NORTH ISLAND WONDERS

‍Day 1 | Free Day

You begin your ZigZag adventure with a 2 days to explore our North Islands geothermal and cultural hotspot. Rotorua is packed with excitement and natural beauty, offering something for every type of traveller. For adrenaline seekers, there’s everything from guided volcano climbs and ziplining through the trees to zorbing down grassy hills. If you’re looking for a more laid-back day, you can unwind with a soothing massage at one of the town’s many spa and wellness centres, take a ride in the gondola up Mount Ngongotaha for beautiful views over the lake, or walk amongst the towering redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest.

The vibrant town centre is a geothermal wonderland, where you can stroll past bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs in a number of thermal parks, explore the stunning Government Gardens, and wander along the pristine new lakefront walkway. After, head to Eat Streat—a bustling pedestrian street lined with cafes, restaurants, and local ice cream parlours perfect for a relaxing bite.

Rotorua is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with kilometres of trails around the lake, through forests, and along rivers, all waiting to be explored by foot or bike. Don’t miss the chance to dive into Rotorua’s rich Māori culture through performances, storytelling, and cultural experiences.

With so much to see and do, Rotorua offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture—making it a must-visit destination that never disappoints.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Camping (Rotorua)

Day 2 | Free Day

You have another day to explore Rotorua and all the incredible experiences it has to offer. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Tonight after dark, you have the option to join us at the Whakarewarewa Forest where you can enjoy the magical light display amongst the enormous redwood trees. (The elevated tree walk – additional cost - can be booked at the ticket office on site.)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Rotorua)

Day 3

We have another scenic drive north today, from Rotorua to Coromandel Town. This journey takes us through lush farmland, rolling hills, and some of the most beautiful countryside in the North Island.

Along the way, we’ll stop at the famous Hobbiton movie set in Matamata. Here, we’ll step into the enchanting world of The Lord of the Rings, strolling through the iconic hobbit holes, lush gardens, and the charming Green Dragon Inn, where we can enjoy a refreshing drink. Even if you’re not a fan of the books or films, we are sure that you will still find this tour extremely endearing, interesting and very photogenic.

After this magical experience, we continue our drive up to the Coromandel Peninsula. The scenery morphs into rugged coastlines, golden beaches, and dramatic cliffs as we get closer to Coromandel Town, setting the stage for a relaxing and picturesque arrival into this charming, laid-back town, known for its rich mining history and pretty setting.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Coromandel Town)

Day 4 | Free Day

You have a free day to explore Coromandel Town, a unique little settlement with character, soul and ambience. As well as galleries and craft shops, the town has many restored Victorian buildings and a small mining museum. There are many bush and beach walks nearby too.

Weather permitting, we will seize the chance to take a further drive north and explore even more of this rugged peninsula. We may even be able to walk part of the Coromandel Coastal Walkway. One of New Zealand’s most isolated coastal walks with its beautiful scenery and remote location, it borders the northern Coromandel coastline between Stony and Fletcher Bays and follows an old bridle path formed by early pioneers.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Coromandel Town)

Day 5

After a relaxed morning, we bid farewell to Coromandel Town and make our way up and across the peninsula, zigzagging through scenic roads toward Hot Water Beach on the east coast.

Along the way, we’ll stop at Kūaotunu, famous for its 10-scoop ice cream, take in the beauty of Otama Beach, and stop to stretch our legs in the charming harbour town of Whitianga.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Hot Water Beach)

Day 6 | Free Day

Today, it’s time to explore the stunning east coast of Coromandel, famous for its pristine beaches, hidden bays, caves, and islands. One of the most scenic spots in New Zealand, Cathedral Cove features a dramatic limestone arch that separates two beautiful sandy beaches. We’ll drive over to Hahei and take a scenic walk to this iconic natural wonder.

From our base at Hot Water Beach, there’s a range of activities to choose from—whether it’s a boat tour, kayaking, diving, or snorkelling. Or, for something truly unique, grab a spade and dig your own hot pool right on the beach! Hot Water Beach lives up to its name—dig in the right spot and you’ll find a natural thermal pool to relax in, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Hot Water Beach)

Day 7

We head a little further south today to the stunning Mount Paku peninsula. The 360° panoramic views at the top of the summit walk are not to be missed, looking down over Tairua Harbour, Pauanui Beach, the beautiful turquoise blue estuary waters, and out along the coast to the Alderman Islands.

We then head to the town of Waihi, New Zealand's 'Heart of Gold', with a gold mining history spanning three centuries and a local open pit mine that is still fully operational.

Further south, we enter the City of Tauranga where we drive past New Zealand's biggest port and one of its largest natural harbours before ending up in the popular seaside resort of Mount Maunganui. Its long sandy main beach stretches right up to the base of the ‘Mount’ which can be climbed to gain spectacular views across the city, harbour and coastline.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mount Maunganui)

Day 8 | Free Day

Spend your day soaking in the laid-back vibe of Mount Maunganui. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the golden beach, watch surfers catching waves, and keep an eye out for ships sailing into the harbour. The vibrant seaside promenade is lined with fantastic cafes, juice bars, and coffee shops, perfect for indulging in a treat with a view. For those looking to get active, take a hike up the iconic Mount itself, where panoramic views of the bay and coastline await at the summit.

If you're in the mood for some urban exploring, hop on a bus to the city of Tauranga and enjoy a day of shopping, dining, and discovering local boutiques. Whether you're after relaxation or a little adventure, Mount Maunganui offers the best of both worlds.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mount Maunganui)

Day 9

We have a short journey this morning to our next destination, Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty region. Along the way, we zigzag past golden beaches, lush farmland, and native bush, with glimpses of the sparkling Pacific Ocean along the way.

We’ll set up camp early this afternoon, and then the rest of the day is yours to explore this pretty harbour town.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Whakatane)

Day 10 | Free Day

Today is a free day to relax/explore at your leisure. Located in the heart of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne is one of New Zealand’s sunniest towns, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the natural surroundings.

There is a particularly nice river walk that winds its way from our campsite in to town and on to the harbour and ocean beach, with coffee stops and cafes along the way to ‘rest’ in, if required.

If you're feeling adventurous, there's plenty to do. Whakatāne is a top fishing destination, known for landing more yellowfin tuna than anywhere else in the country. You can also join a boat tour to Moutohorā (Whale Island), a protected wildlife sanctuary home to rare native birdlife and geothermal hot springs.

For a truly unforgettable experience, take a scenic flight over Whakaari (White Island) and the volcanic peaks of the Taupō Volcanic Zone. The views from above offer a spectacular perspective on this unique and active landscape.

Whether you spend the day unwinding or exploring, Whakatāne offers something for everyone.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Whakatane)

Days 11 & 12

The next two days see us travelling State Highway 35, which circles right around New Zealand’s East Cape. The East Cape is the easternmost point of the New Zealand mainland and is the first place to see the sunrise in the world! The 334 km road trip around the coastline is stunning, comprising of endless white sandy beaches, remote villages where wild horses roam free, and a number of historical points of interest.

We stay the night at a beautifully secluded spot on the most remote part of the East Cape. Here, with weather permitting, we have the opportunity to zip open our tents at dawn and be the first people in the world to witness the sun rising up out of the ocean for the new day. What an experience!

Over our two days of travel around the Cape, we’ll pass through the tiny hamlet of Omaio, whose name literally means ‘peace, quiet & tranquillity’ in Māori, the iconic and picturesque Anglican Raukokore Church, Te Araroa where you can find New Zealand’s oldest and largest Pohutukawa tree, the old abandoned wharf, wool and meat work buildings of beautiful Tokumaru Bay, and Tolaga Bay with what is believed to be the longest (660m) and most spectacular wharf of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.  The wharf at Tolaga Bay stands where Captain Cook first met the leaders of the Te Aitanga a Hauiti tribe in 1769 and there are a number of other places along this historic section of coastline where Cook and his ship, the Endeavour, set anchor.

We complete our East Cape experience in our very special destination for two nights, deep in the hill country of Ngatapa.

Day 11

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (East Cape)

Day 12

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge - Shared Dorm (Eastwoodhill Arboretum)

Day 13 | Free Day

Today is yours to enjoy the natural beauty of Eastwoodhill Arboretum, New Zealand’s ‘National Arboretum’ and home to the country’s most diverse collection of trees and plants. Spanning 131 hectares of rolling Gisborne countryside, Eastwoodhill showcases over 4,000 varieties of trees, shrubs, and plants from around the world.

Wander at your own pace along the many woodland trails, find a quiet spot in the gardens to relax, and take in the serenity of this peaceful landscape - the colours and variety on display are truly spectacular.

It’s a perfect day to slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore one of New Zealand’s true hidden gems.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge - Shared Dorm (Eastwoodhill Arboretum)

Day 14

Today we journey south through the remote and beautiful landscapes of the East Coast. Along the way, weather permitting, we take a short but scenic detour to the Māhia Peninsula - an off-the-beaten-track gem known for its sweeping beaches, rugged coastline, and laid-back charm.

After some time to stretch your legs and soak up the coastal views, we continue on to Wairoa, a small riverside town with strong Māori heritage and a proud local community, where we grab a bite to eat.

From there, we travel inland to Napier, the vibrant heart of Hawke’s Bay and our base for Christmas Day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Napier)

Day 15 | Free Day

Today is a free day to enjoy all that Napier and the Hawke’s Bay region has to offer—whether you choose to explore at your own pace or join us on an optional scenic road trip.

Hawke’s Bay is renowned as one of New Zealand’s top food and wine regions, home to award-winning vineyards, boutique producers, and a thriving culinary scene. It’s also celebrated as an international Art Deco capital, with beautifully preserved 1930s architecture that emerged after the devastating 1931 earthquake reshaped the city.

For those keen to see more of the region, we offer an optional drive along the picturesque Tuki Tuki Road loop, winding through rolling countryside and past renowned wineries. The highlight is a visit to Te Mata Peak, where—weather permitting—you’ll be treated to breathtaking 360° views across the patchwork of vineyards, all the way to the central North Island mountains on a clear day. Along the way, we’ll pass the historic Mission Estate, New Zealand’s oldest winery, established in 1851.

Whether you choose to indulge in local wine, explore Napier’s charming streets, or take in the sweeping vistas from Te Mata Peak, this day offers something for everyone.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Napier)

Day 16

Today we head south from Napier on a scenic road trip through the rural heart of the North Island, making our way toward the charming heritage town of Greytown.

Along the way, we take a memorable detour to visit one of New Zealand’s most quirky landmarks—the hill with the world’s longest place name: “Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.”

This tongue-twister of a name, steeped in Māori legend, makes for a great photo stop and a fun cultural moment.

Continuing south into the picturesque Wairarapa region, we arrive in Greytown, known for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, boutique shopping, and excellent cafes—a perfect spot to relax and soak in the small-town charm.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Greytown)

Day 17 | Free Day

(optional day trip to Castlepoint)

Today is a free day based in the charming town of Greytown. For wine lovers, the nearby village of Martinborough is just a short drive away and offers over 20 boutique wineries to explore. You can join a guided wine tour or opt for a self-guided cycle tour through the vineyards—yes, cycling and wine-tasting really do go hand-in-hand here!

If you're keen to explore the coastline, join us for an optional scenic road trip to Castlepoint, a remote picturesque beachside settlement on the Wairarapa coast. Castlepoint is famous for its striking lighthouse, rugged coastline, and Castle Rock, which rises 160 metres above sea level. With reef-fringed lagoons, sweeping sand dunes, and panoramic ocean views, it’s a spectacular spot for walking, photography, or simply enjoying the wild beauty of this coastal reserve.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Greytown)

Day 18

Remaining in the Wairarapa, we follow the rugged coastline south to the remote and windswept Cape Palliser—the southernmost point of the North Island. The journey takes us along a dramatic coastal road, with jagged mountains rising to our left and the wild, rolling sea to our right. Passing through a handful of small, isolated townships, we eventually reach the end of the road and the iconic 125-year-old Cape Palliser Lighthouse, perched high on a cliff. Climb the steps to the top for breathtaking views of the coastline and, on a clear day, even the South Island across Cook Strait.

From here, we loop back around the shores of Lake Wairarapa, pass through the historic town of Featherston, and make our way over the Remutaka Ranges. As we descend into Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city, we settle in at our centrally located hostel—perfectly positioned to explore everything the city has to offer.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hostel - shared dorm (Wellington)

Day 19

Depart hostel by 10am, Tour ends

Meals Included: None