Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 1
215 mi
Explore Magic Glowworms Caves and Hugging Alpacas
On the first day, you got a new tea-taste experience at the tea terrace that refreshes and charges your body. Then, deep in the cave magic atmosphere and learn a bit about the unique habitats of some New Zealand - glowworms who shimmed in the dark like stars. On the way to Tongariro park, you have a chance to feed and hug the cutest alpaca.
08:30
Auckland
It's time to leave Auckland, ranked among the best cities in the world for quality of life and livability, and take a trip to the northern island.
72.7 mi
1 hr 20 min
10:001 hr
Zealong Tea Estate
Landmark
Open Details
Today's first stop is at Zealong Tea Estate for a little refreshing and enjoyable tea-tasting experience with a mini dessert assortment and beautiful views of the tea terraces.
If you're ready to eat you can also make a reservation for a "High tea menu" with a variety of dishes.
Book a table in advance. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the booked date will be charged at full value. Open Hours: Monday - Tuesday: Closed Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 16:30
If you're ready to eat you can also make a reservation for a "High tea menu" with a variety of dishes.
Book a table in advance. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the booked date will be charged at full value. Open Hours: Monday - Tuesday: Closed Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 16:30
57 mi
1 hr 20 min
12:302 hrs 30 min
Spellbound Glowworm
Landmark
Open Details
One of the most magical experiences you absolutely must get in New Zealand is visiting glowworm caves or dells. It's just magic standing in the darkness and watching thousands of twinkling blue lights surrounding you, shining like the night sky. It's absolutely breathtaking.
Glowworms have habitats on both islands of New Zealand. They prefer areas that are always damp and protected from direct sunlight. You can observe glowworms both by visiting places with organized excursions and on your own absolutely free of charge but in this case, you should do it in deep darkness. If this is an excursion to the cave, then you can observe them at any time of the day.
Getting a boat ride excursion here you can get the most magical glow worm experience: You slide on a boat under the ceiling of the cave, strewn with glowworms lights, and these lights are reflected in the water's surface. Feeling like you're gliding through the stars.✨✨✨
The bonuses for visiting the glowworm cave precisely in this place: 1) the ability to take pictures (with the flash turned off) - You will even be given a tripod for a camera or phone. In Waitomo Caves, for example, photography is prohibited. 2) a small group - up to 12 people, but often even much less. 3) you will be offered hot tea and small snacks between excursions to the first and second caves.
Book in advance Official Website Open Hours: 09:00 - 15:30 daily
Glowworms have habitats on both islands of New Zealand. They prefer areas that are always damp and protected from direct sunlight. You can observe glowworms both by visiting places with organized excursions and on your own absolutely free of charge but in this case, you should do it in deep darkness. If this is an excursion to the cave, then you can observe them at any time of the day.
Getting a boat ride excursion here you can get the most magical glow worm experience: You slide on a boat under the ceiling of the cave, strewn with glowworms lights, and these lights are reflected in the water's surface. Feeling like you're gliding through the stars.✨✨✨
The bonuses for visiting the glowworm cave precisely in this place: 1) the ability to take pictures (with the flash turned off) - You will even be given a tripod for a camera or phone. In Waitomo Caves, for example, photography is prohibited. 2) a small group - up to 12 people, but often even much less. 3) you will be offered hot tea and small snacks between excursions to the first and second caves.
Book in advance Official Website Open Hours: 09:00 - 15:30 daily
6.7 mi
15 min
15:1515 min
New World Te Kuiti
Supermarket
Open Details
Traveling in New Zealand always involves walking, hiking, and places to eat in nature. Therefore, it is worth stopping by the supermarket and buying everything for outdoor snacks, a bottle of wine, and something for breakfast, as today we are staying overnight in a wonderful self-catering lodge, and breakfast is not provided. In addition, here you can grab something for dinner if you have the desire to cook.
Open Hours: 07:00 - 21:00 daily
Open Hours: 07:00 - 21:00 daily
41.9 mi
1 hr
16:3030 min
Nevalea Alpacas
Landmark
Open Details
Stop here to get the warmest experience with hugging and hand-feeding alpacas 🦙. Make the most cuttie pictures and tune your mind for a super-good mood.
You can also buy homeware or accessories from warm and soft alpaca wool.
Official Website
Open Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 - 17:00
Saturday - Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
17.6 mi
25 min
17:3015 min
Piriaka Lookout
Landmark
Open Details
Short stop for a quick break with stunning panoramic views of the countryside and the Wanganui River.
For the fan of Lord of the Rings, there is an awesome place to stop for the first look at Mordor😉
Just park your car and take a deep breath of fresh air.
18.6 mi
25 min
18:451 hr 30 min
Spiral Restaurant @ The Park
Restaurant
Open Details
Stop for dinner here, by the cozy fireplace and warm atmosphere.
Order a BBQ Ribs or Lamb Shank with a glass of New Zealand red wine.
Open Hours:
6:30 - 9:30, 17:30 - 21:00 daily
0.3 mi
5 min
21:009 hrsLodges
Tongariro Crossing Lodge
9.2
Relax from the excitement of the day in a family-owned lodge near Tongariro park.
The lodge is designed for travelers looking for something out of the ordinary where they can truly feel at home. Each suite has access to a fully-equipped kitchen shared with one other unit, so you can self-cater breakfast and taste it on the patio.
An overnight stay near Tongariro Park will allow you to go on a hike to the Emerald mountain lake fresh and full of energy with the first rays of the sun the next day.