Lakes & Legends

Let the journey begin! We will travel north through the scenic Waioeka Gorge, passing Opotiki and the beach town of Ohope, before reaching Rotorua. After a busy day, we will relax at the Polynesian Spa and enjoy a traditional hangi dinner together. 

• Drive from Tairawhiti to Rotorua
• Check-in at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
• Visit to Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)
• Relaxation at Polynesian Spa
• Traditional hangi buffet dinner

Today, you get to choose between two optional excursions: zip-lining and river-rafting.

Zip lining: 
Explore the native forest on a 1.2 km network of Rotorua ziplines, swing bridges and treetop platforms. Six ziplines total more than 650 metres. It's a breathtaking experience, surrounded by the powers of nature.

River rafting: 
Experience the thrills and spills of the mighty Kaituna River and take on the highest commercially rafted waterfall, Tutea Falls. With an expert guide, you will experience an action-packed 50-minute ride through 14 rapids as the river winds its way through a jungle canyon. No prior experience needed. 

In the evening, we’ll explore Redwoods Nightlights—a 700m forest walk with suspension bridges and lanterns by designer David Trubridge.

• Optional zip-lining adventure
• Optional river rafting thrill
• Redwoods Nightlights eco-tourism walking experience

After breakfast, we will begin with a two-hour guided walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley. We'll pass some of the youngest ecosystems in the world, pulsing with geothermal activity, native plants and bird-life. Lake Rotomahana will lead us to the Steaming Cliffs, past lake edge geysers, fumaroles, and the Pink and White Terraces. 

• Morning hike through Waimangu Volcanic Valley
• Sightseeing of the Echo Crater, Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater
• Kaingaroa Forest Plantation & Wairakei Steam Fields
• Waikato River and Huka Falls
• Check in at Suncourt Hotel

Today we begin our trek! The Tongariro Alpine Crossing reaches 19.4 kilometres of pure, rugged, New Zealandic beauty. It's considered one of the best one-day walks in the country and the area sports as a dual World Heritage site - rich in both cultural identity and breathtaking natural scenery. 

Total walking time is 7 hours, including stops.

• Breakfast at the hotel
• A guided hike through the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Mount Ngauruhoe & Mount Tongariro (stay alert, Lord of the Rings fans!) 

An easy breeze morning after yesterday's long hike! Today we will travel north to Waitomo, where we join a guided tour into the spiral entranceway of the breathtaking Ruakuri Cave. The guided tour leads down the large spiral walkway until the bottom is reached, where you can marvel at its shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries. 

• An exploration of Ruakuri Cave & The Drum Entrance
• Drive to Auckland
• Check in at Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland City 

Sadly, it's time to say haere ra to New Zealand. Taxis to the airport are available from the hotel (departure transfer not provided). 

• Departure from New Zealand