. With geothermal wonders, refreshing spa offerings, pristine lakes, spectacular forests, fascinating Māori culture and an abundance of adventure activities. Today is the perfect day to get out and explore all of what it has to offer. Ride the rapids of the Kaituna river, take a piece of New Zealand home with you on a Mountain Jade Highlights tour or relax and unwind with the Wai Ariki restorative journey.  

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 Lake Taupō, taking a walk to the pounding Huka Falls (included) first. In Taupō 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, but the more adventurous might want to take the opportunity to experience optional activities such as sailing across the lake on a yacht to the Māori rock carvings, or even get a birds-eye view by skydiving above it. 

We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls (summer time only). In the afternoon we travel to New Zealand's capital city Wellington. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion, and nightlife. Here you can experience Mount Victoria (free), or get amongst the thriving craft beer scene and Wellington nightlife.

Let's head north! We'll depart from Wellington, leaving the wind behind as we head towards the gumboot capital, Taihape. Next, we'll traverse the Central Plateau, home to the awe-inspiring Tongariro National Park.

Calling all lake lovers! Our first stop en route to Auckland is Taupō, hop-off the bus and soak in the beauty of New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. 

Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your adventure and hop off in Taupō to explore further! Accommodation in Taupo is at your own arrangement, and cannot be booked with Kiwi Experience. 

Let's continue north! We'll depart from Taupo, leaving the Central Plateau behind as we head to the geothermal wonders and rich cultural centre of Rotorua. 

Calling all relaxation lovers! Our last stop stop en route to Auckland is Rotorua, hop-off the bus and soak in the beauty of this city rich in culture. 

Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your adventure and hop off in Rotorua to explore further! Accommodation in Rotorua is at your own arrangement, and cannot be booked with Kiwi Experience. 

Let's make our final journey north! We'll depart from Rotorua, leaving the geothermal wonders behind as we head towards Auckland, the City of Sails. This will be our last stop, the bus will not continue further.

Please note: This is an express service to Auckland and the bus will only stop to drop off and pick up guests.