Enchanting Northland

Intrepid Travel · 5 days
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
Enchanting Northland
5 Days
From AUD $2470
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(3 reviews)

Enchanting Northland

Enchanting Northland

Intrepid Travel · 5 days
Duration

5 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore sub-tropical islands and world-famous coastlines on this five-day journey into Northland. Calling all nature lovers, this corner of New Zealand’s North Island is like another world.

Highlights

  • Cruise through the scenic Poor Knights Islands on a full-day adventure on the water to see some of the north island’s natural beauty. This area is also a Marine Reserve and has volcanic origins over 11 million years old, creating some pretty epic biodiversity.
  • Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about an important piece of New Zealand’s fascinating history, then see the world’s biggest carved waka (ceremonial war canoe)!
  • Soak in the coastal beauty of Tutukaka – home to one of the world’s most gorgeous coastlines (as voted by National Geographic Traveller).
  • Explore Paihia at your own pace with a full free day to scuba dive, sail, swim or relax on one of the many coastal beaches within the Bay of Islands. With a handy local leader by your side, you won’t miss any opportunity!
  • Start and end your trip in modern Auckland – New Zealand's largest city. A big mix of cultures here has resulted in some pretty excellent cuisine, so why not hit up a few of the famous restaurants in your downtime?

Trip Details

Duration

5 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Auckland, New Zealand

Finishes

Waitangi / Auckland, New Zealand

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure begins in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not check out the Auckland Sky Tower – the tallest building in New Zealand. If the mood strikes, you can also jump off the Sky Tower (with a harness, of course). Maybe visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum or walk around the CBD at your own pace and pick one of the excellent spots for lunch. Tonight, you’ll head out for a welcome dinner with your group to get to know each other.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Auckland / Tutukaka
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café for a dose of warm Kiwi hospitality. Then, take a scenic drive to Tutukaka, stopping at Whangarei Falls along the way. This 26 m-high waterfall is a great spot for a photo! Continue along the coastline to Matapouri Beach. With the soft sand under your feet, you can take some time to enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean. This is a perfect spot to relax, unwind and appreciate the surroundings. Arrive in Tutukaka tonight – a coastal city known for its scenic views, world-famous beaches and coastline (rated one of the top three coastlines in the world by National Geographic Traveller!).

Included Activities:

  • Matapouri Beach - Visit
  • Whangarei Falls - Visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Poor Knights Islands / Paihia
After breakfast this morning, you’ll set sail on a full-day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands. As a total Marine Reserve, the islands boast 11-million-year-old volcanic origins, featuring some pretty memorable drop-offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels both above and below the water. The rich biodiversity includes plant, animal and fish life unique to the area, so if you’re a wildlife buff this might be the highlight of your trip! Your day will be filled with sightseeing, kayaking, exploring caves, snorkelling, swimming, spotting sea mammals and learning the history of the islands. The highlight of the day is a visit to the world's largest sea cave – Rikoriko Cave, only accessible by boat. Finish your day with a scenic drive to Paihia, where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:

  • Tutukaka - Poor Knights Islands Day Cruise

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Paihia
Today is a free day in Paihia – this coastal town is known as the gateway to the popular dive sites and sandy beaches of the bay. With more than 140 sub-tropical islands dotted around the coastline, there’s plenty to see and do here! Maybe hit the water and explore the many coves and beaches or take a cruise through the natural rock archway. Explore the ocean floor on a scuba mission or maybe set sail in search of local dolphins. If you’re looking for a hit of adrenaline, why not consider going skydiving? Your leader will have the inside scoop on optional activities and the best places to refuel for lunch and dinner.

Optional Activities:

  • Bay of Islands - Island Hopper Day Cruise (October to April only) (195 NZD)
  • Bay of Islands - Hole in the Rock Cruise (4 hours) (160 NZD)
  • Bay of Islands - Discover Scuba Diving (369 NZD)
  • Russell - Ferry (20 NZD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Waitangi / Auckland
Today, you’ll discover the Bay of Islands’ important role in New Zealand’s history with a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Get an insight into Māori culture and see the 35 m carved waka (a ceremonial war canoe) – the biggest in the world! After lunch, say goodbye to the bay and start the scenic journey back to Auckland via Northland’s east coast, with scenic beaches passing you by. Arrive back in Auckland in the late afternoon, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in New Zealand’s north island, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Included Activities:

  • Waitangi - Treaty Grounds
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $2,470
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 5 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Explore sub-tropical islands and world-famous coastlines on this five-day journey into Northland. Calling all nature lovers, this corner of New Zealand’s North Island is like another world.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 Oct 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Marian
Traveled, December 2023

12/19/2023

We had a great New Zealand North Island Tour. Our guide Harry was the best- caring, helpful, knowledgeable. The tour was exactly as advertised. Harry made it the best!

4.5
Ben
Traveled, April 2024

05/01/2024

Took the tour hosted by Robert & Frederico. Robert was always full of energy when he spoke and he had lots of stories. Whenever we saw animals on the outback roads he stopped and allowed us to have a look and photograph them. He did this with camels. He found a dead snake on the side of the road and then pulled it into our van for us all to have a look at it. He found a thorny devil on the side of the road and pulled it into the van for all of us to look at it. He was very knowledgeable with explaining the story of the Southern Cross star constellation. I liked that the tour guides allowed us to swap seats in the van and sit up the front with Robert. I liked the number of stops we had including Erldunda at the geographic centre of Australia and the many photo opportunities on the side of the road. It was fabulous to see Uluru and I was amazed at the height and size of it. We saw the sunset over Uluru which changed the colour of the rock which was sensational. We also saw the sunrise over Uluru and I enjoyed visiting the Aboriginal cultural centre. Aboriginal art is stunning and the people are friendly.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989