YOUR DAY
Guided: Upon arrival at Wellington Airport, a private shuttle driver will take you to your accommodation in the city. The day and night are free to spend at your leisure and your guide will meet you tomorrow morning.
Self Drive: Upon arrival at Wellington Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.
YOUR DAY
Today is your day to explore the Coolest Little Capital in the World!
This morning you could take the Cable Car from the city up to Kelburn, where you will be able to wander the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
Tonight why not enjoy one of the delicious restaurants the city is famous for? Wellington is known as the cultural capital of New Zealand and due to its small size, the majority of the city can easily be covered on foot.
Tonight you will explore Zealandia sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Experience many of the rare and endangered species and see those which only come out at night. See unique species such as wētā, glow worms, and tuatara. Your group may see some of the 150 little spotted kiwi who call Zealandia home - sightings of kiwi are common on these tours (circa 80%), but are not guaranteed. Gain insights into New Zealand’s natural history and the significance of the unique species within Māori culture. The tour will end with a replenishing cup of hot kawakawa (bushman’s tea) in the Visitors Centre.
YOUR DAY
287km, 3.5 hours driving
This morning you depart Wellington and continue North to the beautiful Tongariro National Park. In the afternoon you’ll arrive in the beautiful ski resort of Ohakune where you may wish to take a hike in the National Park itself. Enjoy a night at the Powderhorn Chateau where the cast of Lord of the Rings stayed during filming in the area!
YOUR DAY
185 km, 2 hours and 30 minutes driving
En route today we recommend taking a short detour to the village of Whakapapa and the Chateau Tongariro in the Tongariro National Park where you may wish to enjoy a hike. One of The Road Trip’s favourites (Taranaki Falls Walk) is 2 hours long featuring native bush, volcanic views and stunning waterfalls.In clear weather there is a great opportunity to spot New Zealand’s 3 most active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngaurauhoe (also known as Mt Doom).
Heading north today, you will reach Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. Winding your way around the lake, you will reach the lakeside holiday town of Taupo, which offers up great dining opportunities for lunch. Further down the road, make a stop at the mind-blowingly powerful Huka Falls and have a look, or take a spin in the Huka Falls Jet and experience the thrill from beneath (optional – extra cost).
Continuing on the ‘Thermal explorer highway,’ you will arrive at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland- a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. You will visit New Zealand’s largest thermal mud pool, sinter terraces and stunning hot and cold pools of many different colours. You will arrive in Rotorua late afternoon where you could have a walk through the wonderful redwood forests or a look at Rotorua's lovely Government Gardens and lakefront. Tonight perhaps enjoy a soak in the natural hot springs of Polynesian Spa (optional – extra cost).
YOUR DAY
This morning you will enjoy the Ultimate Canopy Tour with Rotorua Canopy Tours. This is an unforgettable 3.5-hour Canopy Tour journey. Venture deep into the wilderness to experience prehistoric New Zealand forest at its best.
Following this, the early afternoon is free for leisure activities. Options include: Rotorua Gondola and Luge, zorbing, a trip to The Buried Village of Te Wairoa or the spectacular treewalk of the redwood forest.
This evening you will enjoy an authentic cultural experience at Te Pā Tū (formerly Tamaki Māori Village).
In the summertime, Te Pā Tū offers their Summer Harvest Celebration experience, "Tū Te Rā." Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration, aligned with the maramataka – the Māori lunar calendar. This is a time when the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tū Te Rā celebrates the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine.
In the winter, Te Pā Tū offers their Winter Matariki Celebration experience, "Tū Te Ihi." Tū Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald. Tū Te Ihi celebrates a moment in the earth’s cycle when the stars of Matariki (Pleiades) draw attention. Matariki conjures ancestors as we recall their legacy, and reflect on the year that has been.
YOUR DAY
250km, 3.5 hours driving
Today you will head towards the sunny Coromandel Peninsula.
En route you will visit Hobbiton and The Shire’s Rest, the only remaining film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. You’ll also enjoy a buffet style feast in the festive marquee next to the Green Dragon!
Following this, drive through lush native forest and end up in Whitianga, where the afternoon/evening is free to enjoy this beachside paradise.
YOUR DAY
This morning you will enjoy a glass bottom boat cruise from Whitianga. You'll see Cathedral Cove and its fabulous white sandy beaches, iconic native New Zealand trees and incredible rock formations. Stunning volcanic coastline including sheer cliffs, towering pinnacles, blowholes and sea caves such as Orua Sea cave. Look through the glass panels to see a diverse amount of marine life including red snapper, red moki, leatherjackets and schools of demoiselles and blue mau mau. Look closely through the kelp forest to spot stingrays, crayfish and octopus. On the surface keep your eyes peeled for blue penguins, sea birds and marine mammals such as dolphins, orca and seals.
Following this, we recommend visiting the world famous Hot Water Beach. This is one of the only places in the world where one can discover thermal water underneath a beach! Water in places can be as hot as 70 degrees Celsius though, so approach with caution. Bring your swimming gear, as you will have the opportunity to dig your very own thermal pool and bathe in its waters (35-40 degrees Celsius in the right areas).
Check tide times at the link below to see whether today is the best day to visit Hot Water Beach. You'll need to be there 2 hours either side of low tide to see the hot springs in the sand.
YOUR DAY
193km, 3 hours driving
This morning you depart Whitianga and head to NZ’s largest city, Auckland.
There may be time for a walk through one the region’s many Kauri Tree forests, where you will encounter the flora and fauna of New Zealand’s North Island at its best.
You follow the coast road to the town of Coromandel, where you will take a trip on ‘The Driving Creek Railway’- New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway, with a working pottery and wild life sanctuary.
From here continue on to Auckland.
YOUR DAY
Today you have a full day to explore Auckland, with sights including a visit to one of Auckland’s inner city beaches; Mission Bay, where it is possible to see stunning Pohutukawa trees. The trip could also take in sights such as Mt Eden, a stunning viewpoint and one of Auckland’s most famous volcanic craters, and perhaps a gander at one of The Road Trip’s favourite look out spots that boasts great views of both Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. Perhaps venture out to Muriwai Beach to visit a large Gannet colony on the seaside cliffs and experience the Kauri forests of the Waitakere Ranges.
YOUR DAY
Today you will transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you've had an excellent time in New Zealand and wish you safe travels to your next destination.
Onward flight is not included.