Enchanting Northland
Experience Overview
Explore sub-tropical islands and world-famous coastlines on this five-day journey into Northland. Calling all nature lovers, this corner of New Zealand’s North Island is like another world. Northland is known for its dense forests and warm weather, creating a paradise made up of 144 islands – the Bay of Islands. With a small group, you’ll go swimming in the warm seas, take a full-day cruise through the scenic Poor Knights Islands, go scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking and pay a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Gain insight into one of the most important moments in New Zealand’s history and learn about Māori culture. With free time for an adrenaline-filled adventure in Paihia (or some downtime kicking back on one of the gorgeous beaches), this journey will be nothing short of enchanting.
Highlights
- Cruise through the scenic Poor Knights Islands on a full-day adventure on the water to see some of the north island’s natural beauty. This area is also a Marine Reserve and has volcanic origins over 11 million years old, creating some pretty epic biodiversity.
- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about an important piece of New Zealand’s fascinating history, then see the world’s biggest carved waka (ceremonial war canoe)!
- Soak in the coastal beauty of Tutukaka – home to one of the world’s most gorgeous coastlines (as voted by National Geographic Traveller).
- Explore Paihia at your own pace with a full free day to scuba dive, sail, swim or relax on one of the many coastal beaches within the Bay of Islands. With a handy local leader by your side, you won’t miss any opportunity!
- Start and end your trip in modern Auckland – New Zealand's largest city. A big mix of cultures here has resulted in some pretty excellent cuisine, so why not hit up a few of the famous restaurants in your downtime?
Trip Details
Product Code: 4830
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private Vehicle, Boat
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: PHKR
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Paihia to Auckland, New Zealand
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2395 ($479 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure begins in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not check out the Auckland Sky Tower – the tallest building in New Zealand. If the mood strikes, you can also jump off the Sky Tower (with a harness, of course). Maybe visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum or walk around the CBD at your own pace and pick one of the excellent spots for lunch. Tonight, you’ll head out for a welcome dinner with your group to get to know each other.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café for a dose of warm Kiwi hospitality. Then, take a scenic drive to Tutukaka, stopping at Whangarei Falls along the way. This 26 m-high waterfall is a great spot for a photo! Continue along the coastline to Matapouri Beach. With the soft sand under your feet, you can take some time to enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean. This is a perfect spot to relax, unwind and appreciate the surroundings. Arrive in Tutukaka tonight – a coastal city known for its scenic views, world-famous beaches and coastline (rated one of the top three coastlines in the world by National Geographic Traveller!).
Included Activities:
- Matapouri Beach - Visit
- Whangarei Falls - Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, you’ll set sail on a full-day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands. As a total Marine Reserve, the islands boast 11-million-year-old volcanic origins, featuring some pretty memorable drop-offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels both above and below the water. The rich biodiversity includes plant, animal and fish life unique to the area, so if you’re a wildlife buff this might be the highlight of your trip! Your day will be filled with sightseeing, kayaking, exploring caves, snorkelling, swimming, spotting sea mammals and learning the history of the islands. The highlight of the day is a visit to the world's largest sea cave – Rikoriko Cave, only accessible by boat. Finish your day with a scenic drive to Paihia, where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Tutukaka - Poor Knights Islands Day Cruise
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day in Paihia – this coastal town is known as the gateway to the popular dive sites and sandy beaches of the bay. With more than 140 sub-tropical islands dotted around the coastline, there’s plenty to see and do here! Maybe hit the water and explore the many coves and beaches or take a cruise through the natural rock archway. Explore the ocean floor on a scuba mission or maybe set sail in search of local dolphins. If you’re looking for a hit of adrenaline, why not consider going skydiving? Your leader will have the inside scoop on optional activities and the best places to refuel for lunch and dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Bay of Islands - Island Hopper Day Cruise (October to April only) (225 NZD)
- Bay of Islands - Hole in the Rock Cruise (4 hours) (190 NZD)
- Bay of Islands - Discover Scuba Diving (369 NZD)
- Bay of Islands - Ferry to Russell (20 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll discover the Bay of Islands’ important role in New Zealand’s history with a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Get an insight into Māori culture and see the 35 m carved waka (a ceremonial war canoe) – the biggest in the world! After lunch, say goodbye to the bay and start the scenic journey back to Auckland via Northland’s east coast, with scenic beaches passing you by. Arrive back in Auckland in the late afternoon, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in New Zealand’s north island, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Included Activities:
- Waitangi - Treaty Grounds
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Nola - Traveled, February 2025
Ultimate New Zealand with Intrepid was a fantastic trip that allowed us to explore the incredible north and south islands of New Zealand with ease and comfort. The highlights were many and the drives between places a feast for our eyes. Our leader, Hayley, ensured our trip was memorable and trouble free. We loved our time in New Zealand and recommend this trip whole heartedly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2025
Maureen - Traveled, February 2025
I toured New Zealand with Intrepid! Seeing this beautiful country with skilled guides, well thought out itinerary was amazing. A happy mix of organized sightseeing and freed time, too. Lovey, comfortable, accomodations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2025
Susie - Traveled, February 2025
This 24 day tour, allowed you to experience as much of NewZealands land and culture as was possible in the time allowed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2025
sanchi - Traveled, February 2025
Great trip of epic south island only. Be aware that others already on tour so may be hard to join established group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2025
Marcelle - Traveled, February 2026
Excellent trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2026
Stephen - Traveled, September 2025
Great trip around North Island New Zealand. Our guide Taylor was very informative, and personable, and helpful. We particularly enjoyed the Northland tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2026
Robert - Traveled, March 2025
Outstanding value.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2025
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