New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)
New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)
10 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Wellington
Visiting: Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Raglan, Waitomo / Rotorua, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHKN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
The legendary landscapes and natural bounty of New Zealand’s North Island are simply unbeatable, and there’s so much more to the region than just showstopping scenery. This 10-day adventure takes you from the bright lights of Auckland to creative and contemporary Wellington. Along the way, your local leader will introduce you to the beaches and forests of the Coromandel Peninsula, the under-the-radar town of Raglan, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National Park. Add a hangi dinner with a Maori community, kiwi spotting and fish and chips and you’re in for a classic Kiwi adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to the land of the long white cloud, Aotearoa (New Zealand). Your North Island adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest, busiest and buzziest city. If you get here with time to spare, perhaps check out the beach down at Mission Bay or take a stroll along the restaurant-lined waterfront. Meet your local leader and new travel buddies at your accommodation at 6pm for a welcome meeting, then the rest of the evening is yours to do as you please, so you may like to take a dip into Auckland’s nightlife.
Day 2: Coromandel Peninsula
Location: Coromandel Peninsula
Accommodation: Hotel or Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Meet your leader and the rest of your group this morning, then leave the bright lights of Auckland City in the rear-view mirror as you jump in your vehicle and drive to the Coromandel Peninsula – the journey is a highlight in itself, following the extraordinary coastline and watching clear blue water stream past the window. 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! After a visit to the famous cathedral Cove arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 3: Raglan
Location: Raglan
Accommodation: Hotel or Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Hit the road and make a scenic drive to Raglan, passing tree-clad hills and dramatic valleys. The journey will be broken up with photo-worthy stops, including a visit to the magical 55-metre cascade of the Bridal Veil Falls. Widely considered to be New Zealand’s premier surf spot, Raglan is the ideal place to catch some waves, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. If surfing isn’t your thing, the chilled-out town offers a wealth of awesome activities. Check out creative local cafes, shops and galleries, stretch out on the beach and enjoy the view or head out on a hiking trail to get a better look at the landscape. Tonight is set to be one to remember – get on the water for a sunset boat cruise around Raglan Harbour, and tuck into a tasty fish and chips feast while you’re at it – a true Kiwi experience!
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 4: Waitomo / Rotorua
Location: Waitomo / Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel or Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning’s adventure takes you underground during an optional visit to the Waitomo Caves, a subterranean system of caverns and passageways illuminated by thousands of ethereal glow worms. You may like to join a walking tour to hear the story of the caves’ history, geology and connection to Maori mythology. If you’d rather stay on the surface, the Ruakuri Forest walk is a must, cutting through dense rainforest and taking in views of verdant gorges and limestone arches. Tucked into the rolling green hills of Matamata you’ll find Hobbiton, the set where part of the Lord of the Rings films were shot. On a fully guided tour of the set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Continue your journey towards Rotorua, known for its Maori heritage, hotbed of geothermal activity and 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 metres at the highest point.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 5: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel or Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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, dramatic geysers and fluorescent lakes must be seen to be believed. If you’ve got a head for heights, ziplining through Rotorua’s ancient forests is an unbeatable way to take it all in. This evening you’ll get a true taste of Māori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here you’ll enjoy a hangi dinner, a traditional meal cooked underground, giving it a delicious earthy flavour. You’ll also experience a soul-stirring haka performance.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 6: Taupo
Location: Taupo
Accommodation: Hotel or Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Take in the sights before heading south to Taupo. Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa is the perfect place to unwind, or head to Kuirau Park to walk through a landscape of hissing natural hot pools. If your morning activities have inspired an appetite, the town is chock full of tempting cafes and bakeries serving up local favourites. Say goodbye to Rotorua and get on the road once more, heading to Taupo. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls during the drive before arriving in Taupo, set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. We’ll spend two nights here, the perfect base to explore Taupo and Tongariro National Park.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 7: Taupo
Location: Taupo
Accommodation: Hotel or Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from around New Zealand and the world, keen to both relax and get their blood pumping with the adventure sports and hikes on offer. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty to choose from. If you’re a keen hiker, you may like to complete the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most famous day hike. At 19.4km long, the path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and bush. A variety of guided or unguided options are available, but a good level of fitness and appropriate gear for all types of weather are a must for anyone considering tackling the crossing today. There are shorter hikes in the park available or, for the thrill seekers, you might like to go skydiving or bungy jumping.
Optional Activities:
-
Day 8: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Wellington is calling – leave Taupo behind and drive on to New Zealand’s trendy and attractive capital city. Strung between staggering green hills and a delightful harbour, Wellington holds onto a small-town charm despite its capital status. The city is known for its creative and artistic endeavours, making it a real joy to explore. Arrive in the afternoon, your leader will give you a brief introduction to the city before you are free to explore as you wish. You may like to head up Mt Victoria for a view that will help you appreciate Wellington in all its glory. The rest of the evening is yours to explore the capital. With a booming food scene, be sure to ask your leader for some wonderful restaurant recommendations.
Day 9: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is all about getting to know windy Wellington, a charming place even on its most blustery days! Kick the day off with an orientation tour with your leader, checking out the bays, central Wellington, the Botanic Gardens and the Parliament Buildings. Next up it's 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. Pay a visit to 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 here create film magic. This afternoon, you may like to check out Wellington’s most famous cultural attraction, Te Papa Museum. Displaying an intriguing combination of New Zealand’s history and cultural heritage woven with cutting edge technology and interactive displays, there’s something here to entertain everyone. If you’d rather spend the afternoon outdoors, a tour of Kapiti Island offers the chance to spot an abundance of rare and beautiful birds.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 10: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Meals Included: breaksfast
It’s time to say a fond farewell to your newfound friends, as your North Island adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring Wellington, get in touch ahead of time and we can help to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotel/Motel (9 nights) -
Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
-
Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach
-
Raglan - Fish & Chips Dinner
-
Raglan - Sunset Boat Cruise
-
Waitomo - Ruakuri Bush Walk
-
Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
-
Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
-
Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
-
Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance
-
Taupo - Huka Falls
What's Not Included
-
International Travel
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Transport
- Private Vehicle
Accommodation
- Accommodation is on a twin share basis, and single travellers are paired with someone of the same sex. On rare occasions there may be triple rooms. Single supplement room upgrades can be requested at the time of booking.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. This trip is run by Haka Tours, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.
Mode of Transport
- Private Vehicle
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
This trip is run by Haka Tours, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026
Wednesday - Friday
Oct 30, 2024 - Nov 08, 2024Thursday - Saturday
Dec 05, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024Tuesday - Thursday
Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 15, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Jan 14, 2025 - Jan 23, 2025Thursday - Saturday
Jan 16, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025Thursday - Saturday
Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Thursday - Saturday
Apr 24, 2025 - May 03, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Thursday - Saturday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Saturday - Monday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025Saturday - Monday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Nov 19, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Saturday - Monday
Nov 22, 2025 - Dec 01, 2025Friday - Sunday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Dec 10, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Saturday - Monday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025Friday - Sunday
Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 12, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jan 13, 2026 - Jan 22, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Feb 03, 2026 - Feb 12, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Feb 10, 2026 - Feb 19, 2026Saturday - Monday
Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 23, 2026Thursday - Saturday
Feb 19, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026Saturday - Monday
Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026Wednesday - Friday
Feb 25, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026Saturday - Monday
Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 09, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Mar 24, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026Saturday - Monday
Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 06, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026Saturday - Monday
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026Saturday - Monday
Apr 25, 2026 - May 04, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 08, 2026 - May 17, 2026Saturday - Monday
May 23, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 29, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 03, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jul 21, 2026 - Jul 30, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026Saturday - Monday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 17, 2026Saturday - Monday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 24, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions