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New Zealand's North Island Adventure (Southbound)

From Auckland to Wellington
Operator
Intrepid
Days
11
From
USD $2,133

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From heart-racing moments to awe-inspiring scenery, this road trip through New Zealand is one to remember for a lifetime. Join a local leader for an 11-day adventure taking in epic landscapes, wildlife and culture. Take it easy at Coromandel's Hot Water Beach, check out simmering mud pools and geysers in Rotorua, learn the Haka and tuck into a traditional hangi at a Maori village and make the most of all Taupo has to offer. See Hobbiton of Lord of the Rings fame and feel like you're stepping straight into a fantasy as you drive through landscapes used in the films. Then, travel to the South Island to continue your adventure, sailing on the ferry through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. End it all in Christchurch, the perfect spot to extend your journey into the south! IMPORTANT INFORMATION:Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. We are aware of a system functionality limitation incorrectly indicating "twin-share" on sections of booking confirmations and invoices.

  1. Day 1
    Auckland
    Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Auckland – a multi-cultural city full of good food, local music, arts and culture. You’ll meet up with your local leader and new travel buddies for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not head out and explore at your own pace? This is a great city to explore on foot (the hills make for a good warm up!) and there’s lots of cool pubs and shops to check out. Tonight after your meeting, maybe chill out by the harbour or head to a restaurant with your group.
  2. Day 2
    Coromandel Peninsula
    This morning, get on the road and travel towards the Coromandel Peninsula. This super scenic drive sets the tone for the rest of your journey, as you cruise down the coastline past views of glittering water and white sands. The Coromandel Peninsula is known for its lush rainforests and gorgeous beaches, but there’s one that tops them all! Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. If the tide times line up with your visit, take advantage of this unusual phenomenon and relax in a natural hot tub. The rest of the day is yours to chill out on the beach or enjoy the cool little town.
    Meals:   Breakfast
  3. Day 3
    Coromandel Peninsula / Hobbiton / Rotorua
    Take a deeper dive into the landscapes of the Coromandel Peninsula today with a walk along the clifftops and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the region’s most beautiful and photogenic spots – the rock arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly impressive sight. While here, maybe explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour and keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat! In the afternoon, head to the rolling green hills of Matamata where you’ll find Hobbiton – the set where parts of the Lord of the Rings films were shot. On a fully guided tour, you’ll see Hobbit Holes, the Mill and finish with a drink (and maybe a pie) at the Green Dragon Inn. After an amazing day, you’ll continue to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.
    Meals:   Breakfast
  4. Day 4
    Rotorua
    There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take a stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If you feel like getting your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world’s top white water rafting destinations. Maybe head deep into one of New Zealand’s most ancient forests for an exhilarating eco canopy adventure, learning about the native wildlife and ecology as you zipline from tree to tree. Or take a guided kayak trip where you’ll enjoy a fun-filled evening of hot pools (which are only accessible by boat), BBQ dinner and paddling through magical glow worm caves.
    Meals:   Breakfast
  5. Day 5
    Rotorua / Murupara
    Start the day with a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll get firsthand insight into Maori culture. You’ll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand’s largest geyser, in action – this is a sight that will blow you away! A visit to the kiwi conservation centre will allow you to observe this endearing nocturnal bird as it behaves at night. This afternoon, travel to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – the majority of proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a member of the Maori community who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Meet with other members of the village and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight’s dinner out of flax plants. Dinner tonight is one for the books – tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a delicious, earthy flavour.
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  6. Day 6
    Taupo
    Hit the road this morning and head to Taupo, making a few stops along the way. Check out simmering mud pools, the rushing waters of the Huka Falls and the impressive Aratiatia Dam and rapids. Arrive in Taupo, sitting in the shores of Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country. If you’re after an adrenaline rush, you’re in the right place! The afternoon is yours to try out bungy jumping or skydiving, or you may prefer to take it easy with a sunset lake cruise.
    Meals:   Breakfast
  7. Day 7
    Taupo
    The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views, or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best one-day walks in the world (but it’s not for the faint hearted!). Carved into the cliff faces surrounding Lake Taupo you’ll find 14-metre-tall Maori artwork that can only be accessed on a boat trip. Want to relax and unwind? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it’s sure to be one to remember.
  8. Day 8
    Wellington
    Get ready for a long drive from Taupo to Wellington with views so incredible you’ll wish the drive was longer! Weave through the barren landscapes of the Rangipo Desert and pass through Tongariro National Park. Look out for the volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, which was used as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s cool and creative capital city. Celebrated for its amazing food and craft beer scene, Welly is the perfect place to grab dinner and a drink with your group.
    Meals:   Breakfast
  9. Day 9
    Marlborough Sounds / Kaikoura
    Say goodbye to the North Island and jump on a ferry across the Cook Strait. Your introduction to the South Island is certainly a beautiful one as you cruise through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds and into Picton Harbour. Next, travel down to Kaikoura, famous for its abundance of marine wildlife. If you’re heading out for dinner in town tonight, the local crayfish should be at the top of your must-try list!
    Meals:   Breakfast
  10. Day 10
    Kaikoura / Christchurch
    Experiencing Kaikoura’s wildlife while you’re in this corner of the country is a must, so take the chance this morning to get to know the town’s most famous creatures. You may like to set out on a trip to encounter dolphins in their natural habitat – dusky dolphins, hectors dolphins and common dolphins are all common around these parts. Kaikoura is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching, with humpbacks, orcas and sperm whales often sighted on whale watching cruises. On your way out of town, stop by a seal colony to watch endearing fur seals go about their business. Travel down to Christchurch, arriving in time to head out for dinner at one of the city’s many top-notch eateries.
    Meals:   Breakfast
  11. Day 11
    Christchurch
    Your adventure wraps up this morning after breakfast. Keen to see more of Christchurch? Get in touch ahead of time and your booking agent can help to arrange additional accommodation.
    Meals:   Breakfast

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Inclusions

  • Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach
  • Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
  • Murupara - Hangi Dinner
  • Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
  • Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village
  • Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax
  • Murupara - Learn the Haka
  • Murupara - Village Tour with Local Maori
  • Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive
  • Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout
  • Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing
  • Kaikoura - Visit to a Seal Colony

Meals
9 Breakfast(s) Included
1 Dinner(s) Included

Style: Basix

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Accommodations

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (10 nights)

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

Questions & Answers
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Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.

Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.

Intrepid Tours Customer Trip Reviews

Overall Rating
4
Accommodations
3.6
Itinerary
4.2
Professional Staff
4.4
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
3.8
Ratings based off 250 reviews about Intrepid Tours - currently showing 13 reviews with comments only
KB Kim on May 21, 2025  
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

Loved the small group tour and our local guide was fantastic. Trip of a lifetime for sure!

SR Steven on May 15, 2025  
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

Great trip. Our guide Lochin was outstanding and group was a lot of fun.

RC Ramiro on Nov 15, 2024  
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

I had a wonderful experience during the culinary journey in Morroco. I experienced the beauty of Morroco and its wonderfual and hospitable people. Our guide, Tariq Hammoudi, was a great guide and provided us with valuable information and advice along the way. The countryside and desert were absolutely stunning. The desert visit was the highlight of the trip for me. I took many photos which I shared with friends and family, and all of them expressed amazement and envy that I was actually vacationing in this wonderful country.

SW Shelly on Nov 10, 2024  
Accommodations
1
Itinerary
1
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
1
Value for Money
1

Everything was wonderful but the Itinerary spelled out we would be staying in Refugio Domo Francis and Refugio Torre Central, but we ended up staying in the tents. We did not hear that until the night of the tour meeting. That is a mis-representation of the accommodations and cost. I understand why they might not have been available because those accommodations are limited, but you should put in the itinerary that the tour most likely stays in tents (with a photo). The itinerary also does not say that the dinner at the Camping Francis will be a box dinner sitting on the floor. The experience was wonderful but you should not promise a refugio if it is not available. The Camping at Francis was wonderful.

MJ Marian on Sep 23, 2023  
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

Intrepid is awesome. Our guide was superb. Everything went smoothly!

DM Danielle on Oct 01, 2022  
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
3

Our tour guide was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, fun, energetic, and made our week run very smoothly. The trip itself was fantastic! We saw a lot and the islands are absolutely beautiful. Great food, great new friends made on the tour, and would absolutely book with Intrepid again.

VW Viraseni on Jan 31, 2020  
Accommodations
3
Itinerary
3
Professional Staff
3
Repeat with Operator
3
Value for Money
3

Intrepid tour is great company. Will use this company again.

SW Sabera on Aug 19, 2019  
Accommodations
3
Itinerary
3
Professional Staff
3
Repeat with Operator
3
Value for Money
3

The trip was both both educational and exciting. I very much enjoyed the sights and culture.

LT Laurie on Jan 19, 2019  
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

The itinerary was just as I expected! The guide was very good as were the accomodations

JF Justine on Aug 18, 2018  
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

Intrepid did such a great job. I never had to worry about where I was supposed to be and it felt so good not to worry about a thing but just to enjoy myself. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about culture and history.

PP Patricia on Mar 15, 2018  
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

Taiwan people very friendly. Accommodation were centrally located and easily accessible. Did extra activities then in brochure which was greatly.

IA Ian on Feb 20, 2018  
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

Larus our tour guide did an excellent job and was very attentive to our needs. He is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.

MW Michelle on Jan 26, 2018  
Accommodations
3
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
3

Our guide Tarang chandola was exceptional. Courteous, knowledgeable, organized, polite, professional and went above and beyond taking care of our needs and requests offen anticipating what that might be. He made sure we all had the best possible time and offered suggestions to meet the needs of everyone on the tour. This made the trip even more enjoyable.

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