Description

Your Deal

‘Book with Flexibility

Book with confidence with our flexible holiday options, knowing that if things change, you’ll have room to move without the fear of fees! See the inclusions below for more details on flexible bookings.

Inclusions

6 night self drive itinerary departing Auckland.

7 day car hire of a Hyundai i20 or similar, picking up and dropping off at Auckland Airport.

Auckland 2 nights accommodation at the 4-star Auckland Harbour Suites in a Studio Room.

Taupo 2 nights accommodation at the 4-star The Reef Resort Heritage Collection, Taupo in a Studio Room.

Rotorua 2 nights accommodation at the 4-star Distinction Rotorua in a Standard Room.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour.

Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise.

1 Day Te Ra Day Pass at Te Puia in Rotorua with 90 minute Guided Tour, includes the Pohutu Geyser.

FLEXIBLE FREE changes & cancellations up to 4 days prior to travel.

BONUS SAVE up to $75*.

Why not add a Rangitoto Volcanic Explorer Tour in Auckland from an extra $77.

A surcharge applies for Friday & Saturday night stays in Auckland.

Your Accommodation/Itinerary

Discover the North Island’s Geothermal and natural phenomenons on this road trip. Explore Waitomo, home to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with awe-inspiring glowworm displays. In Taupo, see the Maori carvings on a cruise on Lake Taupo, or marvel at the horizontal falls at Huka Falls, and nearby see the geothermal phenomena at nearby Mt Ruapehu. See the natural volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs and mud pools at Orakei Korako Cave and Geothermal Park. In Rotorua, soak away in Geothermal waters and mud baths to revitalise mind, body and soul. Witness the Southern Hemisphere’s largest geyser, Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia along with exploring the Geothermal Valley.

Day 1 – 2 Auckland

Welcome to Auckland. With an irresistible combination of magnificent natural scenery and a vibrant, yet laid-back, city lifestyle, Auckland is a place of exciting contrasts and endless adventures. Not only is Auckland a great city, but a whole region waiting to be explored. See Auckland from the water on a harbour cruise, or from the sky on a scenic flight, or get a 360-degree birds-eye view of the city from Auckland Sky Tower, standing high as 220m at the Sky Deck.

Why not join a ferry trip to Rangitoto Island, where you would join a 4WD tour and learn about Rangitoto’s fiery past. Journey through the largest Pohutukawa forest in the world, and enjoy a 900m walk along a scenic boardwalk to the top with 360-degree views.

Auckland city has a plethora of exciting restaurants and bars to experience, from the waterside precincts at Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour, to the eclectic Britomart and the inner suburbs of Ponsonby Central and Parnell Road. Head to Parnell’s French Style Farmers Markets every Saturday and Sunday morning to sample local gourmet treats.

Stay 2 nights in Auckland

Day 3 – 4 Auckland to Taupo, via Waitomo (339km)

Depart Auckland early today as you travel via Waitomo, home to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, as you will join a one hour guided tour of the caves to see awe-inspiring glowworm displays and subterranean adventures. You will witness the thousands of illuminating glow worms above as you glide gently through the Glowworm Grotto. If you are feeling adventurous you may like to upgrade your tour and try your hand at black-water rafting on the Black Labyrinth Tour as you travel through the mysterious Ruakuri Cave on a rubber tube.

At the centre of Taupo is a vast sparkling lake lying in an ancient volcanic caldera. Taupo’s trout-filled rivers offer magnificent fly-fishing, and its ancient forests, alive with birdsong, are crossed with magical walks and bike trails. Whilst in Taupo, enjoy a 90-minute scenic cruise of Lake Taupo as you journey to see the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay where you will learn about the Maori mythology and volcanic history of the area.

Head down to Huka Falls and marvel at the spectacular falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. You can see it from the sidelines, or jump in a jetboat and glide past cliffs and trees at an incredibly dizzying 80km/h with 360-degree spins, leaving your heart pumping with adrenaline.

Explore the geothermal phenomena of nearby Mt Ruapehu in the UNESCO world heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, defined by 3 volcanoes towering over an otherworldly, tussock-covered plateau. During the winter months, Mt Ruapehu transforms into a winter wonderland and a haven for skiers and snowboarders with its dual ski fields of Turoa and Whakapapa.

Stay 2 nights in Taupo

Day 5 – 6 Taupo – Rotorua (80km)

As you make your way to Rotorua, be sure to stop at Orakei Korako Cave and Geothermal Park, a short drive from Taupo, to see the natural volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs and mud pools.

Set among the lush nature, surrounded by pristine lakes and towering forests, Rotorua is known as the ‘Spa of the Southern Seas’ and for its vibrant Maori heritage. The mild weather makes it easy to visit Rotorua any time of the year, whether to enjoy water sports or bathe in the healing waters of the plentiful hot springs. Soak away in the Geothermal waters at the Polynesian Spa, a world-leading, natural mineral bathing and luxury spa retreat, or lather up in a mud bath at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa, to revitalise mind, body and soul. Your package includes a visit Te Puia where you can see the Southern Hemisphere’s largest geyser, Pohutu Geyser, as well as a number of Maori Cultural experiences and tours of the Geothermal Valley.

Discover what Manaakitanga means, and experience authentic Maori culture. From being fully immersed in cultural performances, to pulling a traditional hangi straight out of the steaming ground, or taking a tour of a living Maori village, there is something to suit everyone.

Head to Redwoods Treewalk, an attraction where you wander along a 650m walkway consisting of a series of 27 suspension bridges between 119-year-old redwood trees to get a unique birds-eye perspective of the majestic forest. At night the forest lights up with lanterns and feature lights that illuminate the forest. Travel through native and stunning scenery at Kaituna River, where you can whitewater raft the 7m Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, or simply navigate your way through the river at eye level.

Travel to the top of Mt Ngongotaha by gondola to Skyline Rotorua for an unforgettable gravity adventure, from thrilling luge rides, ziplining and mountain biking, to tranquil gondola rides, nature trails, stargazing and dining. For a plethora of dining options, visit Eat Street, a purpose built dining and entertainment district, and one of the coolest hot spots in the city, and finish off your evening with a after-dinner drink at Ponsonby Rd cocktail bar.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua

Day 7 Rotorua – Auckland (235km)

If time permits, a slight detour as you travel back to Auckland, stopping at Matamata to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, a significant location used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Book a tour to discover the real Middle-earth at the set featuring hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, Mill, bridge and gardens.