Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Interested in joining us on our epic 10-day New Zealand journey from Auckland to Wellington? Named after the Hihī, our rare native honeyeater, this tour takes you to the North Island’s unmissable destinations and hidden gems only locals know.
Kick off in Auckland, the buzzing City of Sails, with a welcome meeting and waterfront wander, then dig steaming pools at Hot Water Beach before kayaking Cathedral Cove's sea arches and refueling with a classic Kiwi BBQ.
Tour Hobbiton, trek Karangahake Gorge, soak in Rotorua's redwoods and geothermal geysers at Kuirau Park. Immerse in Māori culture at Lake Aniwhenua, gaze at the mighty Huka Falls, soak in Kerosene Creek's hidden hot springs, then conquer Tongariro Alpine Crossing's volcanic craters.
Wrap up your adventure in Wellington's creative culture: Te Papa Museum visits, Mt Victoria sunsets, Cuba Street cafes, and Courtenay Place buzz. All with an expert guide and like-minded adventurers.
What's Included
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
-
1Auckland
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 before heading out together for some dinner (own cost).
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Hahei
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? This evening we’ll enjoy a classic Kiwi BBQ group dinner together at the resort.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
3Hahei
Today you have a full free day to explore Hahei. Take a sunrise kayak to Cathedral Cove, board a boat and cruise around exploring the sea caves, chill out on the beach or enjoy a beer in the local pub. This is your time to relax in paradise so get your R&R on!
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
4Rotorua
Rise and shine for an early start this morning 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 we get to Rotorua, we’ll stop for an incredibly scenic walk through the Karangahake Gorge and then we’ll head to the home of the Hobbit and enjoy a tour of the real movie set, which was created right here in Middle Earth! When we arrive in Rotorua, head for a walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and then explore the township. There are so many activities available in Rotorua - ask your guide for options!
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
5Hobbiton Movie Set
Enjoy a tour of the real movie set, which was created right here in Middle Earth!
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
6
This morning, take your pick of epic Rotorua experiences: go ziplining, plunge over a 7m waterfall, soak in the Polynesian Spa’s hot pools, or wander through Kuirau Park with its bubbling mud pools. Whether you're chasing thrills or chill time, Rotorua delivers. In the afternoon, we head off the beaten path to Lake Aniwhenua. Here you'll be welcomed by the local Māori whānau at Kohutapu Lodge. Discover sacred rock carvings, try traditional stick games, and watch a ground-cooked hangi come to life—before digging in. Trust us, it might just be the best meal you’ll have in New Zealand (or ever). Exclusive experience includes: 1 night’s accommodation at the serene lakeside Kohutapu Lodge Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert Continental breakfast Guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history and challenges
12 hours • Admission ticket included -
7Lake Taupo
Rise and shine! Enjoy your buffet breakfast and get ready for a day of jam-packed adventure. Keep your togs (swimwear) handy, because our first stop is Kerosene Creek – a naturally hot river and the perfect place for a morning soak. Then it’s on to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the mighty Huka Falls, grab lunch and take a walk to explore or simply relax at your accommodation.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
8Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Today we’re up bright and early as we leave Taupō and head deep into Tongariro National Park — home to what’s often described as the best one-day walk in the world: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This iconic 19 km trail leads us through an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape of steaming vents, crater lakes, and rugged alpine ridges. The Crossing is open year-round, and when there’s snow or ice on the route, a qualified alpine guide and specialised equipment are required for safety (additional cost). These alpine conditions — most common from June to October, but possible at any time — can make the scenery even more dramatic and unforgettable. As always, safety is our priority and the plan is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable for the full Crossing, your guide will have a choice of other incredible hiking options in Tongariro National Park ready to go.
12 hours • Admission ticket included -
9Wellington
Onwards to Wellington, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with great restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Fill your afternoon by browsing through the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum (at your own cost), grab a craft beer at a brewery, climb to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views or take a stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Oh and, most importantly for the coffee lovers, you’ll be glad to know that Wellington’s coffee culture and cafe scene is considered one of the best in NZ.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
10Wellington
Today is a free day to spend exploring Wellington, our capital city and home to New Zealand’s parliament and the iconic Beehive government building. Also known as the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ thanks to Lonely Planet, Wellington is a great place to check out the lively arts, craft beer and café culture scenes or do some shopping. The afternoon is yours to explore the sights - we recommend wandering down Oriental Parade or viewing the excellent exhibits on display at Te Papa National Museum.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
11Wellington
Today your adventure comes to an end. We hope you had a blast! If you have some time at the end of your trip, why not stay a few extra days in Wellington and explore the capital city.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Arrival Auckland
Auckland to Hahei
Hahei FREE Day
Hahei to Rotorua
Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua
Lake Aniwhenua to Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo to Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park to Wellington
Wellington FREE Day
Depart Wellington
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 18 years
- Tour pricing is based on quad share (except at Whakahoro which is 6 share). Twin or Single tour packages are available, however these upgrades do not apply to Hahei where accommodation is quad share.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 18 years
- Tour pricing is based on quad share (except at Whakahoro which is 6 share). Twin or Single tour packages are available, however these upgrades do not apply to Hahei where accommodation is quad share.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Travel Insurance: Not included with this tour. It is strongly recommend that passengers have their own insurance to cover against illness, injury, loss/damage to personal belongings and inability to travel on the confirmed departure date
- Luggage is limited to one bag or suitcase per person (maximum weight of 15kgs), plus one day pack to carry onboard with your valuables. The carriage of any excess of oversized luggage is at Stray's discretion and must be approved prior to travel.
- Itinerary Disclaimer: Itineraries are correct at the time of printing, however the operator retains the right to alter the route or itinerary if required. On occasion changes are made to improve the product or due to changes made by partners / suppliers. If a product, service or activity detailed in our itinerary is changed, a suitable alternative will be offered where possible. Components of our trip are weather dependent and the Operator cannot be held liable if some components are not available on the day of travel.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Rating
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
