Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
You'll head southeast from Auckland toward the Coromandel Peninsula, taking in the coastal scenery along the way. Once there, kayaking gets you out on the water to Cathedral Cove, where you can paddle around the natural rock formations. After that, you'll make your way to Hot Water Beach where the real fun starts. Bring a spade or rent one on site because you'll be digging your own pool right in the sand as the tide goes out, then soaking in the geothermally heated mineral water. It's a unique experience you won't find many places. By evening you'll settle in for the night in the area.
- Start point
- 54 Cook Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand (Lylo Hostel, 08:45)
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park)
Optional Activities
- Kayak along crystal-clear waters to Cathedral Cove
- Dig your own personal spa pool and soak in naturally heated mineral water at Hot Water Beach
Landmarks Cathedral Cove Hot Water Beach - Day 2
Coromandel to Karangahake Gorge to Waitomo
Leaving the Coromandel behind, you'll head to Karangahake Gorge for a hike that takes you through old walking tracks and into the historic mining tunnels from the area's gold mining past. From there it's on to Waitomo, where you'll go underground to see the glow-worms lighting up the cave ceiling above the river. The stalactites and stalagmites down there are impressive too. Before wrapping up, Ruakuri Scenic Reserve offers a walk through a natural tunnel surrounded by native forest. If you want something more intense, black water rafting through the caves is available as an add-on.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Waitomo Homestead Cabins)
Included Activities
- Hike through Karangahake Gorge walkways and old mining tunnels
- Visit Waitomo Glow-worm Caves with underground river system and stalactite/stalagmite formations
- Walk through Ruakuri Scenic Reserve including Ruakuri Natural Tunnel and native forest
Optional Activities
- Black Water Rafting trip - raft in tubes, leap off waterfalls, and float beneath glow worms
Landmarks Karangahake Gorge Waitomo Caves Ruakuri Scenic Reserve Ruakuri Natural Tunnel - Day 3
Waitomo to Hobbiton to Rotorua
You'll leave Waitomo and stop at Hobbiton, the film location from Lord of the Rings, if that interests you. Later in the day you'll reach Rotorua, which sits in the middle of all kinds of geothermal activity. You'll see bubbling mud pools, geysers shooting up, and natural hot springs scattered around. There's plenty to choose from for activities: white water rafting down a river, zip lining through the forest, or just soaking in the geothermal pools. If you're curious about Maori culture, the Mitai Maori Village experience includes a traditional feast and performances, though that's optional.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Hobbiton village tour - experience the Lord of the Rings filming location
- White Water Rafting in Rotorua
- Zip Lining across the canopy in Rotorua
- Explore geothermal activity and natural hot springs in Rotorua
- Mitai Māori Village 3-hour experience with traditional Māori feast
Landmarks Hobbiton Movie Set Rotorua - Day 4
Rotorua
You've got a full day in Rotorua to pick your own adventure. The Kaituna River is there if you want to white water raft through the rapids, or you can take the Mountain Jade Highlights tour to see different parts of the area. For something more relaxing, the Wai Ariki spa journey lets you ease into the natural hot springs and geothermal baths. There's so much geothermal stuff going on here, from lakes to forests to the local Maori heritage, so what you choose depends on whether you want adrenaline or relaxation.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Ride the rapids of the Kaituna river
- Mountain Jade Highlights tour
- Wai Ariki restorative spa journey
Landmarks Kaituna River - Day 5
Rotorua to Lake Taupo
Start your morning at Te Puia, a geothermal reserve where you can see geysers and hot springs up close. After that, you'll drive to Lake Taupo and check out Huka Falls, where water pounds down from the lake's outlet. The lake itself is actually an extinct volcano crater, which is pretty wild when you think about it. You can explore the lake on foot or take optional activities like sailing out to see Maori rock carvings on the water, or skydive if you want a completely different perspective from the air.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Adventure Hostel Taupo)
Included Activities
- Walk to Huka Falls
Optional Activities
- Te Puia geothermal reserve visit
- Sailing across Lake Taupo to Māori rock carvings
- Skydiving above Lake Taupo
Landmarks Te Puia Huka Falls Lake Taupo Māori Rock Carvings - Lake Taupo - Day 6
Lake Taupo to Tongariro National Park to Wellington
Heading south from Lake Taupo, you'll reach Tongariro National Park and walk through native bush and past waterfalls for about two hours (this section only happens during summer months). Then it's a longer drive to Wellington, the capital city, where the pace and energy shift quite a bit. Once you arrive, you can walk up Mount Victoria for views over the city and harbor, or dive into Wellington's craft beer scene and nightlife if that's more your speed.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Haka House)
Included Activities
- Two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls in Tongariro National Park
Optional Activities
- Mount Victoria visit
- Wellington craft beer scene and nightlife experiences
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Mount Victoria - Day 7
Wellington
Wellington is a manageable size, so you can cover a lot without feeling rushed. The waterfront has a promenade where locals hang out, and there are sandy beaches nearby despite being a working harbor city. Colorful timber houses dot the hillsides around the central area. A must-do is the Wellington Cable Car, which is iconic and painted red. It runs from Lambton Quay up to the Wellington Botanic Gardens, giving you views and green space in one trip.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Haka House)
Included Activities
- Ride the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to Wellington Botanic Gardens
Landmarks Wellington Cable Car Wellington Botanic Gardens Lambton Quay - Day 8
Wellington to Taihape to Auckland
You'll leave Wellington and head north, first passing through Taihape, which has a quirky reputation as the gumboot capital of New Zealand if you want a quick photo stop. From there you'll cross the Central Plateau and drive through Tongariro National Park on your way back toward Auckland. It's a long drive with some beautiful scenery along the way, so breaks help break up the journey.
- End point
- 54 Cook Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand (Lylo Hostel, 17:00 - 18:00)
Landmarks Tongariro National Park
