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Peregrine Travel Centre

One Week in New Zealand: North Island

One Week in New Zealand: North Island

From $ 1,680 AUD

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Description

Jump into a world of geothermal wonders, white water rapids and oceanside summits on this 8-day adventure across New Zealand’s North Island. Travel northbound from Wellington for farmlands in Taihape and geysers in Rotorua. Learn about Maori culture from a local guide in the Whakarewarewa Maori Village, laugh your way down the Rotorua hillside in a Zorb, hike up Mount Maunganui, then sit back for fish and chips on the beach. Of all New Zealand’s assets, its people are top of the list. Embrace a warm welcome from the locals as you explore their backyard with your new group of friends. Welcome to the North Island.

Trip Name
One Week in New Zealand: North Island
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Laugh, slip and slide your way down Mt Ngongotaha inside a giant inflatable zorb, designed for maximum fun.
  • Learn about the ways of life in the Whakarewarewa Maori Village, where geothermal activity has become part of everyday life and local culture is practised and protected.
  • Tuck into the best of Kiwi kai (food), from farm-to-table produce and classic fish and chips on the beach. Maybe try some regionally brewed beers, local wines or the fresh seafood NZ is known for.
  • Explore the seaside town of Mount Maunganui with a high-up hike to the summit or during a low-key day catching waves at the beach.
  • Soak up the country's natural wonders in the hot springs or get your heart rate up with whitewater rafting, zip-lining and more during your free time.

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
Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Wellington – the country’s capital and home to a thriving specialty food scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, Wellington has a diverse range of activities to fill the time. Film fans can get their fix at the Weta Workshop – famous for their work on The Lord of the Rings. For those wanting a great city view, you can hop on board the cable car, hike up Mount Victoria or visit the Botanic Gardens. Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, is a great stop to learn about the country and Pacific cultures. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head out as a group for a tasty meal at one of the city’s lively restaurants.
Day 2 - Taihape
Wake up and hit the road to Taihape today. Famous for being the gumboot capital of the country, even home to a giant gumboot sculpture, Taihape is also an active adventurer's must-visit destination. After arriving at the lodge, you’ll have a free afternoon to soak up the natural scenery. Those looking to get their heart rate up can opt for whitewater rafting, while anyone wanting a calmer ride can rent an e-bike for the local trails. Get back in time for tonight’s included farm-to-table dinner with the group, where you’ll sample a selection of Kiwi produce and regional favourite dishes.
Day 3 - Taupo to Rotorua
Start the day with a hearty cooked breakfast before departing the lodge for Rotorua. Along the way, make a stop at Huka Falls, the loud and powerful waterfall that sits within New Zealand’s longest waterway, the Waikato River. Spend some free time exploring the town and Lake Taupo before you set off again. The rest of the day is free to check out Rotorua. A hotspot for geothermal activity, this area boasts plenty of hot springs, mud baths and spas. But the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Visitors to the Redwoods Treewalk after dark can partake in the Redwoods Nightlights Tree Walk, featuring light displays and lanterns as you walk on suspension bridges high above the trees.
Day 4 - Rotorua
Rotorua is not only known for its geothermal sights, but it’s also a region that advocates for the preservation and education of Maori culture. Begin the day with a guided tour of the Whakarewarewa Maori Village, a living Maori settlement spanning over 200 years. You’ll be led by a village guide who’ll share how locals have learnt to live with the region’s geothermal resources as you wander through heritage landmarks, an active Marae (community meeting grounds) and the sacred tapu burial grounds. During your outing, you’ll also visit the Pohutu geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere that erupts up to 20 times a day. The rest of the afternoon is free for fun in the Rotorua region. There are many options for nature-based adventures in the area, such as canopy ziplining, whitewater rafting or even a guided glowworm kayaking tour.
Day 5 - Mount Maunganui
Before leaving Rotorua, you’re in for a truly Kiwi-made experience. Head over to the rolling hills outside the city for a morning Zorb. Invented right here in Rotorua, you’ll jump into a giant plastic ball filled with water and roll down the hill. Next, travel onwards to Mount Maunganui, the oceanside suburb with great surf and sand beaches. Lace up your trainers for a hike up the summit track. Arrive at the top of ‘The Mount’ and soak up the well-earned 360-degree views of the harbour and surf beach. Return to sea level for a dinner of classic Kiwi kai – fish and chips on the beach.
Day 6 - Mount Maunganui
Choose your own adventure today in Mount Maunganui. The beach is perfect for those wanting a relaxing day and those keen to grab a board and sample the surf. Lessons are available to anyone wanting to brush up their skills or catch their first wave. If you’re looking for even more water-themed fun, the Bay of Plenty has options galore, including the nearby Waimarino Adventure Park. Complete with slides, rock walls, swings and kayaks, you’re sure to have an entertaining afternoon. For tonight’s dinner, ask your local leader for their recommendations.
Day 7 - Auckland
Say goodbye to Mount Maunganui and hello to Auckland, also known as the City of Sails. There’s no question as to why this city is often thought of as the country’s capital. With a thriving urban life of eateries, bars and nightlife, it won’t be hard to fill your time. Perhaps head to the top of the Sky Tower to get your bearings, then sample more of New Zealand’s fresh seafood staples. Sports fans may enjoy the All-Blacks experience, where you’ll pass through interactive rooms, facing off to a haka and even comparing your skills to the pros. Tonight, maybe get the group together to toast to your North Island adventure before you say your goodbyes tomorrow.
Day 8 - Auckland
Your adventure comes to an end this morning, but if you’re not ready to go home yet, just get in touch ahead of time and your booking agent can arrange additional accommodation in Auckland.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 1,720-
02-11-202609-11-2026AUD $ 1,750-
16-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 1,750-
07-12-202614-12-2026AUD $ 1,795-
21-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 1,720-
04-01-202711-01-2027AUD $ 1,780-
18-01-202725-01-2027AUD $ 1,780-
08-02-202715-02-2027AUD $ 1,780-
15-02-202722-02-2027AUD $ 1,780-
22-02-202701-03-2027AUD $ 1,780-
08-03-202715-03-2027AUD $ 1,730-
15-03-202722-03-2027AUD $ 1,730-
29-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 1,730-
05-04-202712-04-2027AUD $ 1,730-
19-04-202726-04-2027AUD $ 1,680-
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $ 1,680-
17-05-202724-05-2027AUD $ 1,680-
12-07-202719-07-2027AUD $ 1,765-
09-08-202716-08-2027AUD $ 1,765-
06-09-202713-09-2027AUD $ 1,765-

Accommodation

Hostel (multi-share) (6 nights), Lodge (multi-share) (1 night)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map

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