Adventure Tour - HIHI Auckland-Wellington

**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 (5 Turner St, Auckland CBD). **Free activities:** Walk the waterfront.

**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? This evening we’ll enjoy a classic Kiwi BBQ group dinner together at the resort. **Accommodation:** Hahei Beach Resort or similar. **Meal inclusions:** Breakfast, Dinner. **Optional activities:** Kayaking or Hahei Explorer. **Free activities:** Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach.

**Hahei** Today you have a full free day to explore Hahei. Take a sunrise kayak or walk 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! **Accommodation:** Hahei Beach Resort or similar. **Meal inclusions:** Breakfast. **Optional activities:** Cathedral Cove kayaking, Hahei explorer boat. **Free activities:** Visit Cathedral Cove.

**Hahei to Rotorua** 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! **Accommodation:** Haka House Rotorua or similar. **Meal inclusions:** Breakfast. **Included activity:** Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. **Free activities:** Karangahake Gorge, Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk.

**Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua** 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 **Accommodation:** Kohutapu Lodge. **Included activity:** Learn the Haka, Maori flax weaving. **Meal inclusions:** Breakfast, traditional hangi dinner and dessert included. **Optional activities:** Rotorua Canopy tours, Rotorua Rafting, Polynesian Spa. **Free activities:** Maori rock carvings, volleyball, Maori cultural games.

**Lake Aniwhenua to Lake 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. **Accommodation:** Haka House Taupo or similar. **Meal inclusions:** Breakfast. **Optional paid activities:** Skydiving or bungy in Taupo. **Free activities:** Huka Falls, Spa Park walk Taupo.

**Taupo to Tongariro National Park** 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. **Accommodation:** Alpine Chalets or similar. **Included activities:** Tongariro Alpine Crossing (snow & ice, extra cost). **Meal inclusions:** Breakfast. **Meal options:** Pack a lunch & plenty of snacks and water. **Free activities:** Taranaki Falls walk, visit the Volcanic Centre, Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s pool). **Optional paid activities:** Alpine guide and specialist winter gear (required in snow/ice conditions).

**Tongariro National Park to Wellington** 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 grabbing a craft beer at a brewery, head up on the cable car to overlook the city 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. **Accommodation:** Cambridge Hotel or similar. **Meal inclusions:** Breakfast. **Meal options:** Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen. **Optional paid activities:** Wellington Cable Car. **Free activities:** Walk Oriental Parade, Gumboot (welly) throwing.

**Wellington** Today is a free day to explore more of Wellington, home to New Zealand’s parliament and the iconic Beehive government building. Wellington is a great place to check out the lively arts, café culture scenes or do some shopping. Today is yours to explore the sights - we also recommend viewing the excellent exhibits on display at Te Papa National Museum or head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views. **Accommodation:** Cambridge Hotel or similar. **Meal inclusions:** Breakfast. **Meal options:** Local restaurants or self-cater in the hostel kitchen. **Optional paid activities:** Te Papa National Museum, Weta Workshop. **Free activities:** Walk Oriental Parade, Mt Victoria walk and views.

**Depart Wellington** Today your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your guide and your new Stray mates, we hope you had a great time and we look forward to adventuring with you again in the future! **Meal inclusions:** Breakfast