Road Trip: New Zealand and Fiji Explorer

Experience Auckland, a stunning natural playground and melting pot of cultures with a strong Māori influence. Straddling natural harbors on the Hauraki Gulf and the Tasman Sea, Auckland sits on a volcanic isthmus flanked by contrasting coastlines. From volcanic peaks, lush native canopies and black sand beaches, to hip entertainment districts, contemporary art scenes and gourmet experiences, there’s something for everyone in this populous waterfront city, the largest in New Zealand! The city also entertains adrenaline seekers at the iconic sky tower while rugby fans can catch an All Blacks' match the country's biggest stadium, Eden Park. Relax in the laid-back neighborhoods or head out to explore the series of walking paths that present spectacular vantages of the Auckland region. Short ferry rides away, the nearby islands are home to boutique vineyards, wineries, olive groves, rainforests, and reserves. Enjoy tranquil island vistas with a plethora of sailboats on the east, and the Waitakere Ranges with rugged black sand beaches and farmlands on the west.

A binocular’s view across the gulf from Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula is everything that a big city isn’t. With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 250 miles of dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled, and relaxed. Activities and attractions are plentiful, from fishing and diving to hiking and cycling. You might choose skydiving in Whitianga or a guided sea kayak tour around the coast. You could wander among the coolness of the pristine bush: it is a walker’s paradise. Explore the relics from the area's gold mining heritage, follow the Karangahake Gorge and Coromandel Coastal Walkway, hike the Pinnacles, or hop on your bike and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail. Or simply sit and relax in a warm bubbling pool at Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own spa two hours either side of low tide. Don't miss the spectacular Cathedral Cove, the jewel of a protected marine reserve. The Coromandel Peninsula is the home of many artists and craftspeople. Pop into their studios – you’re welcome to visit – and pick up a unique piece of art or pottery to take home with you. It’s also the home of many events and concerts that draw locals and visitors alike to this remarkable place. Staying in the Coromandel Peninsula is easy. Most of the accommodation providers have found themselves spectacular locations so whether your tastes are for the upmarket or the simple, you’ll find a room with an amazing view. It's just over an hour from Auckland airport, Rotorua and Hobbiton.

Discover Coromandel's most famous natural attractions! Set off for Cathedral Cove, located in the Southern part of Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula. Take in the picturesque views from here of iconic cliffs and the rock archway. Head to Hot Water Beach next, where you can enjoy quality time in the sun. Enjoy the relaxing self-dug thermal spas here at your leisure during low tide, and relax into your own hot spring! (Full Day; Shared Activity; Please bring walking shoes, swimsuits, towels and sun protection).

From geothermal wonders at Kuirau Park located within the city center, to fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and the pastel silica terraces of the Wai o Tapu valley, Rotorua is a haven for wellness enthusiasts. This town, situated in North Island is an active lifestyle destination for outdoor adventures, holistic excursions, and cultural encounters, thanks to its fantastic surroundings around a natural crater lake. Whakarewarewa, a living geothermal village with hundreds of hot springs, and the famous Pōhutu geyser, also offers Māori cultural experiences including a traditional hāngi feast, Tā moko tattoo art, and local handicrafts. Enjoy loop walks around Lake Tikitapu, long hikes to the Rainbow Mountains, tree canopy boardwalks, ziplining, fantastic mountain biking trails in redwood forests, and rafting on the Class 5 rapids of Kaituna river, among others. Amid all the action, explore urban parks, working farms, native bird conservation centers, the historic buried village of Te Wairoa, and Mount Ngongotaha that affords a bird’s eye view of the Bay of Plenty in North Island!

With its massive lake framed by the snowy peaks of Tongariro National Park, Taupo is a nature lover’s dream come true. Located within the caldera of Taupo Volcano, there is never a dull moment in this photographer’s paradise. Satiate your quest for an adrenaline rush with adventure activities such as skydiving over Lake Taupo, jet boating, and white water rafting. A favorite destination with cyclists from across the world, this panoramic region is famed for its geothermal spots. Soak in a mineral-rich hot water pool and emerge rejuvenated or head to Craters of the Moon walkway to get a closer look at bubbling mud pools, spluttering craters, and gushing hot springs. Nature enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the Huka Falls just outside town, where the gurgling Waikato River surges through a narrow chasm to plunge down 36 feet! Not just natural wonders, Taupo is also home to a unique museum featuring hundreds of glass sculptures and glass blowing displays. Uncover the town’s heritage at Taupo Museum with its interesting displays including the recreation of a 19th century shop and don’t forget to pop into the rose garden next door. Just a boat ride away, the stunning Maori rock carvings etched into cliffs at Mine Bay make for an interesting excursion.

Visit one of the North Island’s most iconic attractions on this tour! The awe-inspiring Maori Rock Carvings tower more than 50 feet above the glimmering waters of Lake Taupo and are accessible only by water. With your kayaking instructor by your side, paddle past truly scenic vistas as you make your way to the Maori Rock Carvings. Savor the scenic sights of native bush-clad hills, steep pumice cliffs and beautiful bays while you glide your kayak over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo. Admire stunning views of the three live volcanos and glean insight into the history of the carvings and understand various Maori legends from your instructor. Once you have had your fill of the stunning carvings, enjoy an adrenalin rush with a few rock jumps as you swim in Australasia’s largest freshwater lake. (Half Day; Shared Activity; Refreshments included; Please note that all kayaking and safety equipment, including waterproof jackets will be provided and no prior kayaking experience is required. Please arrive at the departure point 15 minutes before the start of your tour.)

A peaceful seaside town, Napier stands on Hawke's Bay by the coast of New Zealand’s North Island. This seaport is best known for its resilient comeback following a devastating earthquake in the 1930s. Redeveloped according to the design and architecture prevalent at the time, the city displays a number of iconic Art Deco building and structures. Savor the flavors offered by some of New Zealand’s best regional eateries and wineries, especially around the cliffs of Cape Kidnappers, which is also a destination for golfers. The National Aquarium of New Zealand with its marine exhibits and underwater tunnel is worth a visit, as is the statue of the Maori maiden by the waterfront.

Discover Tongariro National Park - a World Heritage site located on North Island and the oldest national park in New Zealand. It is home to three active volcanoes – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu – as well as several Maori spiritual sites. Mount Ruapehu is known for its ski slopes that attract tourists during the winter months. The park is also a popular vacation destination during the summer months owing to its many hiking trails, the most famous one being the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. A birder's paradise, the park is home to several species of birds, including the North Island brown kiwi, the North Island fernbird and the New Zealand falcon.

Trek along this world famous tramping trail that winds its way across the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park. Accompany your expert guide over this 12 mile (19 km) journey that passes the saddle between Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro and then over the latter. Savor the beauty of the scenic trail as you traverse the ever changing landscape along this path counted among the country’s best one day walks. Pass by mysterious volcanic craters of varied shapes and colors, chance upon gushing mountain springs, and chunks of volcanic rock that stand testimony to recent volcanic activity. Follow your guide who will lead you away from the summer crowds and let you enjoy the popular attractions along the route in peace at a leisurely pace. (Duration: 9.5 hrs; Time of Day: 0800 hrs (Oct – Apr); Lunch included; Shared Activity; Fitness Level: Medium to High. Trekking and wet weather gear hires are included. The total walk time is 7 hours including stops. No prior alpine experience is necessary and training will be provided on the same day. Please bring along trekking/tramping shoes, sunscreen, sun hat, a small day pack, sunglasses, walking shorts, light top, warm hat and gloves, two thermal or warm tops, two pairs of tramping socks, waterproof jacket, and two liters of water.)

Experience Auckland, a stunning natural playground and melting pot of cultures with a strong Māori influence. Straddling natural harbors on the Hauraki Gulf and the Tasman Sea, Auckland sits on a volcanic isthmus flanked by contrasting coastlines. From volcanic peaks, lush native canopies and black sand beaches, to hip entertainment districts, contemporary art scenes and gourmet experiences, there’s something for everyone in this populous waterfront city, the largest in New Zealand! The city also entertains adrenaline seekers at the iconic sky tower while rugby fans can catch an All Blacks' match the country's biggest stadium, Eden Park. Relax in the laid-back neighborhoods or head out to explore the series of walking paths that present spectacular vantages of the Auckland region. Short ferry rides away, the nearby islands are home to boutique vineyards, wineries, olive groves, rainforests, and reserves. Enjoy tranquil island vistas with a plethora of sailboats on the east, and the Waitakere Ranges with rugged black sand beaches and farmlands on the west.

Discover Nadi, a laid-back tropical destination on the western coast of Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu. With plenty of rural charm, Nadi serves as a gateway and transportation hub, home to Fiji's international airport. Nearby, Wailoaloa Beach overlooking Nadi Bay offers ocean lookouts and lush mountain panoramas. The vibrant and intricately decorated Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami temple is a landmark in Nadi, thanks to Fiji's significant Indian population. The bustling Queen's Road is flanked by shops, and Nadi River flows through downtown. Prince Charles Park offers sports entertainment, hosting rugby and football games. Nadi's southern neighborhoods are popular for saloons where locals gather to play pool over rounds of Fijian local tipple, called kava. Lovo, a medley of meats and vegetables cooked in an underground oven, is a must-try feast. Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a tranquil escape, on the outskirts of Nadi. It features a network of walking trails flanked by native fauna, highlighted by over 2000 species of orchids!

Port Denarau is a small man-made island, less than one square mile in size, built on reclaimed mangrove mudflats. The hub for exploring the sun-drenched islands of western Fiji, it is just 15 minutes away from Nadi Airport. The marina is the epicenter of the thriving cruise and sailing activity in this division of Fiji. Catamarans, ferries, small ships, yachts depart from its pier to the famous Mamanuca and Yasawa group of islands. Port Denarau is packed with world-class luxury hotels set in manicured gardens. It is Fiji’s leading shopping and dining destination. The bustling marina area has boutique stores, cafes, bars, restaurants, spas and supermarkets. The waterfront is an ideal location to relax and watch the spectacular Fijian sunset with a cocktail in hand. You can also enjoy the local entertainment of dance and fire-shows held every evening.

Discover Nadi, a laid-back tropical destination on the western coast of Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu. With plenty of rural charm, Nadi serves as a gateway and transportation hub, home to Fiji's international airport. Nearby, Wailoaloa Beach overlooking Nadi Bay offers ocean lookouts and lush mountain panoramas. The vibrant and intricately decorated Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami temple is a landmark in Nadi, thanks to Fiji's significant Indian population. The bustling Queen's Road is flanked by shops, and Nadi River flows through downtown. Prince Charles Park offers sports entertainment, hosting rugby and football games. Nadi's southern neighborhoods are popular for saloons where locals gather to play pool over rounds of Fijian local tipple, called kava. Lovo, a medley of meats and vegetables cooked in an underground oven, is a must-try feast. Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a tranquil escape, on the outskirts of Nadi. It features a network of walking trails flanked by native fauna, highlighted by over 2000 species of orchids!