New Zealand: North Island Cultural Adventure

Kia Ora! Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand. This afternoon we have a group meeting at 3PM where we’ll get acquainted with each other. Afterwards, our guide will take us on a short walking tour before our official Welcome Dinner.

This morning we head out on the road to Hobbiton. Wander around the Shire, and take a look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. We’ll make a stop for an optional lunch, then it is on to nauseas Rotorua, an important Māori region characterized by the sulphur pools and bubbling mud pots. Later this evening we’ll enjoy Māori-fusion feast along with traditional stories and entertainment. This amazing interactive & educational experience will provide a deeper understanding and connection with the Māori people, history & culture.

Good morning, Gentlemen! Today we head to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara—a Māori village—where you will experience a tribal tour by a village elder. The tribe will also give you 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. Buried underground, the dish braises in its own juices and becomes infused with a smoky, earthy fragrance—it will fill your puku (belly) right up!

Please note: Tonight’s accommodation is a 5-bedroom home. Single supplements will not apply to this evening’s accommodation as all rooms and facilities will be shared. Also, there is no Wi-Fi available at today’s accommodation—perhaps this is a good chance to unplug. Please see ‘Accommodation Examples’ further down for photos.

This morning we’re off to nearby Taupō. Have your togs, er, swimwear ready to dip into one of the natural hot springs along the way. Taupō is a gorgeous town that sits right on the country’s largest lake—in fact, it’s roughly the same size as Singapore. If there are any adrenaline junkies among us, this is the perfect destination to take a leap of faith with a tandem skydive, heartstopping bungee jump or swing. Your guide can book these as optional extras. For the faint of heart, perhaps a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront? Feel free to grab lunch on your own. This evening you can choose to take a soak in the healing and therapeutics waters of Wairakei Terraces. After a busy day, we’ll enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake and later an included dinner. 

After a scenic breakfast at our hotel we have a short drive to the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo. We’ll enter the vast caverns and witness the glow of the local critters. Our guide will also regale us with a unique cultural story relevant to the area. After this we head North to Auckland’s wild west, a short 2-hour drive away. Renowned for its rugged beauty; this where the Tasman Sea’s mighty surf crashes onto vast black-sand beaches. We should have some time to enjoy the resort’s breathtaking beach before gathering for a group dinner.

Today we continue north. It’s a long drive but our guide will make stops along the way to stretch our legs and grab a late optional lunch. We’ll stop at Waipoua Forest, home of the kauri, one of the world’s mightiest trees. The largest kauri reach 50m/165f  and have trunk girths of 16m/53f. Some saplings took root over 2,000 years ago. Our Footprints Waipoua tour will take its first steps in the early evening, guiding us through the important Māori forest. Afterwards, a free night awaits.

Today is our local guide’s government-mandated day off. While they’ll certainly be missed, we have a busy morning ahead on our Hole in the Rock Dolphin Seeker Cruise. This special excursion will take us to a unique rock formation with a hole that, according to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave ceiling were a good omen. Beyond this formation, keep your eyes on the sea for marine wildlife. Afterwards enjoy a group lunch overlooking the harbour before relaxing with free time this afternoon to do as much or as little as you want.

After a leisurely breakfast we make our way back to Auckland, stopping off at some quaint beach towns and pristine beaches along the way. Tonight we’ll have our glorious Farewell Dinner and revel in all the memories we’ve made.

As the final day of our tour, there are no activities planned. Whether you’re continuing on to our gay New Zealand: Active South Island Expedition or heading home, an airport transfer has been arranged. Safe travels!