Head out this morning and travel south to Waitomo, famous for its limestone caves lit by thousands of glowworms. You have the option to glide down a cave stream in a boat as you gaze at the hundreds of glittering glowworms above you, or don a wetsuit and harness and do some abseiling and rock climbing through the famous caves. Whichever option you choose, it’s a magical way to begin your adventure.

Continuing on, head for Rotorua, the North Island’s geothermal hotspot and a great place to experience Māori culture. Arrive in the early evening and head straight to your hotel, which features a spa, a swimming pool, and unlimited Wi-Fi (not the norm here in New Zealand).

• Optional (paid): Waitomo Cave activities
• Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua (or similar)
• Meals Included: Local eateries (own cost)

Today it’s all about the Roto (Māori for “Lake”). After breakfast, travel past the vibrant Blue and Green Lakes on the way to Lake Tarawera, where the mighty volcano Mt Tarawera looms on the horizon. From there, take an aqua taxi to Te Rata Bay, home to Hot Water Beach (note: not the Hot Water Beach located next to Hahei), where a hot thermal spring feeds into the lake water. For those keen for a hike, take a quick soak before embarking on the 15km (4.5–5hrs) Tarawera Trail, with incredible views over Lakes Rotomahana and Tarawera.

In the afternoon, you’ll be collected from the beach and taken back to the city, where you’ll have the opportunity to go white water rafting down the Kaituna River, zipline through the trees on an eco-tour, or relax at a geothermal spa. If you’d like to see some geothermal activity for free, head to Kuirau Park to see boiling mud pools and steaming lakes.

Included: Hot Water Beach Tarawera Water Taxi
Free: Tarawera Trail hike, Kuirau Park
Optional (paid): Ziplining, White Water Rafting, Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa
Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast included. Local restaurants

After a couple of days in a major tourist destination like Rotorua, it’s time to recharge your batteries and experience a more authentic slice of New Zealand culture. After lunch, travel to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua and the incredible Kohutapu Lodge, owned by a local Māori family whose passion for their tribal heritage is matched only by their commitment to the local community.

You’ll receive a welcome to the tribal lands before traveling on to Kohutapu Lodge, where you’ll watch the preparation of a ground-cooked hāngī before enjoying an afternoon tea of freshly made fried bread as you chat with the team at the lodge and practice weaving and haka skills. In the evening, sit down and feast on a lovingly prepared hāngī, probably the best meal you’ll eat in New Zealand.

Exclusive experience includes:

• Welcome to the tribal lands and a guided tour to sacred Māori rock carvings
• Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history, and challenges
• Afternoon tea
• Mau Rakau (Māori stick games)
• Weaving Lesson
• Haka Lesson
• 1-night accommodation at the lakeside Kohutapu Lodge
• Full traditional hāngī buffet dinner and dessert
• Storytelling around the fire pit
• Continental breakfast

Important Accommodation Note (October 2027 – September 2028): For this season at Kohutapu Lodge, select travelers will be accommodated in a shared arrangement across a 5-bedroom house and cabins. Unlike other destinations on our tours, this cultural stay does not feature private or twin-share rooms during this period. Travelers will share communal living and bathroom facilities in a traditional, family-style lodge setting.

• Free: Māori rock carvings, volleyball
• Accommodation: Scenic lakefront cabins
• Meals Included: Breakfast, full traditional hāngī dinner and dessert

This morning, after a buffet breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts at the lakeside lodge before departing for Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the frothy Huka Falls, before heading inland to Blue Duck Station for an immersive, off-the-grid experience.

Blue Duck Station is the most sustainable high-country sheep and cattle station in New Zealand. Surrounded by the stunning Whanganui National Park, driving into the station feels like entering the world of King Kong or Jurassic Park. The team at Blue Duck has made it their mission to protect their native environment for the sake of their namesake, the rare Whio (blue duck).

On arrival, settle in to learn about daily life at the station, its interesting settlement history, and its sustainability efforts, before a home-cooked meal and relaxing around the campfire.

• Free: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk, Taupo
• Optional (paid): Skydiving or bungy jumping in Taupo
• Accommodation: Country station lodge
• Meals Included: Continental breakfast, Dinner

This morning, jump on a 4WD and travel through native bush to the “Top of the World,” where you can see the three peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe. Learn about the station’s history, take in some amazing views, and enjoy a sweet ride with the crew.

Later, you’ll have time to explore the station on your own. Hike to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall and spot the rare blue duck in the flesh, and this evening play some games at the lodge or relax around the campfire and make s’mores. Whatever you decide, this is the start of a love affair with this lush kiwi paradise.
Included: 4WD farm eco-tour

• Free: Hike to Kaiwhakauka waterfall, evening glowworm viewing
• Accommodation: Country Station Lodge
• Meals Included: Continental breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Rise early and make your way to Tongariro National Park to tackle what is widely regarded as the best one-day walk in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This unforgettable 19km journey traverses an awe-inspiring landscape of volcanic peaks, vast craters, and striking turquoise alpine lakes.

The Crossing can be walked year-round. When snow or ice is present, typically from May to October but possible at any time, a qualified alpine guide and specialized equipment are required at additional cost. These alpine conditions can make the experience even more spectacular. All plans remain weather dependent for comfort and safety, and if conditions aren’t suitable, there are other excellent walks in the national park to enjoy.

After a full day on the trails, return to your accommodation and soak in the outdoor spa while admiring the surrounding mountain views.

Please note: For health and safety reasons, if weather conditions deteriorate and snow or ice is present (typically April 1 – October 31, though adverse weather may occur year-round), additional costs will apply for professional alpine guides and required safety equipment (crampons, ice axes, etc.). These supplementary fees are approximately $350+ NZD under winter conditions and are payable directly to the supplier or guide at the time of the tour.

• Included: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Optional Paid (weather dependent): Alpine guide and safety equipment hire, approximately $ 350+ NZD, required when snow or ice is present
• Accommodation: The Park Hotel (or similar)
• Meals Included: Continental breakfast. Pack a lunch and plenty of snacks and water

After breakfast, head down to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. We highly recommend a visit to the Te Papa National Museum first (extra cost), and then you’re free to grab a craft beer at a brewery, hike to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views, take a stroll along the waterfront, or simply enjoy the best cup of coffee you’ll have in New Zealand (Wellington is very proud of its coffee scene).

• Free: Walk Oriental Parade, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views
• Optional (paid): Te Papa National Museum
• Accommodation: Ibis Wellington (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast. Local restaurants

Today your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your fellow travelers and go your separate ways for now. We hope you had a blast and remain lifelong friends.

• Meals Included: Breakfast