New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

10 days51 reviews
Explorer
From
AUD $4,540

Laidback surf towns, cosmopolitan cities and natural wonders rolled into one

As far as road trips go, it doesn’t get much better than this. Beginning in New Zealand’s creative capital city Wellington, spend 10-days discovering the best of the North Island with a local leader at the wheel. Explore the ethereal landscapes of Tongariro National Park, tuck into a hangi dinner with a Maori community in Rotorua, hang out or hang ten in relaxed Raglan, stretch out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and wrap things up in Auckland City. From stunning sights that stop you in your tracks to celebrations of the island’s Maori culture, this North Island adventure is sure to excite, educate and inspire.

Map of New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound) including New Zealand
Trip code: PHKO
Start
Wellington, New Zealand
End
Auckland, New Zealand
Destinations
New Zealand
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transport
Private Vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel/Motel (9 nights)
Days
10
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Ages
Min 18
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Explorer
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Comfort
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Begin your journey in New Zealand’s creative and cosmopolitan capital, Wellington. Your local leader will show you the best of the city, including Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame.

Admire the out of this world landscapes of Tongariro National Park, from emerald green lakes to soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.

Discover the diversity of Rotorua, from unbelievable geothermal activity to rich Maori culture. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and traditional haka performance.

Hang out or hang ten in Raglan, a laidback town and surfing hotspot. Hop aboard a boat cruise around Raglan to watch the sunset and tuck into a classic Kiwi fish and chips dinner.

Soak up 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.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 05 May 2025 to 31 August 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 September 2023 - 04 May 2025

Itinerary

Map of New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound) including New Zealand

Inclusions and activities

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (9 nights)

Included activities
  • Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Taupo - Huka Falls
  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
  • Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance
  • Raglan - Fish & Chips Dinner
  • Raglan - Sunset Boat Cruise
  • Waitomo - Ruakuri Bush Walk
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach

Optional activities
  • Wellington - Te Papa Museum Tour - NZD35
  • Wellington - Weta Workshop Cave Tour - NZD55
  • Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing (Unguided, Transport to/from Trail Head only) - from - NZD130
  • Rotorua - Skyline Gondola Rotorua - NZD43
  • Rotorua - Mount Tarawera Crater Hike - NZD195
  • Rotorua - Forest Ziplining - from - NZD189
  • Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting - NZD139
  • Rotorua - ZORB - from - NZD45
  • Waitomo - Glowworm Cave Tour - NZD79
  • Raglan - Kayaking Tour - NZD99
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking - NZD175

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.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

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.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Amanda · Traveled October 2023
Review submitted 22 Oct 2023
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
From
AUD $4,540