Skip to main content
North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South) - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South)  | Annie Lowie
AirStream Project on the Central Plateau Loop - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
AirStream Project on the Central Plateau Loop  | Rotorua Tourism
North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South) - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
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 - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
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) - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South)  | Annie Lowie
Exploring the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
Exploring the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves  | Shaun Jeffers
Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity  | Miles Holden
North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South) - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South)  | Annie Lowie
Rotorua is known for it's geothermal activity - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
Rotorua is known for it's geothermal activity  | Matt Crawford
Pohutu geyser erupts at Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley in Rotorua - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
Pohutu geyser erupts at Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley in Rotorua
Scenery riding along the Forgotten Highway - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
Scenery riding along the Forgotten Highway  | Adventure south NZ
North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South) - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South)  | Annie Lowie
Taking part in a traditionally Maori welcome known as a hongi. - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
Taking part in a traditionally Maori welcome known as a hongi.  | Fraser Clements
Enjoying the serenity riding through the Central North Island - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
Enjoying the serenity riding through the Central North Island  | Guide Anne Lowerson
Enjoying the serenity riding through the Central North Island - North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop, New Zealand
Enjoying the serenity riding through the Central North Island  | Guide Anne Lowerson

North Island Volcanic Plateau Loop

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

 10 reviews

6 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: RTW
View dates to Book
Essential Information
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

Expand all | Collapse all

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

Ready to start your adventure?

6 scheduled departures between 24 Jan 2027 and 3 Apr 2028.

  • Departs 24 Jan 2027 – ends 29 Jan 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 26 Feb 2027 – ends 3 Mar 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 3 Apr 2027 – ends 8 Apr 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 4 Oct 2027 – ends 9 Oct 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 19 Jan 2028 – ends 24 Jan 2028 (6 days)
  • Departs 3 Apr 2028 – ends 8 Apr 2028 (6 days)
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.

Video

North Island Cycling Adventures | Adventure South NZ

Reviews (10)




First off, Robbie and Fi are stellar, so wonderfully kind and pure professional. Had a blast!

Alan S|United States
15 Feb 2026


Having bicycle toured in 9 other countries, the chosen routes are beautiful. The Maori dinner and the extra glow worm cave are an absolute must! The added 1km walks and brief stops all well worth the time. Our guides, Robbie & Fiona were delightful and capable. I highly recommend this tour.

David S|South Carolina, United States
15 Feb 2026


Excellent guides Spectacular scenery.

Out standing guides.

Jenny B|Sydney, Australia
7 Dec 2025


Adventure South Exceeded our expectations. My husband and I plan group trips and we always work with a local company to help us bring all the logistics together and have local guides with us. Chris and Emma were our guides and they were amazing. So knowledgeable and fun and they took the BEST care of us and our group. Everything was organized and every detail was taken care of. Can’t reccommend them enough and we will definitely be using Adventure south with our next group trip.

Kim G|United States
20 Apr 2025


Loved the experience of cycling through the vast hill country of South Island stations. Guides were amazing.

Donna D|Te Awamutu, New Zealand
13 Apr 2025


Adventure South was amazing - Delicious food in local cafes, beautiful scenery, outstanding guides - Richard and Heather - who made us feel encouraged and supported and provided fruits and snacks daily, well organized, so many interesting places.

Fran D|United States
7 Apr 2025


A great holiday. Memorable scenery, and the guides were excellent.

John A|Australia
2 Apr 2025

Jeffrey T|Colorado, United States
18 Apr 2026

Jonathan P|United Kingdom
17 Feb 2026

Extra trip info

AccommodationBikesTrail surfacesWill My Trip Run?
Studio Room at Carrick Lodge | Carrick Lodge

Motels

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

One of Adventure South's Fleet Low Step eBikes | Izzi Barton

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.

One of Adventure South's Fleet Size Large/XL High Step Bikes | Izzi Barton

Sinch eBike (Front suspension mountain bike style) - Sizes 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. 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.

One of Adventure South's Fleet Hard Tail Mountain Bikes (not electric) | Izzi Barton

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.

One of Adventure South's Fleet Road Bikes | Izzi Barton

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.

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

Sealed Road

Most of these roads are quiet back-roads with no shoulder. Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Guaranteeing A Great New Zealand Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
Quality equipment
Quality accommodations
Innovative itineraries
Custom built, reliable transport
Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975

Search Filters