Rotorua to Ruapehu: A 4-Day North Island Escape

Experience the best the North Island has to offer with this long weekend break. Hot pools, mountains, jet boat rides, scenic gondola trips-there is something for everyone on this Labour weekend boredom buster. Plus, with Students on Tour NZ the accommodation is always great! No sleeping bags or dorms on our tours!!

Don't hesitate to book as places are limited! 

Welcome to Rotorua, the North Island's premier tourist destination. Our tour starts in the evening with a relaxing soak in the famous Polynesian Spa. Unwind in the geothermally heated hot pools and get to know some of the other members of the travelling group. 

Includes: Pick up in Auckland or Hamilton, dinner and Polynesian Spa entry

After a relaxing sleep in and breakfast we head to Skyline Rotorua for a gondola ride up Mt Ngongotaha followed by the opportunity to race your friends down the twists and turns of the luge track. After a lunch break in the Rotorua CBD we drive to the geothermal wonderland that is Hell's Gate. After a walk around the mud pools, geysers and hot pools we slip into a mud bath, known world wide for its healing properties, then try our hand at some Maori carving with a master carver guiding you to create a souvenir you can take home. After some free time at our accommodation, we travel to Mitai Village for a Maori cultural experience and a mouthwatering hangi, a traditional form of Maori cooking. You will sleep well after a truly memorable first day on tour. We also manage to squeeze some go-karting at Off Road NZ.

Includes: Breakfast, entry to Hell's Gate, Gondola (5 luge rides) and Mitai Village cultural experience and hangi.

We awake to the sights and smells of Rotorua for the final time and then head south to the awe inspiring Huka Falls. View the falls from the viewing platform directly overhead then get almost within touching distance of them on the exhilarating Huka Jet. After a quick lunch on the banks of the scenic Lake Taupo we continue south to the small town of Turangi where we overnight. 

Includes: Breakfast, Huka Falls viewing, jet boat trip and a tasty group dinner

Start your day with an unforgettable fly-fishing experience at the National Trout Hatchery, located on the banks of the world-famous Tongariro River, renowned for its trout fishing. With the guidance of an expert, catch your very own trout, which will be smoked on-site for a unique treat. Savour a delicious lunch featuring your freshly smoked trout drizzled with manuka honey—a true taste of New Zealand.

After lunch, embark on an adventure to Mt. Ruapehu, an active volcano and the North Island’s premier skiing destination. Ride the iconic Sky Waka gondola, usually used to transport skiers and snowboarders, as it whisks you up to an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level. Take in breathtaking alpine views, but don’t forget a warm jumper—this is a true high-altitude environment!

End the day, with a relaxing scenic drive through the King Country and Waikato to Hamilton where we say goodbye and look back on a great long weekend. 

Includes: Breakfast, fly fishing experience, Sky Waka