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North Island

Start: Auckland`
Finish: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Duration: 11 days
Minimum Age: 18 Maximum Age: 39

Discover the Best of New Zealand’s North Island

The 11 Day Great North Voyage Adventure Tour is an exciting journey through the diverse landscapes and cultural highlights of New Zealand’s North Island. Starting in Auckland, the adventure travels north to the Far North before exploring the Bay of Islands, Waitomo, Rotorua and other iconic destinations. Along the way, discover ancient kauri forests, crystal-clear lakes, beautiful coastlines and fascinating Māori heritage.

From the tranquil Kai Iwi Lakes and mighty Tāne Mahuta to the picturesque waterfront of Paihia, each stop offers a different perspective of the North Island. Experience the magic of Hobbiton, venture into the glowworm caves of Waitomo and learn about New Zealand’s history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. With a maximum of 18 guests, the tour combines an active road-trip experience with plenty of opportunities to explore independently.

Adventure, Culture and Unforgettable Experiences

Adventure is at the heart of this 11-day journey, with opportunities to experience some of the North Island’s most memorable natural attractions. The itinerary includes the world-famous Tongariro Crossing, a spectacular full-day hike through volcanic landscapes, as well as the chance to explore Cathedral Cove and the scenic Bay of Islands. Free time is also built into the itinerary, allowing you to choose optional activities or simply enjoy each destination at your own pace.

The journey also provides plenty of opportunities to connect with New Zealand’s culture and local character. Enjoy a traditional Māori hāngī dinner at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, discover the stories behind the Treaty of Waitangi and experience the landscapes that make the North Island so distinctive. Designed for travellers aged 18 to 39, the Great North Voyage brings together sightseeing, outdoor adventure, cultural experiences and social travel in one action-packed North Island tour.

  • Small group tour (max 18 guests) for a more personal, relaxed experience
  • Designed for travellers aged 18–39, with a fun, social atmosphere.
  • Relax in the beautiful Bay of Islands and explore its stunning coastal landscapes.
  • Explore the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and learn about its importance to New Zealand.
  • Experience the spectacular coastal scenery of Cathedral Cove and the Coromandel Peninsula.
  • Scenic journey along the Thermal Highway between Taupō and Rotorua.
  • Experience Rotorua’s colourful geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture.
  • Discover Waitomo's fascinating underground world and step into Middle-earth at the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Admire the breathtaking scenery surrounding Lake Taupō.
  • Discover the dramatic volcanic landscapes and alpine scenery of Tongariro National Park.
  • 3 nights in comfortable 3-star twin-share accommodation.
  • 7 nights in flash-pack hostel accommodation (private room available on request)
  • Travel in a Mercedes Sprinter luxury bus with Wi-Fi and in-seat USB ports.
  • Professional guide and driver throughout the tour.
  • 10 breakfasts and 2 group dinners
  • Activities such as:
    • 40-minute guided tour of Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s iconic giant kauri tree.
    • Waitangi Treaty Grounds Combo Pass and traditional Māori hāngī dinner.
    • Wine tasting at Marsden Wineries.
    • Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland entry.
    • Exploration of the Waitomo area (optional activities available)
    • Huka Falls walking loop
    • Hot Water Beach (access dependent on the tide)

Frequently asked questions

The tour includes 10 nights of accommodation, with three nights in 3-star twin-share hotels and seven nights in Flash-Pack hostel accommodation. Private rooms can also be requested for an additional cost. This combination provides a balance between comfortable hotel stays and the more social atmosphere of hostel accommodation, which suits the young and social nature of the Great North Voyage.

The Great North Voyage is designed for travellers aged 18–39, with a maximum of 18 guests. One unique feature is that the first four days in the Far North are shared with travellers of all ages, while the remaining seven days are with the 18–39 age group. This makes the tour a great option for younger travellers who want a social small-group experience while exploring the North Island.

Yes, the Great North Voyage is particularly well suited to solo travellers. The small-group format, with a maximum of 18 guests, creates plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers and share experiences throughout the journey. Transport, accommodation and a local guide-driver are organised as part of the tour, allowing solo travellers to enjoy the North Island without having to manage the logistics themselves.

There is plenty of choice for adventurous travellers, with optional activities available throughout the itinerary. In the Bay of Islands, you can choose from cruises, dolphin spotting and kayaking, while Rotorua offers experiences such as luging, zorbing and white-water rafting. Taupō is ideal for jetboating, sailing, skydiving or the Tongariro Crossing, while Waitomo offers opportunities to explore its famous glowworm caves.

The Great North Voyage includes several opportunities to experience and learn about Māori culture. The included Waitangi Treaty Grounds Combo Pass provides an insight into the history and cultural foundations of New Zealand, followed by an included traditional Hāngī dinner. The itinerary also includes a guided experience at Tāne Mahuta, while Rotorua offers optional Māori cultural experiences such as visiting Mitai Māori Village and enjoying a traditional hāngī.

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