New Zealand North Island Adventure

After being picked up from your hotel, travel west to the Arataki Centre, doorway to the Waitakere Ranges and from its sweeping decks take in the breathtaking panoramic views extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the area’s history and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there. Continue further west with our knowledgeable and highly experienced guides to the wild and rugged West Coast where you get to experience the power of nature. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. Unwind by a beautiful cascading waterfall. A short journey brings you to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand’s giant tree ferns and hear native birds. Visit a magnificent specimen of New Zealand’s famous Kauri trees.

The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting accomplishment.  Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional yachties, this activity provides a very unique opportunity to participate in sailing on these grand prix racing machines.  A must do attraction in Auckland and a unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America’s Cup yacht.  The experience varies per person: take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or sit back, relax and enjoy the sail, a once in a lifetime experience.

Enjoy a full day of touring around Waitomo and Rotorua.  Begin by travelling south past Auckland, through the small rural townships of the early pioneer times, before stopping briefly for a morning tea. Continue travelling through the rich farmland of the Waikato towards the King Country (birthplace of the Maori Monarchy) before arriving in Waitomo. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, which is climaxed by a boat ride through the Glow-worm Grotto, a cavern system illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glow-worms suspended from the cave ceiling.  After, lunch is served before re-boarding the coach making route to Rotorua.  Upon arrival in Rotorua take a soak in the award-winning Polynesian Spa, voted one of the world's top 10 day spa resorts. Enjoy tranquil bathing and lake views in four shallow alkaline rock pools, each with different temperatures ranging from 36°C to 42°C.  The pools are filled with soothing alkaline mineral water leaving skin soft and supple.  Surrounded by the lush native New Zealand flora, natural rocks, and the sound of two waterfalls, this experience will truly revitalize one’s body and mind. The tour continues with a visit to the Te Puia Arts & Crafts Institute, Maori Village and some local boiling mud pools.  The day concludes as the coach travels back to Auckland through the horse breeding district of Matamata and pastureland of the Hauraki Plains where a light snack is served.

Today, visit Hells Gate & Wai Ora Spa in Rotorua, New Zealand’s most unique geothermal, cultural, health & spa experience. Home to New Zealand’s most active geothermal field, this fascinating area showcases a large variety of volcanic features such as exploding geyser, steaming fumaroles, pools of boiling mud, the only accessible mud volcano and the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Set amongst the active geothermal reserve is the Wai Ora Spa and Wellness Centre, where visitors experience the unique geothermal muds and sulphurous geothermal waters in the Hells Gate Mud Baths. Each mud bath contains an excess of 100kgs of the finest geothermal muds in both a suspended and solid form. Each spa contains pure sulphurous water drawn directly from the geothermal valley. Unaltered, the water cleanses tones and heals broken skin, just as it was used in ancient times by the local Maori people.

Set out today on an explorative tour of the renowned Te Puia Thermal Valley accompanied by an experience and informative guide.  Begin with a visit to the New Zealand National Carving and Weaving School to witness the ancient techniques of carving and weaving by the regions most experienced and talented artists.  Next, you’ll visit the award winning interactive galleries featuring an impressive Kiwi bird exhibit whilst hearing the about the ancient myths and fables depicted by the local descendants of this spectacular valley area.  Shortly after, you’ll travel to the popular mud-pools and geyser for some viewing and exploration which is followed by a period of relaxation in preparation for the evening’s festivities.  For local descendants the “Te Po” is an intimate, cultural time for sharing knowledge and enjoying life whilst feasting on local delicacies with friends and family.  This nightly tradition begins at the Te-Heketanga-a-Rangi (the Heavenly Origins) which is an area comprising of twelve monumental carvings with represent the Maori Deities.  According to local Maori tradition, it is an honour to the tribes Mana (or communal standing) to provide guests with a sumptuous banquet of food during the evening hours.  The banquet combines both contemporary cooking techniques with traditional Hangi (or Earth-cooked Oven Cooked) methods.  The Kai (or Food) is placed amongst hot rocks to steam, created an aromatic, smoky flavouring. Following dessert, head out towards the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley to marvel at this illuminated natural attraction.

Make your way to theTongariro National Park ; a region well-recognised for its natural and cultural significance, being awarded the prestigious Dual Heritage Status for its outstanding volcanic terrain and extensive Maori history. While experiencing this unique region, you will have the opportunity to join a professional outdoor guide in hiking the Mt. Ruapehu Crater Lake climb, an amazing 10km adventure traversing through a mix of active volcanic and glacial terrain. At the top of Mt. Ruapehu Crater you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the geothermal waters in Crater Lake and spectacular sights of the surrounding region before returning to our point of origin, approximately 7 hours hiking in total. Please note that Mt. Ruapehu is an active volcano at higher elevations, and this hike may be subject to Volcanic and Snow warnings. There is option for a shorter hike, riding the Whakapapa Chairlifts to Knoll Ridge, and then completing the remaining 7kms in approximately 5 hours hiking time. Both hikes will require a reasonable level of fitness. If snow or volcanic warnings should prevent this hike from being accessible, we will have the choice of many other beautiful tracks to choose from in this stunning region.

The perfect day for families and adventurer's when in Rotorua. This includes 2-3 hours of superb Mountain biking, and extreme Kaituna Waterfall Rafting, a delicious lunch in a local bakery/cafe and a beautiful Kayak on Lake Rotoiti to thermal hot pools only accessible by boat. Your day includes return transport from Rotorua, GT Bike hire, Necessary Rafting and Kayaking Equipment, Lunch, Forest Concession fees and Hot Pool entry. This is a full day.

A privately driven vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and hotel today.