7-Day Coasts and Culture From Auckland


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From $1102.39

Price varies by group size

Lowest Price Guarantee

Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration: 180 hours

Departs: Auckland, Auckland

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

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Overview

The North Island is filled with surprising contrasts: from the idyllic Coromandel where you can soak in a hot pool dug in the sand, venture through a geothermal wonderland of geysers, take a side-trip to Middle Earth-esque countryside, and admire lush rainforests and even a volcanic desert – you’ll be amazed by it all.

This small-group guided tour of the North Island will visit Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, and Wellington, with the option to visit Hobbiton, and the Tongariro Crossing along the way.

As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events including a Māori cultural night and traditional Māori hāngī dinner cooked in an underground oven.

You’ll see a massive range of optional activities available to add to your tour, from bungy jumping and white water rafting to canopy forest zipline tours and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want.


What's Included

Comfortable bus transport

Cultural Experience Night in Murupara

Daily continental breakfast

Experience Coromandel's stunning Cathedral Cove

Experienced Kiwi Guide

Small groups - maximum 16 people

Traditional Māori hāngī dinner cooked in an underground oven

Visit Te Puia - to learn more about traditional Māori culture and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders

What's Not Included

Additional Activities ie - Hobbiton or bungy jump

Lunch and dinner (unless specified) are at own expenses


Traveler Information

  • ADULT: Age: 18 - 69

Additional Info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

  • Experience may be cancelled due to Insufficient travelers

What To Expect

Coromandel Peninsula
Leaving the big smoke behind, we head to the Coromandel Peninsula, a veritable paradise of beautiful beaches and misty rainforests. The drive here is epic – the road twists and turns dramatically round the coastline and the ocean gets clearer and more pristine before your eyes. Cameras ready – the views are magnificent!
The Coromandel is home to the famous Hot Water Beach – thousands visit each year to dig their own personal hot tub. If the tide times allow, we’ll definitely grab our buckets and spades and get busy!
We arrive in the Coromandel with plenty of time for your guide to show you around. Sample the sandy beaches or simply enjoy the vibes.

24 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Rotorua
This morning walk along the cliffs and down to Cathedral Cove (which you might recognise from the Chronicles of Narnia). With perfect beaches and massive rock arches and columns, it’s one of the most popular spots in the Coromandel. Alternatively, take an optional guided Cathedral Cove kayak trip and check out this stunning coastline from a different angle, accompanied by a local dolphin or two if you’re lucky!

Later this afternoon we head towards Rotorua; en route, we’ll visit Matamata – best known for being the home of Hobbiton. For Lord of the Rings fans, a visit to Hobbiton Movie Set is an absolute must-do.

While the majority of the North Island is volcanic in some way, Rotorua is exceptional for its geothermal activity. With neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, active volcanoes and geysers galore, there are more unique natural wonders to be found in Rotorua than many other places in the world.

24 hours • Admission Ticket Free

This morning we visit Te Puia Māori Village. Here you’ll learn more about Māori history and culture, come face to face with the Pohutu Geyser, see jumping mud pools and get up close and personal with kiwi birds.
Later this afternoon we head to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara - a living Māori village - where you will experience a tribal tour by a village elder.
Here you’ll also have a chance to learn the world-famous haka dance, and weave your own dinner plate using flax (a type of plant).
Tonight’s dinner is a traditional hāngi meal. Cooked in an underground earth oven you can expect tender meat and delicious vegetables infused with a smoky, earthy fragrance – it will fill your puku (belly) right up!
The best part about spending the evening at Kohutapu Lodge? The majority of proceeds from this activity go back to the local community.

24 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Taupo
It’s only a short drive to our next destination, Taupō, and there’s plenty to discover along the way. From mesmerising mud pools to the thundering rapids of the Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam, your trusty Haka Guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Taupō is a beautiful lakeside town with a stunning mountain backdrop. Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake – believe it or not, it’s roughly the same size as Singapore!

This place is all about the thrills and spills, and there are plenty of options in store this afternoon. Get your hair wet with a water touch bungy jump, take an unforgettable skydive or a sunset lake cruise for amazing lake and mountain views.

24 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Wellington
It’s a big drive from Taupō to Wellington, but there’s some unmissable scenery on offer. Lord of the Rings junkies, you’re in for a treat!

Our journey takes us through Tongariro National Park via the Rangipo Desert (bet you didn’t know New Zealand had one of those!). Some of your favourite Lord of the Rings battle scenes were filmed right here.

The Desert Road boasts incredible views of three active volcanic peaks – Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. You may know Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom, so be sure to snap a Mordor selfie!

We pull into Wellington in the afternoon, with just enough time for film buffs to make a trip to Weta Workshop, where the special effects of Lord of the Rings and Avatar were produced.

New Zealand’s capital is famous for its bars and eateries, and is a paradise for lovers of craft beer – you’ll be spoiled for choice tonight!

24 hours • Admission Ticket Free






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