Day 1: Wellington to Tongariro
Kia Ora and welcome to your Sweet as North trip with Topdeck! We kick off today by absorbing the awesomeness of the Te Papa National Museum before a quick chance to see some of the funky designer shops and art galleries scattered along city streets. When you’re all cultured out, tackle the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park (yes, that means walking on two active volcans). In the evening, kick up your heels at the spa and enjoy a drink by the fire before tucking into a traditional hearty meal, Kiwi style – pavlova included, of course!
Included today:
- Visit Te Papa Museum
Meals:
- Dinner
Day 2: Tongariro National Park
Today, take on the optional Tongariro Crossing for a taste of one of the best full day hikes in New Zealand, aka walking across two active volcans, a cold mountain spring, lava flows, an active crater and emerald lakes – while taking in some oh-so-gorgeous views. If you’re keen for a shorter walk, the grandeur of the park is sure to leave you breathless. For adrenaline junkies, there’s mountain biking or even skiing in the winter. The choice is yours. After, cue another relaxing evening at the mountain lodge. Pure bliss.
Included today:
- Short walks
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Tongariro Crossing hikes
- Winter skiing
- Mountain biking
Day 3: Tongariro to Marae Stay
Choose to take the plunge today at the Taupo Bungy Jump over the Waikato River before we head towards the raging waters of Huka Falls and the Insta-worthy beauty of Lake Taupo. In the evening, relax with a hearty family style dinner and some insight into Maori culture in a traditional Maori Marae, before getting up close and personal with a unique Haka and Poi traditional dance class.
Included today:
- Visit Huka Falls
- Visit Lake Taupo
- Maori Marae cultural talks
- Haka & Poi dance class
Meals:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Optional activities:
- Taupo bungy jump
Day 4: Marae to Rotorua
Today is all yours to explore this insanely gorgeous area – opt to indulge in a rejuvenating massage or go for it with a sesh of whitewater rafting. Or, you can jump into the real-life landscapes of Tolkien’s works and get lost among the Hobbit holes exactly as they appeared in the films (optional).
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Hobbiton Tour
- Whitewater rafting
- Te Puia Maori thermal grounds
- Hells Gate Mud Baths
- Canopy tours
- Experience Ogo
- Mountain biking
- Day spa & massage
Day 5: Rotorua to Auckland
Roll past the lush green hills of the Waikato and King Country today as we end our trip in Auckland. Before we wrap it up, pay an optional visit to Waitomo Caves, then get ready to swap numbers with your new-found friends and start planning the next adventure.
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Waitomo Caves