Explore active volcanoes, geothermal areas, pristine forests, hot pools, and underground caves. We will hike, bike, and Kayak and learn about our indigenous Māori culture.
You’ll be amazed by the variety of activities and stunning scenery as we share the iconic locations and best-kept secrets of the North Island. Experience unique volcanic terrain, white sandy beaches, Māori culture, geothermal areas, underground cave systems and arguably the best mountain day-hike in New Zealand.
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Plan Your Tour
Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture, and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping, and you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland.
Go west to the Waitakere Ranges and wind through wild and stunning locations like Huia, Piha and Muriwai. Auckland’s west coast beaches are beautiful, and Muriwai Beach is perfect for a cliff-top hike. There are superb views of lagoons, dunes and the west coast surf. The Te Henga Walkway, between Bethells and Muriwai, is part of the Hillary Trail, connecting many existing tracks in the Waitakere Ranges.
Or: Catch the ferry from downtown Auckland and visit Tiritiri Matangi Island; join a guided tour to discover the thriving wildlife around you. Keep a watchful eye out for stitchbirds, bellbirds, and tiny North Island robins and spot the beautiful blue-grey colours of the kokako. Plus, check out the little blue penguins’ nesting boxes on the walking track around Hobbs Beach.
Accommodation: Auckland or Waiheke Island
Travel south through the lush green rural farmland of the Waikato region. The rich and fertile pastoral land of the Waikato is one of New Zealand's major dairy-producing and horse-breeding areas and hosts incalculable stands of exotic timber.
On an "Off the Beaten Track" eco-tour, knowledgeable guides will escort you through beautiful native New Zealand forests and untouched glow-worm caves. You move slowly through the caves to enjoy, explore, and take in the surroundings, including the mesmerising glow worm displays. You'll see the caves just as nature intended. There are no handrails, electric lights, concrete paths, or other modifications, and the tour involves climbing over boulders, up hills and wading through streams.
From Waitomo, we drive further inland to Matamata. Famous for dairying and fine thoroughbred horses, it's easy to see why these green pastures and rolling hills were chosen to portray Hobbiton and The Shire. In the evening experience, the Hobbiton Movie Set as you have never seen it before with a guided tour through The Shire at dusk. You will be treated to a banquet in the Green Dragon and sample traditional Hobbit fayre!
Accommodation: Waitomo or Cambridge
Stop at the Te Waihou walkway, visit the internationally acclaimed Blue Spring, and walk through the restoration and regenerative wetlands and native plantings. Be amazed at the intensity of the clear blue-green water and catch a view of one of the many trout found here.
Experience the world's only river jet tour that lets you step off your jet boat and onto a fantastic geothermal wonderland. This adrenaline-pumping experience offers the thrill of blasting down the Waikato River at 90km/h and exploring Taupo's hidden valley Orakei Korako. It feels like another world with its brightly coloured terraces, bubbling mud, steaming geysers, hidden caves and silica terraces. Be among the select few who have been able to get up close to a slice of New Zealand scenery.
The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, moves gracefully north from Lake Taupo between banks 100 metres apart. Then, just before the Huka Falls, it enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. The previously placid waters roar and rumble at great speed along the gorge before bursting into space out over Huka Falls to crash into the turbulent pool 11 metres below.
Lake Taupo, the largest Lake in this country and the world's largest volcanic crater was created in one giant explosion nearly two thousand years ago. It darkened the sky in Europe and China. In the evening, soak in the hot thermal pools and clays of Wairakei Terraces.
Accommodation: Lake Taupo
Tongariro became New Zealand's first national park in 1887. Over one hundred years later, the park was awarded dual UNESCO World Heritage status for its cultural significance to the Māori people and outstanding natural features.
The 80,000-hectare park is a spectacular showcase of volcanic wonders, including emerald lakes, old lava flows, steaming craters, colourful silica terraces, and peculiar alpine gardens. It is an environment of staggering beauty and diversity.
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often described as New Zealand's most extraordinary day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape.
Or: Fly to the summit craters of Mt Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. Enjoy spectacular views of the Tongariro Crossing, Emerald Lakes, and the thermal activity of the newly formed Te Maari Hot Springs. Return via the beautiful White Cliffs on the eastern side of Lake Taupo.
Or: Take a road less travelled with one of our Māori Experts and explore remote treks along with the native bush in the National Park.
Accommodation: Taupo
Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Māori culture. Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland.
Take a flight to Mt Tarawera. This unique experience combines spectacular aerial views of our crater lakes, national parks, and Mount Tarawera with the renowned 4WD and walking tour of this iconic volcano by Kaitiaki Adventures. Share in the region's unique history, culture, and scenery by land and air with well-informed and passionate local guides.
The Bay of Plenty region is home to spectacular beaches, juicy kiwifruit, and New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest-growing population centres in the country.
Mount Maunganui, Mauao, is the iconic destination of our region. Mount Maunganui - From the base of the volcano Mauao, a white sand surf beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Catch a wave or cruise the many cafes.
Accommodation: Tauranga
The Wairere Falls track takes walkers through a beautiful, diverse range of natural scenery. Besides the spectacular 153 m high, lovely river falls and cascades, a fine grove of nīkau, pūriri and kohekohe, and an upper section of the rack that takes you through tree ferns and totara in native forest.
The Coromandel, renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests, and laid-back vibe, is one of New Zealand's most popular holiday destinations.
A binocular view across the gulf from Auckland, The Coromandel is everything that a big city isn't. With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled, and relaxed.
Hot Water Beach is a must-do when you are visiting The Coromandel. Dig your hot pool just meters from the Pacific Ocean at this world-famous Hot Water Beach. Great surf, cafes & art galleries add to this very kiwi experience.
Accommodation: Coromandel Penisula
Hahei Beach, located on The Coromandel, is an attractive beach fringed with pohutukawa trees and drifts of pink shells at the northern end. The offshore islands provide something of a breakwater, making this sheltered beach ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Hahei is a short drive from the beginning of the walkway that leads to a famous Cathedral Cove, home to a beautiful limestone rock arch that separates two white-sand beaches.
New Zealand’s leading tour companies rated it as one of the best sea kayaking trips in the country. The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve opens up a sea kayaking paradise full of beaches, islands, and rock gardens waiting to be explored. Paddle through sea caves, interact with the local marine life and discover the thrill of kayak sailing with the wind on your back. The tour offers great photo opportunities and is topped off with cappuccinos, hot chocolates, and cookies at Cathedral Cove!
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