Day 11: Taupō
Lake Taupō is actually a giant volcanic crater created 70,000 years ago in one of the biggest eruptions in history. Nowadays, it’s one of NZ’s best spots for a holiday escape. And being New Zealand, there are plenty of adventure sports to be found there too!
New Zealand’s most famous day hike is also in the area. The 19.4 km Tongariro Crossing is an alpine crossing around Tongariro, one of the country’s most famous and most beautiful volcanoes. It’s a serious leg workout, but it’s worth every minute for the incredible views and landscape. Turquoise and green lakes greet you at the top, along with vistas that stretch all the way to the coast.
If you’re looking for a thrill, we suggest skydiving over the lake or bungy jumping over New Zealand’s longest river (and for the really brave, getting dunked in!). There are heaps of other activities on offer such as quad biking, cruising the lake to see Māori rock carvings, hiking along the shores, mountain biking and even the chance to soak in some of the local geothermal pools.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Day 1: Auckland
- Day 2: Auckland to Tutukaka
- Day 3: Tutukaka to Paihia
- Day 4: Paihia
- Day 5: Paihia to Auckland
- Day 6: Auckland to Coromandel
- Day 7: Coromandel to Raglan
- Day 8: Raglan to Rotorua (via Waitomo and Matamata)
- Day 9: Rotorua
- Day 10: Rotorua to Taupō
- Day 11: Taupō
- Day 12: Taupō to Wellington
- Day 13: Wellington
- Day 14: Wellington to Kaikōura
- Day 15: Kaikōura to Christchurch
- Day 16: Christchurch to Ohau (via Lake Tekapo)
- Day 17: Ohau to Queenstown
- Day 18: Queenstown
- Day 19: Queenstown to Wanaka
- Day 20: Wanaka
- Day 21: Wanaka to Franz Josef
- Day 22: Franz Josef
- Day 23: Franz Josef to Christchurch
- Day 24: Christchurch