Auckland Trip Overview
This 10-day small-group adventure tour is guaranteed to take you further off the beaten track around the wonders of New Zealand’s North Island. Departing from Auckland, you will visit Hahei and its famously beautiful beaches, Rotorua a world famous Geothermal hotspot, and you’ll have the chance hike the volcanic Tongariro Crossing and marvel at the dormant volcanoes and emerald crater lakes. You’ll overnight on a high country station and in a restored lodge with Mountain views before paying a visit the capital city of Wellington where you have some free time to explore Te Papa (National Museum) before returning back up to Auckland.
Additional Info
Duration: 10 days
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Trip Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours >> Multi-day Tours
Explore Auckland Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Auckland, , New Zealand
This 10-day small-group adventure tour is guaranteed to take you further off the beaten track around the wonders of New Zealand’s North Island. Departing from Auckland, you will visit Hahei and its famously beautiful beaches, Rotorua a world famous Geothermal hotspot, and you’ll have the chance hike the volcanic Tongariro Crossing and marvel at the dormant volcanoes and emerald crater lakes. You’ll overnight on a high country station and in a restored lodge with Mountain views before paying a visit the capital city of Wellington where you have some free time to explore Te Papa (National Museum) before returning back up to Auckland.
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland to Hahei
Stop At: Hot Water Beach, Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato Region, North Island
Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hahei Holiday Resort
Day 2: Free Day in Hahei
Stop At: Cathedral Cove Walk, 65 Grange Rd S, Hahei 3591 New Zealand
Hike to the world famous Cathedral Cove
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Hahei, Hahei, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato Region, North Island
Spend the day at Hahei Beach
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hahei Holiday Resort
Day 3: Hahei to Rotorua
Stop At: Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest, Long Mile Road The Redwoods, Rotorua 3046 New Zealand
Walk amongst the California Redwoods planted over 100 years ago
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Central Rotorua Accommodation
Day 4: Free Day in Rotorua
Pass By: Rotorua, Rotorua, Rotorua District, Bay of Plenty Region, North Island
There are so many optional activities to do in Rotorua. Visit Hobbiton, go White Water Rafting, visit the Thermal Pools and explore Eat Street for all the tasty treats!
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Central Rotorua Accommodation
Day 5: Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua
Stop At: Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours, 3836 Galatea Road, Galatea 3079, New Zealand
Kohutapu Lodge is owned by a local Maori family who are passionate about showcasing their Maori tribal heritage. You’ll see sacred Maori rock carvings, play traditional stick games and watch the preparation of a ground cooked ‘hangi’, before tasting it for yourself! Prepare your tastebuds – this will probably be the best meal you eat in New Zealand, or maybe even in your lifetime!
Exclusive experience includes:
1 night’s accommodation at the serene lakeside Kohutapu Lodge
Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert
Continental breakfast
Guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings
Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history and challenges.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Dinner: Traditional Hangi Dinner and Dessert
Accommodation included: Kohutapu Lodge
Day 6: Lake Aniwhenua to Blue Duck Station
Stop At: Huka Falls Rd, Taupo, Hinuera New Zealand
See the mighty Huka Falls
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Whakahoro, Retaruke 3990, New Zealand
Today we head to Blue Suck Station, a sprawling 7,200-acre high country farm that is both a working station and an eco-conservation pioneer dedicated to protecting the native environment for its namesake, the rare blue duck. On arrival, we will settle in to learn a little about daily life at Blue Duck, the station’s interesting settlement history and their sustainability efforts before cooking some dinner and chilling out around the bonfire.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Blue Duck Station Lodge
Day 7: Free Day in Blue Duck Station
Stop At: Whakahoro, Retaruke 3990, New Zealand
Good news – You have a full free day to explore this ruggedly charming destination. For entertainment, you have the option to go horseback riding over rolling green hills, or jump on a 4WD and travel through native bush to the ‘Top of the World’ where you can see the three peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. If you’d prefer to explore on foot, hike to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall and see if you can spot a rare blue duck in the flesh. Whatever you decide, we have no doubt this will be the start of your love affair with this lush kiwi paradise.
Duration: 1 day
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Blue Duck Station Lodge
Day 8: Blue Duck Station to Raetihi
Stop At: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Off State Highway 48 Mangatepopo Valley, Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park New Zealand
Limber up! Today you get the chance to tick off one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand, the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Considered one of the world’s top one-day walks, this 19km hike takes you across a rocky plateau with dramatic volcanic peaks, craters and turquoise lakes that you (and your Instagram feed) will remember for a lifetime. The Crossing is open to walk year-round (alpine gear and guide are required in winter), but it is subject to the weather conditions. If the weather prevents you from doing the Crossing, there are other awesome short-walks in the area. Tonight, unwind after a big day in a cosy historic lodge in Raetihi – complete with a pamper room, spa bath and mountain views.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Historic restored lodge with mountain views
Day 9: Raetihi to Wellington
Stop At: Wellington, Wellington, Greater Wellington, North Island
Onwards to Wellington, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with funky restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Fill your afternoon by browsing through the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum, grab a craft beer at an edgy brewery, climb to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views or take a stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Oh and, most importantly for those who seek 24/7 caffeination, you’ll be glad to know that Wellington’s coffee culture and cafe scene is considered one of the best in NZ.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Central Wellington Hostel
Day 10: Last Day of Tour in Wellington
Stop At: Wellington, Wellington, Greater Wellington, North Island
Today your adventure comes to an end. We hope you had a blast!
If you have some time at the end of your trip, why not stay a few extra days in Wellington and explore the capital city.
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
