New Zealand: Best of the North Island

G Adventures · 7 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
7 Days
From AUD $1439 Was AUD $1799
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(21 reviews)

New Zealand: Best of the North Island

New Zealand: Best of the North Island

G Adventures · 7 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. New Zealand’s North Island may be the smaller of the two, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure.

Includes

Activities

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
  • Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
  • Maori cultural experience
  • Huka Falls
  • Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hostels & basic lodgings (6 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people). **All nights are multi-share on this trip.
  • 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

  • Private vehicle, bus, boat, kayak, walking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

  • Surf world-famous waves
  • Learn about Maori culture in a geothermal valley
  • Get the adrenaline pumping in Rotorua
  • Dance the night away in Wellington.
New Zealand: Best of the North Island

Trip Details

Duration

7 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, bus, boat, kayak, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Auckland, New Zealand

Finishes

Wellington, New Zealand

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Auckland

Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Haka House Auckland City
2

Day 2: Auckland/Raglan

Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights.
Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You'll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Tour Raglan’s secluded bays and unique coastline by kayak. Paddle the inner harbour to get up close to wildlife, fish, and (fingers crossed) orcas. Discover the pancake rocks on the harbour's northern side.Accommodation - Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge
3

Day 3: Raglan

Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies.
Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Learn how to catch a wave in this surf lesson. Start with instruction on dry land before heading into the surf. Take advantage of the large soft boards used in class (they help everyone stand up).Free_time - Enjoy free time any way you want in this surfing town. Head to the beach to hang ten or relax with a cold drink and plan your next activities.Accommodation - Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge
4

Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua

Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - See the famous Te Puia Geyser during this sensory cultural experience. Be guided by a local Maori guide on this 2 hour tour set in the Te Puia thermal valley and enjoy a delicious traditional kāinga waru pudding cooked in their natural hot spring.Accommodation - Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua
5

Day 5: Rotorua/Taupo

Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - With lots to see and do in Rotorua, get out and explore!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the mighty Huka falls. With more than 220,000 litres of water per second flowing over an 11 metre high waterfall, these impressive falls are an attraction not to be missed.Activity - Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views from Lake Taupo. Listen to the experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails or take a step back and soak in the views. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent).Accommodation - Based by the Lake
6

Day 6: Taupo/Wellington

Hit the road to the nation's capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.

Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend some time exploring the city.Activity - Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Wellington on this night out with the group. Put those competitive hats on and play games at Blend Bar (may the best person win) and then put those dancing shoes to good use as you shimmy and shake the night away with your adventure buddies by your side. There’s no one cooler than this travel crew right here!Accommodation - Cambridge Hotel
7

Day 7: Wellington

Depart at any time.

Alas, your trip has come to an end. However, who says you have to go home? Why not add on another tour so you can keep exploring this stunning part of the world. After all, does anyone ever regret extending a vacation?

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • 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 will do 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.

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.

From
AUD $1799

AUD $1,439
(Tour only)
Offer ends 31 Mar, 2026 Per Person Standard
20% Off

Duration: 7 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. New Zealand’s North Island may be the smaller of the two, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 May 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
5.0
Friederike V.
Traveled, December 2023

12/29/2023

Because the trip was well planned and the group size was appropriate.

4.5
Todd
Traveled, December 2023

12/29/2023

The activities were perfect, it was very stress free as a traveler, and Benji was absolutely legendary

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990