North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South) | Annie Lowie

AirStream Project on the Central Plateau Loop | Rotorua Tourism

North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South) | Annie Lowie

Wander the grounds of the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies | Matt Crawford

North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South) | Annie Lowie

Exploring the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves | Shaun Jeffers

Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity | Miles Holden

North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South) | Annie Lowie

Rotorua is known for it's geothermal activity | Matt Crawford

Pohutu geyser erupts at Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley in Rotorua

Scenery riding along the Forgotten Highway | Adventure south NZ

North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South) | Annie Lowie

Taking part in a traditionally Maori welcome known as a hongi. | Fraser Clements

Enjoying the serenity riding through the Central North Island | Guide Anne Lowerson

North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop

Name: North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop
Brand: Adventure South
SKU: RTW
Rating: 4.90 (10 reviews)

Experience the wonders of the North Island - lakes, thermal phenomena, glowworm caves and Maori culture, all an integral part of life in Te Ika-a-Maui

New Zealand

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10 reviews

6 Days from

$2980 USD

Trip Code: RTW

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Bike Rental

$130 USD

Drop Bar Gravel Bike Rental

$210 USD

Ebike Rental

$420 USD

Single Supplement

$520 USD

Duration

6 Days

Activities

6 day road cycle

Accommodation

5 nights hotel/motel

Meals

4 Dinners
2 Lunches
5 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

3 / 5

Moderate

Carbon Footprint

22kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(110kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Enjoy the geothermal attractions of Rotorua and Taupo
Experience Maori culture with the locals
Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Ride through remote inland farming country hardly anyone gets to see
Explore Lake Rotoiti on the unique new boat 'The Airstream Project'
Options to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo's brightest Glowworm Cave
Enjoy great hospitality from the locals of back country NZ
Pedal through Hobbit country, a limestone landscape of remarkable, natural formations
Enjoy a well earned soak in the natural hotpools in the Wairakei geothermal valley.
Visit Huka Falls, the largest falls on the Waikato River.

Overview

On this trip around Central North Island, you will see geysers spray steam from the earth in Rotorua, witness mud pools bubbling away, soak in natural hot pools near Taupo, experience Maori Culture with the locals and enjoy a boat ride beneath a galaxy of glowworms in the Waitomo Caves. There will also be the option to visit Hobbiton Movie Set, a significant location used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies

Our first ride is through the rural heart of New Zealand's North Island, specifically the beautiful Waikite Valley, leading us to Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland where we'll enjoy a self guided walk around this bubbling, steaming, colourful landscape.

2 nights in Rotorua allows us time to experience rich Maori culture, otherworldly geothermal landscapes, a unique boat excursion on Lake Rotoiti and some great riding among lush forests and sparkling lakes.

From Rotorua we head West through the Waikato region's rich, rolling farmland first to the pretty rural town of Cambridge, and the following day to Waitomo, famous for its labyrinth of limestone caves, underground galleries and grottos. Some of these are illuminated by millions of tiny glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. For those keen to experience Waitomo's brightest Glowworm Cave, we'll head a little off the beaten track to explore the Cave by boat on a rugged and scenic limestone studded farm.

The backdrop for our next ride is the natural limestone landscape of this area, with gorges, valleys and rugged hills delivering a captivating natural environment. Our final night will be in the heart of the region, staying in a thriving rural community and hosted by locals.

We make our way back to Taupo via our final ride, continuing with the theme of quiet rural, back country roads finishing at the Wairakei Terraces, nestled in the Wairakei geothermal valley, for a well-earned soak in the thermal waters. A visit to the nearby Huka Falls is our final trip highlight, the largest falls on the Waikato River and the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand and your North Island Adventure! Hopefully you should all have arrived yesterday and be ready to ride this morning, with any personal bikes built up and gear prepared. Meeting at a central location in Taupo, we'll start with an introduction and short tour briefing before loading up and heading off to Ohakuri Dam on the banks of the Waikato River. After a bike fitting and safety briefing, it's time for our first ride heading through the Waikite Valley with panoramic views of rolling hills, farmland and forested areas. We'll pass the Waikite Valley Hot Pools and take a short stroll to the largest single source of naturally boiling water in New Zealand. From there we'll ride through to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a spectacular geothermal area known for its rich volcanic history and unique thermal terrain. After exploring this landscape of colorful terraces, hot springs, boiling mud pools and fumaroles it's just a short drive to our accommodation in Rotorua. Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, the city is known for this geothermal activity and stunning volcanic lakes as well as showcasing our fascinating Maori culture Cycle : 50km, 752m

Meals: D

Today’s ride takes in Rotorua’s unique thermal waterfront, offering snapshots of the history of Maori and tourism in the area. Leaving the city’s thermal attractions we climb around the back of Mount Ngongotaha, a volcanic dome overlooking the city of Rotorua. Following the well named Paradise Valley through farmland and native forests we head inland, climbing upto the Mamaku plateau. Here are natural 'statues' called Tors, unusual rock formations formed by volcanic eruptions, that are strikingly different and look like nature’s been busy carving and making an artistic statement across the Plateau! Loading up, we head around the back of Lake Rotorua and head over to its beautiful neighbour - Lake Rotoiti. Surrounded by lush native bush, it also features glow worm caves and natural thermal springs and is best explored by boat, our afternoon's excursion. But not on just any boat! The Airstream Project is a unique pontoon vessel with electric drive, built by locals - the shape, form and finish draws its inspiration from classic 1960’s Airstream trailers, second world war aircraft and Italian speed boats! Tonight, a Maori home hosted dinner is a special opportunity to really connect with the indigenous people of New Zealand. Cycle Options : Standard: Rotorua to Lake Rotoiti: 41km, +577m

Meals: B,L,D

Today starts with a 40 min drive to the start of our ride, immersed in the gently rolling hills of the Waikato region, chosen by Peter Jackson, film director of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as the home of Hobbiton! We'll finish the ride on the outskirts of Cambridge, known as "The Town of Trees & Champions", memorable for its leafy streets, heritage buildings, antique shops and thoroughbred horse studs. This afternoon is free to explore this delightful rural town or you could choose to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set. Here you'll be guided on 2.5hr journey through the unequivocal beauty of the Shire farmland, around the Movie Set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. (early bookings essential). Dinner at your leisure tonight with plenty of options to choose from. Cycle : Okoroire to Cambridge : 50km, +626m

Meals: B

Today's ride takes us through the bucolic landscape of South Waikato, a region known for its highly productive dairy farming. We ride through Otorohanga, once a traditional Maori village and today a service town for the surrounding dairy-farming district. From there the route unveils the raw beauty of the Waitomo Valley – gently rolling and bush clad hills, lush greenery, and the Waitomo Stream weaving through the terrain like a silver thread. The Valley emerges into the village of Waitomo, known for its extensive underground cave systems and thousands of glow-worms hanging from the cave walls. For those keen to experience Waitomo's brightest Glowworm Cave, a significant cave of New Zealand and a national treasure once used by Sir David Attenborough and the BBC, we'll head off the beaten track to visit the Cave on a limestone-studded farm owned by a local family. Another optional activity is the delightful Ruakuri bush walk, a 1km loop with a forested gorge, natural sculpted cliffs and low limestone arches. Dinner and our accommodation both in the small village of Waitomo tonight. Cycle Options : Standard : Rotoorangi to Otorohonga : 54km, +476m Avid : Rotororangi to Waitomo 68km, +604m

Meals: B,D

We start the day with one of the best short walks in New Zealand! Discover a forested gorge, natural sculpted cliffs and low limestone arches on this spectacular 1km loop walk before embarking on today's ride through equally spectacular geography. The ride offers an extraordinary blend of scenery alive with sounds and sights, cinematic wonders, and culinary delights. You’ll pedal through lush countryside surrounded by rolling hills, limestone features, native forests and serene farmlands, each turn revealing a new vista as equally stunning as the last. On a clear day you’ll see the Central North Island volcanoes including the North Island’s highest mountain, Mt Ruapehu and towards the West, the majestic Mt Taranaki standing alone. We finish at the charming Fat Pigeon Cafe in the quaint village of Piopio, where we'll also be staying and dining at another local gem, the Fat Owl! Cycle Options : Standard : Waitomo to Piopio : 41km, +811m Avid : Waitomo to Piopio : 68km, +1218m

Meals: B,L,D

Our final ride is a very fitting end to a tour of back country North Island New Zealand. After a 1.5hr van transfer, we start the ride from the Whakamaru Domain and travel on quiet secondary roads through typical rural North Island, New Zealand. Our destination is the Wairakei Terraces hot pools - a geothermal wonderland with healing and curing properties - perfect for tired legs! Significant natural thermal springs, mud and silica waters found in geothermal areas, have long been used by Maori for bathing, healing and wellness. Specific sites were often located in beautiful landscapes, at the junction of rivers and streams, on the shores of pristine lakes or, like this wonderland, below magnificent silica terraces. After a relaxing soak, our tour ends with a short walk to view the Huka Falls, where you can witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 litres of water per sec barreling over an 11meter high waterfall! This is New Zealand's most visited attraction for good reason. Returning to where it all began, we'll drop off late afternoon at a central location in Taupo. If you're flying to your next destination, please book flights departing no earlier than 6pm today. Cycle : Whakamaru to Wairakei : 50km, +874m

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

5 nights hotel/motel accommodation, based on twin share
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Entry to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Entry to Wairakei Thermal Hotpools
Boat excursion on Lake Rotoiti on the unique Airstream Project
Locally hosted traditional Maori dinner
Comfortable support vehicle throughout
Speciality bike trailer to carry bikes and luggage
Snacks, fruit and water while cycling
Department of Conservation and National Park Fees
Pick up and drop off from/to Taupo central location

Not included

Domestic airfares and taxes
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast and water while cycling
Road/Gravel bike - available to hire
Optional activities
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance

About your guide

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. You will have two experienced members of our guiding team. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

Reviews (10)

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Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Sinch eBikes - Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL

Designed right here in Aotearoa New Zealand, our fleet of Sinch eBikes is made to handle the country’s trails with ease. These pedal-assist bikes take the edge off hills and longer rides thanks to smooth, reliable Shimano motor systems and a comfortable, upright riding position.

They come with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung dropper seat posts to help fine-tune your comfort on the go. The smaller sizes (XS, S, M) feature step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture, while large and XL frames are also available in a step-through option on request.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth muster, or rolling past vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, the Sinch eBike is built to help you enjoy the ride.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes on offer for this tour.

Sinch eBike (Front suspension mountain bike style) - Sizes L & XL

They come with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung dropper seat posts to help fine-tune your comfort on the go. Large and XL frames are also available in a step-through option on request.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth muster, or rolling past vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, the Sinch eBike is built to help you enjoy the ride.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes on offer for this tour.

Avanti Discovery - Hard Tail Mountain Bike (Not an eBike)

Our custom Avanti Discovery bikes are built for real-world Aotearoa New Zealand trails — simple, solid, and comfortable. Fast-rolling tyres and upgraded suspension forks keep things smooth over mixed terrain, while the 1x10 drivetrain makes gear changes easy and intuitive.

Hydraulic disc brakes give you reliable stopping power, and the rear rack fitted with one of our rack bags (included in hire) is ideal for stashing your layers, lunch or camera. With a relaxed upright riding position, this is a great choice for those who want a traditional, pedal-powered ride without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you’re cruising through the Roxburgh Gorge, flying across the Shotover Bridge, or pedalling beside the wild surf of the Taranaki coast, the Avanti Discovery is a dependable trail mate.

This bike is also available in a low-step model on request!

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes available to rent for this tour.

Avanti Gran-Durance 3 - Drop Bar Bike

The Avanti Gran-Durance 3 is our go-to do it all drop bar bike — stable, responsive, and ready for the kind of North island riding we love to share. Built with a lightweight aluminium frame and fork, it’s designed for long days in the saddle, with relaxed geometry that takes the edge off the climbs and keeps you feeling confident on the descents.

It’s the perfect match for the kind of riding we love to share.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes available to rent for this tour.