Day 1 Rotorua - Taupo

From Rotorua it is only a little over an hours drive south through forests and farmlands to Taupo. Stop at Waiotapu to view the Lady Knox Geyser which erupts daily at 10.15 am and take a stroll through the colourful Waiotapu Thermal Reserve. Then continue to Wairakei to view the spectacular Huka Falls on the Waikato River. There is the option here of a thrilling jetboat ride on the Waikato River on the Huka-jet (not included).

Taupo is a very popular holiday resort, famous around the world for its trout fishing. There are also superb golf courses. If you are a golfer you may like to play a round on the Wairakei International Course, which has long been one of the finest golf courses in New Zealand. Or perhaps challenge the new Jack Nicklaus signature Kinloch course. Other options at Taupo include lake cruises, thermal pools, bungey jumping or exploring the boutique shops and cafes.

This Mediterranean style hotel is situated right on the shores of Lake Taupo with fantastic views across the lake to the mountains of Tongariro National Park. It has just 51 en suite rooms, all air conditioned, with tea/coffee making amenities and Sky TV. There is a heated swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna and tennis court for guest use, plus 2 x restaurants. Superior lake view room.

Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo.

Day 2 Taupo - Tongariro National Park (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Your choice of activities today - either spending time in Taupo or heading south to the mountains of Tongariro National Park and enjoying extra time there.

There are three main peaks in Tongariro National Park - Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngaruahoe and Mt Ruapehu. All are volcanic - Mt Ruapehu erupting spectacularly as recently as 1995 and again in 1996. Weather permitting; suggest drive up volcanic Mt Ruapehu to the Top of the Bruce. If the chairlift is operating suggest ride it up the mountain for the views. The area is a very popular ski field in the winter months and snow will still be visible on the top part of the mountain. Some of the scenes from the award winning Lord of the Rings film trilogy were filmed in these mountains.

Bayview Chateau Tongariro

Day 3 The Tongariro Crossing (Summer months only) (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel.

The Tongariro Crossing is widely regarded as the best one-day walk in New Zealand. The route lies up an old lava flow then between Mounts Ngaruahoe and Tongariro past the Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes. On a clear day the views are amazing. Descend past the Ketetahi Springs. The mountain grasses and alpine plants give way to magnificent rainforest on the lower slopes.

Bayview Chateau Tongariro

Day 4 Tongariro National Park - Taupo (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Then drive down from Tongariro National Park and around Lake Taupo to Taupo Airport for your departure flight. (Or drive further north to Rotorua from where there are direct air services to Christchurch and Queenstown).

Contact us for a quotation or to tailor make this program