New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud – Aotearoa (New Zealand). Your North Island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7.30 pm in Wellington, New Zealand’s trendy capital. Strung between staggering green hills and the harbour, Wellington holds onto its small-town charm despite its capital status. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the botanical gardens or ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views over the region. Tonight, maybe explore Wellington’s world-renowned food and craft beer scene – your leader will have tips on the best places to grab a bevvy or a bite to eat.

Today is all about getting to know windy Wellington. Kick the day off with a visit to Zealandia – a groundbreaking conservation project that has successfully reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife into this area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Next up is an orientation tour with your leader, checking out the bays, central Wellington, the Botanic Gardens and the Parliament Building. This afternoon, maybe visit Weta Workshop – the special effects studio used by Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. While here, you’ll have the chance to take an optional tour around the studio to find out how the team creates movie magic. Later, maybe check out the Te Papa Museum.

Wellington is calling – leave Taupo behind and drive to the Ruapehu region with views over Tongariro National Park. This evening, stop in the small town of Taumaranui, where you’ll visit a local marae (Maori meeting house). You’ll be welcomed onto Morero marae. Then, sit down for a korero (conversation) with members of the local iwi about their way of life in this special region. Set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake – Taupo is one of the most scenic spots on the North Island. You’ll spend two nights here, as it’s the perfect base to explore Tongariro National Park.

A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from all around New Zealand and the world. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from. Maybe go sailing on Lake Taupo, or if you’re a keen hiker, you may want to consider the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most famous day hike. The path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and bushlands.

Leave Lake Taupo behind and get back on the road. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls – this forceful, icy blue torrent of water is a must-see! Continue your journey towards Rotorua, known for its Maori heritage and hotbed of geothermal activity with its distinctive sulphur smell (you’ll get used to it!). To get your first look at Rotorua’s impressive scenery, take a treetop walk through an ancient redwood forest over a network of suspension bridges, reaching 12 m at the highest point. The evening is yours to relax – maybe explore the world’s youngest geothermal system featuring volcanic craters and hot springs at Waimangu Volcanic Valley or hike through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest.

Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – this unique destination is really like nowhere else in the world. The geothermal activity in the area is second to none – simmering mud pools, geysers and lakes. If you’ve got a head for heights, maybe zipline through Rotorua’s ancient forests. This evening you’ll get a true taste of Maori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here, you’ll sit down to a hangi dinner and watch a soul-stirring haka performance.

Head to the rolling green hills of Matamata this morning, where you’ll visit Hobbiton – this set is where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot. On a fully guided tour of the set, you’ll see Hobbit Holes, the Mill and end with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. From here, it’s on to the Coromandel Peninsula. Along the way, visit Cathedral Cove – a marine reserve known for its sandy beaches, hidden coves and coastline views of the wider Mercury Bay.