New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

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

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

Trip code: PHKO

Start: Wellington, New Zealand

End: Auckland, New Zealand


Duration
10 days
Group size
1 to 16
Minimum age
15 years old
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: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders

Comfort
Theme

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From
GBP £2,320

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover Rotorua’s heritage, from colourful geothermal activity to the rich Maori culture. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and watch a traditional haka performance.
  • Swap Auckland’s 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.
  • Walk through the wild landscapes of Tongariro National Park, from emerald-green lakes to soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, you can even tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
  • Visit Hobbiton – the living set where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot.
This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.

View the itinerary for departures between 05 May 2025 - 30 September 2026

Itinerary

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

Inclusions and activities

Destinations
New Zealand
Meals

9 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (9 nights)

Included activities
  • Wellington - Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Taupo - Huka Falls
  • Rotorua - Redwood Forest Canopy Walk
  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
  • Rotorua - Hangi Dinner & Haka Dance
  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • 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
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking - NZD155

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.

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Dates and prices

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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.

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.

Reviews

4.5 . 2 reviews
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Lynne
Traveled March 2025
Amanda
Traveled October 2023
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
From
GBP £2,320