After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll be travelling onward towards Waitomo, world-famous for its mystical glowworm caves. Waitomo has attracted immense audiences and notable explorers, including Sir David Attenborough. Board an exciting boat ride through Waitomo Caves, lit entirely by glowworms, and become immersed in this natural spectacle of light. Then, navigate through tunnels and hollows on a walking tour of another incredible limestone cave, created over millions of years.
Continue your journey to Rotorua, which is considered the geothermal gem of New Zealand. Once you’re settled in, sit down for a dinner with your fellow travellers before turning in for the night.
After a nourishing breakfast, start your day coasting around the shores of shimmering Lake Rotorua. Find yourself at a lookout point and bask in the stunning views of the famous Mount Tarawera. This natural wonder was formerly the home of a renowned collection of pink-and-white terraces tragically destroyed in a volcanic eruption in 1886. Travel onwards to explore the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, New Zealand’s most-visited archaeological site.
After lunch, wander through Whakarewarewa Forest, where you’ll come across towering redwoods, magnificent Douglas firs and New Zealand’s signature native silver fern. Then, enjoy a leisurely afternoon to get to know Rotorua. You may like to take a stroll around Kuirau Park and witness its geothermal activity in the form of boiling mud pools and steaming lakes. Wander through the government gardens at the lake’s edge, take a moment for pampering at the Polynesian Spa or ride a gondola up to witness the incredible Rotorua vistas.
Optional activities:
- Polynesian spa and thermal pools entry (from NZ$49.95 per person).
- Mount Tawawera helicopter flight with volcano landing (from NZ$630 per person).
- Crater Lakes helicopter flight (from NZ$285 per person).
- Crater Lakes seaplane flight (from NZ$365 per person).
After breakfast, travel onward to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua in Murupara to experience what many would consider the heart of New Zealand. Make your way to Kohutapu Lodge, owned and preserved by a dedicated Māori family, passionate about giving back to the local community. Embark on a guided tour of sacred Māori rock carvings in the area and witness the preparation of a traditional ground-cooked Hāngī meal at the lodge. Dine while learning about traditional Māori cooking and culture.
After lunch, the group will depart for Taupo, where you’re free to take in the sights of the rushing Huka Falls and adventure through the charming lakeside town.
This morning, the journey continues to the spectacular Hawke’s Bay region, home to Napier, which boasts some of the best wineries in the country. Stop off at Mission Estate Winery – New Zealand’s oldest surviving winery – and enjoy a tasting before sitting down to a refined lunch paired with stunning wines in the estate’s peaceful ambience.
Afterwards, take a relaxed drive into the stunning coastal town of Napier, known for its array of spectacular and impeccably preserved Art Deco facades. Wander along the town’s verdant tree-lined promenade and perhaps you’ll choose to dine at one of the iconic seafood restaurants overlooking the picturesque oceanfront (at your own expense).
After breakfast in Napier, it’s time to hit the road again and head onward to Wellington. Along the way, stop off at Greytown, Wairarapa’s oldest town, for a wander through this beautiful village full of Victorian-era buildings and eclectic local boutiques. Next up is Wellington, a relaxed cultural hub and home to some of the country’s best coffee and chocolate. Located at the southwestern tip of the North Island, the city claims a cosy spot between the Cook Strait and Remutaka Range, home to a population of just over 200,000.
Spend your afternoon however you please in this stunning city. Perhaps choose to admire incredible exhibits at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, relax in the flourishing Botanic Garden or take a spin on the Wellington Cable Car.
After breakfast, wave farewell to Wellington and make your own way to the airport for your onward journey as your New Zealand adventure comes to an end.