New Zealand's North Island Adventure (Northbound)

New Zealand's North Island Adventure (Northbound)

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8 Days From

$1555

$1481

New Zealand's North Island Adventure (Northbound)

8 Days Starting in Wellington, New Zealand and ending in Auckland, New Zealand

Visiting: Wellington, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Murupara, Rotorua, Matamata, Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-99

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Hiking, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1555 $1481 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$74

NB: Prices correct on 10-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with New Zealand's North Island Adventure (Northbound), starting in the vibrant capital of Wellington. Explore the creative cityscape before heading to the serene Lake Taupo, where adventure awaits with options like bungy-jumping and kayaking. Immerse yourself in Maori culture at Murupara, learning traditional crafts and enjoying a hangi dinner. Discover Rotorua's geothermal wonders and visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set. Experience the natural beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, dig your own hot tub at Hot Water Beach, and marvel at Cathedral Cove. Conclude your adventure in Auckland, enjoying its lively dining and nightlife. Travel comfortably in a private vehicle and stay in multi-share hostels, with the option for private rooms. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and stunning landscapes, ensuring a memorable New Zealand experience.

Highlights

  • Kick off your adventure in Wellington, exploring its creative endeavours and local hangouts.

  • Chill out next to New Zealand’s largest lake in Taupo, with options for bungy-jumping, sky diving, kayaking, or relaxing.

  • Visit a Maori village in Murupara, learn the haka and Maori weaving, and enjoy a traditional hangi dinner.

  • Experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, including New Zealand’s largest geyser and a kiwi conservation centre.

  • Discover the Coromandel Peninsula, dig your own natural hot tub on Hot Water Beach, and visit the iconic Cathedral Cove.

  • Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set, seeing Hobbit Holes and enjoying a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

  • End your journey in Auckland, known for its vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Wellington / Taupo

Wellington, New Zealand

Location: Wellington, Taupo

Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast

Welcome to the North Island! Your adventure begins in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, where you’ll meet up with your local leader and new travel buddies for an 8am welcome meeting. Wellington is as cool and creative as it is windy (and it’s thought to be the windiest city in the world!). After your meeting, your leader will show you around the capital. Depending on the interests of the group, this may include the parliament buildings, cable car and Mt Victoria. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and drive on to Taupo, nestled into the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country.Included Activities:-Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout-Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive

Day 2: Taupo

Location: Taupo, Tongariro National Park

Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast

The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views, or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best one-day walks in the world (but it’s not for the faint hearted!). Carved into the cliff faces surrounding Lake Taupo you’ll find 14-metre-tall Maori artwork that can only be accessed by boat. Want to relax and unwind? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it’s sure to be one to remember.

Optional Activities:
-Taupo - Skydive - from
-Taupo - Water Touch Bungy
-Taupo - Tongariro Crossing Return Shuttle to/from Trail Head (Nov-Apr only)
-Taupō - Lake Taupō Sailing Adventure

Day 3: Taupo / Murupara

Location: Murupara

Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel today to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – the majority of proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a Maori elder who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Meet with other members of the village and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight’s dinner out of flax plants. Dinner tonight is one for the books – tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a delicious, earthy flavour.

Included Activities:
-Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax
-Murupara - Hangi Dinner
-Murupara - Village Tour with Maori Elder
-Murupara - Learn the Haka

Day 4: Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey continues as you drive north towards Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and the pervasive sulphur smell it lends the town. Fluorescent lakes, bubbling mud pools, active volcanoes and dramatic geysers punctuate the landscape here, making it feel like you’re on another planet. Stop off at a thermal park to get your first look at Rotorua’s otherworldly landscapes, then continue into the town where your leader will show you around the Government Gardens and pleasant lakefront. End the day with a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll get firsthand insight into Maori culture. You’ll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand’s largest geyser, in action – this is a sight that will blow you away! A visit to the kiwi conservation centre will allow you to observe this endearing nocturnal bird as it behaves at night.

Included Activities:
-Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village
-Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser

Day 5: Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast

There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take an unforgettable stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If you feel like getting your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world’s top white water rafting destinations. Choose to head deep into one of New Zealand’s most ancient forests for an exhilarating eco canopy adventure, learning about the native wildlife and ecology as you zipline from tree to tree. Or take a guided kayak trip where you’ll enjoy a fun-filled evening of hot pools (which are only accessible by boat), BBQ dinner and paddling through magical glow worm caves.

Optional Activities:
-Rotorua - River Sledging
-Rotorua - Guided Glowworm Kayak, Hot Pools & Dinner
-Rotorua - Forest Ziplining Canopy Tour - from - (3.5hrs)
-Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting
-Rotorua - ZORB - from

Day 6: Coromandel Peninsula

Location: Matamata, Coromandel Peninsula

Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start today with a visit to Hobbiton, an absolute must-do on the way through Matamata. On a fully guided tour of the set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This afternoon we head to the Coromandel Peninsula, a land of beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. Take a walk along the clifftops and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the region’s most beautiful and photogenic spots – the rock arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly impressive sight. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat!

Included Activities:
-Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
-Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Optional Activities:
-Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking

Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

Location: Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland

Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast

Of all the Coromandel Peninsula’s marvellous beaches, one stands out above the rest. Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. Visit at low tide and get digging – unwinding in a natural hot tub on the beach is an experience second to none. Complete the final stretch of your journey as you travel to Auckland, hugging the glittering on your way there. New Zealand’s biggest city has a privileged location where you’re never far from the water, and the dining and nightlife scene is up there with the best of them. As it’s your last night together, you may like to head out for a final dinner with the group before saying your goodbyes.

Included Activities:
-Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach

Day 8: Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

Location: Auckland

Your North Island adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange extra accommodation (subject to availability).

What's Included

  • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout

    Visit the Mount Victoria Lookout in Wellington.

  • Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive

    Enjoy a scenic drive through Tongariro National Park.

  • Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax

    Participate in a flax weaving activity in Murupara.

  • Murupara - Hangi Dinner

    Experience a traditional hangi dinner in Murupara.

  • Murupara - Village Tour with Maori Elder

    Take a village tour with a Maori elder in Murupara.

  • Murupara - Learn the Haka

    Learn the haka in Murupara.

  • Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village

    Visit the Te Puia Maori Village in Rotorua.

  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser

    See the Pohutu Geyser in Rotorua.

  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove

    Visit Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula.

  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

    Tour the Hobbiton Movie Set in Rotorua.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the Weta Workshop Cave Tour, Taupo Skydive, and Rotorua Whitewater Rafting are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

Mode of Transport

Transportation for this tour is provided by a private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey between destinations.

Accommodation

Accommodation on this tour is in multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared bathrooms, on a mixed-gender basis. A private room supplement is available, subject to availability, offering single or double rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Important Information

  • 1. Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share hostels. Multishare typically includes 4-8 beds. You may be required to share with group members of a different gender, couples and non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.
  • 2. A single supplement (with shared bathroom facilities) is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double room will be allocated to you. The single supplement excludes Day 6 (Murupara) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 3. This trip is run by Haka Tours, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation on this tour is in multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared bathrooms, on a mixed-gender basis. A private room supplement is available, subject to availability, offering single or double rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation for this tour is provided by a private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey between destinations.

  • Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as visiting a Maori village in Murupara, learning the haka and Maori weaving, and enjoying a traditional hangi dinner.

  • What activities are included in Rotorua?

    In Rotorua, the tour includes a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village and the opportunity to see the Pohutu Geyser.

  • Is there an opportunity to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set where you can see Hobbit Holes and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

  • What is special about Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula?

    Hot Water Beach is famous for the warm waters that run beneath its sand, allowing visitors to dig their own natural hot tub on the beach.

  • What is the starting and ending point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Wellington, New Zealand, and ends in Auckland, New Zealand.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

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24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

john whelan (Google Reviewer)  

We booked the 10 day...

28-Feb-2025

We booked the 10 day Group Explorer package with them for Vietnam and Wow !!! . It was fantastic. We were initially a bit anxious, but that all settled after day one. There is a fair bit of travelling and moving involved, but we'll woth it as you get to see and experience loads .Our Guide Huy was brilliant and looked after us really well from local knowledge to restaurants and tour information and activities . It's worth doing folks with intrepid . Well done, keep up that standard of service.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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Declan Curry (Google Reviewer)  

I have recently completed the...

07-Feb-2025

I have recently completed the Premium India In Depth tour. A most wonderful introduction to this amazing continent. From the Taj Mahal to Tigers 🐅 in the wild , dining whe the locals eat and a couple of meals with families was a great way to embrace the people and their culture. Magnificent architecture,be it Forts or Shrines. The most informative and inspiring of guides was great to have with us. Mumbai to Delhi and 6 more cities plus A Safari included. Best trip to experience India 🇮🇳. Prepare to have all your senses assaulted . Go for it.

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$1555 $1481 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$74 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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