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New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

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New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

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Description

As far as road trips go, it doesn’t get much better than New Zealand. Beginning in the creative capital of Wellington, this trip will have you spending 10 days discovering the best of the North Island with a local at the wheel. Explore the ethereal landscapes of Tongariro National Park, tuck into a hangi dinner with a Maori community in Rotorua, stretch out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and wrap things up in Auckland. From stunning sights that stop you in your tracks to celebrations of the island’s Maori culture, this North Island adventure will excite, educate and inspire.

Trip Name
New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Discover Rotorua’s heritage, from colourful geothermal activity to the rich Maori culture. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and watch a traditional haka performance.
  • Swap Auckland’s city vibes for the natural beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, including a visit to Hot Water Beach, where all you need is a spade to create your own natural hot tub.
  • Walk through the wild landscapes of Tongariro National Park, from emerald-green lakes to soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, you can even tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
  • Visit Hobbiton – the living set where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Wellington
Welcome to the land of the long white cloud – Aotearoa (New Zealand). Your North Island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7.30 pm in Wellington, New Zealand’s trendy capital. Strung between staggering green hills and the harbour, Wellington holds onto its small-town charm despite its capital status. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the botanical gardens or ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views over the region. Tonight, maybe explore Wellington’s world-renowned food and craft beer scene – your leader will have tips on the best places to grab a bevvy or a bite to eat.
Day 2 - Wellington
Today is all about getting to know windy Wellington. Kick the day off with a visit to Zealandia – a groundbreaking conservation project that has successfully reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife into this area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Next up is an orientation tour with your leader, checking out the bays, central Wellington, the Botanic Gardens and the Parliament Building. This afternoon, maybe visit Weta Workshop – the special effects studio used by Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. While here, you’ll have the chance to take an optional tour around the studio to find out how the team creates movie magic. Later, maybe check out the Te Papa Museum.
Day 3 - Taupo
Wellington is calling – leave Taupo behind and drive to the Ruapehu region with views over Tongariro National Park. This evening, stop in the small town of Taumaranui, where you’ll visit a local marae (Maori meeting house). You’ll be welcomed onto Morero marae. Then, sit down for a korero (conversation) with members of the local iwi about their way of life in this special region. Set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake – Taupo is one of the most scenic spots on the North Island. You’ll spend two nights here, as it’s the perfect base to explore Tongariro National Park.
Day 4 - Taupo
A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from all around New Zealand and the world. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from. Maybe go sailing on Lake Taupo, or if you’re a keen hiker, you may want to consider the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most famous day hike. The path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and bushlands.
Day 5 - Rotorua
Leave Lake Taupo behind and get back on the road. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls – this forceful, icy blue torrent of water is a must-see! Continue your journey towards Rotorua, known for its Maori heritage and hotbed of geothermal activity with its distinctive sulphur smell (you’ll get used to it!). To get your first look at Rotorua’s impressive scenery, take a treetop walk through an ancient redwood forest over a network of suspension bridges, reaching 12 m at the highest point. The evening is yours to relax – maybe explore the world’s youngest geothermal system featuring volcanic craters and hot springs at Waimangu Volcanic Valley or hike through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest.
Day 6 - Rotorua
Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – this unique destination is really like nowhere else in the world. The geothermal activity in the area is second to none – simmering mud pools, geysers and lakes. If you’ve got a head for heights, maybe zipline through Rotorua’s ancient forests. This evening you’ll get a true taste of Maori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here, you’ll sit down to a hangi dinner and watch a soul-stirring haka performance.
Day 7 - Coromandel Peninsula
Head to the rolling green hills of Matamata this morning, where you’ll visit Hobbiton – this set is where part of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot. On a fully guided tour of the set, you’ll see Hobbit Holes, the Mill and end with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. From here, it’s on to the Coromandel Peninsula. Along the way, visit Cathedral Cove – a marine reserve known for its sandy beaches, hidden coves and coastline views of the wider Mercury Bay.
Day 8 - Coromandel Peninsula
This morning, join your leader as they show you around The Coromandel. A land of white sand beaches and lush rainforests, the Coromandel Peninsula feels a world away from where your journey began. Make a stop at Hot Water Beach, named after the famous warm waters found beneath its golden sand. If the tide allows, dig a hole on the beach and enjoy your own natural hot tub – absolute bliss! This afternoon, maybe stop into Kuaotunu to try their famous ice cream and check out Coromandel Township. Then, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations!
Day 9 - Auckland
This morning, spend some time soaking in the last of Coromandel in your free time before hitting the road to Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city. The journey is a highlight in itself, following the extraordinary coastline and watching clear blue water stream past the window. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Day 10 - Auckland
Say your goodbyes this morning as your North Island adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to spend some more time in Auckland, just chat with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-03-202625-03-2026AUD $ 5,495-
24-03-202602-04-2026AUD $ 4,671-
29-03-202607-04-2026AUD $ 3,832-
27-04-202606-05-2026AUD $ 3,521-
23-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 4,360-
21-07-202630-07-2026AUD $ 4,760-
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 4,760-
15-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 4,760-
05-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 4,995-
19-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 5,130-
26-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 5,030-
03-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 4,890-
17-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 4,990-
24-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 4,890-
31-12-202609-01-2027AUD $ 4,760-
07-01-202716-01-2027AUD $ 4,915-
21-01-202730-01-2027AUD $ 4,915-
28-01-202706-02-2027AUD $ 4,915-
04-02-202713-02-2027AUD $ 4,915-
11-02-202720-02-2027AUD $ 4,915-
18-02-202727-02-2027AUD $ 4,915-
25-02-202706-03-2027AUD $ 4,915-
04-03-202713-03-2027AUD $ 4,915-
11-03-202720-03-2027AUD $ 4,825-
18-03-202727-03-2027AUD $ 4,825-
25-03-202703-04-2027AUD $ 4,825-
01-04-202710-04-2027AUD $ 4,685-
08-04-202717-04-2027AUD $ 4,685-
22-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 4,685-
06-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 4,685-
10-06-202719-06-2027AUD $ 4,550-
24-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 4,550-
08-07-202717-07-2027AUD $ 4,550-
05-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 4,550-
02-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 4,550-
30-09-202709-10-2027AUD $ 4,550-
14-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 4,775-
04-11-202713-11-2027AUD $ 4,920-
18-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 4,920-
25-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 4,920-
02-12-202711-12-2027AUD $ 5,065-
16-12-202725-12-2027AUD $ 5,065-
23-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 5,065-
30-12-202708-01-2028AUD $ 5,065-

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (9 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map

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