Adventures in New Zealand: Northland, Ruapehu & Taupō
Traveling with your adult children is an experience like no other, and my recent journey through New Zealand’s North Island with my youngest daughter proved just that. Every day, from coastal wonders to volcanic landscapes, brought a new adventure—along with a few unexpected twists that made the trip even more memorable!
Despite a few hiccups—like weather canceling our snorkeling cruise (which we swapped for exploring stunning waterfalls and beaches), high winds preventing our sea kayak excursion (so we opted for breathtaking views from the Auckland Sky Tower instead), and a canceled flight that had us scrambling for an airport shuttle to make it to our hike—each change led to new and incredible experiences. Even a boat malfunction didn’t stop us from witnessing the most spectacular sunset over Lake Taupō!
One of my most memorable moments was fly fishing on the Whanganui River. It brought back childhood memories of fishing with my dad and the time I spent tying flies—a nostalgic and heartwarming experience in a beautiful place.
New Zealand is a destination that deserves a long, immersive exploration.
There’s so much to do, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, and the natural beauty is simply unmatched. If you’re considering a trip, here’s a brief day-by-day breakdown of our itinerary to inspire your own North Island adventure:
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Auckland—Arrival and shopping. The evening was a visit to the Sky Tower after sea kayaking was canceled due to high winds.
Day 2-5: Northland (Tutukaka & Bay of Islands)
- Kauri Museum for a glimpse into the region’s history.
- Beach & waterfall explorations in place of our canceled snorkeling cruise.
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds – A deep dive into New Zealand’s cultural roots.
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise – Stunning scenery & wildlife spotting.
- The Landing Cellar Door-Wine tasting lunch filled with rich history.
Day 6-8: Ruapehu
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing – A spectacular full-day hike over an active volcano, which we nearly missed due to flight cancellation, but an airport shuttle saved the day!
- Forgotten World Adventures Rail Cart Tour – Unique rail journey through tunnels and remote countryside.
Day 9: Taupō
- Fly Fishing on the Whanganui River – A nostalgic and unforgettable experience.
- A Visit to Huka Falls — A spin around town for some scenic captures
- Sunset Sailing on Lake Taupō – Despite a boat malfunction, the evening turned magical.
Day 10: Return to Auckland
Suppose you’re considering exploring this incredible region. In that case, I’d love to help craft an itinerary that fits your travel style—whether packed with adventure or designed for a slower, immersive journey. Ideally, you will want a more extended trip than ours, but this does show you what you can do when you are short on time.
Have you traveled with your adult children? Where did you go, and what was your most memorable moment?
Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.
She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds. Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind. She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember. With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.
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