Hikers doing Tongariro crossing on a nice sunny day in Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand

Taupo, Tongariro & Hawke's Bay Holidays

Taupo, Tongariro, and Hawke’s Bay holidays are among the country’s most popular itineraries.

Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, is a hub for outdoor adventure. Visitors can enjoy scenic cruises and lakeside walks, to admire the clear blue waters and picturesque landscape. Or those looking for more exhilarating activity can enjoy a jet boat ride to the base of the mighty Huka Falls

Nearby Tongariro National Park offers some of the country’s most spectacular volcanic scenery and hiking trails, including the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. In contrast, Hawke’s Bay is celebrated for its sunny climate, world-class wineries, and the Art Deco city of Napier, whose distinctive architecture and vibrant seafront add cultural flair to the region.

Trailfinders is the UK's No.1 for New Zealand holidays*

and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore New Zealand on a fly drive holiday, aboard the famous TranzAlpine railway, a sociable guided group tour, or are looking for advice on how to combine New Zealand with Australia or the Pacific– they are the perfect people to ask.

*by volume of clients to New Zealand as confirmed by the national tourist board, Tourism New Zealand, in September 2025.

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OUR HOLIDAYS TO TAUPO, TONGARIRO & HAWKE'S BAY

Here’s a snapshot of some of our most popular New Zealand holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.

New Zealand's Great Outdoors

Fly Drive Holiday
44 days / 43 nights

Spanning the length and breadth of New Zealand, this extended expedition ticks off all of the major national parks and natural wonders that this exceptionally scenic country is famed for.

Guide Price: €15,049 £12,629 pp

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New Zealand Getaway

Guided Group Journey
15 days / 14 nights

See all the highlights of the North and South islands.

Guide Price: €5,655 £4,695 pp

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North Island Less Travelled

Fly Drive Holiday
8 days / 7 nights

Ideal for second time visitors and intrepid road-trippers, the scenic north west coast is a haven for nature lovers and rewards those who travel here with stunning rural scenery.

Guide Price: €1,879 £1,599 pp

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Great Walks of New Zealand

Multi Centre Holiday
21 days / 20 nights

Encompassing four of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, explore the country’s magical outdoors and sublime beauty on these scenic walking trails.

Guide Price: €7,399 £6,259 pp

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New Zealand's Food and Wine Trail

Fly Drive Holiday
17 days / 16 nights

Couple outstanding gourmet delicacies with world-class wineries on this foodie journey of the senses.

Guide Price: €4,545 £3,775 pp

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New Zealand - North Island Multisport

Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
8 days / 7 nights

The North Island of New Zealand is blessed with spectacular scenery, ranging from bubbling thermal pools to fast flowing rivers.

Guide Price: €1844 £1574 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN TAUPO, TONGARIRO & HAWKE'S BAY

Each area of the fantastic region boasts its own attractions and each merits a visit in its own right.

Take a look at the tiles below the region map for more details on each destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants to start planning your New Zealand holiday.

Taupo

Explore the vast and beautiful Lake Taupo and the town formally known as Taupo-nui-a-Tia, one of New Zealand’s most popular active adventure hubs. Home to the thundering Huka Falls and a wealth of waterside activities including thrilling jetboat journeys, spectacular hiking, thermal hot pools, fishing & rafting. Steeped in Maori legend. Enjoy the back drop of fertile fields and distant volcanoes on a pleasant cruise of the lake.

Tongariro National Park

With three spectacular volcanoes within its perimeter, Tongariro National Park is one of the most famous hiking destinations in New Zealand if not the world. With countless walking trails to discover including the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, take in truly epic panoramic scenery featuring emerald-hued lakes, rugged peaks and a real sense of adventure with every step you take.

Hawke’s Bay & Napier

This region is blessed with a temperate climate ensuring optimum conditions for wine production. As New Zealand’s oldest wine producing region, discover cellar doors bursting with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and rich Merlot. Enjoy gourmet food and tastings in the picturesque vineyards and explore the pretty town of Napier, with its charming Art Deco architecture.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN TAUPO, TONGARIRO & HAWKE'S BAY

We feature a great range of accommodation in Taupo, Tongariro & Hawke's Bay, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a large hotel with a lake view or an intimate boutique hotel in the vineyards.

What you won’t find here are thousands of Taupo, Tongariro & Hawke's Bay hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay in Taupo, Tongariro & Hawke's Bay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.