In one word: unique. Clear water beaches, rocky ocean cliffs, sleepy oceanside communities, caves, hot springs, mud pools, geysers, redwood forests, and Maori Culture give you a glimpse. Terrain offers adventurers opportunities like biking, rafting, spelunking, surfing, and hiking.

THE MARVEL

7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting and ending in Auckland
General New Zealand travel FAQ's at bottom of page
Fully Guided Adventure
Self Guided option also available
or Customize Your Adventure

ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hot Water Beach
  • Gondola & Luge
  • Whakarewarewa Biking or White Water Rafting
  • Maori Living Village, Welcome Ceremony & Hangi
  • Glowworm Caves Tour
  • Black Water Rafting
ADVENTURE INCLUDES:
  • Guides: Adventure tour guide and liaison will be present 24/7 taking care of your every need
  • ​Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches (2 lunches on your own), 7 Dinners
  • Accommodations: Base price includes 3* hotels in 4 locations (upgrades available)
  • Transportation: Private passenger van
  • Activities: Hot Water Beach shovels, gondola & 3 Luge rides, Whakarewarewa biking or white water rafting, Maori Living Village & Hangi, Glowworm Caves tour, Black Water Rafting
NOT INCLUDED: International Flights, extra nights before or after trip, 2 lunches on free days 4 & 5
Pace 3 – Several destinations, average time in each location: 2-3 days.
Activity Rating 3 – Activities of mild-moderate intensity, average level of fitness required.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrive and Acquaint
Check into your accommodation and freshen up, but don’t nap and allow jet lag to sink in. Walk the city’s waterfront and meet for our first dinner together.
Day 2: Coromandel Peninsula
Start our trip with an oceanside scenic drive to Whitianga. Stop for a fresh seafood lunch at the Muscle Kitchen, then work it off with a short hike to a secluded beach on our way to our accommodation.
Day 3: Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach
Spend the morning on a short hike to Cathedral Cove, a stunning rock archway right on the beach. Walk or wade through the tunnel - depending on the tide. We will monitor the tides and head to Hot Water Beach where a natural hot spring seeps up through the sand. Dig your own personal hot tub, relax, and watch the waves crash on the beach.
Day 4: Mount Manganui - Gondola & Luge
Mt Manganui is a unique surfside town dwarfed by the dormant volcano Kiwis affectionately call “The Mount.” With the bay and the ocean only blocks apart, there is plenty to explore. Continue to Rotorua and catch the gondola to the top of Mt. Ngongotaha for a stunning view of Rotorua’s lakes and geothermal areas. Take a leisurely luge ride through the fern trees to the bottom.
Day 5: Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest - Maori Village & Hangi
With trails suitable for everyone from children to expert mountain bikers, this is a hub for all levels of riders pursuing an active tour of the area’s gorgeous scenery. Freshen up and enjoy a traditional dinner while learning all about the Maori culture and customs. 
Day 6: Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Black Water Rafting
Experience bio-luminescent golwworm on the original glowworm cave boat tour. Then Cruise through the underground labyrinth of the Ruakuri Cave on one of the most unique adventures we offer. Walk through limestone caves, splash through small underground waterfalls, and float down an underground river lit from above by glowworms. This location is also home to one of the top 5 short hikes in all of New Zealand.
Day 7: Departures & Extensions
Cherish our memories and say our goodbyes in Auckland where our tour ends.
Itinerary extension options:
  • Taupo
  • Tongariro Crossing
  • Bay of Islands

THE MARVEL GALLERY

All pictures taken by Thrive Adventures Guides and Travelers
Click or touch to view full size pictures in gallery
© COPYRIGHT 2009-2025
  •