Rotorua & Bay of Plenty

This is a favorite vacation destination for New Zealanders, especially during the New Zealand school summer break from mid December until late January. Now it's also being discovered by overseas visitors, who are drawn by the sunshine, the long golden sand beaches, and great food and wine. This is a place enjoy the sun, walk on the beach, have a coffee and relax.

Just 30 miles off the coast is White Island, New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Because of its easy accessibility this island is regularly visited by scientists and volcanologists from around the world. For those who want a little more adventure, the opportunity to land on White Island and enjoy a guided walking tour will be a highlight of their New Zealand vacation. If you select this option we will arrange a helicopter visit including a landing and one hour tour on the island. Please note that landings will be strictly governed by volcanic activity on the island at the time of your visit and that quoted costs are based on a minimum number booking.

From $335 USD per person

Few experiences give visitors a better insight and understanding of the culture and the history of the Maori people than this 3 day fully guided Whirinaki Walk. Many have likened the Whirinaki Walk to a spiritual experience and all who participate are touched in some way. Each day provides informative and educational interpretations, including the traditional uses of this ancient forest and recalling the days when Whirinaki was regarded by the local people as their Garden of Eden. Bring your camera for shots of magnificent forests and trails. Meals are fully catered and included in the cost. For those facing time limitations read about the One Day Whirinaki option below.

From $574 USD per person

This full day tour provides insights into the uses of this ancient rainforest by the early Maori inhabitants of Te Urewera, the vast wooded mountain country between the Central Plateau and the East Coast of the North Island New Zealand. Included is a leisurely walk of about 4.5 hours duration, graded easy and suitable for all ages. The Maori guides will tell you something of the tribal history of this isolated region, and provide flora and fauna interpretation. A relaxing luncheon on the banks of the picturesque Whirinaki river is included, providing an opportunity to experience the solitude and tranquility of one of the least-used wilderness areas in New Zealand.

From $119 USD per person

Strange geological formations, forest and lakes create a sense of wonder for visitors to Waimangu Volcanic Valley a region of constant geothermal activity and tremendous heat, creating steam, geysers and streams bubbling away at 125 degrees fahrenheit! On this half day tour you will hear about the history of this region and as you cruise on the incredible cobalt blue lake, stories will be told of the violent eruptions that formed Waimangu and the natural beauty that it created.

From $139 USD per person

This now dormant volcanic mountain is sacred to the Maori people, and they pass down to each generation the memories of the devastation caused by the eruption, which occurred on 10 June 1886, killing 153 of their people. Today you will be taken by 4WD right to the edge of the crater to see the awe inspiring tear that runs across the summit and hear about the legends of the past and the history of the mountain. The views from the summit are spectacular, and for the more adventurous there is an opportunty to try the famous scree slide into the crater.

From $102 USD per person

This is a historic natural hot mineral springs spa overlooking Lake Rotorua. In 2004, 2005, & 2006 the prestigious magazine Conde Nast Traveler voted Polynesian Spa as one of the worlds top ten Medical & Thermal Spas. There are twenty-seven hot mineral pools in the attached Lake Spa that offers a complete range of body & skin therapies in private luxury. A one hour Spa therapy session is yours if you make this selection. Lie back, and enjoy!

From $108 USD per person

This site is a replica of a pre-European fortified Maori village (pa). The village is completely surrounded by an extensive thermal area that includes silica terraces, mud pools and the famous geyser Pohutu shooting boiling water up to nearly 70 feet in the air. A leisurely stroll around the village and thermal area can be undertaken in half a day, ending at the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute where visitors can watch Maori carvers at work.

This sparsely populated stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway runs between Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne in the Poverty Bay region. It covers a distance of over 200 miles and includes some of the worlds most spectacular coastal scenery. For a brilliant description that captures the spirit of this journey read Lube Vangelova's excellent article in the New York Times in 2002 (click on Media) and you might be tempted to visit this beautiful place where the movie 'Whale Rider' was filmed. If you select this option, uplanit.com will suggest a 2 day itinerary.