10 Day Volcanic Heartland

Today, travel south to the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches that separate the Pacific Ocean from the Hauraki Gulf. Many Kiwis choose the Coromandel to escape the hustle and hype of city life, providing a home haven for many artists who seek a slow-paced lifestyle. A visit to the quaint town is highly recommended and if you have time, we suggest riding the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a wonder-inducing creative colony.

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Cathedral Cove is a sea kayaking paradise full of beaches, islands and rock gardens that are just waiting to be explored. Paddle through sea caves, interact with the local marine life and discover the thrill of kayak sailing. On your way home, stop at Hot Water Beach and soak in hot pools you dig in the sand at low tide.

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Depart today and travel along the Bay of Plenty coastline through the subtropical orchards of kiwi fruit and citrus. Head inland through massive pine forests, passing many of the regions crystal clear lakes enroute to Rotorua. This afternoon relax or borrow the lodge’s kayaks. (3 nights)

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Experience the thrill of a floatplane take off before climbing above Mokoia Island on track to our hidden lakes district. Climbing over our eastern ridgeline our terrain reveals the lakes of Okataina, Tarawera, Okareka, Rotokakahi (Green Lake) and Tikitapu (Blue Lake). These stunning crater lakes are surrounded by native forests and pastoral lands, hidden from the city by volcanic terrain. Only an aerial perspective reveals the true beauty of this region. Returning to the Lakefront the descent takes you across the Rotorua city before landing back at Lake Rotorua.

In the afternoon pamper yourself with a soak in the private pools or indulge in a mud therapy or massage at the Polynesian Spa (additional cost).

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At Te Puia, experience the raw power of Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and the world famous Pohutu Geyser. Take a journey into the heart of Maori culture, arts and crafts. Learning the stories and traditions of this valley from its people. Rotorua has some excellent mountain biking tracks and you can hire bikes in the forest close to Te Puia.

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Drive south to Taupo and stop there for lunch and a walk along the lakefront. Continue through Taupo to the small village of Turangi. River Birches is a calm and relaxed sanctuary for your stay here, right next to the Tongariro River, famous for trout fishing and rafting. Walk out the front of the lodge to the riverside walks and bike trails. Be sure to make dinner reservations in advance. (3 nights)

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Find out why the Tongariro Crossing is often referred to as the best one day walk in New Zealand, (if not the world), with a guide who will reveal some of the secrets of this stunning area. Enjoy an unhurried experience over Tongariro, avoiding the crowds, walking at your pace and not to a timetable. Take in the varied colours and textures as the landscape changes dramatically throughout the day.

This challenging one day alpine trek covers a little over 19km (12 miles) and encounters a varied range of landforms and views, with areas of geological importance and great cultural significance, as it heads up and over Mt Tongariro. The direction that you will walk this track makes good sense, climbing some 776m (or 2528ft), but descending a total of 1126m (or 3716ft)! Your guide will help interpret the volcanic, flora and Lord of the Rings stories during this exhilarating day trip.

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Once you are back in Turangi, why not test out your fishing skills. As the unofficial trout fishing headquarters of New Zealand, the town is on the banks of the Tongariro River, Lake Taupo is only four kilometres away and the Tauranga-Taupo River (another trout haven) is just to the east.

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Schedule some last-minute sightseeing or shopping before making your way to the airport. Leave your car at the rental depot today for your onward journey.

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