Northern Highlights
Start: Auckland
Finish: Wellington
See the very best of what the North Island has to offer. The Northern Highlights will take you to the fantastic beaches in the Coromandel, out-of-this-world geysers in Rotorua, the Central Volcanic Plateau (home of Mt. Doom) and the lush farmland of the Horowhenua. Mix this with some amazing activities like black water rafting, a marae visit, and skydiving; you're in for one fantastic trip!
What's Included
- Start Auckland, finish Wellington
- Minimum of 6 days travel*
- Flexible, easy, stress-free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
The Extra Bits
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Pre-Book and pay for accommodation online via the Trip Planner (by 7am 2 days before any overnight stop)
- Pre-Book and pay for activities online via the Trip Planner
- Limited departures available in June, July & August (winter schedule)
- *The minimum time is the shortest amount of time you can complete this pass by travelling our standard itinerary and not hopping off the bus. Please note this minimum time can change slightly depending on the season.
To view our current bus timetables, please click here
NZ $675
Auckland to Hot Water Beach
Say goodbye to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) as you embark on a journey south-east to the pristine beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula. This breathtaking coastal region offers an array of experiences, including the option to kayak along its stunning shores to the world-famous Cathedral Cove, and the chance to visit Hot Water Beach; a unique beach where you can create your own personal spa pool by digging a hole in the sand, benefiting from the naturally heated water if timed right. Indulge in a Kiwi classic and grab some fish and chips for dinner and chill out with your new friends, or if you prefer a more relaxing evening, opt for a quiet night in to recharge your energy for the upcoming adventure-packed days (you're going to need it!).
Accommodation
- Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Hot Water Beach (free)
- Cathedral Cove Kayaking (optional extra)
Hot Water Beach to Waitomo
Leaving the gorgeous Coromandel behind we’ll venture into the enchanting Karangahake Gorge nestled among the Kaimai Ranges, for a hike amongst the walkways and old mining tunnels. Next, we’ll be heading over to Waitomo (‘wai’ meaning water, ‘tomo’ meaning hole) to visit the magical glow-worm caves. World-famous for their abundance of glow worms, extensive underground river system and stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, a trip to the caves is a trip to another world. However, 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 Tāne Tinorau, the original explorer of the caves. Upon our arrival, we'll stop for a refreshing walk through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve where you can see the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, native forest and small caves. For those feeling adventurous, this afternoon you will have the opportunity to experience a Black Water Rafting trip (optional extra). Brave the underground rapids as you raft in tubes, leap off waterfalls, and float beneath a dazzling sky of glow worms.
Accommodation
- Waitomo Homestead Cabins (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Karangahake Gorge Walk (free)
- Ruakuri Scenic Walk (free)
- Waitomo Glowworm cave tour (optional extra)
- Black Water Rafting - Labyrinth (optional extra)
- Ruakuri Cave Tour (optional extra)
Waitomo to Rotorua
It's time to bid farewell to the glowing little critters. For those who wish to live out their Lord of the Rings fantasies, we will stop off at the enchanting village of Hobbiton, where the magic of the movies comes to life (optional extra). Next, we'll roll on to Rotorua, a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers and natural hot springs. You won’t get bored here; plenty of optional activities keep you busy. Take your pick from exhilarating White Water Rafting, thrilling experiences like Zip Lining across the top of the canopy, or exploring the area’s unique geothermal activity and natural hot springs. You can embrace our history and culture this evening with a 3-hour experience at the Mitai Māori Village (optional extra). Witness captivating stories unfold, be enchanted by performers, and satisfy your hunger with a traditional Māori feast.
Accommodation
- Rock Solid Backpackers (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Ruakuri Bushwalk (free)
- Hobbiton (optional extra)
- White Water Rafting (optional extra)
- Mitai Māori Village evening experience (optional extra)
- Zip Lining (optional extra)
Rotorua to Taupo
If you haven't had a chance yet to explore the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, we will check it out this morning before heading onto Lake Taupō, taking a walk to the pounding Huka Falls (included) first. In Taupō there is lots to do, just tell us what you’re in the mood for and we’ll get you there. The lake itself (actually an extinct volcano crater) is a sight to behold from the shoreline, but the more adventurous might want to take the opportunity to experience optional activities such as sailing across the lake on a yacht to the Māori rock carvings, or even get a birds-eye view by skydiving above it.
Accommodation
- Based By The Lake (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Te Puia Geothermal wonderland (optional extra)
- Huka Falls (free)
- Skydive Taupo (optional extra)
- Taupo Sailing Adventure (optional extra)
- Tongariro Crossing hike (optional extra)
Taupo free day
Taupō’s central location means it’s a hop, skip, and a jump away from other world-class activities which we give you the option to experience on this free day. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (extra activity); a dramatic landscape of stunning contrasts created by extinguished lava flows and emerald lakes, or chill out by the Lake and get some much-needed r&r.
Accommodation
- Based By The Lake (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Tongariro Crossing shuttle bus (optional extra) Not available in winter (May-Oct)
- Skydive Taupo (optional extra)
Taupo to Wellington
We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we travel to New Zealand's capital city Wellington. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion, and nightlife. Here you can experience Mount Victoria (free), or get amongst the thriving craft beer scene and Wellington nightlife.
Accommodation
- Haka House or Nomads Backpackers (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Tongariro National Park
- Mount Victoria lookout (free)
- Te Papa Museum
- Cuba street nightlife (free)
