Choose to white water raft on the Rangitikei River (optional activity), experience horse trekking and learn natural horsemanship techniques (optional activity), or explore the beautiful location by e-bike (optional activity).

Today we continue north to Taupō, a place of extraordinary natural beauty and wonder centred on a vast, sparkling lake formed from a volcanic eruption. You'll have a free day tomorrow to explore, but this afternoon choose to sail on Lake Taupō out to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world (optional extra). Or if you are feeling adventorous, take a leap at 16,000 feet with a skydive for the perfect birds-eye view of Lake Taupō.

Love this place. Love Taupō. Aroha ki tēnei wāhi. Arohaina Taupō. Today is at your leisure; feel free to explore; you can book one of the many optional activities online via the Trip Planner. If you are looking for a challenge, The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is heralded as the best one-day hike in New Zealand. The crossing is also regarded as one of the top ten-day hikes in the world. The Tongariro Crossing is an unforgettable alpine hike across a cratered volcanic moonscape of gemstone-coloured mineral pools and steaming vents in the heart of the dual-listed UNESCO heritage site of Tongariro National Park. And Mt Ngauruhoe’s classic cone shape scored it a starring role as the fiery Mt Doom in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings. Many who complete the 19.4 km (12 miles) journey will tell you the climbs can be steep and the weather unpredictable, though worth it in every aspect. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is in Tongariro National Park - New Zealand's oldest national park.

We'll start the day with a short walk to Huka Falls to see the dramatic waterfall thundering through a natural gorge,

This evening will immerse you in the traditions and culture of the Māori people with a 3-hour experience at the Mitai Māori Village (included). Witness captivating stories unfold, be enchanted by performers, and satisfy your hunger with a traditional Māori feast.

Continuing on to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua; a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers and natural hot springs. You'll get the chance to explore a geothermal reserve on a guided tour of Te Puia (included).

Rotorua offers you plenty of experiences to keep you busy on your free day here. For the adventurous, explore the tree tops on a network of ziplines with Rotorua Canopy tours, roll downhill on a big inflatable ball with Zorb, or go luging at the Rotorua Skyline. If you'd rather relax and unwind, spend the day at Secret Spot Hot Tubs and soak in your own tub surrounded by ferns and overlooking the stunning Whakarewarewa Forest.

Let us venture into the heart of the mighty Waikato region, where we will explore the lush pastures of the Shire™ with a guided walking tour of Hobbiton™, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies (included).

Back aboard the bus, we continue to Waitomo. In Māori, 'wai' means water, and 'tomo' means hole. Waitomo is more than caves and glowworms; it's a cultural hub rich in Māori history, myths and legends. Some of the cave guides are descendants of Chief Tane Tinorau, the original explorer of the caves. You'll get the chance to marvel at the glowworms and limestone formations on an included walking tour of Ruakuri Cave, or if you are feeling adventurous perhaps opt for a Black Water Rafting trip and raft in tubes through underground rapids, jump off waterfalls and float below of a ky of glowworms (optional upgrade).

En route, we will explore the Karangahake Gorge, located at the base of the Coromandel Range. This Historic Walkway follows the old railway line between Paeroa and Waihi and offers an impressive glimpse into the remains of a once-booming gold mining and railway era.

ou have the option to experience the breathtaking natural rock formation at Cathedral Cove accessible (currently) only from the water by Kayak or via Boat (optional paid activity). If the tides are right we will head to Hot Water Beach in the afternoon so you can dig your own natural spa and relax in the hot geothermal water, before heading around the corner to Hahei to spend the evening. Hahei is a gorgeous beach town famed for its spectacular, pink sandy beach. Go for a sunset swim or grab a bite to eat before winding down for the night.

It's the final day of your Northern Kiwi tour, and today we are heading to New Zealand's largest city, Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland. Auckland, also known as the "City of Sails" is nestled between two stunning harbours and offers a unique blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty, a thriving arts scene, and outdoor adventures. Today, stroll along the iconic Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter or explore Britomart. If culture is more your thing, Auckland offers an array of museums and galleries to explore. If you're staying for longer, hop on a ferry to Rangitoto Island and climb to the summit of a dormant volcano, or explore the many vineyards on Waiheke island. Your tour ends here, so it's time to bid a fond farewell to the companions who have become your new lifelong friends throughout this incredible journey. Ka kite anō!