Tour Itinerary
Day 1: ROTORUA - TAUPO
GEOTHERMAL MUD, HUKA FALLS, SKYDIVING
Today we stock up on lunch and supplies before heading south to Taupo through bubbling geothermal land. You will get a chance to wander around the spectacular Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonderland, famous for vivid mud pools and the Lady Knox Geyser. The geyser erupts each day at 10.15am, shooting jets of water reaching up to 20 metres and lasting for over an hour. The next incredible stop is the mighty Huka Falls, throwing over 200,000 litres of water a second into the river below. Those in for an adrenaline rush will have the chance to try out the jet boat on the Waikato River up to the base of the Huka Falls or bungy jump above it. For those wanting to experience one of the best thrills in NZ, Taupo is one of the most amazing places to skydive. From 15,000 feet you can see both coasts of NZ. If you are not partaking in these adrenaline activities we continue onto Taupo, situated on the edge of a lake bigger than Singapore. In true Kiwi fashion all this water means there are heaps of things to do. Make sure you spend two nights here if you can to enjoy all the activities available. The nightlife in Taupo is outstanding, with many bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from. Approximate arrival time in Taupo is 1.30pm.
Day 2: TAUPO - WAITOMO - NATIONAL PARK
GLOWWORMS, TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING, MOUNTAIN WATERFALL
Today we head northwest to Waitomo to visit the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, which are over 30 million years old. Here you can view the amazing caverns and glowworms or be daring and have a go at one of the many activities Magic has on offer such as black water rafting and abseiling into the caves, something you certainly won't have the chance to do too often!. For those not partaking in the caving experiences, you can enjoy a free bush walk through small caves, limestone outcrops and a forest-covered gorge alongside the Waitomo Stream. After the walk you can visit The Shearing Shed, where you can watch unique Angora rabbit shearing. By early afternoon we depart Waitomo and head towards Te Kuiti, the sheep shearing capital of the world, before heading through the King Country farmland onto Taumarunui where you can pick up supplies from the supermarket for your evenings meal. Before you get to your final destination we stop in Whakapapa Village in the Tongariro National Park. You have time here to enjoy a nature walk to the Tawhai Falls, explore the Whakapapa Visitor Centre which is full of information on the Tongariro National Park, the ski fields and hiking tracks, Maori stories and the volcanic history of the area. Also admire the elegant Tongariro Chateau set in spectacular grounds with the stunning backdrop of Mt Ruapehu. In winter you'll get a chance to play in the snow, make a snowman or have a snow fight with your travelling friends. Approximate arrival time in National Park is 5.00pm.
National Park is the departure point to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is popularly known as New Zealand's best one day trek. You will need to spend at least two nights in National Park to undertake the walk that takes you into the heart of volcano country and The Lord of the Rings Mt Doom. National Park is also the departure point to canoe the Whanganui River which runs through the Whanganui National Park, a dense native rainforest with a wide rage of native birds including the Brown Kiwi.
Day 3: NATIONAL PARK - WELLINGTON
THE CAPITAL CITY, TE PAPA, GREAT "CAFE CULTURE"
Today we travel south around the Tongariro National Park with stunning views of Mt Ruapehu. We head through the alpine town of Ohakune (bizarrely known as the Carrot Capital of NZ) and drive on through live army training grounds to Waiouru, New Zealand Army's training base. Later in the day we pass through the imaginatively named town of Bulls an unforget-a-Bull town like no udder. Make sure you pay attention and try and spot a few of the unique shop names like the café Delect-a-Bull. Travelling down the Kapiti Coast, look to the right of the bus and see Kapiti Island, a bird and marine reserve. The road follows the Tararua Ranges which form a dramatic backdrop along the length of the coastline. We arrive into Wellington, New Zealand's capital city in the afternoon. The first stop is to view Parliament Buildings and 'The Beehive' before heading to the summit of Mt Victoria for 360 degree views across the city and Cook Strait. There's plenty to keep you busy here including lively cafes and don't miss a visit to Te Papa, our national museum. Approximate arrival time in Wellington is 3.00pm.
