The Volcanic Zone (9 Days)

It's approx a 3 1/2 hour drive from Auckland to Whakatane so we'll stop on the way at Mt Maunganui, New Zealands favourite summer holiday destination. With it's white sandy beach on the Pacific Ocean, Mt Maunganui is a world recognised surf beach and is a popular area for surfing, swimming and all beach activities. Mt Maunganui, colloquially known in New Zealand simply as The Mount, is also the name of the extinct volcano which rises 232 metres above the beach and is a popular place to walk around, or climb up.

A tour of White Island gives you an in-depth guided tour of one of the world’s most interesting volcanoes and New Zealands only active marine volcano. White Island rises to a height of 321 metres above sea level, however this is only the peak of a much larger submarine mountain, which rises up to 1,600 metres above the nearby seafloor. On the way out to the island you will be issued with safety gear, consisting of a hard hat and gas mask. Trained tour guides will take you through the remains of the old sulphur mining factory and up close and personal with the bright yellow sulphur crystals.  Just to top it all off, venture right up to the main crater’s edge.  It’s all here, the hissing, roaring, eerie steam rising from the crater lake.

Choose Kaituna River white water rafting or Hells Gate Thermal area and Sulpher Spa:

The Kaituna River offers the most exhilarating white water rafting in New Zealand and is ranked a grade 4/5. This river begins at the outlet of Lake Rotoiti and the sheer volume of water escaping the lake has created 15 fast and furious rapids – the adrenaline just keeps on pumping until you hit the highest commercially rafted waterfall known, “The Tutea Falls” at 7metres (23ft) – you couldn’t ask for a better finale! The Kaituna River is a pool drop river, which means there is the excitement of the rapids and then time to pull yourself together before tackling the next inevitable set. The rapids are not the only draw card; the flora and exposed geological history provide an equally breathtaking experience as you drift through steep gorges and native bush. With two guides taking care of the more technical aspects (Like steering the boat) you can focus on perhaps the more important aspects (like holding on!). Believe it or not, around 70% of the people trying this have never rafted before – so adventurous beginners are welcome!

Hells Gate: Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve is set in 50 acres with a large variety of geothermal features. Follow a complimentary self-guide map and walk past steaming fumeroles and pools of boiling MUD so violent they are unnerving. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing sulphur spa overlooking the active thermal reserve – for as long as you like. You may like to try their mud bath before your sulpher spa...the silky smooth geothermal mud in combination with the sulphurous geothermal water opens the skins pores allowing the active ingredients to gently exfoliate and treat the skin while in the spa leaving it very clean and soft to touch.

Te Puia Thermal Area: Next we have the opportunity to visit Rotorua's most famous thermal area. Te Puia is a place of steaming vents, boiling mud pools, hot springs, boiling sulphurous pools and spectacular geysers. Incorporating the magnificence of the geothermal landscape and the unique experience of a traditional Maori village, Whakarewarewa is home of the largest geyser in New Zealand, Pohutu, meaning big splash or explosion. Pohutu can erupt up to 30 metres high, depending on her mood, usually every 4 out of 5 days.

Whakawerawera Forest Mountain Bike: The Whakarewarewa Forest, one of Rotorua's icon experiences for mountain biking. Here, you can take on some of the best mountain biking trails in the Southern Hemisphere and perhaps the world! There are over 100 kilometres of purpose built mountain bike trails to explore amongst pristine redwood, radiata, douglas fir, eucalyptus and larch forest. It is a place where you can escape and unwind, or escape and energize! This trail weaves it's way under the towering tree's, taking you to stunning views of lakes, thermal activity and the looming bulk of Mt Tarawera.

The Skyline is reached by Gondola which whisks you smoothly up 487m as Rotorua drops away below. Conveniently located just minutes from Rotorua’s City centre, on the side of Mount Ngongotaha, Skyline provides panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake Rotorua and the surrounding area

The Luge is a fun filled ride on a three-wheel cart. The unique braking and steering system provides the rider full control and allows them to travel as fast or slow as they wish. An exciting ride suitable for all ages. Six entry points leads onto three concrete sealed tracks (scenic, intermediate and advanced tracks) with over four kilometres to ride. Riders return to the top of the luge on a specially designed chairlift system. For hardened adrenalin junkies the sky swing provides an exhilarating ride.

Experience the wonders of the Whirinaki Forest on this one day guided walk, arguably the best remnant of New Zealand Podocarp forest remaining.

This has been regarded as the country’s finest one day rainforest walk which will take you right into the heart, among towering 700-800 year old rimu, totara, matai, miro and kahikatea, the ancient giants of New Zealand’s podocarp tree species reach to 65m.

This hike is an average of 8.5 hours walking, the track is fairly even, although hiking experience isn’t necessary we do recommend you have a good level of fitness to be able to enjoy this walk

Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters) Thermal Wonderland. Once called the closest thing to hell on earth by Bernard Shaw, and when one looks at the eerie landscape and the frothing mud one could almost agree with him. The hissing geyers that spurt from hot boiling water, the offensive acerbic colour, the cavernous craters and the loose soil all quite clearly spell Hell! yet is has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in New Zealand. Wai-O-Tapu is one of the best places to observe a natural volcanic environment in New Zealand.

Taupo Bungy is the North Island’s most popular bungy jump. The unique cantilever platform projects out from the cliff-top, above the inviting waters of the Waikato River below. Whether you choose to bungy solo or tandem, and if you want to add more thrills to your jump, they specialise in getting people wet, whether you’d rather a hand touch or full body submersion.

Conveniently located just 15 minutes drive north of Taupo and 50 minutes south of Rotorua, Rapids Jet operates on the biggest rapids for commercial jetboating in New Zealand. Shoot through a narrow canyon, be exhilarated by spins on crystal clear waters, spot a trout and surf the pressure waves of the awesome Nga AwaPurua rapids. Take time to view the amazing surrounds of Aratiatia Scenic Reserve, and learn about the wildlife and history of the area with your Kiwi owner/drivers Rusty, Jimmy and Gazza.

Choose one of the two options below:

Kayaking, Lake Taupo: This award-winning adventure is a unique experience that everyone should try. Explore Lake Taupo's beautiful coastline while learning about the regions incredible volcanic creation and about the areas local history. On the canvas of the beautiful cliffs at Mine Bay, Whakataka-Brightwell carved the likeness of Ngatoroirangi. Maori legend says Ngatoroirangi was a visionary and a navigator who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the region of Taupo. The carving is over 10 metres high and only accesable by boat.

Trout Fishing, Taupo: Lake Taupo trout fishing has been world famous since Zane Grey first visited and wrote about his fishing adventures in Tales of the Angler's Eldorado in the 1920s. Most fishing on the lake takes the form of trolling either lures or flies. No bait fishing is permitted, you will use a combination of downriggers, harling and trolling on board. Trout averages about 4 pounds and a typical excursion on the Lake will see your crew prepare your catch for a delicious snack either barbequed or sashimi style.

Fancy a walk on the moon? Well here’s a much cheaper option: The 12-mile Tongariro Crossing is considered the best hike in New Zealand. This untouched volcanic terrain offers a fascinating look at a very alien environment, complete with twisted lava formations, volcanic steam vents. vast craters, active volcanoes, boiling lakes, barren desert, lush forest, crystal-clear mountain streams, steaming geysers and emerald green lakes. Phew! The scenery is so otherworldly that Lord of the Rings was filmed there. Experience a diversity of landscapes unlikely to be found together anywhere else in the world

Moderate – Difficult. This hike is an average of 6 - 7 hours walking, the track has uneven surfaces with steep climbs, although hiking experience isn’t necessary we do recommend you have a good level of fitness to be able to enjoy this walk.

Black Water Rafting - (the water isn't black and you don't use a raft!).

At three hours in length, The Black Labyrinth allows for the long, hilarious process of wet-suiting up followed by a short, pleasant bush walk and just over an hour's cave time - jumping backwards off waterfalls, gaping at glow worms and posing for photos. At the end, a hot shower, soup and toasted bagel await. Your journey concludes when you emerge into the sunlight of the Waitomo forest.

After finishing our black water rafting experience we make the 2 hour coach journey back to Auckland. Alternatively you may transfer to Christchurch to join our Southern Explorer or Wild South tours in the South Island.