Northern adventure route
Adventures on New Zealand’s North Island
Start your trip in New Zealand’s biggest city Auckland with a trip to the Sky Tower for views over the city. From here, it’s a short journey to the Coromandel and on to Raglan for a mix of pristine beaches and secluded coves, where you can sea kayak, swim or simply explore. Next, visit the hot springs and sulphuric mud pools of Rotorua, taking in Maori culture and food, before travelling to the vast Lake Taupo for the Huka Waterfalls and Maori rock carvings. This is also an excellent base for exploring Tongariro National Park. End your North Island trip in cultured Wellington, home to excellent craft beer and coffee.
Key information
| Destinations | Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland, Lake Taupo, Raglan, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Activity | Active, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Solo Travel |
| Physical Level | Mild |
Suggested itinerary
Explore scenic Auckland
Day 1 in Auckland
Forget the city’s high-rise centre; the beauty of Auckland is the scenery surrounding it. From surf beaches to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, volcanic peaks to fertile farmland, it’s no surprise that the greater Auckland region features high in lists of the world’s most liveable places. This is the perfect introduction to New Zealand.
Taste adventure in the Coromandel
Day 2 in Coromandel Peninsula
Visible across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula has some of the most famous beaches in the country. Head to secluded Cathedral Cove for a picnic and swim, sea kayak around the coast or visit Hot Water Beach to dig out your own hot pool.
The centre of the peninsula is covered in forested hills, thick rainforest with plenty of opportunity for adventure such as canyoning at the 300m high Sleeping God Canyon. The Pinnacles Walk in the Coromandel Forest Park is a highlight, and can be done as a one-day or overnight hike. The summit of the Pinnacles is at 758m and has great views of the forest and peninsula. Some parts are very steep.
Don't miss
Soak in Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach
Visit Hot Water Beach either side of low-tide and you’ll find hot water bubbling through the sand. Dig your own spa pool and dive in.
Go surfing in Raglan
Day 3 in Raglan
The surfing town of Raglan on the Waikato coast is the perfect place to spend a few days lazing by the sea. Look for the black sand Ngarunui beach and the impossibly long surf breaks at Manu Bay, then spend evening enjoying its beach bars and restaurants.
Explore Maori history Rotorua
Day 4–5 in Rotorua
An eggy scent hangs over sulphuric Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island, which is home to spectacular geothermal springs, bubbling mud pools, geysers, and colourful geothermal terraces.
These natural features can be seen at various parks and open areas throughout Rotorua, but for a quieter experience, visit one outside the city. Orakei Korako, between Rotorua and Taupo, is a bit of a detour and requires a short boat ride to get across to the thermal terraces. If you’re driving a self-contained camper van, you’re allowed to park here overnight.
However, it’s not just the landscapes that attract visitors – 34% of Rotorua’s population is Maori, and cultural performances and banquets are worth seeing.
Don't miss
Dip your toes in the (very) hot springs of Rotorua
Unwind by the heavenly thermal pools at Rotorua, including the colourful Champagne Pool at Waiotapu and Waimangu Cauldron, otherwise known as Frying Pan Lake – where temperatures can reach a steamy 60C. For pools to swim in, try those at Waikite Valley.
Experience life in Tolkein's Middle-earth
Take a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, complete with a pint (and optional dress-up) in the Green Dragon inn. For avid fans, visit on the 22nd September for the Hobbit Day festivities and feasts.
See Waitomo Caves eerie glowworms
Take a 15-minute boat ride through Waitomo Caves to experience glowworm grotto, a hall filled with thousands of glowworms emitting a soft, illuminating light. Not to be missed.
Get on the water at Lake Taupo
Day 6–7 in Lake Taupo
Vast Lake Taupo is as big as Singapore and was created 2,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption so huge it would have been seen from China.
Today, visitors come for the magnificent Huka Falls, Maori rock carvings and watersports. Lake Taupo is also an excellent base for exploring nearby Tongariro National Park, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike and skiing at Whakapapa.
Don't miss
Kayak around Lake Taupo
Enjoy a relaxing paddle in the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo and explore the mysterious Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be viewed from the water. The surrounding forests are also great for hiking and just north of Taupo you'll find the spectacular Huka Falls.
Tackle the 21km Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Go on a day-hike across the eery volcanic landscape of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Sprinkled with emerald lakes and soda springs, the 21km trail, which takes around seven hours to complete, winds around active volcanoes and features panoramic views across the harsh rocky terrain.
Visit cultural Wellington
Day 8–10 in Wellington
Creative Wellington has a claim to be New Zealand’s most cultural city. From art galleries to theatre, craft beer to coffee, Wellington is a compact city packing a powerful punch. If you’re still looking for outdoor activities, try mountain biking or sea-water kayaking, or take a walk on the Makara Peak track for views across the west coast beach.
Don't miss
Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Victoria
Venture to the top of Mount Victoria and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. The Mount Victoria Lookout is a relatively easy walk from the city centre, along woodland trails that were used in The Lord of the Rings.
Where to stay
Classic
Haka Hotel Newmarket
Hake Hotel Newmarket is Auckland’s first 3-star rated hybrid hotel. Take your pick from their range of chic accommodation options including private rooms, studios with outside decks and innovative hotel-standard bunk rooms.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from NZ$3,199pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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This tour is operated by
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