Northern Kiwi

Kia Ora (Hello) & Welcome to Auckland!

Your adventure begins in Tāmaki Makaura, Auckland – New Zealand's largest city and the "City of Sails." Nestled between two stunning harbours, Auckland offers a vibrant blend of urban buzz and natural beauty with stunning views across the Waitemata Harbour. Stroll along the iconic Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, catch a ferry, and enjoy a hike to the top of Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano, or sail further to Waiheke Island.  

Connect with your fellow travellers and legendary Kiwi Experience Driver Guide at tonight's Welcome Evening. You will be staying at the centrally located Lylo Auckland—check-in from at 2 p.m.

Fuel Up & Farewell Auckland: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Miss Lucy's, a local favourite. Enjoy your coffee and bid farewell to the vibrant city of Auckland as we head south for an action-packed day. First stop, Raglan, with her rugged beauty and unique charm - a haven for surfers and adventure seekers. Spend time exploring the local town as well as the many shops & cafes of this sleepy seaside haven. Fuel up ready to hit the road for our next epic adventure. 

Next stop, Waitomo, venture underground with a 90-minute walking tour of Ruakuri Cave. Marvel at the awe-inspiring limestone formations and be mesmerised by glowworms up close. Uncover the rich tapestry of Māori history, myths, and legends. Feeling like a little more adventure? Perhaps something to get your blood pumping? UPGRADE from the Ruakuri Cave Tour to one of the Legendary Black Water Rafting Experiences and choose from either the Black Labyrinth OR Black Abyss underground adventure. Jump off underground waterfalls and be mesmerised by the millions of glowworms lighting the way.   

Fuel up with breakfast at Waitomo Chalets. Then, enjoy a morning hike through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve to get the blood pumping. Witness breathtaking views of the Waitomo landscape, keep your eyes peeled for native fantails and wood pigeons, and breathe in the crisp morning Waitomo air.

Our first journey of the day takes us to the enchanting Shire of Hobbiton. Explore the meticulously crafted hobbit holes, wander through lush gardens, and relive iconic scenes from The Lord of the Rings saga. Conclude your magical experience with a refreshing beverage at The Green Dragon pub.

Our final destination today is Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland with adventure and relaxation. On arrival into Rotorua we will head to the National Kiwi Hatchery. Learn about the local Kiwi bird and their natural environment PLUS delve into darkness and look out for this unique bird in their purpose-built nocturnal homes. 

Rotorua offers plenty of experiences to keep you busy on your free day here. For the adventurous, explore the treetops on a network of ziplines with Rotorua Canopy Tours, roll downhill on a giant inflatable ball with Zorb, or go luging at the Rotorua Skyline. After a bit of calm? check out the many areas of Rotorua beaming with geothermal activity. 

This afternoon will immerse you in the traditions and cultural values of the Māori people as we overnight at Te Pā Tū Māori Village, embracing Kaitiakitanga (interaction with the natural world) and Manaakitanga (hospitality and so much more). Learn about Māori history and culture through performances and enjoy traditional seasonal kai (meal). Afterwards, gather around a blazing bonfire where you will enjoy Māori myths and legends before retiring for the night in a traditional sleeping house.

Savour a delicious breakfast at Te Pa Tu. We hope you leave with a deeper understanding of Māori culture, history, and traditions and feel enriched by this unique experience.

Let's continue the journey southward to Taupo, a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Witness the power of nature at Huka Falls, one of the largest by volume in the world, where you can capture stunning photos and enjoy a short walk. As the sun dips below the horizon, board a scenic sunset cruise across the vast Lake Taupo, formed by a volcanic eruption. Savour a delicious pizza onboard while cruising towards the Māori Rock Carvings. Feel free to bring your own drinks for an even more enjoyable experience. Pack your swimsuit and towel to take a refreshing dip during the cruise!

Let's hit the road towards River Valley Lodge, the perfect setting to immerse ourselves in nature. Located beside the Rangitiki River in the central North Island, River Valley is where you can seek adventure, choose to whitewater raft on the Rangitikei River, experience horse trekking and learn natural horsemanship techniques * horse riding experience required), explore by e-bike, or embrace solitude and blissfully disconnect.

This evening, we will enjoy a Farm-To-Table meal prepared freshly by the River Valley Chef. The team is passionate not just about food but also about where the food comes from. They strongly believe in sourcing ethical, local, and sustainable food and serving wholesome and healthy food.

Today, we leave the relaxation of River Valley and travel towards the best little capital, Wellington. As a city, Wellington is compact but surrounded by nature and fuelled by creative energy. 

If you have time, explore Wellington, wander through hidden laneways, discover street art and follow the sculpture walk along Wellington's waterfront. We will visit Mount Victoria to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the city, then learn the stories of Aotearoa, New Zealand, in the world-class museum of Te Papa located on Wellington Harbour. This evening seeks out the hidden bars of Wellington. Treat your tastebuds to one of the many world-class cafés and restaurants this city offers. 

Unleash Your Inner Film Buff and Explorer in Wellington

Get ready to be amazed at Weta Workshop! Step behind the scenes of your favourite movies like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, and District 9. Witness the magic come to life as you explore mind-blowing props, costumes, and creature designs. You might even glimpse an artist bringing a character to life!

Fuel your afternoon with excitement! Rent an e-bike (optional paid activity) and cruise along Wellington's stunning waterfront with Switched on Bikes, or immerse yourself in nature at Zealandia, a haven for native wildlife (optional paid activity). Discover the hidden gems of this vibrant city and let your adventurous spirit soar.

This evening, discover the hidden bars of Wellington. Here is a link to find them.

Let's bid farewell to Wellington as we journey to the enchanting Kaitoke Regional Park, the real-life inspiration behind the ethereal Rivendell from The Lord of the Rings. Wander through ancient forests, breathe in the fresh air, and keep an eye out for native birds like the elusive New Zealand falcon.

This afternoon step back in time and discover the charm of historic Greytown, known for its beautifully restored Victorian buildings. Explore quaint shops, enjoy delicious coffee, and immerse yourself in the town's rich history at Pāpāwai Marae, the site of the first Māori Parliament. This afternoon we will be immersed in the Greytown Honey Experience. Learn about beekeeping and even give it a try for yourself!

Today we're heading to Napier; New Zealand's Art Deco capital. Get ready to be amazed by the city's unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere! Before our arrival, we will stop to stretch our legs and soak up stunning views at Te Mata Peak, the perfect spot for epic photos.

Enjoy breakfast at Kennedy Park before visiting the National Aquarium of New Zealand. If you have time, stroll along Marine Parade, the jewel in the Hawkes Bay crown, before departing Hawkes Bay and onto Taupo for lunch.

This afternoon, we will drive to Kohutapu Lodge, an immersive Māori cultural experience on the outskirts of Murupara. Here, you’ll learn the history of the Ngati Manawa people, walk in native forest, learn about traditional Māori medicinal plants like Kawakawa, feast on a traditional Hangi, participate in traditional Māori games, and meet and learn from the local community.

Kickstart your day with breakfast at Kohutapu Lodge, immersing yourself in Māori culture with a traditional Powhiri (welcome ceremony). Explore the carved meeting house and enjoy morning tea and conversation with the community elders.

Bidding Haere rā (goodbye), we journey to where the centre of the earth meets the sky: Hell’s Gate Rotorua. Hell’s Gate offers one of New Zealand's most unique geothermal experiences. It is where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above. Don't forget your swimsuit for a rejuvenating dip in the nutrient-rich thermal pools, including a full-body mud bath experience.

This afternoon we head to the vibrant beach town of Mount Maunganui, also known as "The Mount." Soak up the sun, stroll along the picturesque coastline, or challenge yourself with a hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views. Tonight, we will stay across the bridge in Tauranga, with water views and is within walking distance of great bars and restaurants. 

Fuel Up and enjoy breakfast at one of the many local cafes before we hit the road and head up the coast towards the picturesque Coromandel region, with a lunch stop to discover the charm of Whangamata, a popular Kiwi getaway known for its pristine beaches and native forests.

A stop along the way will allow us to stretch our legs and head out to discover the hidden gems of the Karangahake Gorge. Enjoy a hike through historic mining tunnels and admire the lush native forests.

This afternoon, experience the breathtaking natural rock formation at Cathedral Cove. Go on a short walk to explore the cove by foot or embark on an ocean adventure and get the best of both worlds. Hop aboard the Hahei Explorer and explore the area by boat OR if you feel like putting some effort in, Cathedral Cove Kayaks is the perfect option too. This evening depending on the tides, we will head to Hot Water Beach to dig a personal natural  spa and relax in the hot geothermal water on the beach. Hahei is a gorgeous beach town famed for its spectacular, pink sandy beach. Go for a sunset swim or grab a bite to eat before winding down for the night. 

Leave the Coromandel behind and venture into the heart of the Kaimai Ranges. Discover the hidden gems of the Karangahake Gorge, where we will enjoy a hike through historic mining tunnels and admire the lush native forests. Our Northern Kiwi Tour concludes in the bustling metropolis of Auckland, also known as the "City of Sails." If you have the time, explore the city's iconic waterfront, stroll through the vibrant Wynyard Quarter, or immerse yourself in the arts scene at one of the many museums and galleries.

As your Kiwi Experience adventure draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the incredible memories and friendships you've made along the way. Farewell to your fellow travellers and Kiwi Driver Guide. Ka kite anō! (See you again!)