9-Day Ultimate North Island Adventure Tour New Zealand

Discover the North Island's hidden gems as you conquer the moderately challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Immerse yourself in the bubbling geysers and boiling mud pools, pedal your way along the picturesque foreshores of Lake Taupo, glide through the azure Waters near Cathedral Cove, and venture into the enigmatic depths of the Waitomo Caves.

Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of one of the few cave systems that remain in their wild, natural state, and be mesmerized by the breathtaking galaxies of glow worms. Visit the iconic Cathedral Cove, a paradise of picturesque views and pristine beaches that will leave you in awe. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike offers a feast for the senses with its lava flows, active crater, steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes, and awe-inspiring vistas.

Day 1: Auckland arrival

Airport Meet and Greet, transfer to hotel.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts, and culture. Its sparkling waters and lush landscapes meet city sophistication.
City walking tour with the professional guides of Auckland on one of New Zealand's Best First Day Experiences. Discover the city's hidden lanes, legends, art and best places to eat and shop. Hear entertaining stories at the heart of the town.

Day 2: Auckland - Coromandel (2 nights)

The Coromandel, on New Zealand's North Island, is known for its pristine beaches, native forests, and laid-back vibe.
We invite you to join us and experience the magic of sea kayaking in this fantastic place! Our trips explore spectacular volcanic coastlines designed for all levels and abilities. The Cathedral Cove Classic Boat Tour is now seen as a New Zealand' bucket list' adventure that has it all! The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve opens up a sea kayaking paradise full of beaches, islands and rock gardens waiting to be explored. Paddle in the secluded bays of Coromandel's first Marine Reserve, interact with the local sea life and discover the thrill of kayak sailing with the wind on your back!

Day 3: Coromandel

On the one hand, The Coromandel has a dreamy coastal side with the famous white cliffs at Cathedral Cove. On the other, there's a lush native forest connected with an exciting network of hiking trails. You can explore it all on foot, which is great for active travellers. Discover some of the world's most giant trees, such as the kauri tree, which still stands in the peninsula's forests. The Coromandel Coastal Walkway is a one-way track that follows the coastline of the Coromandel for about three hours. It offers unique views of the wild side of the peninsula and its majestic ocean. Getting there is a challenge in itself. Book your transportation at the beginning of the track (and back from the end) in Coromandel town.

Day 4: Coromandel – Waitomo Caves

Just south of Auckland lies the Waikato region. Well-known for its underground wonders, black sand surf beaches and rolling green hills, the Waikato region offers many nature-based activities and attractions surrounding a vibrant city hub.
Waitomo Caves - Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. The area's name comes from the Maori words wai (water) and tomo (hole). Explore a World of Glow Worms with our Private Cave Tours on our Family Farm! Tours are designed to be incredibly fun and adventurous. Prepare for a genuine, authentic caving adventure that takes you to untouched glow worm caves and reveals stunning limestone formations in their purest state.

Day 5: Waitomo Caves - Rotorua (2 Nights)

Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, and natural hot springs, showcasing our fascinating Māori culture.
Journey deep into the Tarawera region's history, culture, and natural wonders with an unforgettable guided tour. Tarawera offers several tours, the most popular of which takes guests to Te Rātā Bay and Hot Water Beach to enjoy geothermal pools along the Lake's edge and a secluded natural hot pool for a relaxing soak. Also famous are the native forest and the river-edge Tarawera River Walk to Tarawera Falls, which is rated as one of the best short walks in New Zealand.

Day 6: Rotorua

Waimangu connects people with the beating heart of the world's youngest geothermal valley, its unique history, and its legacy. Through geothermal walks, discover the stories of this stunning natural environment.
Rotorua is home to more than 160km of world-class mountain biking trails in lush forests. Enter mountain biking heaven amongst towering redwoods and lush native bush – and discover why Rotorua is up there with the world's best.
Te Puia is New Zealand's geothermal wonderland, featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud pools, traditional Māori carvers and weavers at our national schools, Kiwi birds, and our world-famous restaurant, Pātaka Kai. Here, enjoy a conventional Dinner Show and Hangi meal.

Day 7: Rotorua - Taupo (2 Nights)

Lake Taupo is on New Zealand's North Island and is in the caldera of Taupo Volcano. The beautiful Lake Taupō is about the size of Singapore—more of an inland sea. Just north of Taupō, New Zealand's most visited attraction is the magnificent Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second.
The Guided Hike and Cruise Combo and enjoy the experience of the Taupō region's beautiful K2K trail, hiking from Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay. Reach the collection point on the Lake, relax, have lunch, and rest your legs as you return to Lake Taupō marina on a scenic cruise. Stunning wetlands, secluded beaches perfect for a swim and sweeping views of Lake Taupo are highlights of the hiking; then enjoy a beautiful cruise back to Taupō in comfort and style.

Day 8: Taupo - National Park

Centred upon three volcanoes—Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu—Tongariro National Park is home to some of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes. If you wonder if the Park is worth visiting, wonder no more. The Park will reward you with unparalleled beauty that will delight hikers and nature enthusiasts on the hunt for sites to remember for a lifetime.
A perennial favourite for locals and visitors looking for a short but beautiful loop walk, the Taranaki Falls track is perfect for families and travellers of all ages and fitness levels. The track offers an excellent glimpse of the varied scenery and landscapes the Tongariro National Park is known for - taking in tussock, bush and ancient lava flows as it leads to a stunning waterfall.

Day 9: Taupo - Back to Auckland

Putaruru Blue Springs: South Waikato's best-kept secret? The Waihou Walkway is a beautiful walking track, winding alongside the river right up until and beyond the primary source of the Blue Springs. As the name hints, the water in the Waihou River rises from a spring below the ground.
Visit Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, our largest fenced eco-sanctuary. Experience the mauri (life force) of our mountain. Walk through an ancient, vibrant forest with native wildlife, including many of New Zealand's rarest and most endangered wildlife. Step through the pest-proof gate into another world where ancient New Zealand forest towers majestically above well-maintained walking tracks, and the air is filled with birdsong.