New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
7 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Wellington
Visiting: Auckland, Raglan, Whale Bay, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington
Tour operator:
Tour code:
23195
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
16 - 20
Age range:
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour 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. Over this seven-day tour, you'll hop in a sea kayak to explore a secluded harbour, learn about Maori culture from the source, and learn how to surf. There's no better way to live, breathe, and paddle the New Zealand experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Jucy Snooze Auckland (or similar)
Arrive at any time.
It’s time to make some memories! Join your CEO and group for a night out in Auckland. Dinner, drinks, ice cream? You’ll mix and match these depending on the mood of the group to enjoy a wonderful evening. So what are you waiting for? Grab dinner somewhere tasty, or head to Giapo ice cream parlour—contributor to Planeterra for a sweet snack, or wander downtown to check out craft beer bars like Little Creatures and Habana Joe's. The options seem endless, so regardless of where the night takes you just make sure to snap loads of pictures because there’s no doubt you’ll want to remember this experience.
Arrive in Auckland at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, opt to visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Additional Information: Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1.
If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour. OR, you can opt to wait until your tour begins, and book a ticket with your CEO (please note that there are limited tickets on the ground - which could result in you missing out if you wait to book with your CEO).
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.
Day 2 : Auckland/Raglan
Location: Auckland, Raglan
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Lava Lounge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Begin your journey along backroads to a remote eel farm (this might sound strange, but life’s more fun when you embrace the bizarre) where you will learn about sustainable aquaculture and the conservations farm’s methods regarding traditionally farmed marine life.
After, get on the water for some sea kayaking; exploring remote parts of the harbour before indulging in a picnic lunch. With full stomachs and a relaxed atmosphere the group will head to our lodge just a few minutes drive from the famous surf and arts town of Raglan for the night.
Travel backroads to a remote conservation farm where they are using natural means to boost the stocks of traditionally farmed marine life. Farmers have created a balanced ecosystem to attract native birds and animals back to the area.
After, kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our lodge a few minutes drive from the famous surf and arts town of Raglan for the night.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit a local sustainable eel farm which focuses on developing sustainable aquaculture and biological solutions for dairy farms in an effort to restore lowland wetland eco-systems. Be inspired by their green initiatives – they practice the art of giving more back to the environment than they take out.
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.
Day 3 : Raglan
Location: Whale Bay, Raglan, Raglan
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Lava Lounge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake up amid the adventurous in the picturesque North Island town of Raglan. This laid-back place may well be New Zealand’s perfect surf town and you’ll get to enjoy an included surf lesson to get you out in the waves.
The afternoon is yours for the taking; head on a hike around the Wainui Reserve, grab a kayak or stand up paddle board and traverse the harbour, or embrace the Indigenous art scene and shop from place to place finding the perfect memento for your trip. Your only job today is to get out, relax, and have fun!
Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is open for optional activities such as yoga, stand up paddle boarding or exploring the many trails in the area.
ACTIVITY: Learn how to catch a wave in this three-hour 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: AFTERNOON 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.
Day 4 : Raglan/Rotorua
Location: Raglan, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 (sounds like a pretty unforgettable experience to us.)
Next stop is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity (think hot springs galore) and culture. Once the group arrives here you will visit a local village for an engaging cultural experience to help you better understand the Maori way of life.
Stop en route at Waitomo. Enjoy free time to visit the Waitomo Caves, famous for their glow-worms and adventure activities, or explore this scenic area by foot.
Continue to Rotorua for an engaging cultural experience on the grounds of a historic Maori village.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Immerse yourself in a Maori cultural experience on the grounds of a historic Maori village. Participate in a pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), and learn about the history of the marae (village) and the Rotorua-area from a local Maori guide. Discover the abundant geothermal energy surrounding the village that’s used for cooking, heating, and communal bath houses.
Day 5 : Rotorua/Taupo
Location: Rotorua, Taupō
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Base Taupo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make the most of your morning in Rotorua. There's lots to see and do! Opt to go whitewater rafting or mountain biking for an adrenaline rush, try your hand at zorbing, or relax at a hot spring. Later, continue to Taupo.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: MORNING With lots to see and do in Rotorua, get out and explore!
Day 6 : Taupo/Wellington
Location: Taupō, Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Nomads Capital (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON 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!
Day 7 : Wellington
Location: Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
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?
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
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Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
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Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington. Conservation farm visit (Raglan).
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Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan
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Conservation farm visit (Raglan)
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Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
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All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Maori cultural experience
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Accommodation
Hostels (4 nts, multi-share with 4-6 people), basic lodges (2 nts). Most nights are multi-share on this trip.
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Fully Guided
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Accommodation
Hostels (4 nts, multi-share with 4-6 people), basic lodges (2 nts). Most nights are multi-share on this trip.
Transport
Private vehicle, kayak, walking
Meals Included
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No, this tour is for 18-39 year olds only'
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Dec 26, 2026 - Jan 01, 2027Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.