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New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

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Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: PHKO
Overview
Destination:
New Zealand
Duration:10 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Style:
Adventure,
Explorer,
Travel Period
October 2025 - December 2028
As far as road trips go, it doesn’t get much better than New Zealand. Beginning in the creative capital of Wellington, this trip will have you spending 10 days discovering the best of the North Island with a local at the wheel. Explore the ethereal landscapes of Tongariro National Park, tuck into a hangi dinner with a Maori community in Rotorua, stretch out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and wrap things up in Auckland. From stunning sights that stop you in your tracks to celebrations of the island’s Maori culture, this North Island adventure will excite, educate and inspire.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Highlights:
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Standard inclusions
  • Meals: Meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 dinner.
  • Transport: Private Vehicle.
  • Accommodation: Hotel/Motel (9 nights).
  • Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Taupo - Huka Falls.
  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk.
  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser.
  • Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance.
  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove.
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach.
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Itinerary
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Day 1: Wellington
Welcome to the land of the long white cloud – Aotearoa (New Zealand). Your North Island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7.30 pm in Wellington, New Zealand’s trendy capital. Strung between staggering green hills and the harbour, Wellington holds onto its small-town charm despite its capital status. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the botanical gardens or ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views over the region. Tonight, maybe explore Wellington’s world-renowned food and craft beer scene – your leader will have tips on the best places to grab a bevvy or a bite to eat.
Day 2: Wellington
Today is all about getting to know windy Wellington. Kick the day off with a visit to Zealandia – a groundbreaking conservation project that has successfully reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife into this area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Next up is an orientation tour with your leader, checking out the bays, central Wellington, the Botanic Gardens and the Parliament Building. This afternoon, maybe visit Weta Workshop – the special effects studio used by Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. While here, you’ll have the chance to take an optional tour around the studio to find out how the team creates movie magic. Later, maybe check out the Te Papa Museum.
Day 3: Taupo
Wellington is calling – leave Taupo behind and drive to the Ruapehu region with views over Tongariro National Park. This evening, stop in the small town of Taumaranui, where you’ll visit a local marae (Maori meeting house). You’ll be welcomed onto Morero mara. Then, sit down for a korero (conversation) with members of the local iwi about their way of life in this special region. Set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake – Taupo is one of the most scenic spots on the North Island. You’ll spend two nights here, as it’s the perfect base to explore Tongariro National Park.
Day 4: Taupo
A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from all around New Zealand and the world. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from. Maybe wander through geysers, mud pools and caves at Orakei Koako Geothermal Park and Cave, or if you’re a keen hiker, maybe complete the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most famous day hike. The path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and bushlands.
Day 5: Rotorua
Leave Lake Taupo behind and get back on the road. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls – this forceful, icy blue torrent of water is a must-see! Continue your journey towards Rotorua, known for its Maori heritage and hotbed of geothermal activity with its distinctive sulphur smell (you’ll get used to it!). To get your first look at Rotorua’s impressive scenery, take a treetop walk through an ancient redwood forest over a network of suspension bridges, reaching 12 m at the highest point. The evening is yours to relax – maybe explore the world’s youngest geothermal system featuring volcanic craters and hot springs at Waimangu Volcanic Valley or hike through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest.
Day 6: Rotorua
Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – this unique destination is really like nowhere else in the world. The geothermal activity in the area is second to none – simmering mud pools, geysers and lakes. If you’ve got a head for heights, maybe zipline through Rotorua’s ancient forests. This evening you’ll get a true taste of Maori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here, you’ll sit down to a hangi dinner and watch a soul-stirring haka performance.
Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula
Head to the rolling green hills of Matamata this morning, where you’ll visit Hobbiton – this set is where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot. On a fully guided tour of the set, you’ll see Hobbit Holes, the Mill and end with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. From here, it’s on to the Coromandel Peninsula. Along the way, visit Cathedral Cove – a marine reserve known for its sandy beaches, hidden coves and coastline views of the wider Mercury Bay.
Day 8: Coromandel Peninsula
This morning, join your leader as they show you around The Coromandel. A land of white sand beaches and lush rainforests, the Coromandel Peninsula feels a world away from where your journey began. Make a stop at Hot Water Beach, named after the famous warm waters found beneath its golden sand. If the tide allows, dig a hole on the beach and enjoy your own natural hot tub – absolute bliss! This afternoon, maybe stop into Kuaotunu to try their famous ice cream and check out Coromandel Township. Then, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations!
Day 9: Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland
This morning, spend some time soaking in the last of Coromandel in your free time before hitting the road to Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city. The journey is a highlight in itself, following the extraordinary coastline and watching clear blue water stream past the window. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Day 10: Auckland
Say your goodbyes this morning as your North Island adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to spend some more time in Auckland, just chat with your booking agent ahead of time.
Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Intrepid Travel

Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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Price from
$4,495 $4,271 *
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$4,271*
per person
9 nights
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