Lake Taupo & Central North Island

This 50 foot 1920's ocean going yacht was once owned by movie star Errol Flynn and the 2 hour cruise on this beautifully crafted masterpiece is a fun experience. A highlight of the cruise on The Barbary is a visit to the huge Maori rock carvings on the far side of the lake.

From $31 USD per person

Because Rotorua has so many geothermal activities, it is often overlooked that their neighbor, the Taupo region, also has some special geothermal activities of their own. The Craters of the Moon is a typical example, named for its other-worldly atmosphere. The 30 minute walk passes bubbling craters, mud pools and steam vents. You can also see a lot of interesting plants that have adapted to thrive in the hot, steamy conditions. Enjoy this fantastic geothermal area free of charge along well-formed pathways with elevated viewing platforms.

This high country plateau has a landscape like nothing else you will see in the North Island. An incredibly diverse park of tussock grassland, wild rivers, forests and birdlife with the three volcanoes of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu dominating the landscape. A region long recognized by the Maori for its spiritual importance, the park covers nearly 200,000 acres. Drive south of Taupo, along the lakefront to Turangi and then drive into the Park. We can incorporate this visit into your vacation itinerary, just click on 'Add to my Wish List' if you enjoy spectacular drive through some stunning scenery

This walk (8 hours) is rated the best in New Zealand. If you are moderately fit, make the effort to experience The Tongariro Alpine Crossing - it will be a highlight of your New Zealand vacation. You will need proper hiking shoes, clothing to cope with the sometimes fast changing weather conditions and some water and basic food supplies. Arrangements will be made to get you to the starting point early in the morning and to have you met at the finish point at the end of the day. At times the track can be challenging but you will soon be joined by fellow walkers and benefit from their encouragement.

Travel by jetboat up stream into the middle reaches of the remote Whanganui River where pristine native bush cloaks the banks - see deep gorges covered with ferns, caves and rapids. See the world famous Drop Scene, the Dress Circle and Sulphur Springs and stop at the Manganui-O-Te-Au River, home to the endangered Blue Duck. At Mangapurua Landing walk up the track - hear the tuis and the bellbirds - until you arrive at the historic "Bridge to Nowhere" Bring a picnic lunch, the organizers will provide tea, coffee & biscuits. A return walk to the boat and trip back down river to Pipiriki completes this unique experience. A 4 hour excursion.

From $104 USD per person

Take the jetboat trip as described above to The Bridge To Nowhere. Then get your paddling instructions, board your canoe and leave the rest of the world behind as you drift back down the river. The Whanganui River was the setting of the 2004 movie The River Queen starring Kiefer Sutherland and you will quickly understand why director Vincent Ward chose it as his backdrop. Stop as you wish and explore points of interest. Hear the sounds of the river and the surrounding bush at its unspoilt best, a part of New Zealand as it was centuries ago. The canoes are safe and easy to paddle.

From $108 USD per person

If you decide to continue your vacation southwards towards Wellington there are 4 alternative routes available, each of them offering something unique. The first is the Whanganui River Road, un-paved gravel in some places, winding and narrow in others, but for those adventurous enough to take this route there will be rewards aplenty. It's an opportunity to get off the beaten track and to experience a region of New Zealand that most visitors are never fortunate enough to see - and the scenery along the way is stunning. Rich in history, both European & Maori. Click the link below for an excellent description from someone who has travelled this route.

Another quite challenging drive but also with stunning scenery along the way is the drive from Taupo to Hawera via The Forgotten Highway and afterwards down the coast highway to Wellington. The Forgotten Highway makes its way over four mountain saddles, through an eerie one-way tunnel and along a sinuous river gorge and for those who enjoy driving, adventure and spectacular views this will be a great experience.

Although the longest of the choices in distance, the drive from Taupo to Napier on the east coast will appeal to those who also want to experience the wine growing region of Hawkes Bay before continuing their journey south to Wellington along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.

This is the more direct and conventional route from Taupo to Wellington down Highway 1, crossing the high volcanic plateau. It is also a very scenic route travelling through forests, vast tussock grasslands and on a clear day allowing views of the 3 volcanoes Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro. A highlight will be the drive through The Mangaweka Gorge and the road later follows the coastline to Wellington. The complete drive can be done in a day if an early start is made.

One of the world's great wonders. An unspoiled cave and karst landscape covered by a vast expanse of farmland with a backdrop of bushclad hills and forest. Beneath this tranquil landscape are 30 miles of cave passages, part of a limestone network sculpted by water into underground arches, valleys and outcrops. These limestone cave cathedrals have been sculpted over centuries by the forces of nature. You will see incredible limestone stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years - take a boat ride and see thousands of glowworms pass overhead. A 'Must See'

From $27 USD per person

An underground cave tubing experience that is known and talked about all around the world. For around three hours you'll work your way through tight squeezes, leap over an underground waterfall and float serenely down river as you enjoy the glowworm show on the vaulted limestone galleries up above. Your journey concludes when you emerge into the sunlight of the Waitomo forest. There will be caving and walking, cave tubing (black water rafting) glow worms and a small waterfall jump to be navigated. This is a beginner level activity but you will need to be moderately fit.

From $73 USD per person