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

Where inspiring scenery and Maori culture intertwine

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.

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

Why you'll love this trip

  • Swap Auckland’s big city vibes for 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.

  • Chill 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Get to know 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.

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 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. If you’d like to take a dip into Auckland’s nightlife, your leader will have tips on the best places to grab a drink 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).

Leave the bright lights of Auckland City in the rear-view mirror as you jump in your vehicle and drive on 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! Arrive in Whitianga in the afternoon – your local leader will show you around this relaxed town known for beaches, surfing and a mellow atmosphere.
Accommodation
  • Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach
Optional Activities
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking - NZD131
  • Coromandel Peninsula - The Lost Spring - NZD47
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Bone Carving - NZD63
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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!
Accommodation
  • Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Raglan - Fish & Chips Dinner
  • Raglan - Sunset Boat Cruise
Optional Activities
  • Raglan - Kayaking - NZD47
  • Raglan - Caving/Rock Climbing - NZD135
  • Raglan - Paddle Boarding - NZD47
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. 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
  • Waitomo - Ruakuri Bush Walk
  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
Optional Activities
  • Waitomo - Footwhistle Cave Tour - NZD67
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

Those looking for a thrill are in the right place – Rotorua is a fantastic spot for white water rafting, so if you’re up for an adrenaline rush, you may like to spend your morning paddling the Kaituna River. If you’d like a slower start to the day, 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, first making the short drive to Taupo, set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. From here, continue to 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
  • Taupo - Huka Falls
Optional Activities
  • Rotorua - Sail Fearless - NZD53
  • Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting - NZD109
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

Wellington is calling – leave Tongariro National Park 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, then your leader will give you a brief introduction to the city before heading 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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

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).
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

  • 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 - Pohutu Geyser
  • Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance
  • Taupo - Huka Falls
  • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound) 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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