Premium New Zealand North Island
Premium New Zealand North Island
Premium New Zealand North Island
8 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Wellington
Visiting: Auckland, Auckland (Waiheke Island), Auckland via Waitomo & Hobbiton to Rotorua, Rotorua, Rotorua to Taupo, Taupo via Tongariro National Park to Ohakune, Ohakune to Wellington, Wellington
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHPN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This is natural beauty on the biggest scale – huge volcanoes, vast lakes, rolling farmlands and deep caves. On this Premium trip, you’ll spend eight days exploring the best of New Zealand’s North Island with the guidance of a passionate local leader. On a journey from Auckland to Wellington, sip local wine on Waiheke Island, explore the mythical world of Hobbiton, marvel at the geothermal delights of Rotorua, relax on the shores of Lake Taupo, explore the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro and sail across Wellington Harbor.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: M Social or similar
Meals Included: dinner
Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure of the volcanic North Island begins in Auckland – New Zealand’s most populated city, fringed with beaches, harbours, volcanoes and farmland. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to uncover the story of New Zealand rugby during an interactive All Blacks experience where you’ll learn about the heritage of the sport and find out what it takes to wear the famous black jersey. After your meeting, get to know your group over dinner at a local bistro in the heart of the city, championing New Zealand producers.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Auckland (Waiheke Island)
Location: Auckland (Waiheke Island)
Accommodation: M Social or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Leave the bustle of the big city behind and head offshore to Waiheke Island, famed for its sandy beaches and local wine. Board a ferry from Auckland – if you’re lucky, you may even see dolphins or orcas along the way. The day will be spent sipping your way around the island, stopping off at three unique wineries to learn about their production methods, and of course tasting the goods yourself. You’ll also enjoy an included lunch on the island, not to mention a few scenic drives with plenty of opportunities for photos. Return to Auckland in the late afternoon with an evening free for your own discoveries of the city.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Auckland Via Waitomo & Hobbiton To Rotorua
Location: Auckland via Waitomo & Hobbiton to Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium Rotorua or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning, hit the road and drive to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves – an extensive underground network of tunnels and caverns decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and luminous glow worms. Join a local expert for an in-depth tour of the Ruakuri Cave, descending a spiral entrance to the world below. See the limestone formations, hear the roar of subterranean waterfalls and learn about the glow worms that light up the caves. Continue to Hobbiton, where the epic Lord of the Rings movies were shot. Take a tour around the set with a local guide, hear stories about the production of these iconic films, explore Hobbit holes and enjoy a drink (and maybe a delicious pie) at the mythical Green Dragon Inn. Finally, travel to Rotorua, where you’ll spend the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium Rotorua or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Wake up in Rotorua to the unmistakable scent of sulphur coming off the town’s many geothermal pools. After breakfast, visit to Te Puia – over 70 hectares of land within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is dotted with hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A local expert will take you on a walk to learn about these geothermal wonders, including Pohutu – the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Next, head to the Kiwi Conservation Centre where you’ll have the chance to observe the beloved nocturnal bird (the kiwi) in a darkened enclosure and learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to protect them. Swing by the Ahua Gallery and watch culturally significant Maori carving and weaving demonstrations. Lunch today will be a traditional hangi feast cooked beneath the earth in the traditional style. Tonight, consider an optional tour of the geysers by night.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Rotorua To Taupo
Location: Rotorua to Taupo
Accommodation: Millenium Taupo or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on to Taupo – sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, this is a popular and scenic town. On the way, visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, where you’ll walk through thousands of years of geothermal history and volcanic features, including New Zealand's largest mud pool and bubbling basins bursting with vibrant colours. The rest of the day is yours to discover all that this picturesque part of the country has to offer. One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is to get on its waters – speak to your leader to find out about the sustainable sailing and cruising options available this afternoon. You might like to take a flight over the spectacular Tongariro National Park.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Taupo Via Tongariro National Park To Ohakune
Location: Taupo via Tongariro National Park to Ohakune
Accommodation: Powderhorn Chateau (Feature Stay) or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, uncover the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park, as spiritually significant as it is naturally beautiful. Your leader will guide you on a scenic two-hour walk to the Taranaki Falls – an impressive 20 m cascade tumbling over volcanic cliffs. Later in the day, head to your Feature Stay accommodation at the Powderhorn Chateau and settle in. The chateau is surrounded by the high peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro and the views are simply unbeatable.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Ohakune To Wellington
Location: Ohakune to Wellington
Accommodation: QT Wellington / Museum Apartment Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning, make tracks for Wellington – New Zealand’s trendy capital city. After settling in, hop aboard a private catamaran and get to know the city on an evening cruise around Wellington Harbour. Return to land after an hour and join your group for dinner at a waterfront restaurant – the perfect chance to reminisce about your North Island adventure.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend more time exploring Wellington, just get in touch with your booking agent in advance to arrange additional accommodation. Alternatively, combine this trip with Premium New Zealand South Island for the ultimate trip.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Resort (1 nights), Hotel (6 nights) -
Auckland - Welcome Dinner
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Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
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Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch
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Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
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Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
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Waitomo - Ruakuri Glow Worm Cave Visit
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Rotorua - Visit to Te Puia Geothermal Area with Local Guide & Hangi Lunch
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Rotorua - Ahua Gallery & Kiwi Conservation Centre
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Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Private vehicle , Catamaran , Ferry
Accommodation
- Resort (1 nights), Hotel (6 nights)
Important Information
- 1. A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.
- 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
Mode of Transport
- Private vehicle , Catamaran , Ferry
Accommodation
- Resort (3 nights), Hotel (4 nights)
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
There are walking opportunities throughout this trip. We recommend you bring good quality walking shoes if you're keen to enjoy a hike or two.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
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