Kiwi Experience
Geyserland & Lake, Auckland to Auckland

Description

Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Ends: Auckland, New Zealand

AUCKLAND TO HOT WATER BEACH

?Spend the afternoon walking or kayaking to Cathedral Cove, and then soak in the natural springs at Hot Water Beach!

After visiting the Kiwi Experience office we head towards the Coromandel Peninsula and spend the afternoon at Cathedral Cove; accessible only on foot or by kayak. This beautiful coastal spot is great for swimming, sea kayaking, and spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. We then carry on to Hot Water Beach (rated one of the top ten beaches in the world by Lonely Planet) where you can head out with your shovel at low tide to dig your own hot pool in the sand.

HOT WATER BEACH TO WAITOMO

Check out New Zealand’s gold mining history before travelling on to experience the glowworms, underwater caves and forest walks of Waitomo.

After an early start our first stop is the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush-clad gorge, swing bridges and a bit of New Zealand’s gold mining history. Next it’s onto Waitomo (‘wai’ meaning water, ‘tomo’ meaning hole) where you will get the chance to visit world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. If you’re feeling adventurous, here is your chance to go underground and experience one of our top rated NZ activities with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.

WAITOMO TO ROTORUA

Last chance to explore Waitomo on the Ruakuri bush walk before heading to Rotorua, the Maori culture capital of New Zealand.

We start the day with a walk through the Ruakuri Reserve and a breakfast stop at the Long Black Café before heading off toward Rotorua. Along the way we will stop at The Shires Rest where you can jump off and take a tour through the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set. Tonight don’t miss the chance to stay overnight at Tamaki Marae, where you can experience a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and concert with Tamaki Maori Village – a night not to be missed!

ROTORUA TO TAUPO

A popular backpacker destination, with New Zealand’s biggest lake and plenty to keep you occupied!

The first activity of the day is exploring the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, with New Zealand’s largest geyser and a chance to see a real live Kiwi bird. The afternoon journey includes a stop off at Taupo’s famous Huka Falls. Taupo is rightly known as the adventure capital of the North Island with optional activities on offer such as skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating, sailing and the spectacular Tongariro Crossing!

TAUPO (EXTRA DAY)

We recommend staying an extra night in Taupo because there’s so much to do! If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.

Enjoy a sleep-in (for those not doing the Tongariro Crossing) and experience one of the many activities on offer. A walk down to Spa Park to relax in the natural hot springs by the river is a great way to spend the day (or night).

TAUPO TO AUCKLAND (VIA ROTORUA)

Hop-off in Rotorua, or head onwards to the ‘City of Sails’.

This morning we head north to Rotorua, renowned for its Maori heritage and thermal activity. After dropping off passengers in Rotorua who are spending a night or two here, we stop at Kiwi Encounter, where you can get up close and personal with our national icon – the Kiwi bird. Next, we make our way to Matamata (aka Hobbiton). You can jump off here if you’re a Lord of the Rings nut. Then it’s onwards through the rolling countryside to Auckland, otherwise known as the ‘City of Sails’. We call into the Kiwi Experience office for a chance to purchase merchandise, confirm future bookings or extend your trip even further!

INCLUDES free Bay of Islands

Terms & Conditions

Pick-up times are approximate only and subject to change. Always check with your Driver Guide or our reservations team two days before departure to confirm departure point and time. Within NZ call **+64 9 336 4286.** Reservations for each sector of your trip should be made **at least 5 days before departure** to give you the best chance of a seat in the summer period (1 January to 30 April), and 2 days before departure to ensure a seat at other times. Changes to reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to departure. This is a really important point – if you don’t call us we won’t know where or when to pick you up from. Everyone wants to travel with Kiwi Experience, especially in summer, so the more time you can give us the better! Kiwi Experience Travel Passes are non-transferable. Should you fail to show for any booked and confirmed departure your Travel Pass will become invalid unless and until a NZD$50 fee is paid to reinstate the Travel Pass. Luggage is limited to one piece at 23 kilograms. For the ‘Unlimited Travel’ option of this pass, the whole route needs to be completed before any sector can be repeated. When starting this pass in Christchurch, you should travel north and complete the North Island route before travelling south to complete the South Island route. This way you can complete the whole route and then repeat the sectors that you want with the ‘Unlimited Travel’ option. If you wish to repeat the Christchurch to Picton sectors of this pass before you have completed the whole route, the standard Christchurch to Picton sector prices will apply. Please see point 19 of our Terms and Conditions for all Terms and Conditions specific to ‘Unlimited Travel’. Please visit our website for complete terms & conditions. http://www.kiwiexperience.com/Pages/booking-terms-conditions.aspx

In addition to WTC’s terms and conditions; Kiwi Experience Cancellation Policy: Cancellations within 365 days of the start date incur a $166.00 fee. http://www.kiwiexperience.com/Pages/booking-terms-conditions.aspx