Volcanic Loop Highway

Arrive in Auckland and spend the day getting to know, the vibrant ‘City of Sails’. With outstanding food, natural attractions, and plenty of adventure, Auckland is the perfect place to start your holiday.

Climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge and take in the vistas of New Zealand’s biggest city, from the city centre to the island dotted Hauraki Gulf. While you’re there, bungy jump off the bridge to touch the water below in New Zealand's only ocean touch bungy. 

If luxury and relaxation is what you're after, head out to Waiheke and explore the island's many secluded beaches, wineries and walking trails. Waiheke's Delamore Lodge is a great option for true luxury accommodation.

Make your way south to Hamilton; you can spend the morning with a visit to the Hamilton Zoo, home of New Zealand's largest free-flight aviary. Discover a plethora of unique native birds around every corner, including the endangered Blue Duck.

Further south lays Waitomo, an underground world of stalactites, stalagmites and glittering glowworms. There is a variety of ways to explore this extensive network of caves, from a relaxing boat ride through the glowworm grotto to the more adventurous 4-hour journey by abseil deep into a lost world.

If you have time after your caving adventure, stop at Otorohanga Kiwi house and meet our national bird, before returning to Hamilton for the night.

Journey on to the beautiful Pureora Forest Park, taking time to explore some of the small towns you pass.

At Pureora hire a bike and spend the day cycling though ancient forests and across graceful suspension bridges, as you follow old logging roads to Piropiro. The full Timber Trail route from Pureora to Ongarue crosses 35 bridges and includes a fascinating array of timber industry relics along the way.

For non-cyclists, an abundance of walking tracks, swimming spots and native wildlife, make this park a must-do for nature lovers.

One of the best ways to see this part of the country is with a Forgotten World Adventure tour. With railcarts and jet boats, the combo tour will give you the best of both worlds.

Depart Taumarunui and journey down a decommissioned railway line, through picturesque valleys, hidden townships and deep into the Whanganui National Park. Along the way you will discover a fascinating mixture of nostalgia and adrenalin. A jet boat up the Whanganui River returns you to Taumarunui. For something a little different try a tour to the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’, a stunning stone bridge with a strange history. 

Spend the night in Ohakune, gateway to Tongariro National Park.

Just a short drive from Ohakune is Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely considered New Zealand's best day walk. The walk traverses the stark volcanic terrain between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, two of the North Island's most significant active volcanoes. With lava flows, steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes and an active crater this walk is an unforgettable experience.

Alternatively, you can try whitewater rafting on the Whanganui River, take an easy stroll to the stunning Taranaki Falls, or enjoy a guided walk to the Ruapehu Crater, before ending the day with relaxing spa at DeBretts Hot Springs in Taupo.

The volcanic eruption that created Lake Taupo nearly two thousand years ago is said to be so big the effects were seen in Europe and China. Today it is New Zealand's largest lake and a haven for water based activities.

Spend the morning exploring the lake by kayak. Float through secluded inlets and paddle to Mine Bay where you will discover stunning maori designs carved into the cliff-face.

Change pace in the afternoon when you take a thrilling jet boat ride in the raging waters of Huka Falls, or jump out of a plane at 15,000ft and experience the adrenalin pumping sensation of freefall.

Your journey back to Auckland takes you though rolling countryside and unique geological features. As you travel, take time to explore the variety of quintessential kiwi towns you discover on the way and get to know a piece of rural New Zealand.