|
Day 1: Rotorua - Waikato River - Lake Taupo
After breakfast we drive South West of Rotorua to a place called 'Ngakuru' which is situated on the banks of New Zealand’s longest river, the 'Waikato'. Here you take a '3 hour cruise' along the river. The cruise can include a dip into a natural hot water pool that is actually within the river, you will also get to view a geothermal area. During the tour you will hear commentary on the geography and history of the land and a 'BBQ lunch' is provided.
Upon leaving the boat we drive 25 minutes to 'Wairakei', here you get to see the 'Huka Falls', New Zealand's most visited natural attraction with colossal amounts of water volume thundering over the cliff face every second!
We then pass through the town of 'Taupo' and drive to the small village of 'Tokaanu'. We spend the first of our two nights at a resort that has as its key feature a large geothermal hot pool in the middle of it. There is just no better way to unwind.
Day 2: Whanganui River & The Bridge to Nowhere
Today’s journey starts with driving past the volcanoes of 'Mts Tongariro', 'Ngauruhoe' and 'Ruapehu' to 'Pipiriki' on the banks of the 'Whanganui River'. At Pipiriki we take a 30km jet boat ride to the start of the walking track to the strange but wonderful 'Bridge to Nowhere'.
The walk to the Bridge to Nowhere is a gentle grade that takes 35-40 minutes and meanders through native bush. On the return journey we take time out to visit 'Mt Ruapehu' (depending on the weather). We arrive back at the resort in time for another hot pool and then have dinner and a relaxing evening at a lakeside restaurant.
Day 3: Tokaanu - Rotorua
Your day starts with an adventurous rafting trip down the 'Tongariro River' one of the best trout fishing rivers in the world. You will stop along the river and get to jump off a waterfall into a deep pool. A hot drink is provided on the river and if time permits you can warm yourself in a hot pool at the end of the rafting trip.
We round the journey off back in Rotorua where you will experience a 'Kiwi Encounter' followed by a true ‘Maori Cultural Performance’. See Maori warriors arrive in their war canoe, then be entertained in authentic surroundings by Rotorua’s most exciting interactive show casing of traditional song, dance, and weaponry manoeuvres.
A 'Maori feast hangi' is provided for dinner. The evening finishes off with a short bush walk to visit the crystal clear water springs where you will see trout and eels swimming you will also capture glimpses of glow worms along the way. An experience certainly not to be missed! |
