Northern Round Up
Start: Anywhere
Finish: Anywhere
See the very best of what the North Island has to offer. The Northern Round Up will take you to the fantastic beaches in the Coromandel, out-of-this-world geysers in Rotorua, the Central Volcanic Plateau (home of Mt. Doom) and the lush farmland of the Horowhenua. Mix this with some amazing activities like black water rafting, a marae visit and skydiving if that takes your fancy. You're in for a fantastic trip!
- Start anywhere, finish anywhere.
- Minimum of 10 days travel
- Valid for Sale between 1 January 2023 and 30 April 2024
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Pre-Book and pay for accommodation online via the TRIP PLANNER (by 7am 2days before any overnight stop)
- Pre-Book and pay for activities online via the TRIP PLANNER
- Best Price Guarantee on activities
- 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 $659
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 Wellington
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 Wellington City. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion and nightlife. Here you can experience Mount Victoria (included) and then passengers have the opportunity to experience the national museum, Te Papa and get amongst the thriving craft beer scene.
Accommodation
- Nomads Wellington (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Tongariro National Park
- Mount Victoria lookout (free)
- Te Papa museum (free)
- Cuba street nightlife (free)
- Weta Studio tour
- Zealandia
Wellington to Taupo
With an early start from windy Wellington, we head north through Taihape, the gumboot capital of New Zealand and the Central Plateau, home of the Tongariro National Park. Then it’s through to Taupo*, driving alongside New Zealand's biggest lake. If the weather suits, it’s time to skydive.
*This bus is an express service to Auckland, via Rotorua you can jump off the bus in Taupo.
Accommodation
- Urban Retreat (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Taupo Skydive
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
