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

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.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Wellington, New Zealand
Finish
Auckland, New Zealand
Destination
New Zealand
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
PHKO
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 6, Max 16

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.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is operated and run by our trusted partner Haka Tours. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

Beaches in Coromandel, North Island, New Zealand
Glowworms of Waitomo Caves, North Island, New Zealand
Kayaking in Raglan, North Island, New Zealand
Thermal Pools of Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
Emerald Pools along Tongariro Crossing, North Island, New Zealand
Zealandia Sanctuary, Wellington, North Island, New Zealand
Wellington Cable Car, North Island, New Zealand

Itinerary
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Welcome to the land of the long white cloud, Aotearoa (New Zealand). Your North Island adventure begins in Wellington, 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. 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. If you’d like to experience Wellington’s world-renowned food and craft beer scene, your leader will have tips on the best places to grab a bevvy or a bite to eat.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

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. 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 weaved 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Wellington - Kapiti Island - NZD196
  • Wellington - Zealandia - NZD58
  • Wellington - Te Papa Museum Tour - NZD21
  • Wellington - Weta Workshop - NZD29
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Make the most of your final morning in Wellington – perhaps check out the always-buzzing Cuba street for breakfast or have a wander around the City Gallery. Then it’s time to swap the city for the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park as you hit the road and head north. This drive is one worth looking out the window for, as the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro draw closer. Arrive in Tongariro National Park, the oldest national park in the country and your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation
  • Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Tongariro National Park is an inspiring landscape brimming with emerald lakes and volcanic mountains. The park is also home to what’s thought to be one of the best one-day walks in the world – the Tongariro Crossing. Today you’ll have the chance to take on this challenging but oh-so rewarding hike, covering 19.4km through mountains, lakes, craters and thick bush. A good level of fitness and appropriate gear for all types of weather are a must for anyone considering tackling the crossing today. This is considered one of the world’s top walks for a reason – the views are simply unbeatable. You may prefer to set out on one of the shorter hikes in the park – there are heaps to choose from and your leader will help to pick one that best suits your interests and abilities.
Accommodation
  • Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing (Full Day Unguided) - NZD51
  • Tongariro National Park - Forgotten World Adventures - NZD177
  • Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing (Full Day Guided) - NZD268
  • Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Crossing(Half Day Guided) - NZD268
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Leave the landscapes of Tongariro National Park behind and get back on the road. Today’s first stop is Taupo, set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. From here it’s a super scenic drive to the Huka Falls – this forceful, icy blue torrent of water is a must-see! 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Taupo - Huka Falls
  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
Optional Activities
  • Rotorua - Sail Fearless - NZD53
  • Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting - NZD109
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – this unique destination is really like nowhere else in the world. 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 and a must-visit for any fans. The geothermal activity in the area is also 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 Maori culture during a visit to a local village. Here you’ll enjoy a hangi dinner, a traditional meal cooked underground, giving it a delicious earthy flavour. Members of the village will also give combat demonstrations and perform a soul-stirring haka. While here you’ll have the chance to witness New Zealand’s largest geyser in action, and if you’re really lucky, you may spot some nocturnal kiwi birds.
Accommodation
  • Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
  • Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance
Optional Activities
  • Rotorua - Guided Kayak to Hot Pools - NZD252
  • Rotorua - Mount Tarawera Crater Hike - NZD156
  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD130
  • Rotorua - Forest Ziplining - NZD156
  • Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting - NZD109
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning’s adventure takes you underground during a 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. From here, it’s on to Raglan, a chilled-out town with a reputation as New Zealand’s top surf spot. 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!
Accommodation
  • Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Raglan - Fish & Chips Dinner
  • Raglan - Sunset Boat Cruise
  • Waitomo - Ruakuri Bush Walk
Optional Activities
  • Waitomo - Footwhistle Cave Tour - NZD67
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Raglan is the ideal place to catch some morning waves, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. If surfing isn’t your thing, the area 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. Continue north in the afternoon towards the Coromandel Peninsula, passing tree-clad hills ad 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. 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!
Accommodation
  • Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Raglan - Paddle Boarding - NZD47
  • Raglan - Kayaking - NZD47
  • Raglan - Caving/Rock Climbing - NZD135
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your leader will spend some time showing you around Whitianga this morning. This relaxed town is best known for beaches, surfing and a mellow atmosphere – ask your leader for tips on how to make the most out of your morning here. Later in the day, hit the road for a final time as you travel towards Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest, busiest and buzziest city. The journey is a highlight in itself, following the extraordinary coastline and watching clear blue water stream past the window. As always, your leader will have tips on some excellent places to grab a meal in this lively city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach
Optional Activities
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Bone Carving - NZD63
  • Coromandel Peninsula - The Lost Spring - NZD47
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking - NZD131
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Say your goodbyes this morning as your North Island adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to spend some more time in Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

9 nights in twin-share 3–4 star accommodation: a mix of hotels, motels, and lodges

Included activities

  • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout
  • Taupo - Huka Falls
  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
  • 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

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound) trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

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.

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