Meet your guide in the lobby of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 128 Albert St, Auckland, at 8.15am. Leaving the city behind us, drive south to the township of Te Aroha. In the early 1900s, this town was the country's top tourist spot, celebrated for its naturally hot soda waters and Mokena geyser. Now also known for its hiking trails, it sits at the foot of Mt Te Aroha, the highest point in the Kaimai-Mamuku Forest Park and part of an ancient volcanic chain. Starting at the geyser, you'll hike to the summit for spectacular 360 degree views, with Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki visible on a fine day. You'll then continue on to Rotorua, considered the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture and the spiritual home of New Zealand's tangata whenua (original people of the land). Accommodation: Cedarwood Lakeside Resort, Rotorua. Includes lunch and dinner.
Cedarwood Lakeside Resort is located in tranquil park-like surroundings with lovely lake views. Large spacious units, an in-ground swimming pool, indoor spa, free wifi, BBQ and picnic area, ensure your stay is comfortable.
This morning you'll head out to cycle the trails of Whakarewarewa Forest. The cycling in the forest is a real highlight on the North Island Adventure and there are options to suit all abilities. If you prefer not to cycle, you can stay and soak in the local mineral spas, or explore Rotorua. After a picnic lunch in the forest, you'll visit Te Puia which is famed for the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools and spectacular geysers. Tonight you'll enjoy a cultural performance by members of the Te Arawa tribe and share a traditional feast. A hangi, as it's known, is prepared by wrapping food and burying it in the earth to cook over hot stones. This healthy cooking method is similar to steaming and imparts a wonderful flavour. Accommodation: Cedarwood Lakeside Resort, Rotorua. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Enjoy a second night in your comfortable and modern accommodation at the Cedarwood Lakeside Resort.
You head south out of Rotorua today to hike Rainbow Mountain, aptly named due to the unusual colour of the soil. You'll head up through native forest past two impressive crater lakes to the summit for panoramic views over the volcanic plateau. Then after lunch, you'll follow the track along New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato, for a spectacular view of Huka Falls. Travelling further south, you follow the shores of Lake Taupo, an enormous volcanic cauldera and the site of the world's largest eruption in the last 70,000 years. You'll stay on the banks of the Tongariro River, New Zealand's most famous trout fishing river, and our hosts tonight, Richard and Jill, will point you in the right direction if you'd like to cast a line! Accommodation: Creel Lodge, Turangi. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Creel Lodge’s unique location situated alongside the famous Tongariro River, and its beautiful garden setting, make your stay here special. All suites have their own outdoor balcony allowing you to immerse in the tranquil native bush setting. Enjoy a relaxing meal while you delight in the birdsong made possible by the safe haven the gardens and trees of the Lodge provide for a variety of birds.
Just south of Turangi are three massive volcanoes (Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu) as well as Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park and the fifth oldest in the world. Here you'll have the opportunity to walk what is considered the best mountain day-hike in the country, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This full-day hike is challenging and unforgettable but the rewards are definitely worth the effort! The trail takes you through arid volcanic terrain that includes emerald lakes, cold mountain springs, lava flows, active craters and steam vents; it's unlike anything else in New Zealand. If you prefer, there are easier hikes available, such as a trail at the base of Mount Ruapehu, the highest active volcano in New Zealand. Tonight, you'll head to some natural thermal springs to soak tired muscles and have a celebratory dinner for your last night together. Accommodation: Creel Lodge, Turangi. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Winter (from May until September)
Whilst spectacular, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a more challenging hike in winter, with alpine conditions such as snow and ice. If the weather isn’t suitable for the crossing, or you’d prefer to do a hike at lower elevation (away from the snow and ice!) we have a fantastic couple of hikes up our sleeve, to Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids. Both of these hikes showcase a variety of flora from native beech forest to sub-alpine scrublands, each culminating with a spectacular view; Taranaki Falls is 20 metres (65 feet) high and Silica Rapids has water cascading down a series of creamy white terraces. For those that are keen, and if the weather is suitable, you can still choose to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a local specialist guide. We will provide you with all the necessary gear such as crampons, ice axes and a helmet.
A second night is spent at Creel Lodge; relax in your self-contained suite or on your private patio set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens.
For our last day together, you'll head to the spectacular Waitomo Caves for a morning of caving. If you prefer to stay dry, you'll take a walk through Ruakuri cave to learn more about the geological significance of the area. For those keen, you'll head down to explore an underground cave system. You'll be fitted with a wetsuit, helmet, headlamp and rubber tube in order to float down a subterranean stream, slide down waterfalls and at one point, switch off your headlamp to check out the incredible glowworms that live on the limestone ceiling of the cave. After a shower and some hot soup, you'll head back to Auckland where your North Island Adventure trip finishes. Your guides will have you at the airport in time to catch evening flights back home or flights down south for one of our South Island trips. Includes breakfast and lunch.
