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Waikato, Rotorua & Taupo Itinerary
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 Day 1
- Arrive in Hamilton and drive to the Hamilton Zoo.
- Return to the city for lunch and a tour of the Waikato Museum of Art and History.
- Spend an hour or so strolling through Hamilton Gardens on the banks of the Waikato River.
- Take a dinner cruise aboard the paddle-boat the MV Waipa Delta.
- Stay overnight in Hamilton.
Day 2
- Drive along State Highway 3 to Waitomo (55 minutes), stopping at Otorohanga for morning tea and a visit to the Otorohanga Kiwi House to see the native wildlife, including the kiwi and the rare tuatara.
- Call at the Waitomo Museum of Caves and Visitor Information Centre.
- Head underground to view the caves, either a gentle punt through the caverns or one of the adventure options such as blackwater rafting or abseiling.
- Drive to Te Awamutu (35 minutes) to spend the night and relax with a spa.
Day 3
- Before leaving town visit Alphra Lavender Gardens and Distillery, then on to Maungatautari Ecological Island Reserve where you can stroll at your leisure and view the native flora and fauna such as kiwi, tuatara, saddlebacks, kakariki and stitchbacks.
- Drive on to Arapuni taking time to stop at the thrilling swing bridge high above the mighty Waikato River with a view of Arapuni Dam.
- Drive to Rotorua via Putaruru (50 minutes) to spend the night.
Day 4
- Spend the day exploring the city's must-see attractions, including the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute (3 hours), geothermal areas (2 hours), the Rotorua Museum of Art and History (90 minutes) and Rainbow Springs and Farm Show (90 minutes).
- Take in a cultural show and hangi (Maori feast) or buffet dinner in Rotorua.
- Stay the night in Rotorua.
Day 5
- Take a half-day Mount Tarawera 4WD tour to this dormant volcano and enjoy a guided walk in and around the craters.
- Return to lunch in Rotorua before heading for an afternoon at Skyline Skyrides. Ride the gondola and luge before visiting the shooting gallery and shop.
- Dine at the Skyline restaurant.
- Spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the Polynesian Spa with its selection of thermal mineral springs.
- Spend the night in Rotorua.
Day 6
- Take a scenic plane or helicopter flight around the region over Mount Tarawera, Lake Taupo and the active marine volcano of White Island.
- Lunch in Rotorua.
- Join one of the many whitewater rafting tours that traverse the Kaituna and Rangitaiki rivers. The Wairoa and Motu Rivers offer full or multi-day options.
- Drive to Taupo (1 hour) to dine.
- Call at the Taupo Hot Springs for an evening soak in the outdoor thermal pools.
- Stay the night in Taupo.
Day 7
- Visit Huka Falls by foot, then see them from below with Huka Jet - known for its 360 degree spins.
- Call at the Volcanic Activity Centre to learn about the Taupo Volcanic Zone.
- Visit the neighbouring Prawn Park, the world's only geothermal prawn farm. Lunch here. Return to the lakefront where the adventurous can leap with Taupo Bungy or take a cruise on the lake.
- Drive to the Craters of the Moon thermal area (10 minutes) and take a stroll around the boardwalk (30 minutes).
- Drive to Turangi (45 minutes) and stay overnight here.
Day 8
- In summer tackle the Tongariro Crossing, described as one of the best one day walks in New Zealand. In winter, head for a day's skiing just 45 minutes away at Whakapapa.
- Otherwise, stay at Turangi, the trout-fishing capital of the world, and hook a rainbow or brown trout or two.
- After a day's skiing or tramping, stay and dine at the Grand Chateau.
Day 9
- Continue along the scenic Volcanic Loop, which circles Tongariro National Park.
- The Volcanic Loop can be left at Tohunga Junction for those wishing to drive on to Wanganui or at Waiouru for those travelling by road to Wellington.
- Waiouru, with its excellent Army Museum, is a good stopover whether heading north or south.
- To complete the Volcanic Loop, return to Turangi. Drive a little further on State Highway 41 to Tokaanu, and enjoy a soak in the hot mineral springs.
- Return to Taupo.
Central North Island accommodation
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