Overview
Come explore the North Island with us to experience things the kiwi way and be privilege to mind-blowing scenery, the fascinating Maori culture and a massive helping of adventure!
Get more out of your North Island experience! Why spend time finding suitable accommodation, reading guide books or navigating maps when we can do it for you? Our expert guides will take the stress out of your planning and ensure your NZ holiday is second to none!
Accommodation
All of our adventure and snow tours include dorm share accommodation, with a maximum of six people in one room. This accommodation is in high quality backpacker lodges chosen specially by our crew.
If you wish to have more privacy, you can upgrade your tour accommodation to a private room - either double or twin (two single beds). We guarantee an ensuite for a large percent of your trip (actual % depends on each particular tour). An ensuite includes shower, toilet and sink area.
The private rooms are usually located in the same accommodation as our dorm share rooms - so you will still be able to socialise easily with the group.
Details
Start: Auckland
Finish: Wellington
Includes:
- ORIENTATION TOURS We give you the low-down on every location
- COMFORTABLE TRANSPORT With plenty of room to spread out
- CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST EVERY DAY Heaps of options for everyone (you too, vegans!)
- HIGH-END HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION Dorm share, upgrades available
- CULTURAL EXPERIENCES To share New Zealand's unique Māori culture with you
- EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDE Friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about NZ
- SMALL GROUPS - MAXIMUM 16 Because you're more than just a number!
What's also included on this tour:
- 6 nights in high-end hostel accommodation, 1 night shared cultural experience*
- Optional FREE Night’s Accommodation at the end of the tour on day 7
- Journey through multiple National Parks
- Stunning walk to the spectacular arched cavern of Coromandel’s Cathedral Cove
- Learn a haka and learn to weave flax with a local iwi (tribe)
- Visit Te Puia – a local arts and culture centre – to learn more about traditional Māori culture and discover Rotorua’s geothermal wonders.
- See kiwi birds up close and personal
- Eat a traditional Māori hāngī meal cooked in an underground oven
- Follow your nose to Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools
- Discover what makes Huka Falls the most visited natural attraction in NZ
- Check out the views from Matairangi/Mount Victoria, Wellington
- Fall in love with Wellington’s cafe and craft beer culture
- Plus many surprise stops along the way
Overview
Come explore the North Island with us to experience things the kiwi way and be privilege to mind-blowing scenery, the fascinating Maori culture and a massive helping of adventure!
Get more out of your North Island experience! Why spend time finding suitable accommodation, reading guide books or navigating maps when we can do it for you? Our expert guides will take the stress out of your planning and ensure your NZ holiday is second to none!
Accommodation
All of our adventure and snow tours include dorm share accommodation, with a maximum of six people in one room. This accommodation is in high quality backpacker lodges chosen specially by our crew.
If you wish to have more privacy, you can upgrade your tour accommodation to a private room - either double or twin (two single beds). We guarantee an ensuite for a large percent of your trip (actual % depends on each particular tour). An ensuite includes shower, toilet and sink area.
The private rooms are usually located in the same accommodation as our dorm share rooms - so you will still be able to socialise easily with the group.
Itinerary
Open AllWe'll meet and greet each other at 8am for a breakfast and quick briefing before we leave Auckland for our North Island adventure!
Some of your fellow guests may have just come from our Bay of Islands tour, so, they'l have tales to tell and photos to share of what you can see north of Auckland, but right now we're heading south-east!
Leaving the big smoke behind, we head to the Coromandel Peninsula, a veritable paradise of beautiful beaches and misty rainforests. The drive here is epic – the road twists and turns dramatically round the coastline and the ocean gets clearer and more pristine before your eyes. Cameras ready – the views are magnificent!
The Corormandel is home to the famous Hot Water Beach – thousands visit each year to dig their own personal hot tub. If the tide times allow, we’ll definitely grab our buckets and spades and get busy!
We arrive with plenty of time for your guide to show you around. Sample the sandy beaches or simply enjoy the vibes.
INCLUDED Breakfast and Visit Hot Water Beach
Lets get beachy!
This morning walk along the cliffs and down to Cathedral Cove (which you might recognise from the Chronicles of Narnia). With perfect beaches and massive rock arches and columns, it’s one of the most popular spots in the Coromandel.
Alternatively, take an optional guided Cathedral Cove kayak trip and check out this stunning coastline from a different angle, accompanied by a local dolphin or two if you’re lucky!
Later this afternoon we head towards Rotorua; en route, we’ll visit Matamata – best known for being the home of Hobbiton.
For Lord of the Rings fans, a visit to Hobbiton Movie Set is an absolute must-do. 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!
If hobbits aren’t your thing there are plenty of scenic short walks to enjoy Matamata’s lush green rolling hills.
While the majority of the North Island is volcanic in some way, Rotorua is exceptional for its geothermal activity. With neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, active volcanoes and geysers galore, there are more unique natural wonders to be found in Rotorua than many other places in the world.
INCLUDED Breakfast
Available Activites - Extra Cost
Cathedral Cove Kayaking
Hobbiton Movie Set
Today is a free day to explore Rotorua and its surrounding area. Talk to your guide for the best free things to see and do in the neighbourhood (Kuirau Park’s steaming and hissing mud pools are a great option).
There are also a number of optional activities you can choose from –white water rafting, zip-lining, rolling down a hill in a giant inflatable ball, river sledging and more!
If adrenaline is your thing, the highest commercial waterfall drop in the world, on the Kaituna River, is begging to be conquered on an exhilarating rafting trip.
Perhaps you’d like to try thundering down grassy hills in a giant air-cushioned inflatable ball (aka ZORB)?
A day trip to Waitomo is another option today. Famous for its glowworms there are a number of ways to experience these twinkling creatures up close.
Discover the magic of both the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, as well as the enchanting Ruakuri Cave on a ‘2 cave combo’ walking/boat tour. Or you can float along an underground river on a Black Water Rafting trip as the glow worms light your path.
However you spend today, be sure to get a good night’s sleep as there are more Rotorua adventures tomorrow!
INCLUDED Breakfast
Available Activities - Extra Cost
Black Water Rafting + Transfers
Forest Ziplining Canopy Tour
Mt Tarawera Crater Hike
River Sledging
Two Cave Combo (Waitomo and Ruakuri Glowworm Caves)
White Water Rafting
Zorb
This morning we visit Te Puia Maori Village. Here you’ll learn more about Māori history and culture, come face to face with the Pohutu Geyser, see jumping mud pools and get up close and personal with kiwi birds.
Later this afternoon we head to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – a living Māori village - where you will experience a tribal tour by a village elder.
Here you’ll also have a chance to learn the world-famous haka dance, and weave your own dinner plate using flax (a type of plant).
Tonight’s dinner is a traditional hāngi meal. Cooked in an underground earth oven you can expect tender meat and delicious vegetables infused with a smoky, earthy fragrance – it will fill your puku (belly) right up!
The best part about spending the evening at Kohutapu Lodge? The majority of proceeds from this activity go back to the local community.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Visit Te Puia Maori Village
- See kiwi birds
- See the Pohutu Geyser
- Learn the haka
- Learn to weave flax
- Dinner (a hangi cooked in an underground oven)
Please note: Private accommodation upgrades are not available for this night of the tour due to the limited availability of accommodation. In special circumstances other arrangements may be possible - please contact [email protected] for more information.
Available Activities - Extra Cost
Forest Ziplining Canopy Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set
River Sledging
White Water Rafting
Zorb
It’s only a short drive to our next destination, Taupō, and there’s plenty to discover along the way. From mesmerising mud pools to the thundering rapids of the Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam, your trusty Haka guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Taupō is a beautiful lakeside town with a stunning mountain backdrop. Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake – believe it or not, it’s roughly the same size as Singapore!
This place is all about the thrills and spills, and there are plenty of options in store this afternoon. Get your hair wet with a water touch bungy jump, take an unforgettable skydive or a sunset lake cruise for amazing lake and mountain views.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Find natural hot springs
Available Activities - Extra Cost
Lake Taupo Sailing
Skydiving
Water Touch Bungy
A full day in Taupō… are you in the mood for peaceful lakeside tranquility or unlimited adrenaline and adventure? Either way, Taupō’s got you covered.
For many, the ultimate adventure on offer here is the hiking (or tramping, as we Kiwis know it).
The Tongariro Crossing is among the top 10 full-day walks in the world. This 19.4-kilometre mountain trek in Tongariro National Park boasts emerald green lakes, venting steam, lava flows and craters. You’ll come back grinning from ear to ear before falling into bed and sleeping like a baby.
If you’d prefer to relax, jump on a boat for a sailing trip to view Māori rock carvings. Or head to Spa Park and soak until your fingers are wrinkly. However you choose to spend today we guarantee you won’t forget it.
INCLUDED Breakfast
Available Activities - Extra Cost
Lake Taupo Sailing
Skydiving
The Tongariro Crossing
Water Touch Bungy
It’s a big drive from Taupō to Wellington, but there’s some unmissable scenery on offer. Lord of the Rings junkies, you’re in for a treat!
Our journey takes us through Tongariro National Park via the Rangipo Desert (bet you didn’t know New Zealand had one of those!). Some of your favourite Lord of the Rings battle scenes were filmed right here.
The Desert Road boasts incredible views of three active volcanic peaks – Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. You may know Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom, so be sure to snap a Mordor selfie!
We pass through two of the North Island’s quirkier towns – as ever, your Haka Guide has a couple of surprises up their sleeve…
We pull into Wellington in the afternoon, with just enough time for film buffs make a trip to Weta Workshop, where the special effects of Lord of the Rings and Avatar were produced.
New Zealand’s capital is famous for its bars and eateries, and is a paradise for lovers of craft beer – you’ll be spoilt for choice tonight!
The tour officially ends tonight at 8pm -- you don't want to pass up the chance to sleep in!
FREE Night Included: For those travelling on the next day, we provide a FREE night in Wellingtontonight.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Scenic drive through Tongariro National Park
- Mt Victoria Lookout
Available Activity - Extra Cost
Weta Workshop
After breakfast, check out from your Wellington accommodation for your onward journey.
Itinerary
Open AllWe'll meet and greet each other at 8am for a breakfast and quick briefing before we leave Auckland for our North Island adventure!
Some of your fellow guests may have just come from our Bay of Islands tour, so, they'l have tales to tell and photos to share of what you can see north of Auckland, but right now we're heading south-east!
Leaving the big smoke behind, we head to the Coromandel Peninsula, a veritable paradise of beautiful beaches and misty rainforests. The drive here is epic – the road twists and turns dramatically round the coastline and the ocean gets clearer and more pristine before your eyes. Cameras ready – the views are magnificent!
The Corormandel is home to the famous Hot Water Beach – thousands visit each year to dig their own personal hot tub. If the tide times allow, we’ll definitely grab our buckets and spades and get busy!
We arrive with plenty of time for your guide to show you around. Sample the sandy beaches or simply enjoy the vibes.
INCLUDED Breakfast and Visit Hot Water Beach
Lets get beachy!
This morning walk along the cliffs and down to Cathedral Cove (which you might recognise from the Chronicles of Narnia). With perfect beaches and massive rock arches and columns, it’s one of the most popular spots in the Coromandel.
Alternatively, take an optional guided Cathedral Cove kayak trip and check out this stunning coastline from a different angle, accompanied by a local dolphin or two if you’re lucky!
Later this afternoon we head towards Rotorua; en route, we’ll visit Matamata – best known for being the home of Hobbiton.
For Lord of the Rings fans, a visit to Hobbiton Movie Set is an absolute must-do. 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!
If hobbits aren’t your thing there are plenty of scenic short walks to enjoy Matamata’s lush green rolling hills.
While the majority of the North Island is volcanic in some way, Rotorua is exceptional for its geothermal activity. With neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, active volcanoes and geysers galore, there are more unique natural wonders to be found in Rotorua than many other places in the world.
INCLUDED Breakfast
Available Activites - Extra Cost
Cathedral Cove Kayaking
Hobbiton Movie Set
Today is a free day to explore Rotorua and its surrounding area. Talk to your guide for the best free things to see and do in the neighbourhood (Kuirau Park’s steaming and hissing mud pools are a great option).
There are also a number of optional activities you can choose from –white water rafting, zip-lining, rolling down a hill in a giant inflatable ball, river sledging and more!
If adrenaline is your thing, the highest commercial waterfall drop in the world, on the Kaituna River, is begging to be conquered on an exhilarating rafting trip.
Perhaps you’d like to try thundering down grassy hills in a giant air-cushioned inflatable ball (aka ZORB)?
A day trip to Waitomo is another option today. Famous for its glowworms there are a number of ways to experience these twinkling creatures up close.
Discover the magic of both the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, as well as the enchanting Ruakuri Cave on a ‘2 cave combo’ walking/boat tour. Or you can float along an underground river on a Black Water Rafting trip as the glow worms light your path.
However you spend today, be sure to get a good night’s sleep as there are more Rotorua adventures tomorrow!
INCLUDED Breakfast
Available Activities - Extra Cost
Black Water Rafting + Transfers
Forest Ziplining Canopy Tour
Mt Tarawera Crater Hike
River Sledging
Two Cave Combo (Waitomo and Ruakuri Glowworm Caves)
White Water Rafting
Zorb
This morning we visit Te Puia Maori Village. Here you’ll learn more about Māori history and culture, come face to face with the Pohutu Geyser, see jumping mud pools and get up close and personal with kiwi birds.
Later this afternoon we head to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – a living Māori village - where you will experience a tribal tour by a village elder.
Here you’ll also have a chance to learn the world-famous haka dance, and weave your own dinner plate using flax (a type of plant).
Tonight’s dinner is a traditional hāngi meal. Cooked in an underground earth oven you can expect tender meat and delicious vegetables infused with a smoky, earthy fragrance – it will fill your puku (belly) right up!
The best part about spending the evening at Kohutapu Lodge? The majority of proceeds from this activity go back to the local community.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Visit Te Puia Maori Village
- See kiwi birds
- See the Pohutu Geyser
- Learn the haka
- Learn to weave flax
- Dinner (a hangi cooked in an underground oven)
Please note: Private accommodation upgrades are not available for this night of the tour due to the limited availability of accommodation. In special circumstances other arrangements may be possible - please contact [email protected] for more information.
Available Activities - Extra Cost
Forest Ziplining Canopy Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set
River Sledging
White Water Rafting
Zorb
It’s only a short drive to our next destination, Taupō, and there’s plenty to discover along the way. From mesmerising mud pools to the thundering rapids of the Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam, your trusty Haka guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Taupō is a beautiful lakeside town with a stunning mountain backdrop. Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake – believe it or not, it’s roughly the same size as Singapore!
This place is all about the thrills and spills, and there are plenty of options in store this afternoon. Get your hair wet with a water touch bungy jump, take an unforgettable skydive or a sunset lake cruise for amazing lake and mountain views.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Find natural hot springs
Available Activities - Extra Cost
Lake Taupo Sailing
Skydiving
Water Touch Bungy
A full day in Taupō… are you in the mood for peaceful lakeside tranquility or unlimited adrenaline and adventure? Either way, Taupō’s got you covered.
For many, the ultimate adventure on offer here is the hiking (or tramping, as we Kiwis know it).
The Tongariro Crossing is among the top 10 full-day walks in the world. This 19.4-kilometre mountain trek in Tongariro National Park boasts emerald green lakes, venting steam, lava flows and craters. You’ll come back grinning from ear to ear before falling into bed and sleeping like a baby.
If you’d prefer to relax, jump on a boat for a sailing trip to view Māori rock carvings. Or head to Spa Park and soak until your fingers are wrinkly. However you choose to spend today we guarantee you won’t forget it.
INCLUDED Breakfast
Available Activities - Extra Cost
Lake Taupo Sailing
Skydiving
The Tongariro Crossing
Water Touch Bungy
It’s a big drive from Taupō to Wellington, but there’s some unmissable scenery on offer. Lord of the Rings junkies, you’re in for a treat!
Our journey takes us through Tongariro National Park via the Rangipo Desert (bet you didn’t know New Zealand had one of those!). Some of your favourite Lord of the Rings battle scenes were filmed right here.
The Desert Road boasts incredible views of three active volcanic peaks – Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. You may know Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom, so be sure to snap a Mordor selfie!
We pass through two of the North Island’s quirkier towns – as ever, your Haka Guide has a couple of surprises up their sleeve…
We pull into Wellington in the afternoon, with just enough time for film buffs make a trip to Weta Workshop, where the special effects of Lord of the Rings and Avatar were produced.
New Zealand’s capital is famous for its bars and eateries, and is a paradise for lovers of craft beer – you’ll be spoilt for choice tonight!
The tour officially ends tonight at 8pm -- you don't want to pass up the chance to sleep in!
FREE Night Included: For those travelling on the next day, we provide a FREE night in Wellingtontonight.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Scenic drive through Tongariro National Park
- Mt Victoria Lookout
Available Activity - Extra Cost
Weta Workshop
After breakfast, check out from your Wellington accommodation for your onward journey.