Auckland To Coromandel, Taupo & Rotorua Private 7 Day Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula

Stop At: SkyTower, Victoria Street Corner Federal Streets, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand
Today you will be collected in our beautiful ‘City of Sails’ (Auckland), which is nestled on a volcanic isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. You will first drive south-east along the Pacific Coast Highway and via the Seabird Coast past the Miranda Shoreline Centre with the opportunity for a stop to enjoy the interesting displays and the unique opportunity to see the migratory bird species that call this area home.

We continue to the southern part of the Coromandel Peninsula, where today’s journey will take you through Paeroa, the town famous for the iconic NZ soft drink “Lemon & Paeroa”, through the stunning Karangahake Gorge, via the Goldmining town Waihi and on towards Whangamata in the southern part of the Coromandel, where you are guaranteed a warm welcome and great hosting for the next 2 nights accommodation in stunning surroundings.

Accommodation in the Coromandel

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: Coromandel Peninsula Highlights

Stop At: Coromandel Forest Park, Coromandel New Zealand
After breakfast, we are ready to explore the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula and your expert guide will show you some of the most beautiful places in this stunning region. Visit Mount Paku Lookout with an optional walk to this extinct volcano’s summit for views over Tairua and the amazing white sands of Pauanui beach across this beautiful

natural harbour. Choose to visit Whitianga, the main settlement in the Coromandel which is noted for its historical significance in both pre- and post-European times. It has interesting local shops, a beautiful harbour and is a base for game fishing for the rich fishing grounds nearby – another excellent way to spend a day in the Coromandel to see the beautiful scenery and at the same time create an experience to last a lifetime..

Accommodation in the Coromandel

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua via Hobbiton

Stop At: Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3007, New Zealand
We continue to a Lord of the Rings fan’s dream location - the Hobbiton Movie Set, for your very own “Middle Earth” adventure. Explore and learn behind the scenes secrets of scenes that were filmed here from both “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies. You’ll see Hobbit Holes and visit the Mill, the Party Tree and plenty of other structures and gardens built for the movies. At the end of your tour you can relax at the Green Dragon Inn with a drink.

We then depart Hobbiton and drive south to arrive in Rotorua, which is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. The city offers a range of different attractions for everyone from adrenaline junkies to those just looking to relax. We can advise you on many activities that best suit your interests.

Accommodation in Rotorua

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: Rotoura

Stop At: Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3007 New Zealand
Choose what you would like to see and do from the range of wonderful options that allow you to enjoy the best of what

Rotorua has to offer. While you are here we recommend you visit one of Rotorua’s thermal parks so you can experience the unique landscapes and volcanic activity. From bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam and natural hot springs you can relax in, you won’t be disappointed. There are a number of options, all with their own unique features and we can help suggest which one may suit you best. We also recommend a Maori cultural experience by visiting a living Maori village and witnessing a cultural performance and enjoy a Hangi – a mouth-watering feast cooked underground on hot rocks.

We can visit the Government Gardens where you can explore the historic gardens and take in the views of all there is to offer. While here you have the option of visiting the Rotorua museum if you want to discover Rotorua’s rich culture, volatile landscape and dramatic history. After this you might want to unwind and relax at the Polynesian Spa, a world-leading, natural hot mineral bathing and luxury spa retreat.

You can take a leisurely uphill gondola ride at Skyline Rotorua to marvel at the beautiful views of Rotorua including the surrounding lakes and geothermal areas. At the top there is plenty for you to enjoy. From having a meal at the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar or the Market Kitchen Café to mountain biking or walking tracks that take advantage of the great views, there is something for everyone. You can even come up here in the evening to experience a stargazing experience. Enjoy the three luge tracks with differing skill levels as you speed downhill, twisting and turning with the stunning backdrop of a Redwood forest. Or you can zoom through the forest on a zipline.

There are plenty of stunning rivers and lakes to explore which could be done either by jet boating, white water rafting, kayaking, parasailing and even stand up paddle boarding. The region is a fisherman’s dream if you’re after catching some trophy trout. We can visit the Agrodome which provides a truly unique New Zealand farming experience with a display of interesting live farm shows.

If you’re interested in mountain biking or hiking there are several trails you can enjoy, including through the mighty Redwoods Forest. You can take a helicopter or floatplane for spectacular views of Rotorua including its stunning lakes, geothermal reserves and remarkable volcanoes. You even have the option of landing on White Island, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. This tour can combine landing on both White Island and also magnificent Mount Tarawera, Rotorua’s iconic volcano that last erupted in 1886.

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Rotorua to Taupo

Stop At: Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 30 Tongariro Street, Taupo 3330 New Zealand
We depart Rotorua and head south to arrive in the town of Taupo which sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake. Along the way, we can view Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited and photographed natural attraction. Lake Taupo, one of the largest crater lakes in the wqorld, has plenty of enjoyable activities on offer. One of Taupo’s many wonders are the Maori Rock Carvings that you can see by taking a scenic cruise, a kayak tour or sailing, while getting to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the lake.

You can also enjoy a fishing charter around Lake Taupo, or experience the very best that New Zealand Trout and fly fishing has to offer in the Taupo and Turangi regions. Taupo offers plenty of delicious wine and cuisine as well as boutique shopping if you are looking for a more relaxed afternoon. We can visit the Huka Prawn Park if you’d like some mouth-watering prawn dishes for lunch.

There are some world-class mountain biking tracks you could spend the day exploring or for the adventurous, there is also bungy jumping, skydiving, and quad biking. You can take a scenic flight on a helicopter or floatplane for a spectacular viewing experience. For Golf players there are a range of courses for you to play on, such as Wairakei, one of the most popular golfing destinations in New Zealand.

If you want to relax after a busy day exploring Taupo, you can visit a thermal hot pool, where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you unwind.

Accommodation in Taupo

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: Taupo

Stop At: Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 30 Tongariro Street, Taupo 3330 New Zealand
You can spend today exploring the best of Taupo or we can take a day trip to New Zealand’s oldest national park - Tongariro National Park which incorporates three active volcanoes Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe (since “The Lord of the Rings” also known as “Mount Doom”) and Tongariro. Tongariro NP has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a dua World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural values.

Tongariro NP is home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best one-day walks in New Zealand. This walk features volcanic scenery, where you will walk across a landscape of craters, lava flows, active volcanoes, mountain springs and emerald lakes and in good weather marvel at the stunning views of Lake Taupo and Mt Taranaki. The park also offers shorter walks to waterfalls and stunning volcanic features which may be more suitable for you.

You can also take a scenic flight over Tongariro National Park that will allow you to see breathtaking views of the national park's dramatic landscape including coloured mineral lakes that are situated on the mountains. During the winter months you have the option of skiing or snowboarding at any of our three ski fields that Mount Ruapehu has to offer.

Accommodation in Taupo

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 7: Taupo to Auckland via Waitomo Caves

Stop At: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943 New Zealand
We depart Taupo and travel through some of our rich farmland to the famous Waitomo Caves. Experience the natural beauty of these caves its glowworms that light up the caves like stars. Either take a guided tour where you walk through these magnificent caves and then float gently along on a small boat. Or you can also jump, abseil, climb and cave tube through this wonderland. Depart Waitomo and head back to Auckland where we will drop you off after you have seen some of NZ’s most varied and stunning landscapes.

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.