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7-Day North Island Active Nature Tour

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Overview

Embrace the diversity of the North Island on a week-long adventure. Starting in Auckland, you'll follow the trail of The Lord of the Rings and seek out glowworm to make a dramatic start to your trip before you go on a journey of a lifetime.

While hopping between luxury hotels including the Sofitel Auckland and Hilton Lake Taupo, you'll visit New Zealand's largest lake, which is more like an inland sea, hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing and witness the volcanic spouts and bubbles of the Rotorua region.

Just before you leave, you might be able to squeeze in a kayaking trip unlike any other around Cathedral Cove. New Zealand is an adventure-lovers paradise, and this North Island trip will show you the best of it!
Outdoors & Nature
Adventure
Culture & Arts
Sightseeing
Beach & Sea

Itinerary

Day 1

Dive into New Zealand in Auckland

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Dive into New Zealand in Auckland

Imagine an urban environment within half an hour of beautiful beaches, and hiking trails. Add a sunny climate, a background of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food and wine - you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland, our largest and most diverse city. Catch the Fullers Ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island, an open wildlife sanctuary and nature lover’s paradise. Walk the 1-hour Kawaura Track through coastal forest and pohutukawa trees, thought to be 800 to 1000 years old.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sofitel Auckland5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tiritiri Matangi IslandOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Auckland Airport to AucklandOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Whangaparaoa

Day 2

Auckland to Matamata

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Auckland to Matamata

Travel south through the rural farmland of the Waikato region, one of New Zealand’s leading dairy producing and horse breeding areas. One of the major attractions is Caveworld, famous for its thousands of glowworms. From there, drive further inland to Matamata and Hamilton. It's easy to see why these green pastures and rolling hills were chosen to portray Hobbiton and The Shire, you'll finish the day with a tour of the movie set of The Lord of the Rings.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Henley Hotel - Venue, Accommodation & Restaurant5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Caveworld Glowworm Cave Tour

    Hobbiton Movie Set

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Auckland to CambridgeOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Waitomo

    Matamata

    Cambridge

Day 3

Lake Taupo Adventures, Check-in to the Hilton Lake Taupo

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Lake Taupo Adventures, Check-in to the Hilton Lake Taupo

Leave Waikato behind for the North Island’s most impressive landscapes that is right on its doorstep - the Great Lake Taupo, perfect for adventures. You will be able to check-in to your hotel today, Hilton Lake Taupo. The beautiful Lake Taupo is more of an inland sea really. It was created nearly 2000 years ago by a volcanic eruption so big it darkened the skies in Europe and China. On your way, you'll discover the mesmerising Blue Springs, before you finish the day on a jet boat adventure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hilton Lake Taupo5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Te Waihou Walkway

    New Zealand RiverJet The Squeeze

    TaupoOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Cambridge to TaupoOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cambridge

    Tapapa

    Mihi

    Taupo

Day 4

Tongariro National Park

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Tongariro National Park

Another day in the region takes you to Tongariro National Park. Emerald lakes, alpine meadows and hot springs surround the largest volcanoes in the North Island, offering an environment of stunning diversity. All three volcanoes are very much alive, but this doesn’t deter people from skiing the slopes and hiking to the craters. The park's most celebrated activity is the 'Tongariro Alpine Crossing', a one-day trek that traverses the otherworldly terrain along the slopes of all three mountains.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hilton Lake Taupo5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tongariro National Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Taupo

    Tongariro National Park

Day 5

Check-out of the Hilton Lake Taupo and Drive to the Bay of Plenty

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Check-out of the Hilton Lake Taupo and Drive to the Bay of Plenty

Check-out of the Hilton lake Taupo and gradually make your way to the Bay of Plenty. Your first stop will be Huka Falls, a dramatic and powerful gush of waterfall that is really unlike any other you have seen before. Then, you'll reach Rotorua, known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Maori culture. You'll finish the day with a birds-eye view of the crater lakes of Rotorua from a helicopter before walking around Mount Tarawera.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Trinity Wharf Tauranga4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Huka Falls

    Rotorua

    Volcanic Air Land and Walking Tour

    TaurangaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Taupo to Bay of PlentyOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Taupo

    Wairakei

    Rotorua

    Tauranga

Day 6

Drive to Coromandel

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Drive to Coromandel

Make your way north with a few stops along the way. Today, you'll explore the Coromandel Peninsula where waterfalls surprise you with their spectacular heights, falling dramatically down into gorges. You may wish to stop along the way to stretch your legs with a walk to discover the flora and fauna. Before arriving in Coromandel, you have to stop at Hot Water Beach to watch the surfers and hopefully make it in time for a natural spring bath in the sand!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hahei Bed & Breakfast

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Hot Water Beach

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Bay of Plenty to HaheiOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tauranga

    Kaimarama

    Hot Water Beach

    Hahei

Day 7

One Last Adventure before You Go

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One Last Adventure before You Go

One of the best sea kayaking trips in the country, the "Cathedral Cove Classic" has got it all - the best way to finish your trip! The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve opens up a sea kayaking paradise full of beaches, islands and rock gardens that are just waiting to be explored. Paddle through sea caves, interact with the local marine life and discover the thrill of kayak sailing. After your morning on the water, you'll pack up and hit the road back to Auckland in time for your flight.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cathedral Cove Kayaking

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Hahei to AucklandOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hahei

Included in Price

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 11 activities
  • 6 breakfasts
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • Ground transportation
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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