New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

252 Views
10 Days From

$3430

$3087

New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

10 Days Starting in Wellington and ending in Auckland

Visiting: Wellington, Taupo, Rotorua/ Hobbiton set, Rotorua, Waitomo / Raglan, Raglan / Coromandel Peninsula, Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland, Auckland

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PHKO

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-99 years

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3430 $3087 Operator discount: -$343

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

As far as road trips go, it doesn’t get much better than this. Beginning in New Zealand’s creative capital city Wellington, spend 10-days discovering the best of the North Island with a local leader at the wheel. Explore the ethereal landscapes of Tongariro National Park, tuck into a hangi dinner with a Maori community in Rotorua, hang out or hang ten in relaxed Raglan, stretch out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and wrap things up in Auckland City. From stunning sights that stop you in your tracks to celebrations of the island’s Maori culture, this North Island adventure is sure to excite, educate and inspire.

Highlights

  • Begin your journey in New Zealand’s creative and cosmopolitan capital, Wellington. Your local leader will show you the best of the city, including Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame.

  • Admire the out of this world landscapes of Tongariro National Park, from emerald green lakes to soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.

  • Discover the diversity of Rotorua, from unbelievable geothermal activity to rich Maori culture. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and traditional haka performance.

  • Hang out or hang ten in Raglan, a laidback town and surfing hotspot. Hop aboard a boat cruise around Raglan to watch the sunset and tuck into a classic Kiwi fish and chips dinner.

  • Soak up the natural beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, including a visit to Hot Water Beach, where all you need is a spade to create your own natural hot tub.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud, Aotearoa (New Zealand). Your North Island adventure begins in Wellington, New Zealand’s trendy and attractive capital city. Strung between staggering green hills and a delightful harbour, Wellington holds onto a small-town charm despite its capital status. The city is known for its creative and artistic endeavours, making it a real joy to explore. Meet your local leader and new travel buddies at your accommodation at 7:30pm for a welcome meeting, then the rest of the evening is yours. If you’d like to experience Wellington’s world-renowned food and craft beer scene, your leader will have tips on the best places to grab a bevvy or a bite to eat.

Day 2: Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today is all about getting to know windy Wellington, a charming place even on its most blustery days! Kick the day off with an orientation tour with your leader, checking out the bays, central Wellington, the Botanic Gardens and the Parliament Buildings. Next up it's a visit to Zealandia, a groundbreaking conservation project that has successfully reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife into this area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Pay a visit to Weta Workshop, the special effects studio used by Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. While here you’ll have the chance to take an optional tour around the studio to find out how the team here create film magic. This afternoon, you may like to check out Wellington’s most famous cultural attraction, Te Papa Museum. Displaying an intriguing combination of New Zealand’s history and cultural heritage woven with cutting edge technology and interactive displays, there’s something here to entertain everyone. If you’d rather spend the afternoon outdoors, a tour of Kapiti Island offers the chance to spot an abundance of rare and beautiful birds.

Included Activities:
-Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

Optional Activities:
-Wellington - Te Papa Museum Tour
-Wellington - Weta Workshop Cave Tour

Day 3: Taupo

Location: Taupo

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Make the most of your final morning in Wellington – perhaps check out the always-buzzing Cuba street for breakfast or have a wander around the City Gallery. Then it’s time to swap the city for the natural wonders of Lake Taupo as you hit the road and head north. This drive is one worth looking out the window for, as the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro draw closer. Arrive in Taupo, a bustling town on the shores of a stunning crater lake, and your home for the next two nights.

Day 4: Taupo

Location: Taupo

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast

A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from around New Zealand and the world, keen to both relax and get their blood pumping with the adventure sports and hikes on offer. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty to choose from. If you’re a keen hiker, you may like to complete the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most famous day hike. At 19.4km long, the path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and bush. A variety of guided or unguided options are available, but a good level of fitness and appropriate gear for all types of weather are a must for anyone considering tackling the crossing today. There are shorter hikes in the park available or, for the thrill seekers, you might like to go skydiving or bungy jumping.

Optional Activities:
-Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing (Unguided, Transport to/from Trail Head only) - from

Day 5: Rotorua/ Hobbiton Set

Location: Rotorua/ Hobbiton set

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Leave Lake Taupo behind and get back on the road. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls – this forceful, icy blue torrent of water is a must-see! Continue your journey towards Rotorua, known for its Maori heritage, hotbed of geothermal activity and distinctive sulphur smell (you’ll get used to it!). To get your first look at Rotorua’s impressive scenery, take a treetop walk through an ancient redwood forest over a network of suspension bridges, reaching 12 metres at the highest point. Yet, your highlight of today could be visiting one of NZ’s most iconic places - the Hobbiton Movie Set. where part of the Lord of the Rings films were shot. On a fully guided tour of the 12- acre Middle-earth set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
The evening is yours to relax and reflect on the day.

Included Activities:
-Taupo - Huka Falls
-Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
-Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Day 6: Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – this unique destination is really like nowhere else in the world. The geothermal activity in the area is second to none – simmering mud pools, dramatic geysers and fluorescent lakes must be seen to be believed. If you’ve got a head for heights, ziplining through Rotorua’s ancient forests is an unbeatable way to take it all in. This evening you’ll get a true taste of Māori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here you’ll enjoy a hangi dinner, a traditional meal cooked underground, giving it a delicious earthy flavour. You’ll also experience a soul-stirring haka performance.

Included Activities:
-Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
-Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance

Optional Activities:
-Rotorua - Skyline Gondola Rotorua
-Rotorua - Mount Tarawera Crater Hike
-Rotorua - Forest Ziplining - from
-Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting
-Rotorua - ZORB - from

Day 7: Waitomo / Raglan

Location: Waitomo / Raglan

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning’s adventure takes you underground during an optional visit to the Waitomo Caves, a subterranean system of caverns and passageways illuminated by thousands of ethereal glow worms. You may like to join a walking tour to hear the story of the caves’ history, geology and connection to Maori mythology. If you’d rather stay on the surface, the Ruakuri Forest walk is a must, cutting through dense rainforest and taking in views of verdant gorges and limestone arches. From here, it’s on to Raglan, a chilled-out town with a reputation as New Zealand’s top surf spot. Tonight is set to be one to remember – get on the water for a sunset boat cruise around Raglan Harbour, and tuck into a tasty fish and chips feast while you’re at it – a true Kiwi experience!

Included Activities:
-Raglan - Fish & Chips Dinner
-Raglan - Sunset Boat Cruise
-Waitomo - Ruakuri Bush Walk

Optional Activities:
-Waitomo - Glowworm Cave Tour

Day 8: Raglan / Coromandel Peninsula

Location: Raglan / Coromandel Peninsula

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Raglan is the ideal place to catch some morning waves, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. If surfing isn’t your thing, the area offers a wealth of awesome activities. Check out creative local cafes, shops and galleries, stretch out on the beach and enjoy the view or head out on a hiking trail to get a better look at the landscape. Continue north in the afternoon towards the Coromandel Peninsula, passing tree-clad hills and dramatic valleys. The journey will be broken up with photo-worthy stops, including a visit to the magical 55-metre cascade of the Bridal Veil Falls.

Optional Activities:
-Raglan - Kayaking Tour

Day 9: Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland

Location: Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your leader will spend some time showing you around The Coromandel this morning. A land of white sand beaches and lush rainforests, the Coromandel Peninsula feels a world away from where your journey began. Make a stop at Hot Water Beach, named after the famous warm waters found beneath its golden sand. If the tide allows, dig a hole on the beach and enjoy your own natural hot tub – absolute bliss! Later in the day, hit the road for a final time as you travel towards Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest, busiest and buzziest city. The journey is a highlight in itself, following the extraordinary coastline and watching clear blue water stream past the window. As always, your leader will have tips on some excellent places to grab a meal in this lively city.

Included Activities:
-Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
-Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach

Optional Activities:
-Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking

Day 10: Auckland

Location: Auckland

Meals Included: breaksfast

Say your goodbyes this morning as your North Island adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to spend some more time in Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Motel (9 nights)

  • Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Taupo - Huka Falls

  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk

  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser

  • Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance

  • Raglan - Fish & Chips Dinner

  • Raglan - Sunset Boat Cruise

  • Waitomo - Ruakuri Bush Walk

  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private Vehicle

Accommodation

  • Accommodation is on a twin share basis, and single travellers are paired with someone of the same sex. On rare occasions there may be triple rooms. Single supplement room upgrades can be requested at the time of booking.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. 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.

Mode of Transport

  • Private Vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    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.

  • 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)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

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.

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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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

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.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

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13-Aug-2024

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Saturday - Monday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024
$3460

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Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025
$3450 $3105

Operator discount: -$345

Wednesday - Friday

Feb 05, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
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Operator discount: -$345

Sunday - Tuesday

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Operator discount: -$345

Thursday - Saturday

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$3460 $3114

Operator discount: -$346

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
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Operator discount: -$346

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 23, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
$3460 $3114

Operator discount: -$346

Thursday - Saturday

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$3460 $3114

Operator discount: -$346

Sunday - Tuesday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$3460 $3114

Operator discount: -$346

Sunday - Tuesday

May 18, 2025 - May 27, 2025
$3430 $3087

Operator discount: -$343

Sunday - Tuesday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$3430 $3087

Operator discount: -$343

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
$3430 $3087

Operator discount: -$343

Monday - Wednesday

Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$3430 $3087

Operator discount: -$343

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$3430 $3087

Operator discount: -$343

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
$3564 $3208

Operator discount: -$356

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
$3564 $3208

Operator discount: -$356

Tuesday - Thursday

Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
$3564 $3208

Operator discount: -$356

Tuesday - Thursday

Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025
$3564 $3208

Operator discount: -$356

Friday - Sunday

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
$3564 $3208

Operator discount: -$356

Tuesday - Thursday

Nov 25, 2025 - Dec 04, 2025
$3704 $3334

Operator discount: -$370

Monday - Wednesday

Dec 08, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025
$3704 $3334

Operator discount: -$370

Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026
$3705

Tuesday - Thursday

Feb 03, 2026 - Feb 12, 2026
$3705

Sunday - Tuesday

Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026
$3705

Monday - Wednesday

Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 25, 2026
$3705

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026
$3705

Tuesday - Thursday

Mar 24, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$3705

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026
$3565

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 27, 2026 - May 06, 2026
$3565

Tuesday - Thursday

May 12, 2026 - May 21, 2026
$3565

Tuesday - Thursday

May 26, 2026 - Jun 04, 2026
$3430

Tuesday - Thursday

Jun 23, 2026 - Jul 02, 2026
$3430

Tuesday - Thursday

Jul 21, 2026 - Jul 30, 2026
$3430

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026
$3430

Tuesday - Thursday

Sep 08, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$3430
Prices last published on 20-Nov-2024

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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