DAY 1 - Welcome to our mid-winter getaway. After our customary pick up at your door, we head south towards one of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations – Lake Taupo. This will be our location for the next 2 nights as we celebrate the winter season in style.

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After a stop for morning tea - chance for us to get to know each other - we continue south to Taupo to visit Lava Glass – where stunning glass creations are made. We visit the glass blowing studio to learn how the glass items are made as well as exploring the  glass sculpture garden. We have time here for lunch (your cost) before we continue.

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We time our trip to see the powerful Aratiatia Rapids - where every day the control gates are opened allowing man-made Lake Aratiatia on the Waikato River to cascade down a rocky gorge – quite a sight!  Then it's time to board the specially designed boat for a cruise up the river to get a close up view of the Huka Falls, one of NZ's iconic sights.

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On arrival in Taupo we check in at our lakefront hotel. Time perhaps to enjoy a lakeside stroll, or a soak in the spa pool, before enjoying a wonderful dinner in the elegant Edgewater Restaurant, where the food is as fabulous as the views.

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DAY 2 - After a lovely breakfast, we begin the day with a leisurely cruise aboard the  historic Ernest Kemp - to great way to see the lake and view the famous rock carvings.  Then we visit two of Taupo's most iconic destinations, first - the world-famous Huka Falls, where you will see and feel force of water as the Waikato River cascades through a narrow natural canyon. A short riverside walks offers us a great view of this natural wonder, so have your camera ready.

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Next to another local institution – the Huka Honey Hive where our host will provide an insight into the work the bees do for us. You can see bees at work, taste some delicious honey, and sample many other honey related products in the shop.

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Returning to our hotel, its time for a sumptuous mid-winter Christmas lunch. This will be a chance to experience the festive season at a much colder time of year as we enjoy a 3 course meal together. Bring your Christmas spirit, and who knows, it may even be snowing outside! The afternoon will be ours to celebrate and relax with new friends.

 

Day 3 - After a leisurely cooked breakfast, its time to check out from the hotel and head to the Taupo Sunday Market, time here for some retail therapy with a great selection of art and craft stalls as well as many local food producers.

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We then head out of town to an award winning cafe featuring an art studio with interesting garden art on display and also for sale.  We have lunch here (your cost) before our final destination to see the Timberline Racing Huskys, chance to learn how these amazing animals are trained - maybe even see some young pups - aw cute!. 

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We then head back to Tauranga - where the Hinterland team will have you dropped off at home, having enjoyed a short but enjoyable break.

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All Hinterland multi-day tours can be taken by clients from any region of New Zealand or Australia. Please contact us for details. Additional charges may apply.

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