KIWI EXPERIENCE Northern Roundup

I left Wellington this morning (Wed 27 Sep 06) on my adventure around the North Island. Some I will have seen before but other parts will be completely new for me. I am a bit nervous but excited ... here is my itinerary

WELLINGTON TO TAUPO We’ve got quite a distance to cover today so we head away from Wellington by 8am to beat the rush hour traffic. We pass through Taihape where we drop off and pick up people for River Valley. Departing Taihape we make the climb up to the Central Plateau, home of the Tongariro National Park. For access to the National Park, we can drop you off in the township of Turangi.

TAUPO TO AUCKLAND (VIA ROTORUA)This morning we head north to Rotorua, often referred to as 'rotten rua' due to the abundance of thermal activity in the area. After dropping off passengers who are spending a few days to have a good look around we make our way to Auckland, taking in the rolling countryside along the way.

AUCKLAND TO MERCURY BAY (WHITIANGA)After visiting Mt Eden (one of many dormant volcanoes in Auckland) we head towards the Coromandel Peninsula and spend the afternoon at Cathedral Cove accessible only on foot or by kayak - a beautiful coastal spot great for swimming, sea kayaking and spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. Provided the tides are right we may also check out Hot water beach and dig our own hot pools.

MERCURY BAY (WHITIANGA) TO ROTORUA We depart Whitianga early in order to make the most of our time in the geothermal and cultural centre of New Zealand, Rotorua. Our first stop en route this morning is a visit to the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush clad gorge, swing bridges and a one kilometre long tunnel. On arriving into Rotorua you will have the chance to go luging, zorbing or for a dip in a natural hot spring before experiencing the traditional Maori Hangi and Concert in the evening with Tamaki Tours - a night not to be missed!

ROTORUA TO WAITOMO Today we start with a visit to Te Puia - a large geothermal reserve and Maori Arts and Crafts Centre. Te Puia is also your first chance to spot the elusive Kiwi bird!! We depart Rotorua to drive on through the Waikato and King Country to the Waitomo caves. (Wai meaning water, tomo meaning cave) The local caves, hiding under the green Waitomo countryside, are made out of limestone, which is basically very old dead fish (in this case about 40 million years old). We spend the afternoon checking out Marokopa Falls (3rd largest falls in NZ), the 'Natural Bridge' and Ruakuri reserve. Apart from glow-worms in caves you may see stalactites, stalagmites, cave coral, rock sculptures, fossil oysters and fossil whalebones.

WAITOMO TO TAUPO We leave at lunchtime today so that you have time to experience the legendary Black Water Rafting in the morning with either the Labrinth or Abyss trips! Other adventure activity options include the Quad Biking through rural farmland or the brand new Ruakuri cave which is an engineering master piece. We leave the Waitomo region behind us heading in the direction of the Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo. Apart from the natural geothermal features of the surrounding area, Taupo is fast becoming known as the action adventure capital of the north. Activities include skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating, walking the Tongariro Crossing (said to be the best one day walk in the world!), trout fishing and more…