Sector 1 & 2: AUCKLAND-WAITOMO-ROTORUA MAORI CULTURE, BUBBLING MUD, HOT POOLS
For many, this is the start of your New Zealand adventure, and what a great day we have in store for you. First up we take you to Mt Eden for the best view of Auckland, the City of Sails, and then travel south over the Bombay Hills and into the Waikato region. We cross the Waikato River and head on to Waitomo to visit the famous Glow-worm Caves, which are over 30 million years old. Here you can take a walk and slow boat through the caves to view the amazing caverns and glow worms. Alternatively, be daring and have a go at one of the different activities Magic has on offer, such as black water rafting or abseiling. Mid-afternoon, we head to Rotorua where Maori culture and thermal activity combine to makes a very unique destination. We recommend you spend more than one night as there is so much to do in this exceptional place. This evening, make sure you take the opportunity to try a Maori Hangi and Concert or relax in a hot pool. Not to be missed!
Approximate arrival into Rotorua is 5.30pm
Sector 3: ROTORUA-TAUPO HUKA FALLS, TONGARIRO CROSSING, SKYDIVING ‘Full steam ahead’ this morning, with a brief sightseeing tour which takes in Rotorua’s lakefront and Government Gardens. We then continue on, visiting the spectacular Lady Knox Geyser and Wai O Tapu geothermal area, famous for vivid mud pools and boiling mud. Next up is Rock ‘n Ropes where you’ll have the opportunity to try the big swing or trapeze. Just before Taupo, another incredible stop is the mighty Huka Falls, throwing over 200,000 litres of water each second. If you feel like an adrenaline rush, try out the jet boat on the Huka River or bungy jump above it. Taupo is a town situated on the edge of a lake bigger than Singapore which, in true Kiwi fashion, means there are heaps of adventure activities available here, such as tandem skydiving, horse riding, kayaking or fishing on the lake. Taupo is also the departure point to attempt the Tongariro Crossing. Described as NZ’s best one day trek, you will need at least two nights in Taupo to undertake the walk that takes you into the heart of volcano country. The nightlife in Taupo is outstanding, with many decent bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from.
Approximate arrival time in Taupo is 3.15pm
Sector 4: TAUPO - WELLINGTON TE PAPA, GREAT CAFES, LORD OF THE RINGS
If you are brave, start the day with a dip in New Zealand’s largest lake. We then head south out of Taupo, travelling along the Desert Road. Welcome to Lord of the Rings country, with amazing photo opportunities of the Tongariro National Park, live volcanoes and ‘Mt. Doom’. Later in the day we pass through the imaginatively named town of Bulls. Make sure you pay attention and try and spot a few of the unique shop names – it’s unforgettabull! In the afternoon, we arrive into Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, were we stop to view Parliament Buildings and ‘The Beehive’ before heading to the summit of Mt Victoria for some fantastic views. There’s plenty to keep you busy here including lively cafes and bars, and don’t miss a visit to Te Papa, the national museum.
Approximate arrival time in Wellington is 4.00pm
Sector 99: PLEASE NOTE The departure and arrival times listed above are approximate and many different factors can cause these times to alter so please use them as a guide only.
