Northern Discovery Loop - Wellington to Taupo, Rotorua & Coastal Bays - 5 Days Tour
NZ$1799/day - 6 people
This itinerary begins in the cultural capital of Wellington before moving north through wine country, geothermal heartlands, volcanic lakes, glowworm caverns, and finishing through the art-deco beauty of Napier. A perfect blend of nature, culture, food and wine, with a clean travel path from south to north.
Highlights
- Explore Wellington vibrant waterfront & museums
- Scenic drive through Wairarapa wine country
- Soak in Taupo hot pools & visit Huka Falls
- Discover Rotorua geothermal parks & Maori traditions
- Walk the Blue Spring Putaruru track
- Experience the glowworm caves of Waitomo
- End with Napier art-deco architecture, coastal walks & wineries
Special Notes
- Itinerary order may vary due to weather, traffic, ferry schedules, or operational conditions
- Moderate walking involved at natural attractions and sightseeing stops
- Optional activities can be arranged on request at an additional cost
- Accommodation can be arranged on request
Note: 10 hours service per day. $130 NZD per hour overtime
Included and Excluded
- Private vehicle with an experienced and knowledgeable driver/guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off within the city or agreed locations
- Flexible sightseeing stops as per the itinerary and time availability
- Bottled water during the tour
- Entry tickets or admission fees for any attractions or activities
- Charges for optional experiences such as cruises, adventure activities, or guided attractions
- Meals, snacks, and personal refreshments
- Accommodation and airfare
- Travel insurance
- Any activity not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal expenses
Tour Plan
Tour Duration :5 Days
⚠ $130 per hour applies for any time exceeding the scheduled tour duration.
- Explore the harbour, ride the cable car, visit museums and enjoy the cafe culture. Stroll the waterfront, check out local markets, or join an optional craft-beer trail.
Wellington City Exploration
- Travel north through vineyards and farmland. Optional wine tasting in Martinborough. Arrive in Taupo for lakeside views, geothermal hot pools, and an evening soak.
Wellington to Wairarapa to Taupo
- Visit Huka Falls, one of New Zealand most dramatic river gorges. Continue to Rotorua to explore volcanic terrain, geysers, and bubbling mud pools at Te Puia. Evening Maori cultural dinner optional.
Taupo to Rotorua (Geothermal Heartland)
- Stop at Blue Spring Putaruru for the short nature walk featuring crystal-blue spring water. Then head to Waitomo for its glowworm caves. Continue east to Napier, where art-deco architecture, oceanfront promenades, and evening wine bars await.
Rotorua to Blue Spring to Waitomo to Napier
- Enjoy a morning Hawke Bay wine tasting, Art Deco walking tour, or visit local lookout points. Afterwards, travel back to Wellington to complete the loop.
