New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
10 Days
From AUD $4550
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (1 reviews)

New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
4.5
1 Reviews
View Map
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Highlights

  • Discover Rotorua’s heritage, from colourful geothermal activity to the rich Maori culture. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and watch a traditional haka performance.
  • Swap Auckland’s city vibes for the natural beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, including a visit to Hot Water Beach, where all you need is a spade to create your own natural hot tub.
  • Walk through the wild landscapes of Tongariro National Park, from emerald-green lakes to soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, you can even tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
  • Visit Hobbiton – the living set where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Wellington, New Zealand

Finishes

Auckland, New Zealand

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
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.

Included Activities:

  • Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

Optional Activities:

  • Wellington - Te Papa Museum Tour (35 NZD)
  • Wellington - Weta Workshop Cave Tour (55 NZD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing (Unguided, Transport to/from Trail Head only) - from (130 NZD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
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.

Included Activities:

  • Taupo - Huka Falls
  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
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.

Included Activities:

  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
  • Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance

Optional Activities:

  • Rotorua - Skyline Gondola Rotorua (43 NZD)
  • Rotorua - Mount Tarawera Crater Hike (195 NZD)
  • Rotorua - Forest Ziplining - from (189 NZD)
  • Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting (139 NZD)
  • Rotorua - ZORB - from (45 NZD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
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.

Included Activities:

  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
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!

Accommodation:

  • Hotel or Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
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.

Included Activities:

  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach

Optional Activities:

  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking (155 NZD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
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.
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 $4,550
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

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.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 10 Jun 2027

View Map

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
Amanda
Traveled, October 2023

10/22/2023

Had a great guide, which made this trip really easy, as well as very enjoyable.

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

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