New Zealand: Best of the North Island
Experience Overview
Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. New Zealand’s North Island may be the smaller of the two, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure. Over this seven-day tour, you'll hop in a sea kayak to explore a secluded harbour, learn about Maori culture from the source, and learn to surf on an iconic break. There's no better way to live, breathe, and paddle the New Zealand experience.
Highlights
- Surf world-famous waves
- Learn about Maori culture in a geothermal valley
- Get the adrenaline pumping in Rotorua
- Dance the night away in Wellington.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2664
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, boat, kayak, walking
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: ONNI
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Wellington, New Zealand
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
- Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip (Lake Taupo)
- Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
- Surf lesson in Raglan
- Maori cultural experience
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hostels (6 nts, multi-share with 4-6 people)
- 6 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Transport
- Private vehicle, boat, kayak, walking
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,349 ($193 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
Day 2: Auckland/Raglan
Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights.
Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You'll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.
Day 3: Raglan
Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies.
Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.
Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua
Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.
Day 5: Rotorua/Taupo
Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake.
Day 6: Taupo/Wellington
Hit the road to the nation's capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.
Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.
Day 7: Wellington
Depart at any time.
Alas, your trip has come to an end. However, who says you have to go home? Why not add on another tour so you can keep exploring this stunning part of the world. After all, does anyone ever regret extending a vacation?
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Friederike V. - Traveled, December 2023
Because the trip was well planned and the group size was appropriate.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Todd - Traveled, December 2023
The activities were perfect, it was very stress free as a traveler, and Benji was absolutely legendary
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Deirdre F. - Traveled, December 2023
Good time, saw a lot of things/made the most out of the time gad
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2023
Lara F. - Traveled, November 2023
Especially when travelling by yourself, this is an incredible opportunity to have a great time in a new country. I also enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to plan anything which was basically a vacation for my brain. However, with a bus full of people you're travelling with, I wasnt able to do everything I really wanted to do (you offer a lot of options to choose from, however to do anything besides the given options was difficult to include with the schedule). But I guess this just a little disadvantage of travelling with a group. To be able to enjoy a trip with other people was a big plus for me.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Trevor M. - Traveled, November 2023
Well organized, wide variety of tour options, quality guides
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Alerto L. - Traveled, November 2023
it's not for everybody but I love it. The trip delivered a good experience I think for all
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Hannah F. - Traveled, November 2023
There was no organisation required on my part, everything ran smoothly with absolutely no stress, country recommend enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Patrick C. - Traveled, November 2023
The tour was absolutely unreal and provided anything and everything you could have asked for. From the best tour guides, a wide array of activities to participate in, and plenty of insider experience into the things to do in New Zealand was absolutely incredible experience that I will never forget
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Nailaa R. - Traveled, November 2023
A good way to go travelling without have to worry about too much as everything is pretty much planned for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Jamieson C. - Traveled, November 2023
I had such an amazing time I can't wait to do another tour!!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Niamh Doherty D. - Traveled, October 2023
Very well organised, CEO Brittany was amazing with pre-booking activities and food so there was nothing I wasn't able to do. Also the drive was broken up with lots of little stops that made in feel shorter
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Lisa F. - Traveled, October 2023
Had an amazing time on the tour - CEO (Brittany) was very knowledgeable and always had great activity detail + recommendations for food etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Cassian L. - Traveled, October 2023
Overall, enjoyable activities each day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Lewis B. - Traveled, October 2023
These kind of tours are Good for getting a lot done in a short period of time, it is well organised and you do the main bits. However it can be more rushed and intense than travelling and organising it by yourself where you can space things out more. However, it is good to meet new people from around the world and have the peace of mind of things organised and local knowledge etc...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Rachel M. - Traveled, September 2023
Informative guides, great locations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
Megan H. - Traveled, September 2023
Great experiences, felt secure and safe the whole trip. Had an amazing tour guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Sarah S. - Traveled, September 2023
To gain confidence in solo and travel in general.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Alice D. - Traveled, September 2023
We got to see many places without worrying about organization
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Jeremy K. - Traveled, August 2023
Couldn't have been run better. Jack was an awesome CEO
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Melina K. - Traveled, August 2023
Jack did a great a job of managing everyone! He was a fantastic driver, guide and made this trip such a wonderful experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Melina K. - Traveled, August 2023
Jack did a great a job of managing everyone! He was a fantastic driver, guide and made this trip such a wonderful experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
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