Discover the north of New Zealand with this 11-day beautiful tour. During this incredible trip you'll go on a cruise in Bay of Islands to view local wildlife and have the unique chance to spend a cultural night among the Maori. You'll also get a taste of life in a working farm and hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing walk. If you are looking for unspoilt nature and want to discover foreign populations, this tour is perfect for you. 

Trip summary

  • Travel style Group departure
  • Departure Auckland
  • End Auckland
  • Countries
    • New Zealand
  • City
    • Paihia
    • Auckland
    • Raglan
    • Mourea
    • Te Anau
    • Owhango
    • Tongariro
    • Wellington
  • Theme Wild nature
  • Accommodation Standard
  • Flight Excluded
  • Guide Not Included
  • The tour has met our standards

Detailed itinerary

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  • 1
    Auckland - Paihia
    Day 1

    Departing at 7.30am, we head north to the stunning Bay of Islands. On the way you’ll learn about the rich local European and Maori history and see some giant Kauri trees. Take the afternoon to explore the seaside towns before travelling to Russell on a ferry. You'll be accommodated in a hostel along from the beach.

     

     

    Visited places:
    • Auckland
    • Paihia
  • 2
    Paihia to Cape Reinga or Hokianga and back
    Day 2

    Today you will have the option of either heading to the top of New Zealand – 90 mile beach – for some dune surfing and to see two oceans clashing or to the beautiful harbour or Hokianga to learn about Maori history. Depart at 7am to Cape Reinga or 8am to Hokianga.

    Visited places:
    • Paihia
  • 3
    Paihia - Auckland
    Day 3

    This morning we'll do the famous "Hole in the Rock cruise" and make an island stop in the bay where you can spot dolphins and other marine life. Departing in the afternoon we'll take a leisurely journey back to Auckland.

    Visited places:
    • Paihia
    • Auckland
    Accommodation offered:
  • 4
    Auckland - Raglan
    Day 4

    We'll depart from Auckland at 7.30am. We'll head south travelling towards the mighty Waikato and then on to the world-renowned Raglan surf beach, with cow-spotting and a walk to Bridal Veil Falls on the way. Chill out or go hard in this funky surf and arts town.

    Visited places:
    • Auckland
    • Raglan
  • 5
    Raglan (via Waitomo) to Mourea
    Day 5

    You will depart at 8am. We'll then head to the rural town of Waitomo, with time to explore its famous caves and glow-worms. We then head across to the Bay Of Plenty for our unique and special cultural overnight stay. This is an immersion into our indigenous Maori culture and much more than a show. We learn about Maori traditions and history and become fully interactive with Kapa Haka (Maori song and dance). An unforgettable, genuine and educational night during which you'll be accommodated in a Maori meeting house. 

    Optional paid activities: Waitomo must-do caving options – Haggas Honking Holes, Lost World, Tumu Tumu Toobing, or a glow-worm tour. 
    Free activities: Walk around Ruakuri Reserve, Waitomo Valley Caves walk. 
    Included activities: Overnight cultural experience -including Marae accommodation, traditional meal, interactive performance and breakfast.

    Visited places:
    • Raglan
    • Mourea
  • 6
    Mourea (via Rotorua) to Lake Aniwhenua
    Day 6

    You'll depart at 8.30am and head to Rotorua for a morning free to discover its smell and geothermal areas. At 12.30pm we'll depart from Rotorua and move onto Rainbow Mountain to meet our local Maori guide. We'll then head deep into the Kaingaroa Forest to the foothills of the Urewera National Park to experience stories, history and culture not yet touched by commercialization. 

    Optional paid activities: Boat / kayak hire, eeling, Maori cookery lesson, plate weaving or Mau Rakau lesson (warrior skills).
    Included – Kohutapu Experience – guided tour of Maori Rock Art, British Redoubt and Aniwhenua Falls. Learn to put a hangi down, ground cooked hangi feast and dessert, breakfast also included.

    Visited places:
    • Mourea
    • Te Anau
    Accommodation offered:
  • 7
    Lake Aniwhenua - Whakahoro
    Day 7

    After breakfast we'll depart and head to Taupo to see Huka Falls and for the brave we have time for skydiving. At 1.30pm we'll make our way to Blue Duck Station, a 5,200 acre high country farm that is both a working station and an environmental conservation leader. Once you arrive, there are plenty of activities for you to partake in. Spend the evening sitting around, listening to tales from this unique region.

    Free activities: Walk around the truly amazing property at Whakahoro and just take in the lush scenery or walk to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall.

    Visited places:
    • Te Anau
    • Owhango
    Accommodation offered:
  • 8
    Free day in Whakahoro
    Day 8

    Today you'll have a free day to explore this truly amazing and secluded location. 

    Included activities: Eco Warrior 4WD farm tour. 
    Optional paid activities – Horse riding, clay pigeon shooting and goat hunting.

    Visited places:
    • Owhango
    Accommodation offered:
  • 9
    Whakahoro - National Park
    Day 9

    We'll depart at 6am and head to the active volcanoes and dual World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park. Today you'll get a chance to do what is rated as one of the world’s best one day walks: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. In the evening, reward yourself at the bar or just relax in the spa where we stay.

    Optional Paid Activities: Tongariro Crossing. 
    Free activities: Taranaki Falls walk, visit the Volcanic Centre.

    Visited places:
    • Owhango
    • Tongariro
  • 10
    National Park - Wellington
    Day 10

    Depart 9am. We will head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city via Ohakune, Taihape and Bulls. You have the afternoon to cruise or explore.

    Optional paid activities: Check out some of the great cafes and bars. 
    Free activities: Walk Oriental Parade, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views, and visit Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum.

    Visited places:
    • Tongariro
    • Wellington
  • 11
    Wellington - Auckland
    Day 11

    Depart 6.40am. This is an express day via National Park to Auckland.

    Visited places:
    • Wellington
    • Auckland
  • Prices and conditions

    Price includes
    • Experienced tour guide throughout the trip
    • 9 nights accommodation
    • 2 dinners in Paihia
    • Return ferry tickets to Russell
    • Day trip to Cape Reinga OR Hokianga
    • Hole in the Rock marine cruise
    • Maori cultural experience
    • Eco warrior 4WD farm tour

     

    Price does not include
    • Winter additional charge for alpine gear to do the Tongariro crossing
    • Optional paid activities as indicated
    • Tips and personal expenses
    • Flights