Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Hot Water Beach
Head south-east from Auckland toward the Coromandel Peninsula and arrive at Hot Water Beach. You'll dig into the sand at low tide to create your own natural spa pool heated by geothermal water below the surface. Later this evening, grab fish and chips or just take it easy and relax, since you've got some full days coming up.
- Start point
- Auckland Central, Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (Lylo Hostel, 08:30)
Included Activities
- Visit Hot Water Beach
Optional Activities
- Cathedral Cove Kayaking
Landmarks Hot Water Beach Cathedral Cove 
- Day 2
Hot Water Beach to Waitomo
Leave Coromandel behind and hike through Karangahake Gorge, walking past old mining tunnels and along scenic walkways. After that, head to Waitomo and check out the famous glow-worm caves with their underground river and stalactite formations. Walk through Ruakuri Scenic Reserve to see the natural tunnel and native forest. If you're up for it, try black water rafting in tubes beneath the glowing worms.
Included Activities
- Karangahake Gorge Walk
- Ruakuri Scenic Walk
Optional Activities
- Waitomo Glowworm cave tour
- Black Water Rafting - Labyrinth
- Ruakuri Cave Tour
Landmarks Karangahake Gorge Ruakuri Scenic Reserve Waitomo Glowworm Caves 
- Day 3
Waitomo to Rotorua
Depart Waitomo and optionally stop at Hobbiton village, the Lord of the Rings film location. Then continue to Rotorua, a geothermal hotspot with bubbling mud pools, geysers, and natural hot springs. You can choose what appeals to you: white water rafting, zip lining through the canopy, or heading to Mitai Maori Village in the evening for traditional performances and a Maori feast.
Included Activities
- Ruakuri Bushwalk
Optional Activities
- Hobbiton
- White Water Rafting
- Mitai Māori Village evening experience
- Zip Lining
Landmarks Hobbiton Mitai Māori Village - Day 4
Rotorua
Spend today exploring Rotorua's geothermal attractions, clear lakes, native forests, and Maori culture. Activities vary based on what you're feeling: ride the rapids on the Kaituna River, take a Mountain Jade Highlights tour, or opt for the Wai Ariki spa with its restorative pools. The day is flexible, so you can pick activities that match your energy and interests.
Optional Activities
- Kaituna River Rafting
- Mountain Jade Highlights tour
- Wai Ariki restorative journey
- Day 5
Rotorua to Taupo
Optionally explore the geothermal reserve at Te Puia before heading toward Lake Taupo. Walk out to Huka Falls and see the impressive cascade, then explore the lake itself, which sits inside an extinct volcano crater. If you want more action, try sailing out to Maori rock carvings or go skydiving for a view of the whole area from above.
Included Activities
- Huka Falls walk
Optional Activities
- Te Puia Geothermal wonderland
- Skydive Taupo
- Taupo Sailing Adventure
- Tongariro Crossing hike
Landmarks Te Puia Huka Falls Lake Taupō Māori rock carvings - Day 6
Taupo to Wellington
Travel south around Lake Taupo toward Tongariro National Park and take a two-hour walk through native bush and past waterfalls. From there, head to Wellington, the capital city, which has a strong reputation for culture, arts, restaurants, and nightlife. Visit Mount Victoria for views over the city, explore the craft beer scene, or walk around Cuba Street to see what's happening in the evening.
- End point
- 292 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand (Haka House, 18:00)
Included Activities
- Tongariro National Park walk
- Mount Victoria lookout
Optional Activities
- Te Papa Museum
- Cuba street nightlife
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Mount Victoria Te Papa Museum Cuba Street 
