The North's Thermal & Nature Explorer

Welcome to Tamaki Makaurau Auckland, New Zealand's vibrant urban oasis, where modern city life meets breathtaking coastal scenery. With a two-night stay, you'll have plenty of time to explore this buzzing metropolis, known for its world-class dining - try New Zealand flavours at Ahi. in Commercial Bay - boutique shopping, and spectacular harbours.

Ascend to the observation decks of New Zealand's tallest building for panoramic views stretching as far as the Coromandel Peninsula on a clear day. Explore Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, where waterfront restaurants and lively bars offer the perfect setting for an evening out. Take a ferry to Waiheke Island, renowned for its wineries, white-sand beaches and olive groves.

For those that like arts and culture, make your way to Auckland's main museum to immerse yourself in New Zealand's rich history and visit inner-city galleries to take in national and international art. And at the end of the day, for an unforgettable sunset, head to Maungawhau (Mount Eden), one of Auckland's many volcanic cones and enjoy sweeping views over the city.

Stay 2 nights in Auckland

Begin your journey south with a scenic drive through lush countryside, leading you to Waitomo. Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers, home to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

The most accessible way to see the Waitomo Caves is with a walking or boat tour - there are three different caves to choose from, each with its own unique experience. If you're into adventure, try Black Water Rafting where you'll crawl, swim and float through the caves on a rubber tube. However you choose to explore Waitomo Caves, you're bound to agree they're a wonder of nature.

Once you've finished exploring underground, continue to Taupo, a lakeside paradise nestled at the foot of the central plateau's volcanic peaks, where you'll settle in for the next two nights.

When you arrive, you'll see the unmissable volcanic peaks within the Tongariro National Park, a key filming location for Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and home to one of New Zealand's Great Walks. If you're up for an outdoor adventure, you can certainly go for a hike but do your research first and make sure you pack the right gear in case weather conditions turn.

For a different kind of outdoor thrill, adventure to Huka Falls and marvel at its natural power, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder through a narrow canyon every second. But the adventures don't stop there - Taupo is a hub for adrenaline seekers, so there are lots of opportunities to get your heart pumping. Try skydiving over the lake for a heart-pounding experience with jaw-dropping views.

And for those looking for something a little more relaxing, take a boat cruise on Lake Taupo to the Ngatoroirangi Maori Rock Carvings, an artistic masterpiece accessible only by water. Or enjoy soaking in the region's geothermal waters at naturally heated mineral pool complex. End your day listening to live music at the lakefront Two Mile Bay Sailing Club or dining on modern New Zealand cuisine at Embra.

Stay 2 nights Taupo

Rotorua is the geothermal heartland of New Zealand, renowned for its natural hot pools. Here, steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and hot springs define the region. With a three nights stay, you'll have ample time to immerse yourself in this region's natural beauty and Maori heritage.

Rotorua's geothermal activity is visible everywhere - even in the city centre! Take a stroll through Kuirau Park, a free public park featuring steaming pools and bubbling mud right in town. And visit Hell's Gate, Rotorua's most active geothermal reserve, where you can bathe in a healing mud spa or walk through otherworldly steam fields.

Explore the Redwoods Forest on foot, by mountain bike, or via the treetop walk. Relax at a lakefront spa pool, where mineral-rich waters provide the ultimate rejuvenation. Or experience a Maori cultural performance and hangi feast, where traditional songs, dance, and wood carving demonstrations bring local traditions to life.

And if you're feeling hungry, Eat Streat is an all-weather, al fresco dining area with a dozen eateries while Stratosfare Restaurant delivers buffet-style dining with panoramic views.

Stay 3 nights Rotorua

Make your way back to Auckland airport to return your hire car and depart home or continue your journey to explore more of what New Zealand has to offer