Visit the epic Tongariro National Park during the tour and perhaps attempt the crossing
Begin your journey in the thermal hotspot of Rotorua
Visit the spectacular glow worm caves today
Enjoy a diversity of scenery on this delightful tour
Ride along the lake and get some breathtaking views throughout the tour
Finish the tour in the buzzing city of Auckland

Volcanoes Cycle Tour

Duration
8 days
Site savings
$31
From
$3,014 USD
1 Review

The Volcanoes cycle tour covers a great diversity of scenery from farmland to lakes, forests and, of course, magnificent volcanoes. From Rotorua, you will head south on minor roads to spectacular Huka Falls on the Waikato River. You will overnight on the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and then climb to Tongariro National Park where you will have a rest day with the option of walks, short or long. Stay on a sheep farm, (meet some of New Zealand's 45 million sheep) and visit the world-famous Waitomo Caves for a magical glow-worm display before finishing in Auckland CBD by the Waitemata Harbour.

  • Category
    Road Cycling
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    8 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    2 - Novice
  • Activity Level
    3 - Active
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Mixed
  • Distance
    146.6 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    29.3 miles
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    8 days
  • Main Destination
    North Island
  • Distance
    146.6 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    29.3 miles
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Mixed

Route Map (click to view larger image)

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Arrival

    You will meet at 5.00 pm at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel, Lake end, Tutanekai St, Rotorua (www.novotelrotorua.co.nz). There will be an introductory meeting, rental bikes fitted and tried, or your own unpacked. You will then have dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in town.

    • Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel
    • Dinner
  2. Day 2Rotorua to Taupo

    Today's cycling options are:

    Rotorua to Taupo: adv. 105 km / 66 mi

    Rotorua to Waiotapu: cas. 39 km / 24 mi

    Rotorua to Reporoa: int. 50 km / 31 mi

    You will take a quiet back road through Waikite Valley and Waiotapu thermal areas on your way to Taupo. The thundering Huka Falls provide a noisy and spectacular entrance to the town of Taupo. Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake at 606 sq km. On a good day there will be superb views across the lake to Tongariro National Park and its three distinctive mountains. The area is famous for trout fishing in the many streams that flow into the lake.

    • 24.2 miles
    • Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels, Taupo
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  3. Day 3Taupo to Tongariro National Park

    Today's cycling options are:

    Taupo to Tongariro National Park: adv. 98 km / 61 mi

    Taupo to Turangi: cas. 51 km / 32 mi

    Turangi to Tongariro National Park: int. 47 km / 29 mi

    A varied, spectacular ride along Lake Taupo leads to the still-active volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, the night being spent at the side of Mt Ruapehu. The mountain is permanently snow-capped and the North Island's highest at 2,797 m (9,176ft). On leaving the lakeside there is a substantial climb up to the plateau with a view of the entire lake. As you gain altitude, there will be a distinct change in the vegetation, pine forests giving way to tussock grasslands.

    • 29.2 miles
    • Chateau Tongariro Hotel, Whakapapa village, Mt Ruapehu
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  4. Day 4Tongariro National Park: Rest Day

    Tongariro National Park has World Heritage Site status. There are many excellent walks in the park, short and long, including the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing –an 18.5 kilometre (11.5 mi) traverse of Mt Tongariro which takes 6-9 hours. Your guide can advise you about the hike. See also: www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz . The Visitors Centre is well worth a visit. Alternatively, The Grand Chateau is an excellent venue for a relaxing day.

    • Chateau Tongariro Hotel, Whakapapa village, Mt Ruapehu
    • Breakfast
  5. Day 5Tongariro to Piopio

    Today's riding options are:

    Tongariro to Piopio: adv.142 km / 89 mi

    Tongariro to Taumaranui: cas. 58 km / 36 mi (all down hill)

    Tongariro to café: int. 100 km / 62 mi

    After an exhilarating downhill ride, you will travel through ever-changing scenery to King Country, a sparsely populated district known for sheep farms and limestone formations. You will be the guests tonight of a local farming family for a truly unique experience.

    • 36 miles
    • King Country Farm Stay, King Country
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  6. Day 6Piopio to Waitomo

    Today you will be cycling from Piopio to Waitomo: cas./int./adv. 50 km / 31 mi. In the morning your hosts will show you the workings of a typical New Zealand sheep farm. After the day's ride, relax in the comfortable surroundings of a family-run B&B. A visit to the world-famous glow-worm caves (included) and award-winning Visitor Centre is a must, with the option of black water (cave) rafting for the more daring.

    • 31.1 miles
    • Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  7. Day 7Waitomo to Auckland

    Today's cycling options are:

    Waitomo to Te Awamutu: cas./int. 42 km / 26 mi

    Waitomo to Pirongia: adv. 54 km / 34 mi

    Today you will follow delightful quiet back roads around Mt Pirongia to Te Awamutu and Pirongia where we take the minibus back to Auckland.

    • 26.1 miles
    • The Sebel, Auckland
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  8. Day 8Departure

    After breakfast, you must say farewell, a safe journey home and hope to see you again.

    • Breakfast