From CAD 5,164 Was CAD 6,075
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
This is natural beauty on the biggest scale – huge volcanoes, vast lakes, rolling farmlands and deep caves. On this Premium trip, you’ll spend eight 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.
Highlights
- Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during an Exclusive Experience, visiting three cellar doors to learn about their production methods and sample some of the local wine.
- Discover an underground world during a tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, then experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, from bubbling hot springs to geysers and mud pools.
- Enjoy an iconic Exclusive Experience as you take a trip to Middle-earth and tour Hobbiton, where the iconic Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were shot – a must-do for any visit to New Zealand!
- Be amazed by Tongariro National Park as you spend the day exploring its volcanic landscapes, then retire to your chateau-style Feature Stay where you can sit back and soak in views of Tongariro’s peaks.
- Get a special look at New Zealand’s trendy capital city, Wellington, during an Exclusive Experience on board a private catamaran, cruising around the harbour.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2250
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,Catamaran,Ferry
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: PHPN
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Wellington, New Zealand
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Resort (1 nights),Hotel (6 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 5164 (CAD 646 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure of the volcanic North Island begins in Auckland – New Zealand’s most populated city, fringed with beaches, harbours, volcanoes and farmland. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might 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 a local bistro in the heart of the city, championing New Zealand producers.
Included Activities:
- Auckland - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- M Social or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave the bustle of the big city behind and head offshore to Waiheke Island, famed for its sandy beaches and local wine. Board a ferry from Auckland – if you’re 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 photos. Return to Auckland in the late afternoon with an evening free for your own discoveries of the city.
Included Activities:
- Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
- Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch
Accommodation:
- M Social or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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 the world below. See the 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 (and maybe a delicious pie) at the mythical Green Dragon Inn. Finally, travel to Rotorua, where you’ll spend the evening.
Included Activities:
- Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
- Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
- Waitomo - Ruakuri Glow Worm Cave Visit
Accommodation:
- Millennium Rotorua or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up in Rotorua to the unmistakable scent of sulphur coming off the town’s many geothermal pools. After breakfast, visit to Te Puia – over 70 hectares of land within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is 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, head to the Kiwi Conservation Centre where you’ll have the chance to observe the beloved nocturnal bird (the kiwi) 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 today will be a traditional hangi feast cooked beneath the earth in the traditional style. Tonight, consider an optional tour of the geysers by night.
Included Activities:
- Rotorua - Visit to Te Puia Geothermal Area with Local Guide & Hangi Lunch
- Rotorua - Ahua Gallery & Kiwi Conservation Centre
Optional Activities:
- Rotorua - Redwoods Treetop Walkway (39 NZD)
- Rotorua - Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa - from (75 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Millennium Rotorua or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on to Taupō – sitting on the shores of Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand, this is a popular and scenic town. On the way, visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, where you’ll walk through thousands of years of geothermal history and volcanic features, including New Zealand's largest mud pool and bubbling basins bursting with vibrant colours. 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 this afternoon. You might like to take a flight over the spectacular Tongariro National Park.
Included Activities:
- Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
Optional Activities:
- Taupō - Lake Taupō Sailing Adventure (69 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Millenium Taupo or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, uncover the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park, as spiritually significant as it is naturally beautiful. Your leader will guide you on a scenic two-hour walk to the Taranaki Falls – an impressive 20 m cascade tumbling over volcanic cliffs. Later in the day, head to your Feature Stay accommodation at the Powderhorn Chateau and settle in. The chateau is surrounded by the high peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro and the views are simply unbeatable.
Included Activities:
- Tongariro National Park - Taranaki Falls
Accommodation:
- Powderhorn Chateau (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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 waterfront restaurant – the perfect chance to reminisce about your North Island adventure.
Included Activities:
- Wellington - Evening Cruise on Wellington Harbour
Accommodation:
- QT Wellington / Museum Apartment Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend more time exploring Wellington, just get in touch with your booking agent in advance to arrange additional accommodation. Alternatively, combine this trip with Premium New Zealand South Island for the ultimate trip.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Jenny - Traveled, March 2024
This tour is a great mix of natural wonders, breathtaking scenery and culture. Island life, caves, hobbiton, catamaran cruising, volcanic landscapes, the trip has a lovely mix. It was well organised with the right mix of activities. Grant our tour leader was excellent. He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and added so much more with his stories and humour. A great trip with a great bunch of people. Highly recommend visiting NZ.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Bruce - Traveled, March 2024
Can’t say enough great things about our guide Summer and the overall Intrepid experiences
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Gavin - Traveled, March 2024
This holiday is perfect for exploring the North Island of New Zealand. The itinerary is busy, but not too busy, and there aren't any days where the travel is onerous. It's a beautiful, interesting place and this tour lets you experience that to the fullest.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Alexander - Traveled, February 2024
It was a nice tour of a small group with many interesting destinations, activities and meals included. Our guide Wayne was really good in making a good team from our group and looking after each member. I would highly recommend this tour if you want to see more of the North Island in about a week.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Julia - Traveled, January 2024
Awesome tour! Rhys as the group leader was the best!-organized, fun, native New Zealander with lots of insight. Really good food, hotels, and transportation. Always felt well taken care of with the right mix of organized activities and time to ourselves. Trip of a lifetime!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Melinda - Traveled, January 2024
I really enjoyed the Premium tour of New Zealand exploring the North Island. We had 6 people on our tour which made for a great time being able to meet and spend time with everyone. Summer is an amazing tour guide and a new great friend. Highly recommend Intrepid Travel to all my friends interested in a tour vacation. Thank you for the great time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Ruby - Traveled, December 2023
Really enjoyed my Intrepid trip to NZ North Island. Our tour guide Lou was SO good and we had a lot of fun! Great hotels and travelling was made easy with Frodo the bus! Will book again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/03/2024
Heather Chu Rui - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing trip with Tim. The trip can be more flexible when the weather gets unpredictable and it would be perfect!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2024
Bridgette - Traveled, December 2023
This was my first time traveling with Intrepid. I had done one other trip in the recent past with a different company geared towards 20-somethings. I enjoyed this Intrepid trip exceedingly more so than the other trip! The tour guide was better, accomodations were better, the itinerary was better, and the group (much smaller in size) was more enjoyable as well. This was an excellent way to see New Zealand's North Island. It's and absolutely stunning country. No regrets!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2023
Karun - Traveled, December 2023
It was worthwhile to see both islands - as north is very commercial in some parts and the south is full of its untamed landscape.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
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