Kiwi Experience: Geyserland & Lake (6 days minimum)
Travel to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula with its amazing beaches. Then on to Rotorua, recognised as the Maori cultural, and geothermal capital of New Zealand. You can partake in a traditional feast or marvel at the boiling mud and shooting geysers. From here it's on to Waitomo and it's labyrinth of caves. Explore them with an underground rafting trip, or a walking tour. Then travel to Taupo and see Mt.Doom from Lord of the Rings (Mt.Ngaruhoe) or go tandem skydiving. You can do all of this before heading back to Auckland, another great Kiwi Experience.
GEYSERLAND & LAKE
AUCKLAND TO HOT WATER BEACH
?Spend the afternoon walking or kayaking to Cathedral Cove, or take a surfing lesson at Hot Water Beach!
After visiting the Kiwi Experience office we head towards the Coromandel Peninsula and spend the afternoon at Cathedral Cove; accessible only on foot or by kayak. This beautiful coastal spot is great for swimming, sea kayaking, and spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. We then carry on to Hot Water Beach (rated one of the top ten beaches in the world by Lonely Planet) where you can take a surfing lesson and head out with your shovel at low tide to dig your own hot pool in the sand.
HOT WATER BEACH TO WAITOMO
Check out New Zealand’s gold mining history before travelling on to experience the glow-worms, underwater caves and forest walks of Waitomo.
After an early start our first stop is the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush-clad gorge, swing bridges and a bit of New Zealand’s gold mining history. Next it’s onto Waitomo (wai meaning water, tomo meaning cave) where you will get the chance to visit world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. If you're feeling adventurous, here is your chance to go underground and expereience one of the top rated NZ activities with the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
WAITOMO TO ROTORUA
Last chance to explore Waitomo before heading to Rotorua, the Maori culture capital of New Zealand.
We start the day with a walk through the Ruakuri Reserve and a breakfast stop at the Long Black Café before heading off toward Rotorua. Along the way we will stop at The Shires Rest where you can jump off and take a tour through the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set. Tonight don’t miss the chance to stay overnight at Tamaki Marae, where you can experience a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and concert with Tamaki Tours – a night not to be missed!
ROTORUA TO TAUPO
A popular backpacker destination, with New Zealand’s biggest lake and plenty to keep you occupied!
The first activity of the day is exploring the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, with New Zealand’s largest geyser and a chance to see a real live Kiwi bird. The afternoon journey to Taupo includes stop offs to explore the area’s lakes and Taupo’s famous Huka Falls. Taupo is rightly known as the adventure capital of the North Island with optional activities on offer such as skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating, the Volcanic Centre and the spectacular Tongariro Crossing!
TAUPO (EXTRA DAY)
We recommend staying an extra night in Taupo because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.
Enjoy a sleep-in (for those not doing the Tongariro Crossing) and experience one of the many activities on offer. A walk down to Spa Park to relax in the natural hot springs by the river is a great way to spend the day (or night).
TAUPO TO AUCKLAND (VIA ROTORUA)
Hop-off in Rotorua, or head onwards to the ‘City of Sails’.
This morning we head north to Rotorua, renowned for its Maori heritage and thermal activity in the area. After dropping off passengers in Rotorua, who are spending a night or two here, we stop at Kiwi Encounter, where you can get up close and personal with our national icon – the Kiwi bird. Next, we make our way to Matamata (aka Hobbiton). You can jump off here if you’re a Lord of the Rings nut. Then it’s onwards through the rolling countryside to Auckland, otherwise known as the ‘City of Sails’. We call into the Kiwi Experience office for a chance to purchase merchandise, confirm future bookings or extend your trip even further!
Open 365 days a year
PASS INCLUDES TRANSPORT ONLY