North Island Volcanic Adventure

Leaving the city of Auckland behind us, we head south to where you can stretch your legs on a peaceful walk alongside the crystal clear waters of the Putāruru Blue Springs, one of New Zealand’s purest water sources. The trail winds through lush farmland and native bush leading to vivid turquoise pools and bubbling springs. 

Afterwards, we'll drive to Rotorua, considered the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture and the spiritual home of New Zealand's tangata whenua (original people of the land).  

Tonight, we visit Te Puia, home to the dramatic Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley where steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and powerful geysers bring the landscape to life. As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a cultural performance by members of the local Te Arawa tribe before sharing a traditional hāngī feast. Cooked slowly beneath the earth over heated stones, this time honored Māori cooking method creates beautifully tender food infused with rich, smoky flavor.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel, RotoruaView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Blue Springs Hike: 5.84 miles (9.4 kilometers), 1.5-2 hours  
Elevation Gain/Loss: 13 feet (4 meters) ascent, 46 feet (14 meters) descent  

This morning you’ll follow a winding trail through one of the North Island’s most peaceful pockets of native forest as you make your way to the Blue Lakes. The hike is gentle and rewarding and the well formed tracks weaves alongside streams so clear you can see every stone beneath the surface. Beneath towering trees and native birdsong overhead, you’ll discover calm blue lakes tucked deep in the forest, their colors shifting with the light.

After lunch, we change gears for an exhilarating jet boat ride along the Waikato River to the spectacular Huka Falls. Feel the spray on your face as the boat powers through narrow river canyons and across crystal clear water before arriving at the falls, where more than 58,000 gallons of water thunder through a dramatic volcanic gorge every second. It’s a highlight of this trip, a loved New Zealand activity, and a whole lot of fun! Tonight, your accommodation is on the peaceful banks of the Tongariro River, with the sound of flowing water right outside your door. 
Accommodation: Creel Lodge, TurangiView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Blue Lakes Hike: 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours  
Elevation Gain/Loss: 643 feet (196 meters) ascent, 643 feet (196 meters) descent 

Just south of Tūrangi rise the three great volcanoes of Tongariro National Park: Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe, and Ruapehu. New Zealand’s oldest national park, and the fifth oldest in the world, this remarkable landscape is shaped by fire, ice, and time.

Today, we’ll explore the lower slopes of Mount Ruapehu on hikes to Taranaki Falls and the Silica Rapids. Wander through native beech forest and open alpine shrublands before arriving at two very different volcanic wonders: the 65 foot (20 meter) Taranaki Falls plunging over an ancient lava flow, and the Silica Rapids, where mineral rich water tumbles over creamy white terraces.

For experienced hikers, there’s the option to tackle the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This challenging full day hike traverses dramatic volcanic terrain dotted with emerald lakes, steaming vents, lava fields, and active craters. It’s raw, rugged, and unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. This option must be confirmed at the time of booking.

Tonight, ease tired legs in natural thermal springs before gathering for a celebratory dinner together! 
Accommodation: Creel Lodge, TurangiView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tongariro Crossing Hike: 12 miles (20 kilometers), 7-8 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) ascent, 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) descent
Note: Choosing the Tongariro Crossing option increases this adventure to a Level 4 on our Activity Level scale.

Taranaki Falls Hike: 3.7 miles (6 kilometers), 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 393 feet (120 meters) ascent, descent

Silica Rapids Hike: 4.3 miles (7 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 721 feet (220 meters) ascent, 721 feet (220 meters) descent