Premium New Zealand North Island

Premium New Zealand North Island

394 Views
8 Days From

$5095

$4331

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 Taupō, Taupo via Tongariro National Park to Ohakune, Ohakune to Wellington, Wellington

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PHPN

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $5095 $4331 Operator discount: -$764 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during an Exclusive Experience, visiting three cellar doors to learn about their production methods and sample some seriously excellent wine.

  • Discover a magical underground world during a tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, then experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, from bubbling hot springs to geysers and mud pools.

  • Enjoy a fascinating Exclusive Experience as you take a trip to Middle-earth and tour Hobbiton, where the iconic Lord of the Rings movies were shot.

  • Be amazed by Tongariro National Park as you spend the day exploring its volcanic landscapes, then retire to your chateau-style Feature Stay where you can sit back and soak in views of Tongariro’s dazzling peaks.

  • Get a special look at New Zealand’s trendy capital city, Wellington, during an Exclusive Experience on board a private catamaran, cruising around its delightful harbour.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level.

  • Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during an Exclusive Experience, visiting three cellar doors to learn about their production methods and sample some of the local wine.

  • Discover an underground world during a tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, then experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, from bubbling hot springs to geysers and mud pools.

  • Enjoy an iconic Exclusive Experience as you take a trip to Middle-earth and tour Hobbiton, where the iconic Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were shot – a must-do for any visit to New Zealand!

  • Be amazed by Tongariro National Park as you spend the day exploring its volcanic landscapes, then retire to your chateau-style Feature Stay where you can sit back and soak in views of Tongariro’s peaks.

Show all

Itinerary

Expand All

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:
-Auckland - Welcome Dinner
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer

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:
-Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
-Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch

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:
-Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
-Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
-Waitomo - Ruakuri Glow Worm Cave Visit

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:
-Rotorua - Visit to Te Puia Geothermal Area with Local Guide & Hangi Lunch
-Rotorua - Ahua Gallery & Kiwi Conservation Centre

Optional Activities:
-Rotorua - Redwoods Treetop Walkway
-Rotorua - Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa - from

Day 5: Rotorua To Taupō

Location: Rotorua to Taupō

Accommodation: Millenium Taupo or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on to Taupō – sitting on the shores of Lake Taupō, 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:
-Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

Optional Activities:
-Taupō - Lake Taupō Sailing Adventure

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:
-Tongariro National Park - Taranaki Falls

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:
-Wellington - Evening Cruise on Wellington Harbour

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

  • Accommodation
    Resort (1 nights), Hotel (6 nights)

  • Auckland - Welcome Dinner

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

  • Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry

  • Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch

  • Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set

  • Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon

  • Waitomo - Ruakuri Glow Worm Cave Visit

  • Rotorua - Visit to Te Puia Geothermal Area with Local Guide & Hangi Lunch

  • Rotorua - Ahua Gallery & Kiwi Conservation Centre

  • Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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)  

Just leaving a review to...

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  

North American Adventure

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

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 02, 2025 - Jan 09, 2025
$5095 $4331

Operator discount: -$764

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$5260

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Thursday - Thursday

Nov 20, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
$4905

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 27, 2025 - Dec 04, 2025
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Thursday - Thursday

Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025
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Dec 11, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025
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Monday - Monday

Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025
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Thursday - Thursday

Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 25, 2025
$5090

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 01, 2026 - Jan 08, 2026
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Thursday - Thursday

Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026
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Thursday - Thursday

Jan 15, 2026 - Jan 22, 2026
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Thursday - Thursday

Jan 22, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026
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Thursday - Thursday

Jan 29, 2026 - Feb 05, 2026
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Thursday - Thursday

Feb 05, 2026 - Feb 12, 2026
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Thursday - Thursday

Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 19, 2026
$5090

Monday - Monday

Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 23, 2026
$5090

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 19, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026
$5090

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 26, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026
$5090

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 05, 2026 - Mar 12, 2026
$4905

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026
$4905

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 26, 2026
$4905

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 26, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$4905

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 02, 2026 - Apr 09, 2026
$4905

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 09, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$4905

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 23, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026
$4715

Thursday - Thursday

May 07, 2026 - May 14, 2026
$4715

Thursday - Thursday

May 21, 2026 - May 28, 2026
$4715

Thursday - Thursday

Jun 18, 2026 - Jun 25, 2026
$4715

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 06, 2026 - Aug 13, 2026
$5185

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$5185

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 24, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026
$5185

Thursday - Thursday

Oct 08, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026
$5185

Thursday - Thursday

Oct 15, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
$5185

Thursday - Thursday

Oct 22, 2026 - Oct 29, 2026
$5185

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 05, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
$5185

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 12, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026
$5185

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 19, 2026 - Nov 26, 2026
$5395

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 26, 2026 - Dec 03, 2026
$5395

Thursday - Thursday

Dec 03, 2026 - Dec 10, 2026
$5395

Thursday - Thursday

Dec 10, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026
$5395

Monday - Monday

Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 21, 2026
$5395

Thursday - Thursday

Dec 17, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
$5600

Thursday - Thursday

Dec 31, 2026 - Jan 07, 2027
$5600

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 07, 2027 - Jan 14, 2027
$5600

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 14, 2027 - Jan 21, 2027
$5600

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 21, 2027 - Jan 28, 2027
$5600

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 28, 2027 - Feb 04, 2027
$5600

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 04, 2027 - Feb 11, 2027
$5600

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 11, 2027 - Feb 18, 2027
$5600

Monday - Monday

Feb 15, 2027 - Feb 22, 2027
$5600

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 18, 2027 - Feb 25, 2027
$5600

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 25, 2027 - Mar 04, 2027
$5600

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 04, 2027 - Mar 11, 2027
$5395

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 11, 2027 - Mar 18, 2027
$5395

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 18, 2027 - Mar 25, 2027
$5395

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 25, 2027 - Apr 01, 2027
$5395

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 01, 2027 - Apr 08, 2027
$5395

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 08, 2027 - Apr 15, 2027
$5395

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 22, 2027 - Apr 29, 2027
$5185

Thursday - Thursday

May 06, 2027 - May 13, 2027
$5185

Thursday - Thursday

May 20, 2027 - May 27, 2027
$5185
Prices last published on 22-Dec-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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