New Zealand tours - Hot Rocks Tour

TOUR DAY  - auckland TO COROMANDEL

 On our way to the fantastic and unique Hot Water Beach. We head back through Auckland and welcome some new faces on the bus. From Auckland we head to the Coromandel, renowned worldwide for its natural beauty, misty rainforests and pristine golden beaches.

We stop in Tairua where there is a excellent place to start todays’ optional ride. The scenery includes some great native bush and the striking Pohutukawa trees (or NZ Christmas trees). You will cycle to Hot Water Beach but save some energy as there’s plenty to keep you entertained once you arrive, as there is a great walk or Kayak to the magnificent Cathedral Cove. Bring your swimming gear to enjoy these turquoise waters.

At low tide the guides will take you to Hot Water Beach where they will show you the best place to dig yourself your very own natural hot pool to bathe. Tonight you will enjoy a favourite on the Flying Kiwi menu, the famous Flying Kiwi fish dish.

Coromandel beaches by David Kaczmorek

ABOUT THE AREA:

This beautiful Coromandel Peninsula is just a short distance from Auckland but it feels like a different world!  It only takes around 2 hours to reach the region but the volcanic hills, towering forests and stunning beaches make it an idyllic escape from the city.  Locals and others are attracted by the endless golden beaches, lovely turquoise waters and the great mix of architecture old and new.  The region is home to many of the oldest European villages and buildings in New Zealand.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Sea Kayak in the afternoon at stunning Cathedral Cove

HIKING OPTIONS:

Lovely 2hr (return) walk to the beach at Cathedral Cove.  

CYCLE OPTIONS:

The cycle option today is a 25km ride that takes you over the Tairua hill to Hot Water Beach or Hahei.  

ACCOMMODATION:

Holiday camp near Hot Water Beach with excellent facilities. Cabins are also available for a small extra charge (subject to availability).

DID YO KNOW.......?:

The township of Coromandel is located on an inlet called McGregor Bay, named after the British Navy ship “H.M.S. Coromandel“ which anchored first off Colville on 13th June 1820.

tour DAY  - COROMANDEL TO ROTORUA 

This is the cultural and geological heart of the North Island.  The area is the perfect place to experience and learn about Maori culture and to experience first hand the dramatic thermals of the country.

We’d highly recommend a dip in the soothing pools to relax and unwind! You can also try the mind blowing OGO, Agrodome Adventures or the famous Rotorua Luge. There is the opportunity for mountain bikers to explore the Whakarewarewa Forest - home to one of the oldest mountain bike networks in the country.

ABOUT THE AREA:

Bubbling mud pools, geysers and Maori culture are some of the main reasons that visitors head to the thermal resort of Rotorua.  It is the oldest and most established thermal resort in the country and from the moment you arrive you will notice something different.  There is a smell of sulphur in the air and numerous spouting geysers frothing and foaming to create a rainbow of wonderful colours. After a days adventure the spa and pool options are a must.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Rotorua by Phil Denby

Polynesian Spa Pools

Ogo

Agrodome Adventures

Skyline Luge

HIKING OPTIONS:

For the early risers you can enjoy a great stroll along the beach and later on another great option at Whiritoa beach.  We then have a few hours to walk around the thermal wonders of Rotorua - Sulphur City.

CYCLE OPTIONS:

In Rotorua there are awesome mountain bike tracks through the Whakarewarewa Forest. Later in the  afternoon you can cycle to the lakeside camp through rolling farm land – there are a few twists and turns.

ACCOMMODATION:

A bush camp by Lake Rerewhakaaitu enjoying the real natural beauty of New Zealand.

DID YOU KNOW.......?:

When the Europeans arrived in New Zealand, it was already inhabited by the Maori people – Eastern Polynesian settlers who arrived some time between 800 and 1300. Legend has it that they came from a place named Hawaiki; its location is unknown. The very strong linguistic connection to Cook Island Maori might suggest that they originated from that region of the Pacific.

TOUR DAY -  ROTORUA TO TOKAANUI

Taupo is a great little town where you can enjoy some spectacular lakeside scenery, and for the adventure junkies it’s a great day with the option to test your fear of heights on the Rock n Ropes course, bungy or skydiving.  If you prefer something a little more relaxing then you can kayak on Lake Taupo to the amazing Maori rock carvings. The scenery we pass through today includes the largest man made forest in the Southern Hemisphere - the Kaingaroa forest and a crossing of the Waikato River - NZ’s longest and only river streaming northbound.

Views on the Tongariro hike by Phil Denby

ABOUT THE AREA

This region is centred around Lake Taupo, NZ's largest lake at 619sq km. The area includes hot springs in numerous locations around the lake, which is an extinct volcanic crater.  Just north of Taupo underground steam has been harnessed for electricity generation. From Lake Taupo the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, gushes out through a narrow chasm to create the dramatic Huka Falls.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Viewing the giant geysers & Wai-O-Tapu thermal area

Taupo Bungy by Marta

Skydiving

Bungy

Rock ‘n’ Ropes

Kayaking

HIKING OPTIONS:

Plenty of shorter walks available around the lakes and geysers. From Huka Falls it is a nice two hour walk to the centre of Taupo. Take your swimming gear for a dip in the natural hot pool along the river.  Have a stroll around Taupo and down to the lake shore. 

CYCLE OPTIONS:

Today you can cycle ahead of the bus to Wai-O-Tapu (about 23km's). From Huka Falls there is a great mountain bike track into town.

ACCOMMODATION:

A great camp with free hot pools. Cabins are also available for a small extra charge (subject to availability).

DID YOU KNOW.......?:

The Maori people named the country, Aotearoa, "The Land of the Long White Cloud." 

tour DAY  - tongariro to kapiti coast 

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is described by many as the best one day walk in the World.  It's an amazing hike and an excellent opportunity to absorb a huge diversity of landscapes in a few hours. For those who aren't keen on hiking there are still plenty of options and everyone will love the evening campsite on the Kapiti coast.

Tongariro Crossing by Planetd

ABOUT THE AREA: 

The 80,000 hectare Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage Area, with its centrepiece Mount Ruapehu rising dramatically 2797m from the surrounding area. Next to Mt. Ruapehu are two smaller volcanic mountains - Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro.  This is also the site of one of NZ's best ski fields and is often snow capped year round.

hiking options:

Today is your chance to enjoy one of the world’s greatest one day walks – The Tongariro Alpine Crossing. There are also short walk options that run next to the Turangi River. 

cycling OPTIONS:

If you fancy hitting the saddle today there are a couple of cycle options. There is a new two hour river track around the Turangi area, or head towards the end of the walking track, about 28kms. For the keen, cycle ahead towards Waiouru about 60kms.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

White Water Rafting

DID YOu KNOW.......?:

Tourism is the main industry in New Zealand with over two million visitors a year. The main exports are lamb, butter, kiwifruit, and wine.

TOUR DAY - KAPITI COAST TO new plymouth

Soak up the culture and buzz in the nations capital.  There are plenty of attractions to appeal to all tastes and the highly recommended (and free) Te Papa museum.  We then head up the coast to New Plymouth where we enjoy great sunsets and beautiful coastal views.

ABOUT THE AREA:

Wellington is New Zealand's capital with a population of approximately 390,000.  It is an amazingly compact city surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of spectacular hills and wonderful waterfront.  It has long been established as the entertainment centre of the country and its cafe, restaurant and theatre industry is thriving.  With the highest ratio of eating options in the country its easy to see why Wellington is labelled the "cafe capital".

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Taking in the culture and attractions of the capital city.  Te Papa museum is highly recommended.  There’s great shopping here, so plenty to spend your money on if you’re feeling flush!

HIKING OPTIONS:

A stroll round the bars, cafes and shops of Wellington or amble through the Botanical Gardens which are found at the top of the cable car in central Wellington.  Mt Victoria loop (4.7km), range of central city walks.  

CYCLE OPTIONS:

There are no cycling options today, as we head on a busy road into Wellington.

ACCOMMODATION:

A good campsite looking out into the Tasman Sea. (Upgrades subject to availability)

DID YOU KNOW.......?:

Although it is around the size of Japan, New Zealand’s population is just over four million, making it one of the world’s least populated countries.

TOUR DAY - new plymouth to auckland

Heading to the City of Sails - Auckland. It’s a scenic drive with an excellent stop-off at the Waitomo caves, rated by many as the best attraction in New Zealand. Here you get the unique chance to raft in a limestone wonderland created by erosion over millions of years. We pull into the city as evening approaches which allows you to get out and enjoy the night life of New Zealand’s largest city.

Sky Tower by Dave Kaczmorek

ABOUT THE AREA:

Auckland is bordered by 2 harbours, Waitemata and Manukau and lies at the southern end of the Auckland Peninsula. Auckland is NZs largest city and the main gateway for all elements of commerce, tourism and industry.  Although this is the largest urban area its also has great beaches, excellent shopping and the buzzing nightlife and culture you'd hope for in a large city. Auckland is also known as the City of Sails and this has been added to with the America’s Cup event regularly held here.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Black Water Rafting

Glow worm cave walk

HIKING OPTIONS:

For those not trying the caves there are plenty of farmland walks in the area.

CYCLE OPTIONS:

 You can cycle ahead to Waitomo and the bus will meet you there (if you want to try caving you won’t have time to do this ride).

ACCOMMODATION:

We will get right into the city centre and make the most of the bustling city by staying in a local hostel (this will be a seperate expense but we will help arrange it for you).

DID YOU KNOW.......?:

Auckland has the largest number of boats per capita of any city in the world.

tour DAY  - AUCKLAND TO BAY OF ISLANDS

Leaving Auckland at 10am and heading for the golden beaches of the Bay of Islands. Whilst enjoying the scenic drive we’ll be asking you to think about activities for the next day. These include sailing, Cape Reinga day trip, Dolphin Eco Experience, diving the Rainbow Warrior or fishing.  As we drive up the coast you get to take in views of Whangarei heads. Whangarei is NZs warmest and northernmost city so enjoy the heat. You will be able to spot Hen and Chicken Islands as we head up the coasts and with a bit of imagination you can see how they got their names!

We stop off at the beach for a swim and a walk along the sand dunes. When we arrive in Paihia you get to choose from a great Mangrove walk or a beautiful cycle to thundering waterfalls, as well as the chance to visit the Treaty House where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

Visit the Treaty House - a very interesting trip to learn more about the Treaty and history of Europeans and native Maori.

Harua Falls by Derek Craddock

Great walks around the estuary and through mangroves to spectacular Haruru Falls (around 90 minutes). Also a great option for a lunchtime stroll along the wonderful beaches.

A gentle 12 km ride to the camp or you can hop off earlier for a hilly 17km ride. Both rides include some gravel road and a stop to take in the Haruru Falls along the way. The rides should take around 1 - 2 hours finishing at our accommodation.

We will be staying in a wonderful campsite with excellent facilities and upgrades available. There are kayaks to hire and it’s a great swimming spot.

New Zealand was the last major landmass to be populated (with the exception of the polar regions)

Great riverside campsite by David Kaczmorek

TOUR DAY - AUCKLAND TO BAY OF ISLANDS

Pack your lunches and bathing gear and make the most of the famous Bay of Islands. For those looking to enjoy hikes or cycle rides there are a number of options around the area and just ask your guide for their advice. For those wishing to soak up a bit more Maori culture the evening show is a great insight and gives you a chance to get up close and personal and experience the Haka! Make the most of this aquatic paradise and take your pick from a variety of outstanding hike, cycle or activity options.  We are staying in the same wonderful campsite tonight which means maximum time to explore.

ABOUT THE AREA:

Northland is the perfect playground for water lovers. With a staggering 144 islands, the Bay of Islands offers diving, boating, swimming and big game fishing. There are some excellent hiking trails and walks in the native forests leading to some of the largest and oldest trees in the World. From here you can also visit Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean - which is one of the northernmost spots in New Zealand. Trips to Cape Reinga drive along the flat, silvery sands of Ninety Mile Beach - a “historic” highway (interesting fact: the beach is only 64 miles or 104km long).

This region is also home to the oldest European villages in New Zealand and many historic buildings.

Bay of Islands by Daniel Dang

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Sailing Bay of Islands

Awesome Cape Reinga day trip

Dolphin Eco Experience

Diving, Rainbow Warrior day trip

Treaty House concert

Day in the Bay adventure

Fishing 

HIKING OPTIONS:

Many walking options of different lengths. The pick of the bunch today is a 6-hour round trip (taking in some gorgeous beaches) from Paihia - Russell. A good level of fitness is required but the day is broken up with ferry rides (own cost) and great places to visit. Alternatively, you can walk to the Haruru Falls (1.5 hours).

CYCLE OPTIONS:

It’s a good day for bikers! You have all day to enjoy a number of cycle options including a challenging 50km loop that takes you inland, then back along the coast to camp. For a more relaxed day there are a number of shorter rides to choose from.

ACCOMMODATION:

We will be staying in the same wonderful campsite with excellent facilities and upgrades available. There are kayaks to hire and it’s a great swimming spot.

DID YOu KNOW.......?:

New Zealand was the first major nation to have universal suffrage. In 1893 it became legal for all male and female citizens of New Zealand to vote.

tour DAY  - BAY OF ISLANDS TO OREWA

Our first stop comes in Opononi with a chance to try your skills sand boarding at the awesome sand dunes on the other side of the harbour. If you don’t fancy heading down the sandy slopes there’s a nice coastal walk to Omapere.

Then it’s back on board heading south towards the Waipoua Forest. Next highlight is a stop at Tane Mahuta where you will be in awe at the largest kauri tree. A short drive then there is a chance to stretch your legs by either walking to the second largest tree, called Te Matua Ngahere or you can cycle ahead of the bus through this magnificent forest.   We will also be taking a short stop in Dargaville. We wrap up the day with hot pools and superb slides, enjoy a well-earned meal and share stories of our Bay of Islands adventures. 

about the area:

The roads around this region pass through forest dominated by huge kauri trees. These tower above you at heights of up to 60 metres with a trunk five or more in diameter. These trees are slow growing and some are over 2000 years old.  Beautiful Opononi is an excellent stop with its endless dunes lined by beautiful pohutakawa trees (the New Zealand christmas tree). 'Opo the Friendly Dolphin' made the region famous in 1955-56 when locals and tourists visited the area in their thousands to see the new playful resident.  Opo's visit is commemorated with a statue.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Sandboarding by Dave n Deb

Sand boarding

Hot Pools and slides

hiking OPTIONS:

Some great short walks in Waipoua Forest

CYCLE OPTIONS:

Rides of varying lengths winding through the forest.

ACCOMMODATION:

Excellent camp site located by the beach and the hot pools - an inspirational spot for sunset photography

DID YOU KNOW.......?:

Auckland is the largest Polynesian City in the world with a population mix of - 13% Pacific Island, 12% Maori, 61% European.

TOUR DAY  - Orewa TO AUCKLAND

We head back to Auckland for the end of your tour but there are plenty of options to extend if you want to stay on the bus.

ABOUT THE AREA:

Auckland is often mistaken as the capital of New Zealand due to its size.  It is the gatweay and commerical capital of the country and also an excellent base from which to explore some beautiful area such as the highly recommended Waiheke Island (a great place to spend a few days if your trip ends in Auckland).  The CBD (central business district) is thriving with shops, bars and restaurants and the harbour area is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy and soak up the atmosphere.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Sky tower bungee

HIKING OPTIONS:

Some short, early walks before we head off from camp

CYCLE OPTIONS:

No cycle options today

ACCOMMODATION:

Not applicable.  If you do need accommodation after your trip contact our friendly team and we can help make arrangements.

DID YO KNOW.......?:

Maori called this region ‘Tamaki makau rau’, a maiden with 100 lovers.