Exploring the Nature of the North Island

Kia ora! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 6:00pm to depart for your welcome dinner reserved for 6.30pm. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Auckland International Airport (AKL).

Good morning to your first full day in New Zealand! This morning you’ll enjoy breakfast and then head to Waiheke Island. Upon your arrival by ferry, you’ll explore the beautiful coastline on a hike. After your hike you’ll have some time to find lunch before heading to a vineyard to enjoy some local wines. Enjoy the splendid views from the small hillside vineyard before joining the return shuttle back to the wharf and taking the ferry back to Auckland. If you wish to stay longer on the island after your wine tasting experience feel free to do so - just don’t miss the last ferry back! Today we recommend wearing comfortable walking clothes along with comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle. If you plan on taking a dip in the ocean, we recommend you bring a small bag with a towel and a change of clothes.

• Waiheke Island Hike

  After arriving on Waiheke Island, you will explore the beautiful coastline on foot! You will enjoy a short hike along the coastline and then inland before getting picked up on a private shuttle that will take you 5 minutes to a local vineyard for your wine tasting experience. Distance: 1.3 miles / Elevation Gain: 330 feet / Duration: 45 minutes / Difficulty: Easy.

  09:45· 45 min· Waiheke Island
• Wine Tasting

  After a 5 minute shuttle ride you’ll arrive at the vineyard. Here you’ll enjoy 3 different wines of different varietals. You will be guided through the experience, and you’ll learn a little about each wine as you taste your way through. After your taste you’re free to stroll the vineyard grounds before you hop back on the shuttle and head to Oneroa Beach where you are free to grab lunch. If you would like to stay longer at the vineyard or on Waiheke Island, you are free to do so.

  12:00· 30 min· Waiheke Island
• Transfer · Auckland → Waiheke Island

  Depending on your hotel location, you will either walk 20 minutes (~0.75 miles) to the wharf or take a private shuttle to the wharf. From here you will board a ferry for a scenic 40-minute journey across the bright blue Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island.

  boat · 60 min
• Transfer · Waiheke Island → Auckland

  After a 5 minute transfer from Oneroa Beach you’ll arrive at the wharf. From here you’ll take the 40 minute ferry ride back to Auckland in the afternoon. If you would like to stay longer on the island and continue exploring, feel free to do so. The last ferry back is at 6:00 P.M., subject to changes in the ferry schedules.

  boat · 60 min

Today you will leave the city behind. After breakfast, you’ll depart Auckland on a transfer to Tongariro National Park. On your way, your first stop will be at the Ruakuri Caves. Explore the underground limestone caverns before enjoying a picnic lunch and continuing on your way. Next, you’ll arrive in Tongariro National Park and enjoy a lovely hike across the waving tussocks with volcano views passing the impressive Taranaki Falls mid-way through. After hiking out, you’ll head to your hotel for the evening and enjoy dinner. Today you’ll want to wear comfortable walking/hiking clothes, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for the Taranaki hike, and bring a med-light jacket in case of wind/rain. You may also want to bring a small backpack for your water bottle and other miscellaneous items.

• Ruakuri Caves Tour

  Explore the Ruakuri Caves on this 90 minute shared tour led by a local guide. Head underground through a spiral staircase and venture through the subterranean cavern where you’ll walk among limestone formations and crystal tapestries. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to snag some pics with the bioluminescent glow worms! Photography and video are permitted in selected areas of the cave. Large backpacks aren't permitted inside the cave and day packs need to be worn on the front. All you will need are comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket. You will be underground for most of the 90 min and you will remain dry. If you are claustrophobic or do not wish to participate in this activity, you can explore the nature trail and surroundings above ground on your own during this tour.

  11:00· 90 min· Waitomo Caves
• Taranaki Falls Hike

  After arriving at the trailhead you embark on a loop hike passing Taranaki Falls. Begin by hiking across the alpine shrublands and through the beech forest. The main volcanoes of the Park all come into view before Taranaki Falls. Marvel at the giant waterfall that cascades from 65 feet above. After leaving the falls you’ll continue your final hike back out to where you began. After your hike you’ll transfer 15 minutes to your hotel. Distance: 3.7 miles / Elevation Gain: 475 feet / Duration: 2 hours / Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.

  16:30· 120 min· Tongariro National Park
• Transfer · Auckland → Ruakuri Caves

  Take a private transfer to the Ruakuri Caves. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as well as a stop for a brief coffee break.

  private · 180 min
• Transfer · Ruakuri Caves → Tongariro National Park

  Continue your transfer to Tongariro National Park. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  private · 180 min

After breakfast, enjoy a morning hike to Soda Springs, which follows the first section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This rewarding walk offers sweeping views of the park’s volcanic landscape and a glimpse into one of New Zealand’s most iconic trails. The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the comforts of the hotel. If you’d like to stretch your legs again later in the day, your guide will have many other recommendations for trails showcasing the park’s unique alpine scenery. For the hike today, we recommend wearing light waterproof pants (gore-tex or similar), a jacket, gloves or mittens, a hat, sunglasses, hiking boots.

• Soda Springs Hike

  Take a 15 minute transfer to the trail head. Then enjoy a morning hike to Soda Springs, which follows the first section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This rewarding walk offers sweeping views of the park’s volcanic landscape and a glimpse into one of New Zealand’s most iconic trails. Distance: 3.7 miles / Elevation Gain: 430 feet / Duration: 2 hours / Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.

  09:00· 120 min

Today you’ll make your journey to Rotorua via several different stops. Your first stop will take you to Lake Rotopounamu where you’ll hike up and walk around this tranquil and beautiful lake with great birdlife. Next, you’ll continue to Taupo where you’ll have some time to get lunch on your own before heading onward. Make a quick stop at Huka Falls and then continue to Waiotapu Thermal Reserve for a short hike to stretch your legs. After reaching Rotorua, you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy dinner. Today you’ll want to wear comfortable walking/hiking clothes and shoes, and bring a bag with water, a towel, and swimwear in case there is the opportunity to swim in Lake Taupo.

• Lake Rotopounamu Trail Hike

  After departing Tongariro, you’ll transfer 30 minutes to Lake Rotopounamu. Here you’ll hike up to Lake Rotopounamu and follow a loop trail back to the start. Then you’ll continue to Lake Taupo. Distance: 3.1 miles / Elevation Gain: 426 feet / Duration: 1.5 hours / Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

  09:00· 90 min· Lake Rotopounamu
• Huka Falls Visit

  Continue 10 minutes on from Taupo and make a quick stop at Huka Falls. Here you’ll get out for a short walk (10 minutes) to see the powerful falls from the Waikato River that get funneled into a narrow channel. The flow of water is so great that it could fill an Olympic swimming pool in just 11 seconds!

  13:30· 30 min· Huka Falls
• Waiotapu Thermal Reserve Hike

  After your stop at Huka Falls you’ll continue another 45 minutes to Waiotapu Thermal Reserve. Waiotapu is an active geothermal area and on your hike you’ll experience a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s most colorful and unique geothermal elements sculpted by thousands of years of volcanic activity. After your hike, transfer another 30 minutes to Rotorua. Distance: 2 miles / Elevation Gain: 180 feet Duration: 1.5 hours / Difficulty: Easy

  14:30· 90 min· 201 Waiotapu Loop Road
• Transfer · Lake Rotopounamu → Lake Taupo

  Continue your transfer to Taupo.

  private · 60 min

After breakfast, set off for a day exploring one of New Zealand’s most magnificent native rainforests. You’ll journey to Whirinaki Forest Park and hike the stunning Whirinaki Waterfall Loop Track. This trail winds through towering podocarp trees, lush ferns, and along crystal-clear rivers, leading to the impressive Whirinaki Falls. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the sounds of birdsong and the cool forest air before returning to Rotorua in the afternoon. In the evening, relax and freshen up before joining a memorable Te Pō feast and cultural experience, where you’ll learn about Māori traditions and enjoy a delicious hāngī meal.

• Hike Whirinaki Rainforest

  Hike the stunning Whirinaki Waterfall Loop Track. This trail winds through towering podocarp trees, lush ferns, and along crystal-clear rivers, leading to the impressive Whirinaki Falls. Distance: 6.2 miles / Elevation Gain: 820 feet / Duration: 3-4 hours / Difficulty: Easy

  09:30· 240 min· Whirinaki
• Te Po at Te Puia

  A short 5 minute transfer will take you to the shared Te Po experience. Tonight is an enchanting evening of Māori culture, including a traditional hangi feast and mesmerizing performances of song and dance. Begin with indulging in a traditional feast. After you’ve enjoyed your meal, you’ll stroll and wander through the geothermal area of Te Puia, which includes an impressive geyser. This is a captivating journey into the heart of New Zealand's indigenous heritage.

  17:30· 180 min· Hemo Road
• Transfer · Rotorua → Whirinaki Rainforest

  Take a private transfer to the trailhead in Whirinaki Rainforest.

  private · 90 min
• Transfer · Trailhead → Rotorua

  Take a private transfer from the trailhead back to Rotorua.

  private · 90 min

This morning you’ll be able to sleep in and relax. Enjoy a late breakfast or explore Rotorua in the morning. You’ll want to grab an early lunch as you’ll be heading to Hobbiton™ arriving just before noon. After your transfer to Hobbiton™ you’ll explore the beautiful countryside that was featured in the Lord of the Rings movies. After your tour, you’ll continue on back to Auckland. Today’s activities are leisurely so no specific wear/gear is required.

• Hobbiton™ Movie Set

  On this shared tour, you’ll experience the real Middle-earth™. At the Hobbiton Movie Set, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. A local guide will show you around the Alexander sheep farm and point out the famous locations as seen in the film and explaining how the brilliance and magic of these films came to be.

  12:00· 150 min· 501 Buckland Road Matamata
• Transfer · Rotorua → Hobbiton

  Take a private transfer to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set.

  private · 60 min
• Transfer · Hobbiton → Auckland

  Continue on from Hobbiton™ to Auckland. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  private · 150 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Auckland International Airport (AKL).