Isola del Nord 5: da Auckland a Wellington in 6 giorni

Golden beaches, rainforests and hidden bays shape the Coromandel Peninsula, one of the North Island's best-loved natural destinations, just a few hours' drive from Auckland. This finger of land reaching into the Pacific alternates rugged coastlines, turquoise waters and a mountainous interior cloaked in lush vegetation. Its most famous landmark is Cathedral Cove, a spectacular rock arch reached on foot, while at Hot Water Beach visitors dig their own natural pool in the sand, fed by thermal springs. Heritage towns such as Coromandel Town and Thames preserve the atmosphere of the gold-mining era, with art galleries, cafés and craft workshops. Trails through kauri forests and the scenic Driving Creek invite slow exploration. Among unspoilt nature, secret beaches and a relaxed pace, the Coromandel Peninsula is the ideal retreat for those seeking sea and tranquillity.

Begin a magical journey into the fantasy universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, created by Tolkien and made even more famous by the New Zealand director Peter Jackson. Traveling south, you pass through the Bombay Hills, the agricultural region of Waikato, and the historic town of Cambridge. Stop at the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the green countryside where the Hobbit trilogy was set. You will see the 37 hobbit holes, the double-arched bridge, the party tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and the door of Bilbo's house; a splendid view as far as the eye can see over the hills. The presence of a rich volcanic substrate, due to the presence of a chain of now extinct volcanoes, and abundant rainfall make this region one of the greenest and most fertile in the world. The most famous tourist destination on the North Island, and perhaps in all of New Zealand, stands out first and foremost for the strong smell of rotten eggs due to the abundant presence of sulfur. A lively geothermal activity with geysers, lakes and hot water streams, bubbling mud pools, and multicolored silica terraces are the main characteristics of this region, which also stands out for its large Maori population with interesting cultural activities. It is also a paradise for fishermen, with the best trout fishing in the world.

A UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural value and Māori cultural significance, Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's oldest national park and guards three active volcanoes in the heart of the North Island: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro itself. Its lunar landscapes of steaming craters, emerald lakes and lava fields have provided the backdrop for famous film settings. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered among the most spectacular day hikes in the world, crosses volcanic saddles and thermal springs amid breathtaking scenery. In winter the slopes of Ruapehu become ski fields. Tongariro is the sacred land where fire and myth meet.

Palmerston North spreads across the Manawatu plain, a lively university city energised by the presence of Massey University. Its focal point is The Square, a broad green plaza around which city life revolves, while the New Zealand Rugby Museum recounts the nation’s passion for the sport. Crossed by the Manawatu River, the city makes an ideal base for exploring the nearby Manawatu Gorge, carved between the hills. An authentic portrait of rural New Zealand.