6 Days Northern Highlights (Auckland to Auckland)

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 - Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)

We depart central Auckland at 8am and head south east to the 'Coromandel region' via views of Waikato farmland. We head to our remote beach area to hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove (famous for use in NZ tourism posters worldwide), and have a chance to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach (tide dependent). We stay in cabins right by the beach and enjoy a BBQ together in the evening. Quad-share cabins only. (D)

Day 2 – Hahei to Rotorua

Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast we stop for some great walks on the way to Rotorua. We arrive at midday and you have the chance to do some awesome optional activities from walks to white water rafting (additional cost). We then head to our uniquely developed Maori cultural overnight stop at Tamaki Village, where you will be greeted with a powhiri (welcoming ceremony). In the evening you will be taught a waiata (song), enjoy a powerful cultural performance, have a hangi dinner (traditionally cooked on hot rocks covered in earth), then gather around a campfire for stories of the migration, settlement and survival of Maori in New Zealand. We spend the night in a marae (traditional Maori meeting house). (BD)

Day 3 – Rotorua to Whakahoro

We leave the marae early this morning, stopping for a swim in a natural hot river, then on to the impressive Huka Falls. We drive around Lake Taupo towards the Central Plateau. We go deep into the wilderness to our remote environmental award-winning stop at Blue Duck Lodge. You can kayak the last 6kms, do a 4WD eco-warrior tour, take a historic walk or join in on a hunt to eradicate some pests! We cook a traditional bush dinner using local produce, while learning about the rich early-settlement history and the owner's huge efforts to restore the local plants and birdlife to their former glory. (BD) N.B. Winter conditions may prevent us from kayaking. In this situation, kayaking will be substituted with the 4WD eco-warrior tour.

Day 4 – Whakahoro to National Park

This morning we head back towards the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park with the chance to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, rated as NZ's best one-day walk. For those less active there will be shorter walks and a visit to the Volcanic Centre Museum. Tonight we stay at the spectacular alpine lodge 'The Park'. (B, D)

Day 5 - National Park to Wellington

Following the great day we have had in National Park we head to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. We arrive early afternoon giving you time to explore 'Te Papa', NZ's national museum and we strongly recommend the walk along Oriental Parade and/or up Mt Victoria to get the best view of the city. We stay in central Wellington accommodation tonight. (B)

Day 6 – Wellington to Auckland

Today is an express journey from Wellington to Auckland. We stop along the way for photos and to have lunch in the township of a dual world heritage area - National Park. (B)

What's Included: Experienced tour guide, accommodation transfers, accommodation, meals as indicated, overnight cultural stay with traditional hangi meal, interactive cultural performance and exclusive story telling, kayak trip through Whanganui National Park (4WD eco-wilderness tour if kayaking not available), Te Papa Museum.