9 Day Wild North ‘Premium’ Tour (Includes Tongariro Alpine Crossing) 

Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Auckland International Airport to your accommodation with time to get a feel for Auckland.

AUCKLAND / TĀMAKI MAKAURAU – an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city’s many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand’s biggest city, and the population mix of European, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

This morning you will pick up your Intermediate SUV Rental car and drive from Auckland to Cooks Beach in the Coromandel. This is a scenic journey that takes you eastward across the picturesque landscape of the central east North Island. As you leave Auckland, you’ll pass through lush farmland and native bush, then follow winding coastal roads along the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline. The route offers stunning ocean views, glimpses of rocky cliffs, and charming seaside villages, culminating in the peaceful and beautiful setting of Cooks Beach, renowned for its golden sands and tranquil atmosphere.

COOKS BEACH- Located on the southern side of Mercury Bay, Cooks Beach is a serene and sheltered retreat that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and history. The beautiful, 2.5-kilometer-long white sand beach is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding due to its calm and safe waters. The settlement is steeped in history, named after Captain James Cook, who anchored here in 1769 to observe the transit of Mercury. Visitors can still see a monument commemorating his landing.

Today you will join Kiwi Dundee Adventures for their popular Nature & Coastal Tour. This private or small-group tour is designed to get you off the beaten path and into the heart of the Coromandel’s wild beauty. Your guide, a local legend, will take you on a journey to explore secluded waterfalls and ancient rainforests. The tour also includes visits to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches, all while your guide shares stories and insights into the region’s history, geology, and unique flora and fauna.

This scenic journey takes you from the beautiful, tranquil shores of Cooks Beach to the dynamic heart of New Zealand’s geothermal activity. Leaving the golden sands and relaxed atmosphere of the Coromandel, the route heads south, weaving through lush, green farmlands and rolling hills of the Waikato region. As you approach your destination, the landscape dramatically changes, and you’ll begin to see signs of the powerful forces at play beneath the earth’s surface. The air will become infused with the scent of sulfur, and you’ll pass steaming vents and bubbling mud pools. Arriving in Rotorua, you’ll find a city defined by its geothermal wonders and its deep connection to Māori culture.

ROTORUA – located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Maori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Maori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

Enjoy the Rotorua today. Relax and take things at your own pace or perhaps choose to take one of our optional tours or talk to your consultant about the many different tours we have in the area and we will find the perfect one for you.

Today you’ll bid farewell to Rotorua as you travel south across the volcanic plateau. You’ll pass by Lake Taupo and continue through Tūrangi. Follow the Desert Road, which offers spectacular views of Mount Ruapehu before you arrive in Ohakune, a small town at the foot of the mountain.

OHAKUNE – is the town at the southern gateway to the Tongariro National Park World Heritage Site and Mount Ruapehu’s ski fields. It is known as the apres ski capital of the North Island’s Mount Ruapehu, the Carrot Capital of New Zealand. It’s a great location and aptly lends itself to the phrase “where adventures begin”. Skiers and boarders flock to Ohakune to take in what the largest ski area in New Zealand has to offer – Whakapapa and Turoa, then enjoy Ohakune’s varied entertainment, restaurants and cafes. In summer Ohakune is a fantastic base for visitors wanting to experience the many outdoor activities whether it is canoeing on the Whanganui River or taking in some of the many mountain treks on Mount Ruapehu and in the national parks. A fast growing activity here is mountain biking around the Ruapehu area.

This is a quick and easy journey that connects the alpine town of Ohakune, a popular spot for skiers in winter, to the heart of the Tongariro National Park. It’s a perfect trip for anyone wanting to get to the base of the mountains to start a hike, including the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

A special day is in store for you today as you join Adrift Guided Outdoor Adventures for their Premium Tongariro Alpine Crossing Full Day. This is a great way to experience New Zealand’s most famous day hike with the safety and knowledge of a guide. Your professional guide will lead you across the 19.4-kilometer track, sharing insights into the area’s geology and Māori legends. All equipment, including hiking boots, waterproof jackets, and lunch, is provided, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable adventure.

This is a scenic trip that connects the town of Tūrangi, at the southern end of Lake Taupō, with the famous glowworm caves. You’ll travel through beautiful rural countryside before arriving in the small village of Waitomo, which is home to an amazing network of limestone caves.

This afternoon you will meet Waitomo Glowworm Caves and join their Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour. This tour is a journey into a subterranean wonderland. Your guide will lead you on a walk through the upper sections of the cave, sharing insights into the cave’s history and geology. The highlight is the silent boat ride on an underground river, where you’ll be surrounded by thousands of tiny glowworms that create a mesmerizing star-like display on the cave ceiling.

Today you’ll drive from Waitomo to Auckland and once you have returned your rental car at the airport you’ll leave New Zealand’s shores ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.