Explore More…Immersed in Nature

Day One

Your adventure begins as you head to the holiday hotspot of The Coromandel.  Take in the stunning beaches and the gold mining heritage of this coastal paradise. Take a sea kayaking journey around Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve and Cathedral Cove where you’ll get to paddle through caves, interact with the marine life and discover the thrill of kayak sailing. 

Then check the tide times and head to the iconic Hot Water Beach, dig a hole in the sand and watch it fill with hot thermal water from the natural spring. The ideal end to a perfect day with nature.

Stay:  The Coromandel

Day Two

This morning head to the tourism icon of Rotorua. Let the excitement continue as you soar through the trees and experience ancient forests like never before on an unforgettable adventure. Experience a network of ziplines, suspension bridges, treetop platforms and amazing forest trails on this 3-hour eco tour.

Keep the excitement going this evening with Skyline Rotorua. Take the gondola to the top of over 5km of dedicated luge trails, test your limit for heights at the Skyswing, or just sit back, relax and take in the 180-degree views while sipping on award-winning New Zealand wine.

Stay:  Rotorua

Day Three

This morning you will have the opportunity to combine the thrills and speed of jetboating with the power and awe of mother nature. Jetboat through stunning bush clad canyons and marvel at mystical geothermal landscapes, before disembarking to discover a warm thermal stream and hot waterfall, guaranteed to create everlasting memories.

Continue to Taupō this afternoon, the heart of the Central North Island. Taupō offers the perfect opportunity to tick off some of those bucket list items. Enjoy impressive coast to coast views as you skydive from 18,500 feet or take a dip in the Waikato river as you jump from New Zealand’s highest water touch bungy.

Your journey continues with a few photo stops as you travel around Lake Taupō, to the breath-taking World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park. Spend this evening gazing at the stars and enjoying the serenity of this spiritually and culturally significant location by dining at the Knoll Ridge Chalet, the highest eatery in New Zealand. This magnificent structure is accessed via the new, state of the art gondola known as the Sky Waka that runs one mile up New Zealand’s largest active volcano, Mount Ruapehu.

Stay:  Ruapehu

Day Four

Today take the opportunity to explore this natural playground. For the adventurous and physically fit, explore New Zealand’s best one day hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – over 19km of diverse landscapes. Or put yourself in the hands of one of the expert hiking guides and allow them to show you some spectacular scenery while sharing the legends and stories of the land on a shorter half-day guided hike.

Journey back in time this afternoon through stunning hill country farms and native bush. Hear the stories of the rail workers as you travel through the Forgotten World aboard a self-driven rail cart. Your day’s adventures will conclude as you arrive at the underground world of Waitomo, all ready for a full day of below ground excitement tomorrow.

Stay:  Waitomo

Day Five

Today sees an endless range of possibilities underground. Abseil into a Lost World and explore massive cave vaults, glowworms and stunning cave formations. Or take a journey of a different kind as you explore this underground labyrinth from the water, with an exciting and adrenaline filled black water rafting adventure.  A full day of excitement to conclude your New Zealand adventure!

Add an extra day:

  • From Taupō, head over the hills to Hawke’s Bay for an unforgettable nature experience. The Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers is the world’s largest and most accessible gannet colony.  Take a 4WD adventure through riverbeds, over rolling hills and along spectacular cliff tops to reach this special nesting place.

  • Make the journey up the coast from Hawke’s Bay to Tairāwhiti-Gisborne, the first place to greet the sun. Take a guided tour to Maunga Hikurangi with local Iwi, learn the stories, the history, and the beliefs of this sacred site while being the first in the world to greet the new day. Then discover Tangaroa and his children with Dive Tatapouri. Feed and snorkel with the stingrays in this unique coastal reef environment.

  • Experience a one-day Cultural Guided Canoe Trip on the Whanganui River with the Māori navigators of Owhango Adventures. This excursion is the perfect way to find out why the Whanganui River holds such significance for Māori and Europeans.