North Island – 10 days (High school only)

Our tour begins in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), the largest city in New Zealand and home to over 2 million people and around 50 volcanoes.

Day 1: Monday, 11th November 2024

Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) to Hobbiton and Waitomo

• 9:30 AM: Depart from Pakuranga College, Auckland.
  • Begin your journey through the lush, rolling hills of the Waikato region, heading towards the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at your own expense; either bring a packed lunch from your homestay or indulge in a delightful meal at the Shire’s Rest Cafe.
• 12:30 PM: Embark on a magical tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
  • Step into the world of Middle-earth, exploring the iconic Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the stunning surroundings that brought the Shire to life on the big screen.
• 6:00 PM: Dinner and overnight stay at Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park.

Includes: Breakfast, dinner, and entrance to the Hobbiton Movie SetDay 2 

Day 2: Tuesday, 12th November 2024

Exploring Waitomo and Journey to Tongariro National Park

• 7:00 AM: Enjoy a self-serve breakfast at your accommodation.
  • Discover the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves, one of New Zealand’s most mesmerizing natural attractions.
  • Take a serene boat ride through the glowworm grotto and marvel at the thousands of tiny, luminescent creatures that light up the cave.
• Afterwards: Travel to the iconic Tongariro National Park.
  • Upon arrival, unwind in a soothing hot tub before dinner.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner and overnight stay at National Park Hotel.

Includes: Breakfast and dinner and entrance to Waitomo Caves

Day 3: Wednesday, 13th November 2024

Tongariro National Park Adventures

• 7:00 AM: Self-serve breakfast at your accommodation. Prepare your bags for the day’s activities.
  • Packed Lunch: Provided at breakfast.
• Free Day Options:
  • Tongariro Guided Walk: Experience an 8-hour, 19 km trek across the stunning Tongariro National Park with a two-to-one guide tour. Cost: $399 per person.
    • Discover panoramic views, lava flows, an active crater, and alpine lakes.
    • Learn about the region’s ecology and “The Lord of the Rings” filming locations.
  • Indoor Rock Climbing: $15 per person.
  • Mini Golf: $11 per person.
• Afternoon: For those not embarking on the Tongariro Crossing, enjoy a scenic walk to a nearby waterfall often referred to as “Gollum’s Pool” from its appearance in The Lord of the Rings films, is a beautiful and accessible waterfall.  30 minute walk. 
• 5:00 PM: Travel to Taupo 
• 7:00 PM: Dinner included Overnight: Taupo

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Day 4: Thursday, 14th November 2024

Taupo to Mt Maunganui

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the accommodation. Prepare your bags for departure.
  • Venture to the picturesque shores of Lake Taupo and visit the mighty Huka Falls.
  • Explore the fascinating Honey Centre.
• Optional Activities:
  • Bungy jumping or skydiving (speak to your tour leader).
• 1:00 PM: Lunch at your own expense.
• After Lunch: Travel to Mount Maunganui, affectionately known as “The Mount,” is a stunning coastal town located on the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and the iconic volcanic cone, Mauao
• Visit Wai OTapu Gerothermal wonderland and NZs largest geothermal boiling mud pool.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner included.

Overnight: Mt Maunganui.

Includes: Breakfast, dinner, Wai O Tapu and NZs largest Mud pool. 

Day 5: Friday, 15th November 2024

Exploring Mt Maunganui and Rotorua

• 8:00 AM: Self-serve breakfast at accommodation. Prepare your bags for departure.
  • Head to the base of Mt Maunganui and enjoy a scenic stroll along the 3.4-kilometer base track of Mauao via Pilot Bay.
• Optional Activities:
  • Surfing lessons.
• After Lunch: Travel to Rotorua, Known as the “Sulphur City” due to its distinctive smell, Rotorua is a unique destination offering a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
  • Optional: Try white water rafting.
  • Check into your accommodation and relax or take a dip in the large hot pool there.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner included.

Overnight: Rotorua Allseason Holiday Park.

Includes: Breakfast, dinner, and hot pool.

Day 6: Saturday, 16th November 2024

Rotorua Adventures

• 8:00 AM: Self-serve breakfast at accommodation. Prepare your bag for for todays activities.

First we visit three lakes. Lake Tarawera is one of the largest lakes in the Rotorua region, located about 15 kilometers southeast of the city. Green Lake, or Lake Rotokakahi, adjacent to Blue Lake, is known for its emerald green color. Unlike Blue Lake, Green Lake is privately owned by the local Maori iwi (tribe) and is considered sacred (tapu), restricting recreational activities. Blue Lake, or Lake Tikitapu, situated about 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) southeast of Rotorua, is renowned for its striking blue color due to its rhyolite and pumice bottom. Surrounded by lush native bush, Blue Lake is a favorite spot for swimming, boating, picnicking, and walking.

• Then Experience the Redwoods Treewalk, a memorable stroll high above the forest floor, amidst 75-meter-tall redwoods.

Lunch: Own expense.

• After Lunch: Enjoy a ride on the Skyline gondola and take 3 thrilling luge rides down Mt Ngongotaha.
• Walk through Rotorua Lakefront and explore the charming township.
• Optional: Maori Village evening cultural show and dinner (own expense).

Overnight: Rotorua Allseasons Lodge and Holiday Park. Includes: Breakfast, Redwood Forest Treetop Walk, Gondola and 3 luge rides, and hot pool.

Day 7: Sunday, 17th November 2024

Rotorua to Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach

• 8:00 AM: Self-serve breakfast at accommodation. Prepare your bags for departure.
  • Depart Rotorua and travel to the serene Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach.
• Lunch: Along the way.
• Afternoon: Dig your own spa pool at Hot Water Beach, known as one of New Zealand’s most unique and popular natural attractions, located on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. The beach gets its name from the underground hot springs that filter up through the sand between the high and low water tidal reaches. Later we enjoy the swimming pool at the accommodation.

Overnight: Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.

Includes: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 8: Monday, 18th November 2024

Coromandel to Bay Of Islands 

• 7:00 AM: Self-serve breakfast at accommodation. Prepare your bags for departure.

Today visit Hahei Beach or take an optional Kayak to Cathedral Cove a breathtaking natural attraction located near Hahei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. It is known for its stunning rock archway and pristine beach, making it one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand.

• Optional: Kayak to Cathedral Cove. The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve offers a sea kayaking paradise with beaches, islands, and rock gardens. Cost: $155 per person.Enjoy a cappuccino, hot chocolate, and cookies on the beach at Cathedral Cove.

• Lunch: Own expense.
• After Lunch: Travel to Paihia, famous for its water activities, dolphin spotting, waterfalls, and the unique Hundertwasser toilets.
  • Dinner: Along the way.

Overnight: Averil Court Motel Paihia.

Includes: Breakfast, dinner, and Hundertwasser toilets

Day 9: Tuesday, 19th November 2024

Exploring Paihia and the Bay of Islands 

Bay of Islands: Paihia serves as the main gateway to the Bay of Islands, a maritime paradise boasting 144 islands and secluded bays. The area is famous for its crystal-clear waters, marine life, and historic sites.

• 7:00 AM: Self-serve breakfast at accommodation. Prepare your bags for the day’s activities.
• 8:00 AM: Enjoy a Hole in the Rock boat cruise.
• 1:00 PM: Return to Paihia Village.
  • Free time to explore the township or try optional activities such as parasailing ($115 per person).
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds Cost TBA 
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at a kebab restaurant.

Overnight: Paihia Averil Court Motel.

Includes: Breakfast, dinner, and Hole in the Rock cruise.

Day 10: Wednesday, 20th November 2024

Paihia to Auckland

• 9:00 AM: Self-serve breakfast at accommodation. Prepare your bags for departure.
  • Bid farewell to Paihia and travel to Kiwi North in Whangarei.
    • Learn about the unique kiwi and observe natural behavior in the nocturnal Kiwi House.
    • See native New Zealand geckos and invertebrates.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch in Whangarei.
  • Return to Pakuranga College, Auckland.
    • ETA: 3:00 PM.
  • Includes: Breakfast and Kiwi North Museum.

This itinerary is packed with memorable experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unique New Zealand attractions. Enjoy every moment of this extraordinary adventure!

(Note: Times are approximate and may vary due to unforeseen circumstances.)