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Experience Overview
This is natural beauty on the biggest scale – huge volcanoes, vast lakes, rolling farmlands and deep caves. On this Premium trip, you’ll spend eight days exploring the best of New Zealand’s North Island with the guidance of a passionate local leader. On a journey from Auckland to Wellington, sip local wine on Waiheke Island, explore the mythical world of Hobbiton, marvel at the geothermal delights of Rotorua, stay at a cottage set in a Hawke’s Bay winery and go deeper in the Te Papa Museum on a tour with a Maori guide.
Highlights
- Spend two nights in the acclaimed Hawke’s Bay wine region at your Feature Stay – Craggy Range Winery, located beneath Te Mata Peak. Taste premium wines, have dinner on site and settle into your cosy cottage nestled between vineyards and mountains.
- Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during a Signature Experience, visiting three cellar doors to learn about their production methods and sample some of the local wine.
- Discover an underground world during a tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, then experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, from bubbling hot springs to geysers and mud pools.
- Enjoy an iconic Signature Experience as you take a trip to Middle-earth and tour Hobbiton, where the iconic Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were shot – a must-do for any visit to New Zealand!
- Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, with a Maori guide. Hear about their personal stories and connections between their iwi (tribe) and the museum’s fascinating collection, then try some traditional kai (food).
Trip Details
Product Code: 2250
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle, Catamaran, Ferry
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: PHPN
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Wellington, New Zealand
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Resort (1 nights), Hotel (6 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6595 ($824 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure of the volcanic North Island begins in Auckland – New Zealand’s most populated city, fringed with beaches, harbours, volcanoes and farmland. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to uncover the story of New Zealand rugby during an interactive All Blacks experience where you’ll learn about the heritage of the sport and find out what it takes to wear the famous black jersey. After your meeting, get to know your group over dinner at a local bistro in the heart of the city, championing New Zealand producers.
Included Activities:
- Auckland - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- M Social or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave the bustle of the big city behind and head offshore to Waiheke Island, famed for its sandy beaches and local wine. Board a ferry from Auckland – if you’re lucky, you may even see dolphins or orcas along the way. The day will be spent sipping your way around the island, stopping off at two unique wineries to learn about their production methods, and of course tasting the goods yourself. You’ll also enjoy an included lunch on the island, not to mention a few scenic drives with plenty of opportunities for photos. Return to Auckland in the late afternoon with an evening free for your own discoveries of the city.
Included Activities:
- Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
- Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch
Accommodation:
- M Social or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, hit the road and drive to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves – an extensive underground network of tunnels and caverns decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and luminous glow worms. Join a local expert for an in-depth tour of the Ruakuri Cave, descending a spiral entrance to the world below. See the limestone formations, hear the roar of subterranean waterfalls and learn about the glow worms that light up the caves. Continue to Hobbiton, where the epic Lord of the Rings movies were shot. Take a tour around the set with a local guide, hear stories about the production of these iconic films, explore Hobbit holes and enjoy a drink (and maybe a delicious pie) at the mythical Green Dragon Inn. Finally, travel to Rotorua, where you’ll spend the evening.
Included Activities:
- Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
- Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
- Waitomo - Glowworm Cave Tour
Accommodation:
- Millennium Rotorua or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend this morning at your leisure, perhaps relaxing at the Polynesian Spa or opting for a dose of adrenaline at the Redwoods Treetop Walkway. This evening, you will pay a visit to Te Pa Tu and be hosted by the people of Tamaki Maori Village. A local expert will guide you in celebrating the abundant harvest of this season, and you will explore concepts, rituals and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Within the forest-formed amphitheatre you will hear stories relayed through haka, song and drama, before torch light guides you to an alfresco dining space where you’ll sit down to a three-course feast.
Included Activities:
- Rotorua - Visit Te Pa Tu Maori Village with Local Guide and Hangi Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Rotorua - Redwoods Treetop Walkway (42 NZD)
- Rotorua - Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa - from (175 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Millennium Rotorua or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive to Hawke’s Bay – a region known for its abundance of wineries, acclaimed food scene, ideal weather and Art Deco architecture. On the way, visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, where you’ll walk through thousands of years of geothermal history and volcanic features, including New Zealand's largest mud pool and bubbling basins bursting with vibrant colours. Then, continue to Hawke’s Bay, where you’ll check into your Feature Stay accommodation at Craggy Range Winery, beneath Te Mata Peak. You’ll spend the next two nights in the heart of this acclaimed wine region, taking in the gorgeous landscapes and tasting local drops. Stay in a cosy cottage with ensuite bathrooms, a large, shared lounge and an outdoor area where you can enjoy the lush green vineyards and mountains surrounding you. Settle into your room, then join your group for a wine tasting and dinner.
Included Activities:
- Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
- Hawkes Bay - Wine Tasting
Optional Activities:
- Taupō - Lake Taupō Sailing Adventure (69 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Craggy Range Winery (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Consider heading out on an optional walk to the Te Mata Peak Lookout at sunrise – the views make the early start well worth it. This morning, you’ll head to the town of Napier for an Art Deco walking tour. Napier is the self-proclaimed ‘Art Deco capital of the world’. After the devastating Hawke’s Bay earthquake of 1931, Napier town centre was destroyed and had to be rebuilt from the ground up. The result was a town that became a freezeframe of the popular architectural styles of the 1930s, including Stripped Classicism, Spanish Mission and Art Deco. After your walking tour, you’ll have a free afternoon to do some exploring at your own pace. You might like to hire a bike to see Napier and its surrounds from a different perspective, or you could join a safari to see the largest colony of gannets in Hawke’s Bay.
Included Activities:
- Napier - Art Deco Walking Tour
Accommodation:
- Craggy Range Winery (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, make tracks for Wellington – New Zealand’s trendy capital city. After settling in, you’ll head to Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, for a behind-the-scenes tour with a local Maori guide. Your guide will take you on a personal journey, sharing stories and connections from their iwi (tribe, nation or people) as they guide you through the museum’s vast collection comprising more than 40,000 artworks including paintings, embroidery, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, moving image and more. You’ll end this special tour by sharing some traditional ‘kai’ (food). Tonight, join your group for a farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant – the perfect chance to reminisce about your North Island adventure.
Included Activities:
- Wellington - Te Papa Behind the Scenes Tour
Accommodation:
- Naumi Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend more time exploring Wellington, just get in touch with your booking agent in advance to arrange additional accommodation.
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
Jenny - Traveled, March 2024
This tour is a great mix of natural wonders, breathtaking scenery and culture. Island life, caves, hobbiton, catamaran cruising, volcanic landscapes, the trip has a lovely mix. It was well organised with the right mix of activities. Grant our tour leader was excellent. He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and added so much more with his stories and humour. A great trip with a great bunch of people. Highly recommend visiting NZ.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Bruce - Traveled, March 2024
Can’t say enough great things about our guide Summer and the overall Intrepid experiences
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Gavin - Traveled, March 2024
This holiday is perfect for exploring the North Island of New Zealand. The itinerary is busy, but not too busy, and there aren't any days where the travel is onerous. It's a beautiful, interesting place and this tour lets you experience that to the fullest.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Alexander - Traveled, February 2024
It was a nice tour of a small group with many interesting destinations, activities and meals included. Our guide Wayne was really good in making a good team from our group and looking after each member. I would highly recommend this tour if you want to see more of the North Island in about a week.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Julia - Traveled, January 2024
Awesome tour! Rhys as the group leader was the best!-organized, fun, native New Zealander with lots of insight. Really good food, hotels, and transportation. Always felt well taken care of with the right mix of organized activities and time to ourselves. Trip of a lifetime!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Melinda - Traveled, January 2024
I really enjoyed the Premium tour of New Zealand exploring the North Island. We had 6 people on our tour which made for a great time being able to meet and spend time with everyone. Summer is an amazing tour guide and a new great friend. Highly recommend Intrepid Travel to all my friends interested in a tour vacation. Thank you for the great time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Ruby - Traveled, December 2023
Really enjoyed my Intrepid trip to NZ North Island. Our tour guide Lou was SO good and we had a lot of fun! Great hotels and travelling was made easy with Frodo the bus! Will book again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/03/2024
Heather Chu Rui - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing trip with Tim. The trip can be more flexible when the weather gets unpredictable and it would be perfect!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2024
Bridgette - Traveled, December 2023
This was my first time traveling with Intrepid. I had done one other trip in the recent past with a different company geared towards 20-somethings. I enjoyed this Intrepid trip exceedingly more so than the other trip! The tour guide was better, accomodations were better, the itinerary was better, and the group (much smaller in size) was more enjoyable as well. This was an excellent way to see New Zealand's North Island. It's and absolutely stunning country. No regrets!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2023
Karun - Traveled, December 2023
It was worthwhile to see both islands - as north is very commercial in some parts and the south is full of its untamed landscape.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Diane - Traveled, September 2024
Our tour around the North Island was amazing. Astrid was an extremely knowledgeable guide and added so much to our holiday. The accommodation was great. Highlights were the day on Waiheke Island with Heidi, and surprisingly Hobbiton Village as I was not a Lord of the Rings fan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2024
Jackie - Traveled, November 2024
This small, guided trip to NZ’s North Island will not disappoint: excellent itinerary of widely-ranging activities in a truly beautiful location under the knowledgable eye of a friendly guide make this a fantastic trip of a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
Roberta - Traveled, November 2024
Our tour of the North Island exceeded my expectations. The group size was very manageable, the tour bus and accommodations were comfortable, the activities were fun, and the included meals were good. Our guide, Annie, really made the trip special. She was very knowledgeable about the country and its culture, wildlife and history. She always had a smile and has a sparkling personality. She made sure everything ran smoothly and everyone felt comfortable, safe, and included.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2024
Therese - Traveled, November 2024
Annie did a great job bringing us from Auckland to Wellington and showpiece us the highlights of the North, she’s the best
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2024
Mike and Margie - Traveled, November 2024
North Island New Zealand did not disappoint. We spent 8 days exploring the island with a small Intrepid group led by Grant. We met new friends, had a lot of laughs, hiked to waterfalls, had a soak in some hot mineral springs, checked out Hobbiton, saw some glow worms, visited a Maori village for a hangi and overall had a blast. Intrepid trip was well organised, guide was excellent- would recommend to anyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2024
Warren - Traveled, November 2024
Overall the trip was good however if the correct/ accurate link about the internary was sent then our preparation in our minds would be in line with what to expect to happen on that day. I felt deceived somewhat by the 2025 internary instead of the correct 2024 internary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2024
Michele - Traveled, December 2024
This was an AMAZING first experience for my husband and I. Our guide, Tim, was so approachable and really came across as loving what he does. He is very knowledgeable about every detail including flora and fauna, history, and current cultural trends. Will definitely travel with Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2024
Leilah - Traveled, December 2024
Go on the Premium Tour of the North Island. It’s amazing. You squeeze in so much, in a relaxing and very fun way. And if you can get Tim Grant as your tour guide, even better!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/01/2025
Abigail - Traveled, January 2025
Going to the North Island: It perhaps has limitations as a destination that Intrepid offers, but the level was definitely not Premiere as described and paid for, and the cancellations of elements and the "required" day off for the leader ended up meaning there was a far more limited experience compared to the writeup describing the trip. I felt like this was an attempt to get above the backpacking/hostels experience, but it wasn't premiere. Also, the "cultural" experience in Rotorua was a true tourist extravaganza- song and dance, and very little true education. I was embarrassed for the ancestors. And I learned nothing about this amazing culture. A travesty.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2025
Michael - Traveled, February 2025
The Intrepid trip for North Island New Zealand was excellent. In 8 fun-filled and packed days we experienced all the most popular touring sites. Our tour guide, Anne Marie, took care of all our needs, was a font of local knowledge, and a perfect ambassador for New Zealand.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2025
