Premium New Zealand North Island
Price- $4,019
8 Days | Immerse yourself in the beauty of the North Island
This is natural beauty on the biggest scale – soaring volcanoes, vast lakes and never-ending caves. Spend eight incredible days exploring the best of New Zealand’s North Island with the guidance of a passionate local leader. On a journey from Auckland to Wellington, sip local wine on Waiheke Island, explore the mythical world of Hobbiton, marvel at the geothermal delights of Rotorua, relax on the shores of Lake Taupo, explore the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro and sail across Wellington Harbor. This is an adventure that surprises at every turn.
Trip overview
StartAuckland, New Zealand
EndWellington, New Zealand
DestinationsNew Zealand
StylePremium
AgesMin 15
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 12
ThemeExplorer
Trip CodePHPN
Itinerary
Welcome to the North Island! Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s most populated city, fringed with beaches, harbours, volcanoes and farmland. A welcome meeting will take place at 6pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on this adventure. If you arrive in Auckland with time to spare, you may like to uncover the story of New Zealand rugby during an interactive All Blacks experience where you’ll learn about the heritage of the sport and find out what it takes to wear the famous black jersey. After your meeting, get to know your group over dinner at an atmospheric local bistro in the heart of the city, championing New Zealand producers.
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Leave the bustle of the big city behind and head offshore to Waiheke Island, famed for its sandy beaches and glorious wine. Board a ferry from Auckland – if you’re really lucky you may even see dolphins or orcas along the way. The day will be spent sipping your way around the island, stopping off at three unique wineries to learn about their production methods, and of course tasting the goods yourself. You’ll also enjoy an included lunch on the island, not to mention a few scenic drives with plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos. Return to Auckland in the late afternoon with an evening free for your own discoveries of the city.
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After breakfast this morning, hit the road and drive to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, an extensive underground network of tunnels and caverns decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and luminous glow worms. Join a local expert for an in-depth tour of the Ruakuri Cave, descending a spiral entrance to a magical world below. Discover fascinating limestone formations, hear the roar of subterranean waterfalls and learn about the glow worms that light up the caves. Continue to Hobbiton, where the epic Lord of the Rings movies were shot. Take a tour around the set with a local guide, hear stories about the production of these iconic films, explore Hobbit holes and enjoy a drink at the mythical Green Dragon Inn. Finally, travel to Rotorua, where you will spend the evening.
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Wake up in Rotorua to the unmistakable scent of sulphur coming off the town’s many geothermal pools. After breakfast, pay a visit to Te Puia, over 70 hectares of land within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, dotted with hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A local expert will take you on a walk to learn about these geothermal wonders, including Pohutu, the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Next experience the Kiwi Conservation Centre where you’ll have the chance to observe the beloved nocturnal bird in a darkened enclosure and learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to protect them. Swing by the Ahua Gallery and watch culturally significant Maori carving and weaving demonstrations. Lunch is a treat today - a traditional hangi feast cooked beneath the earth in traditional style. In the evening, perhaps consider an optional tour of the geysers by night.
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Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on to Taupo, sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo – the largest lake in New Zealand. On the way, visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, where you will walk through thousands of years of geothermal history and volcanic features, including New Zealand's largest mud pool and bubbling basins bursting with vibrant colors. The rest of the day is yours to discover all that this picturesque part of the country has to offer. One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is to get on its waters – speak to your leader to find out about the sustainable sailing and cruising options available to you this afternoon. You may like to try your hand at fishing, or perhaps take a flight over the spectacular Tongariro National Park. (Guide free day from 10am to 10am the following day).
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Today will be spent uncovering the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park, as spiritually significant as it is spectacular. Your leader will guide you on a scenic two-hour walk to the Taranaki Falls, an impressive 20-metre cascade tumbling over volcanic cliffs. Later in the day, head to your Feature Stay accommodation at the Powderhorn Chateau and settle in. The chateau provides a stunning base for the evening, surrounded by the soaring peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro – the views are simply unbeatable.
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This morning, make tracks for Wellington, New Zealand’s trendy capital city. After settling in, hop aboard a private catamaran and get to know the city on an evening cruise around Wellington Harbour. Return to land after an hour and join your group for dinner at a fantastic waterfront restaurant – the perfect chance to reminisce about your North Island adventure.
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Your North Island adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time exploring Wellington, just get in touch in advance and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability). Alternatively, combine this trip with Premium New Zealand South Island for the ultimate tour of this special land. Search Premium New Zealand Encompassed PHPZC, or speak with your booking agent for more details.
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Inclusions
Meals
Meals 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinnersTransport
Transport Private vehicle, Catamaran, FerryAccommodation
Accommodation Resort (1 nights), Hotel (6 nights)Premium Inclusions
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Luggage transfer
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
- Auckland - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
- Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch
- Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
- Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
- Waitomo - Ruakuri Glow Worm Cave Visit
- Rotorua - Visit to Te Puia Geothermal Area with Local Guide & Hangi Lunch
- Rotorua - Ahua Gallery & Kiwi Conservation Centre
- Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
- Tongariro National Park - Taranaki Falls
- Wellington - Evening Cruise on Wellington Harbour
Add On Activities
- Rotorua - Polynesian Spa - from - NZD40
- Rotorua - Redwoods Treetop Walkway - NZD39
- Taupo - Lake Taupo Sailing Adventure - NZD69
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