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DAY 1: ARRIVAL AUCKLAND
Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand), the land of the long white cloud. Make your way to your hostel and then go and explore the city. We recommend starting at the waterfront, which is a downhill walk from your accommodation. Meet your guide at 6pm for an introduction to your tour and a complimentary welcome drink before heading out together for some dinner (own cost).
Accommodation: Haka House Auckland City
Free Activities: Walk the waterfront
Included Activities: Welcome drink
DAY 2: AUCKLAND ISLAND EXPERIENCE
Auckland has one of the best harbours in the world and is known locally as the “City of Sails.” Today you’ll experience Auckland from the water as we head out to Rangitoto Island for the day. This dormant volcano, one of 44 in the region, sits just out from the city in the Waitemata Harbour. The views are simply stunning, from the cityscape to the surrounding islands. It’s the perfect way to get in the groove for the amazing adventures ahead!
Accommodation: Haka House Auckland City
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities: Water taxi to Rangitoto Island, hike a volcano
DAY 3: AUCKLAND TO HAHEI
Today’s the day we say ‘haere rā’ (goodbye) to Auckland and ‘kia ora!’ (hello) to the trip of a lifetime! First stop, Hahei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. This gorgeous little place will capture your heart (and have you calculating how much it would cost to move to NZ’s coast eternally). When the tides are right, we’ll drive over to the nearby Hot Water Beach and dig ourselves an all-natural hot pool in the sand. Who said backpackers can’t do luxury?
Accommodation: Hahei Holiday Resort
Meal Options: Self-cater or join the optional group BBQ dinner
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Free Activities: Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach
Optional Paid Activities: Kayaking or Hahei Explorer
DAY 4: HAHEI TO ROTORUA
Rise and shine for an early start as you walk to Hahei Beach to watch the sunrise. Then it’s straight back into the bus for our journey to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Before arriving in Rotorua, we’ll stop for an incredibly scenic walk through the Karangahake Gorge and then visit the home of the Hobbit with a tour of the real movie set, which was created right here in Middle Earth! Once in Rotorua, explore Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest or the township for more adventures.
Accommodation: Haka House Rotorua
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Included Activities: Hobbiton Movie Set
Free Activities: Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk
DAY 5: ROTORUA TO LAKE ANIWHENUA
This morning, we’ll head to Kuirau Park where we’ll see geothermal activity, boiling mud pools, and steaming lakes. After Rotorua, we head off the beaten path to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua. Kohutapu Lodge is owned by a local Māori family who are passionate about their tribal heritage and community. You'll see sacred Māori rock carvings, play traditional stick games, and watch the preparation of a hāngi meal, cooked in an underground earth oven. The highlight? Tasting this delicious feast!
Accommodation: Kohutapu Lodge
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Traditional Hāngi Dinner, Dessert
Included Activities: Learn the Haka, Māori flax weaving
Free Activities: Māori rock carvings, volleyball, cultural games
DAY 6: LAKE ANIWHENUA TO LAKE TAUPO
After a buffet breakfast, we’ll stop at Kerosene Creek, a naturally hot river for a morning soak, before heading to Taupō. Explore Australasia’s largest lake, marvel at the mighty Huka Falls, or relax at the accommodation.
Accommodation: Haka House Taupō
Meal Options: Self-cater or join the optional group dinner
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Free Activities: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk Taupō
Optional Paid Activities: Skydiving or bungy jumping
DAY 7: LAKE TAUPO TO TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Head to the iconic Tongariro National Park, where the adventure kicks off with a whitewater rafting trip along the Tongariro River. Navigate grade-3 rapids while soaking in the beautiful scenery, then relax at your alpine accommodation.
Accommodation: Alpine Chalets
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities: Whitewater rafting in Tongariro River
DAY 8: TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Tick off one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This 19 km trek takes you across rocky plateaus, volcanic craters, and turquoise lakes. Other short walks are available if weather prevents the crossing.
Accommodation: Alpine Chalets
Meal Options: Pack snacks and water
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Included Activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Transfers
Free Activities: Taranaki Falls walk, visit Volcanic Centre
DAY 9: TONGARIRO TO WELLINGTON
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city. Explore Te Papa National Museum, enjoy craft beer, or hike Mount Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour.
Accommodation: Haka House Wellington
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Optional Paid Activities: Visit Te Papa National Museum
Free Activities: Mount Victoria lookout, waterfront stroll
DAY 10: DEPART WELLINGTON
It’s time to say goodbye to your guide and Stray mates as your adventure comes to an end. We hope you had an amazing time and made unforgettable memories!
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
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