Northern Kiwi

Rotorua offers plenty of experiences to keep you busy on your free day here. For the adventurous, explore the treetops on a network of ziplines with Rotorua Canopy Tours, roll downhill on a giant inflatable ball with Zorb, or go luging at the Rotorua Skyline. Explore the many geothermal spas, or just enjoy a walk in the Red Woods. 

This afternoon will immerse you in the traditions and cultural values of the Māori people as we overnight at Te Pā Tū Māori Village, embracing Kaitiakitanga (interaction with the natural world) and Manaakitanga (hospitality and so much more). Learn about Māori history and culture through performances and enjoy traditional seasonal kai (meal). Afterwards, gather around a blazing bonfire where you will enjoy Māori myths and legends before retiring for the night in a traditional sleeping house (included).

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Savour a delicious breakfast at Te Pa Tu. We hope you leave with a deeper understanding of Māori culture, history, and traditions and feel enriched by this unique experience.

Before departing Rotorua, we'll stop at the National Kiwi Hatchery. Learn about the conservation efforts behind the internationally renowned conservation program, which will captivate you and ensure that New Zealand's national treasure, the kiwi, thrives. Enjoy interactive displays and peek at the kiwi in their nocturnal house.

 Let's continue the journey southward to Taupo, a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Witness the power of nature at Huka Falls, one of the largest by volume in the world, where you can capture stunning photos and enjoy a short walk. As the sun dips below the horizon, board a scenic sunset cruise across Lake Taupo, formed by a volcanic eruption. Savour a delicious pizza onboard while cruising towards the Māori Rock Carvings. Feel free to bring your own drinks for an even more enjoyable experience. Pack your swimsuit and towel to take a refreshing dip during the cruise!

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Let's hit the road towards River Valley Lodge, the perfect setting to immerse ourselves in nature. Located beside the Rangitiki River in the central North Island, River Valley is where you can seek adventure, choose to whitewater raft on the Rangitikei River (optional activity), experience horse trekking and learn natural horsemanship techniques (optional activity* horse riding experience required), explore by e-bike (optional activity), or embrace solitude and blissfully disconnect.

This evening, we will enjoy a Farm-To-Table meal prepared freshly by the River Valley Chef. The team is passionate not just about food but also about where the food comes from. They strongly believe in sourcing ethical, local, and sustainable food and serving wholesome and healthy food.

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Today, we leave the relaxation of River Valley and travel towards the best little capital, Wellington. As a city, Wellington is compact but surrounded by nature and fuelled by creative energy. 

If you have time, explore Wellington, wander through hidden laneways, discover street art and follow the sculpture walk along Wellington's waterfront. We will visit Mount Victoria to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the city, then learn the stories of Aotearoa, New Zealand, in the world-class museum of Te Papa located on Wellington Harbour. This evening seeks out the hidden bars of Wellington. Treat your tastebuds to one of the many world-class cafés and restaurants this city offers. 

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Unleash Your Inner Film Buff and Explorer in Wellington

Get ready to be amazed at Weta Workshop! Step behind the scenes of your favourite movies like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, and District 9. Witness the magic come to life as you explore mind-blowing props, costumes, and creature designs. You might even glimpse an artist bringing a character to life!

Fuel your afternoon with excitement! Rent an e-bike (optional paid activity) and cruise along Wellington's stunning waterfront with Switched on Bikes, or immerse yourself in nature at Zealandia, a haven for native wildlife (optional paid activity). Discover the hidden gems of this vibrant city and let your adventurous spirit soar.

This evening, discover the hidden bars of Wellington. Here is a link to find them.

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Let's bid farewell to Wellington as we journey to the enchanting Kaitoke Regional Park, the real-life inspiration behind the ethereal Rivendell from The Lord of the Rings. Wander through ancient forests, breathe in the fresh air, and keep an eye out for native birds like the elusive New Zealand falcon.

This afternoon, we will Step Back in time and discover the charm of historic Greytown, known for its beautifully restored Victorian buildings. Explore quaint shops, savour delicious coffee, and immerse yourself in the town's rich history at Papawai Marae, the site of the first Māori Parliament.

 We will end our day in the heart of New Zealand's wine country, Martinborough. Indulge in delectable cuisine and world-class wines at one of the many vineyard cafes. For the adventurous, rent a bike and explore the picturesque countryside at your own pace.

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Breakfast  is included this morning at Claremont

Are you Buzzing with Excitement? Today's adventure kicks off with an unforgettable experience: becoming a beekeeper! We're heading to Greytown Honey to put on a beekeeping suit and get up close with the hive. Learn the secrets of honey production and taste the sweet rewards of the bees' hard work.

After our beekeeping adventure, we're heading to Napier; New Zealand's Art Deco capital. Get ready to be amazed by the city's unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere! Before our arrival, will stop to stretch our legs and soak up stunning views at Te Mata Peak, the perfect spot for epic photos.

Please Note:  You must wear closed shoes and shorts/pants for your Beekeeping experience.

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Enjoy breakfast at Kennedy Park before visiting the National Aquarium of New Zealand. If you have time, stroll along Marine Parade, the jewel in the Hawkes Bay crown, before departing Hawkes Bay and onto Taupo for lunch.

 This afternoon, we will drive to Kohutapu Lodge, an immersive Māori cultural experience on the outskirts of Murupara. Here, you’ll learn the history of the Nagati Manawa people, walk in native forest, learn about traditional Māori medicinal plants like Kawakawa, feast on a traditional Hangi, participate in traditional Māori games, and meet and learn from the local community.

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Kickstart your day with breakfast at Kohutapu Lodge, immersing yourself in Māori culture with a traditional Powhiri (welcome ceremony). Explore the carved meeting house and enjoy morning tea and conversation with the community elders.

Bidding Haere rā (goodbye), we journey to where the centre of the earth meets the sky: Hell’s Gate Rotorua. Hell’s Gate offers one of New Zealand's most unique geothermal experiences. It is where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above. Don't forget your swimsuit for a rejuvenating dip in the nutrient-rich thermal pools, including a full-body mud bath experience.

 This afternoon we head to the vibrant beach town of Mount Maunganui, also known as "The Mount." Soak up the sun, stroll along the picturesque coastline, or challenge yourself with a hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views. Tonight, we will stay across the bridge in Tauranga, with water views and is within walking distance of great bars and restaurants. 

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Fuel Up and enjoy breakfast at one of the many local cafes before we hit the road and head up the coast towards the picturesque Coromandel region, with a lunch stop to discover the charm of Whangamata, a popular Kiwi getaway known for its pristine beaches and native forests.

This afternoon, you can opt 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 correct, we will head to Hot Water Beach to dig a personal natural spa and relax in the hot geothermal water on the beach. 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. 

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Leave the Coromandel behind and venture into the heart of the Kaimai Ranges. Discover the hidden gems of the Karangahake Gorge, where we will enjoy a hike through historic mining tunnels and admire the lush native forests. Our Northern Secrets Tour concludes in the bustling metropolis of Auckland, also known as the "City of Sails." If you have the time, explore the city's iconic waterfront, stroll through the vibrant Wynyard Quarter, or immerse yourself in the arts scene at one of the many museums and galleries.

As your Kiwi Experience adventure draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the incredible memories and friendships you've made along the way. Farewell to your fellow travellers and Kiwi Driver Guide. Ka kite anō! (See you again!)

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