Northern Highlights - 9 day Tour Itinerary

You head south east to the Coromandel Peninsula via views of Waikato farmland.  Head to your remote beach area to hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove, and have a chance to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach (tide dependent).  You stay in an exclusive campsite at the beach and enjoy a BBQ. Quad share cabins only (D).  ** See Note at bottom of Itinerary. 

Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast you stop for some great walks then head to your uniquely developed Maori cultural stop at Whakarewarewa.  Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools is the living Maori village. This is an experience to gain an insight into the Maori culture and history, which includes a down-to-earth cultural show and a hangi lunch traditionally cooked in the steam from the natural hot pools. You have the afternoon to explore Rotorua with optional activities for everyone from free walks to white water rafting. (B,L).

You leave early this morning, stopping for a swim in a natural hot river, then onto the impressive Huka Falls. Drive around Lake Taupo towards the Central Plateau. Go deep into the wilderness to your exclusive environmental award-winning stop at Blue Duck Lodge.  You can kayak the last 8kms, take a historical walk, or if you want you can take part in a hunt for dinner. The lodge is an old homestead nestled right on the edge of Whanganui National Park surrounded by breath-taking views, amazing walks, and natural beauty.  Cook a traditional bush dinner over an outdoor wood-fire using local produce, while learning about the rich early-settlement history and the owner's huge efforts to restore the local plants and birdlife to their former glory (D) 

This morning you head back towards the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park with the chance to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, rated as New Zealand's best one-day walk.  For those less active there will be shorter walks and a visit to the Volcanic Centre Museum.  Tonight you stay at our exclusive alpine lodge 'The Park' (B, D).

Note. In winter there is an additional charge of NZD$95 for the Crossing to cover guiding and equipment hire.

Following the day you had in National Park you head to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.  You have the afternoon to explore 'Te Papa', New Zealand's National Museum and strongly recommend the walk along Oriental Parade and/or up Mt Victoria to get the best view of the city. You stay in central Wellington accommodation tonight (B).