Wellington to Auckland Explorer Tour

Leaving Wellington today you will first pass the Wairarapa on the eastern side of the Remutaka Ranges. A significant contrast to the hills of Wellington, it’s rich pastures and boutique vineyards of Martinborough give way to grassy plains and rugged coastal shores. Go through Greytown, home to the largest number of wooden buildings in the country then stop in Masterton, a small farming town known for its Golden Shears competition - where shearers compete for the title of fastest shearer. Continue on to Hawkes Bay and Havelock North before arriving in Napier, the art deco capital of New Zealand.

This wine tasting tour is designed for casual imbibers and wine aficionados. Meet like-minded people and share an appreciation of Hawke’s Bay’s fantastic wines. Taste great wines made with passion and learn of the areas unique growing conditions. Take home outstanding wines and wonderful memories. Join a fun filled wine tasting afternoon in the sun driving through absolutely stunning scenery. Meet like-minded people and share an appreciation of this region’s fantastic wine. Visit four to five wineries and enjoy a cheese platter on the grounds of the Ngatarawa Vineyard beside the lily pond.

The Huka Jet is 30 minutes of pure fun and exhilaration, skimming close to cliffs, sliding past trees, feeling the adrenalin of full 360 degree spins. The excitement continues right up to the base of the foaming Huka Falls, where you get a spectacular water level view to New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. Nothing compares to watching 220,000 litres per second tumbling over the cliff face towards you. The water from the mighty Huka Falls runs down the Waikato River through a series of Hydro Power Stations. You’ll get a view of the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station in the comfort of a powerful Chevrolet V8 jet boat. This unique Geothermal Power Station uses underground geothermal activity to produce hot steamy water. The Waikato Rivers beautiful environment is varied and unique and is New Zealand’s longest river flowing north from our largest lake, Lake Taupō. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

Crossing the Ahimanawa Ranges you arrive into the town of Taupo sitting on New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo - a gigantic volcanic caldera formed during one of the world’s largest ever eruptions. Just north of the Taupo are the Huka Falls and a short detour to view is advised. The Huka Jet can get you much closer with a thrilling jet boat ride. Nearby Craters of the Moon is a geothermal reserve with great walking tracks around its many boiling pools and steaming vents. Taupo is a lively place with many shops, bars and cafes all catering for the traveller and visitor. A whole host of activities can be undertaken here such as bungy jumping, sky diving, fishing for trout in the lake and rivers, kayaking, sailing, horse riding and walking and hiking to name but a few.

The drive today takes you through the city of Rotorua, famous for its bubbling mud pools and Maori culture. Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley are well signposted on the highway between the two towns. On Rotorua’s lakefront Volcanic Air Safaris offer scenic flights over Mt. Tarawera, an impressive volcanic crater. The Rotorua Museum and Blue Baths in the Government Gardens offer one of the best displays of any museum in the country. Focusing on local history the eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886 is brought to life.

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the world’s most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Māori tribes, a visit to one of the Māori experiences should be high on your agenda, learn about the special meaning of pounamu-Greenstone with Mountain Jade, explore the geysers and arts of Te Puia or immerse in an evening with Te Pā Tū. An excursion to one of the area’s wellness spas is also a must! Try the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs, Wai Ariki offers an indulging and unwinding restorative journey or pay a quick visit to Secret Spot for a soak and a delicious smash burger! If it is a thrill you are looking for, spike your adrenaline at Rotorua Canopy Tours, soaring above the ancient native forest below. Alternatively, head up the Skyline Rotorua Gondola for soaring lake views, and ride the luge at night for an extra thrill. Make the most of your time in Rotorua with an excursion through the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the area’s most colourful volcanic attractions. Whatever you are after, Rotorua is almost certain to have it!

Enjoy the short scenic drive through the Rotorua suburb of Ngongotaha and the Pyes Pa Scenic Reserve today as you head to the coast. Tauranga is the main centre of the Bay of Plenty and is located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbours in New Zealand and set beside the magnificent Mauao (Mount Maunganui). Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk around the area. The Strand waterfront area has undergone a major redevelopment in the past few years, and the changes include a children’s play area with water feature, seating areas and cultural artwork. From Tauranga, head north to New Zealand’s surfing mecca, Whangamata. In addition to lazing on the beach or surfing, Whangamata offers big game fishing, walking and mountain biking in native and exotic forests. Continue onto your final destination Pauanui, situated on the edge of the Tairua Harbour.

Famous for its naturally heated geothermal springs, Hot Water Beach offers a unique experience where you can dig your own spa pool in the sand at low tide and relax in the warm waters with stunning coastal views. With its golden sands, powerful surf, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Tairua is a charming seaside town and fishing village set around a natural harbour. Its most prominent feature is Paku Hill,an extinct volcanic cone that rises at the harbour entrance. From the lookout at the summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the township and the Pacific Ocean. With its white sandy beaches, inviting cafés, and relaxed coastal atmosphere, Tairua is an ideal spot to unwind. It also serves as a departure point for dive trips to the Alderman Islands.

North of Pauanui is the famous Hot Water Beach. Hot Water Beach derives its name from the geothermally heated water that seeps through the sands. At low tide, you can dig a hole and create your mineral hot pool. The beach itself is golden sand and is an ideal place to spend an afternoon at the seaside. A few cafes and art stores are also here, in particular, Moko Artspace which has a great range of local and Polynesian arts and crafts for sale.

Your journey begins by following the Tairua River away from the east coast and past the Southern Coromandel Ranges. If time is on your side and you feel like a scenic route, instead of travelling inland you can head north and follow the scenic Highway 25 with fantastic stopover opportunities, such as Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Once on the other side of the Coromandel Peninsula, you will pass Thames and the town of Miranda, a famous haven for shorebirds. You will then pass through the Hauraki Plains and rolling green Waikato countryside before arriving into New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland.

Enjoy the City of Sails from the water on a relaxed harbour sailing yacht. This cruise offers a uniquely local experience experiencing the harbour under sail with a small vessel with an intimate and engaging atmosphere. View the stunning city sights while sailing on the inner Waitemata Harbour. Sail where the wind takes us while enjoying Auckland’s city highlights; including sailing under the Harbour Bridge and other well-known landmarks along the harbour’s edge. The crew’s local knowledge will give you the best harbour sailing experience Auckland has to offer. Become the crew and help participate with the sailing experience take the helm while you carve through the water, or if you prefer just sit back and relax above deck.