Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island 2024-25
Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island 2024-25
Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island 2024-25
10 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Wellington
Visiting: Auckland, Whangarei Falls, Paihia, Waitomo Caves, Matakana, Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TGKAW4
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 20
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Eye-popping landscapes. Jaw-dropping activities. And local know-how by the bucketload. This trip isn’t about seeing the North Island – it’s about experiencing it. In all its spectacular, quirky, historic glory. Expect: towering volcanoes, roaring waterfalls, magical caves and out-of-this-world views. The adventure starts HERE.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland (North Island, New Zealand)
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Kia ora! Welcome to Auckland: home to over 50 volcanos, this city sure is a blast (sorry not sorry). First up: meet the fellow explorers you’ll be sharing the adventure with. Then: we’ll dig into our first group dinner. Ready to delve deep into the North Island’s mind-blowing landscapes and richer-than-rich culture? See you bright and early!
Day 2: Auckland – Whangarei Falls – Paihia (Bay Of Islands)
Location: Whangarei Falls, Paihia, Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave goodbye to Auckland – we’re heading for the jaw-dropping Bay of Islands. Fancy swinging by a natural wonder en route? You’re in luck: the thundering Whangarei Falls awaits. Plunging into the Hatea River from a height of 26 metres, the waterfall’s surrounded by giant kauri trees – sacred to the Maori people as protectors of the forest. Later, we’ll make tracks to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds: arguably New Zealand’s most important historic monument. When we arrive in Paihia, there’s an orientation tour with your Trip Leader. Then, the evening's yours: we rec you hunt down some seafood chowder or ‘fush and chups’ along the harbour *chef’s kiss*.
Day 3: Paihia
Location: Paihia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today = options. Jump on a cruise around the ‘Hole in the Rock’ – no prizes for guessing what this is – to spot the area’s celebrity dolphins. Or stick to solid ground with a tour of Cape Reinga (the tip of the island) and Ninety Mile Beach (lied on its CV – actually 55 miles long). There’s also a sundown cruise if you can’t get enough of those island views. All the adventuring got your stomach rumbling? Round up the fam and head to a waterfront bar for craft beer and burgers.
Day 4: Paihia – Matakana – Waitomo
Location: Waitomo Caves, Paihia, Matakana
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave goodbye to the Bay of Islands and head down to Waitomo. This is a big drive day, so stock up on snacks (and don’t lose your ear pods under your seat). We’ll make a pit stop at Matakana Village to stretch our legs and grab a bite to eat. It's foodie heaven: we’re talking cool cafes, artisan chocolate shops and award-winning coffee shops. Just before we get to Waitomo, we'll have a whizz around Otorohanga. Possibly New Zealand’s most patriotic town, get ready to spot real-life Kiwi birds, giant kiwi statues AND kiwi murals. When we reach our final destination, there’ll be time to get your bearings. Dinner plans? Totally up to you, but your Trip Leader has the recs.
Day 5: Waitomo – Kohutapu
Location: Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours, Waitomo Caves
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Waitomo Caves. A glowworm-studded labyrinth of underground caves and rivers – this place is like something out of a sci-fi movie. Spend your free time exploring Ruakuri Cave on foot. Cruise through the magical grotto. Or strap in for a unique blackwater rafting experience (disclaimer: you’re gonna get wet). Later, we’ll receive a traditional welcome at Kohutapu Lodge. Visit a working marae, enjoy a haka demo, and level-up your crafting skills during a weaving workshop. Then, we’ll tuck into a hangi with the gang. This is as authentic as it gets.
Day 6: Kohutapu – Rotorua
Location: Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours, Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
To say Rotorua has it ‘going on’ would be the understatement of the century. We’re talking: adrenalin-pumping activities and mind-boggling movie sets. First: get your bearings on a walk around town with your Trip Leader. Then, you’ve the whole day to embrace Rotorua. For the LOTR fans (or closet fans), take a walk through Tolkien’s dreams at the Hobbiton movie set. Adrenalin junkie? Get your hit on a rapid ride down the mighty Kaituna River. Or play Tarzan on a sky-high canopy tour. Tonight is up to you, so gather the gang and compare today’s thrills and spills at one of the local haunts in town.
Day 7: Rotorua – Lake Taupo – Tongariro National Park
Location: Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before we make tracks today, there’s a steamy visit to the geothermal wonderland, Wai-O-Tapu, on the cards. We’ll check out the Lady Knox Geyser which has been known to shoot boiling hot water 20m into the air! Then: we’ll make a stop at booming Huka Falls and play spot-the-extreme-kayaker as they tackle the immense 11-metre plunge down the canyon falls. Finally, we’ll take in the A-Mazing views over Lake Taupo before putting our feet up at our accommodation near Tongariro National Park. What. A. Day.
Day 8: Tongariro National Park
Location: Tongariro National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dramatic volcanic peaks dominating the horizon. Rugged terrain that looks like you landed on Mars. And intense turquoise lakes gathered in steep valleys. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best one-day hikes in the world – and it 100% deserves the rep. You’ve got a full day to find your Samwise up Mt Ngauruhoe (aka Mt Doom), soak up all the I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E views and wish you’d broken in those new hiking boots. If four-wheeled adventuring is more your style, there’s a quad biking excursion on the cards too.
Day 9: Tongariro National Park – Wellington
Location: Tongariro National Park, Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Included activity:Orientation walk around Wellington
Today we’re making our way to Wellington where our North Island adventure will soon end *tries not to cry*. Get your bearings around the capital on an orientation tour before we head to Mt Victoria for 360-degree views over the harbour. This evening, we’ll give this legendary trip the send-off it deserves with one final group dinner.
Day 10: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Local culture? Tick. Epic landscapes? Tick. Time to leave? Tick. Sad face. BUT: it doesn’t have to end like this. Hop on a flight to Christchurch and join our New Zealand South Island trip – the timings work out perfectly, we checked. You know you want to...
What's Included
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Transport
Air-conditioned minicoach
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Accommodation
8 nights in hotel-style accommodation (twin or double), 1 night in a lodge (multi-share)
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Fully Guided
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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Tipping and Gratuities
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
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Country Entry Visas
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No they aren't
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All guides are English Speaking
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes from all over the world
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes the Coach is air-conditioned
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What is the maximum group size?
20
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
This will vary from your country of origin. Please seek advice locally
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they aren't
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
We will have our Tour Leader with you every day
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No they aren't
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not required
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Single pricing is available on all tours
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Are flights included in this tour?
No they aren't
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Curious? Open-minded? Same. Topdeckers are a mixed bunch, but that’s what makes us special. They come from all over the globe and are aged between 18 and 39. Like you, they’re looking to feel real. To experience more. To embrace the unknown. To grow and connect – without judgement.
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Is there an age limit on Topdeck trips?
Yes. Our trips are specifically designed for those aged 18-39 years of age.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.topdeck.travel/resources/booking-flexibility
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We operate Single Share across across all touring styles and will match you with someone of the same gender
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
E-Documentation will be sent
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we work dilligenltly with our partners to acheive this
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes you can on European Tours
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Tuesday - Thursday
Nov 19, 2024 - Nov 28, 2024Tuesday - Thursday
Dec 03, 2024 - Dec 12, 2024Tuesday - Thursday
Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 16, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 06, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Topdeck allows you to make 1000 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Topdeck allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform topdeck, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Topdeck requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of topdeck charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.