New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)

New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)

304 Views
10 Days From

$3450

$3278

New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)

10 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Wellington

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

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PHKN

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3450 $3278 Operator discount: -$172

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

The legendary landscapes and natural bounty of New Zealand’s North Island are simply unbeatable, and there’s so much more to the region than just showstopping scenery. This 10-day adventure takes you from the bright lights of Auckland to creative and contemporary Wellington. Along the way, your local leader will introduce you to the beaches and forests of the Coromandel Peninsula, the under-the-radar town of Raglan, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National Park. Add a hangi dinner with a Maori community, kiwi spotting and fish and chips and you’re in for a classic Kiwi adventure.

Highlights

  • Swap Auckland’s big city vibes for 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.

  • Chill 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) – the land of the long white cloud! Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest, busiest city on the North Island. Meet your local leader and new travel friends at your accommodation at 6 pm for a welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe check out the beach down at Mission Bay or take a stroll along the restaurant-lined waterfront. After the meeting, you may like to dip into Auckland’s nightlife with your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Coromandel Peninsula

Location: Coromandel Peninsula

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, leave the bright lights of Auckland City in the rear-view mirror as you jump in your vehicle and drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, following the coastline. A land of white sand beaches and 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 water found beneath its golden sand. If the tide allows, dig a hole on the beach and enjoy your own natural hot tub! After a visit to Cathedral Cove, you’ll arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon.

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

Optional Activities:
-Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking

Day 3: Raglan

Location: Raglan

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Hit the road and make a scenic drive to Raglan, passing hills and valleys. The journey will be broken up with photo stops, including a visit to the 55-m cascade of the Bridal Veil Falls. Widely considered to be New Zealand’s premier surf spot, Raglan is the ideal place to catch some waves, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. If surfing isn’t your thing, the chilled-out town offers a wealth of awesome activities. Check out the 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. Tonight, get on the water for a sunset boat cruise around Raglan Harbour, and tuck into a tasty fish and chips feast – a true Kiwi experience!

Included Activities:
-Raglan - Fish & Chips Dinner
-Raglan - Sunset Boat Cruise

Optional Activities:
-Raglan - Kayaking Tour

Day 4: Waitomo / Rotorua

Location: Waitomo / Rotorua

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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 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 gorges and limestone arches. Then, head to the rolling green hills of Matamata to visit Hobbiton – this set is where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot. On a fully guided tour of the set, you’ll see Hobbit Holes, the Mill and end with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. 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.

Included Activities:
-Waitomo - Ruakuri Bush Walk
-Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
-Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Optional Activities:
-Waitomo - Glowworm Cave Tour

Day 5: Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – home to simmering mud pools, dramatic geysers and fluorescent lakes. 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 Maori 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) alongside a soul-stirring haka performance.

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

Optional Activities:
-Rotorua - Skyline Gondola Rotorua
-Rotorua - Forest Ziplining - from
-Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting
-Rotorua - ZORB - from

Day 6: Taupo

Location: Taupo

Accommodation: Hotel or Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa is the perfect place to unwind with your free morning. Or, you can head to Kuirau Park to walk through a landscape of hissing natural hot pools. This afternoon, say goodbye to Rotorua and get on the road for Taupo. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls along the way, before arriving in the late afternoon. Set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake – this is one of the most scenic spots on the North Island. You’ll spend two nights here, as it’s the perfect base to explore Taupo and Tongariro National Park.

Included Activities:
-Taupo - Huka Falls

Optional Activities:
-Taupo - Skydiving

Day 7: 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 19.4 km 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 8: Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Wellington is calling – leave Taupo behind and drive on to New Zealand’s trendy capital city. Strung between green hills and the harbour, Wellington holds onto a small-town charm despite its capital status. The city is known for its creative and artistic endeavours, and this afternoon, your leader will give you a brief introduction to the city. Then, you have free time to explore at your own pace. You may like to head up Mt Victoria for a view that will help you appreciate Wellington in all its glory. With a booming food scene, your leader will have no shortage of restaurant recommendations.

Day 9: Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Kick the day off with an orientation tour of the city 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. Visit 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 10: Wellington

Location: Wellington

Meals Included: breaksfast

It’s time to say a fond farewell to your newfound friends, as your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring Wellington, get in touch ahead of time with your booking agent.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Motel (9 nights)

  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove

  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach

  • Raglan - Fish & Chips Dinner

  • Raglan - Sunset Boat Cruise

  • Waitomo - Ruakuri Bush Walk

  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk

  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser

  • Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance

  • Taupo - Huka Falls

show more

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

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. ( Only Valid UNTIL 30th APRIL 2025 ) This trip requires a minimum number of booked customers to guarantee the departure. Your Booking Agent will advise at time of booking if the departure has met minimum numbers. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be advised no later than 56 days out from departure (prior to full payment due). We recommend arranging flights and related travel services once your departure is guaranteed. In the event that your departure is cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met, a full refund will be provided. There will be no minimum numbers needed as of May 1st 2025..
  • 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.

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

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1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024
$3450

Monday - Wednesday

Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 15, 2025
$3450 $3278

Operator discount: -$172

Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 14, 2025 - Jan 23, 2025
$3450

Tuesday - Thursday

Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025
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Tuesday - Thursday

Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 13, 2025
$3460

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
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Thursday - Saturday

Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$3460

Thursday - Saturday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$3460

Sunday - Tuesday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$3430

Friday - Sunday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$3430

Friday - Sunday

Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
$3430

Friday - Sunday

Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$3430

Saturday - Monday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025
$3430

Friday - Sunday

Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
$3430

Friday - Sunday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$3430

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025
$3430

Friday - Sunday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$3430

Friday - Sunday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$3430

Thursday - Saturday

Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$3430

Saturday - Monday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$3565

Tuesday - Thursday

Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025
$3565

Sunday - Tuesday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
$3565

Wednesday - Friday

Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$3565

Tuesday - Thursday

Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
$3565

Sunday - Tuesday

Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025
$3565

Tuesday - Thursday

Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025
$3565

Saturday - Monday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025
$3565

Tuesday - Thursday

Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025
$3565

Wednesday - Friday

Nov 19, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025
$3565

Saturday - Monday

Nov 22, 2025 - Dec 01, 2025
$3565

Friday - Sunday

Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
$3705

Wednesday - Friday

Dec 10, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
$3705

Saturday - Monday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025
$3705

Friday - Sunday

Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025
$3705

Saturday - Monday

Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 12, 2026
$3705

Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026
$3705

Friday - Sunday

Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026
$3705

Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 13, 2026 - Jan 22, 2026
$3705

Friday - Sunday

Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026
$3705

Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026
$3705

Tuesday - Thursday

Feb 03, 2026 - Feb 12, 2026
$3705

Tuesday - Thursday

Feb 10, 2026 - Feb 19, 2026
$3705

Saturday - Monday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 23, 2026
$3705

Thursday - Saturday

Feb 19, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$3705

Saturday - Monday

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026
$3705

Wednesday - Friday

Feb 25, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026
$3705

Saturday - Monday

Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 09, 2026
$3705

Tuesday - Thursday

Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026
$3705

Tuesday - Thursday

Mar 24, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$3565

Saturday - Monday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 06, 2026
$3565

Friday - Sunday

Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
$3565

Saturday - Monday

Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026
$3565

Saturday - Monday

Apr 25, 2026 - May 04, 2026
$3565

Friday - Sunday

May 08, 2026 - May 17, 2026
$3565

Saturday - Monday

May 23, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026
$3565

Tuesday - Thursday

Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026
$3430

Saturday - Monday

Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 29, 2026
$3430

Friday - Sunday

Jul 03, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026
$3430

Tuesday - Thursday

Jul 21, 2026 - Jul 30, 2026
$3430

Friday - Sunday

Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026
$3430

Saturday - Monday

Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 17, 2026
$3430

Saturday - Monday

Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 24, 2026
$3430
Prices last published on 06-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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