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Premium New Zealand North Island

Sale!

Premium New Zealand North Island

Was From $ 6,190 AUD
Now From $ 5,262 AUD
Sale!

Description

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, relax on the shores of Lake Taupo, explore the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro and sail across Wellington Harbor.

Trip Name
Premium New Zealand North Island
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during an Exclusive 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 Exclusive 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!
  • Be amazed by Tongariro National Park as you spend the day exploring its volcanic landscapes, then retire to your chateau-style Feature Stay where you can sit back and soak in views of Tongariro’s peaks.
  • Get a special look at New Zealand’s trendy capital city, Wellington, during an Exclusive Experience on board a private catamaran, cruising around the harbour.

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. 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 - Auckland
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.
Day 2 - Auckland (Waiheke Island)
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 three 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.
Day 3 - Auckland via Waitomo & Hobbiton to Rotorua
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.
Day 4 - Rotorua
Wake up in Rotorua to the unmistakable scent of sulphur coming off the town’s many geothermal pools. After breakfast, visit to Te Puia – over 70 hectares of land within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is dotted with hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A local expert will take you on a walk to learn about these geothermal wonders, including Pohutu – the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Next, head to the Kiwi Conservation Centre where you’ll have the chance to observe the beloved nocturnal bird (the kiwi) in a darkened enclosure and learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to protect them. Swing by the Ahua Gallery and watch culturally significant Maori carving and weaving demonstrations. Lunch today will be a traditional hangi feast cooked beneath the earth in the traditional style. Tonight, consider an optional tour of the geysers by night.
Day 5 - Rotorua to Taupo
Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on to Taupo – sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, this is a popular and scenic town. 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. The rest of the day is yours to discover all that this picturesque part of the country has to offer. One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is to get on its waters – speak to your leader to find out about the sustainable sailing and cruising options available this afternoon. You might like to take a flight over the spectacular Tongariro National Park.
Day 6 - Taupo via Tongariro National Park to Ohakune
Today, uncover the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park, as spiritually significant as it is naturally beautiful. Your leader will guide you on a scenic two-hour walk to the Taranaki Falls – an impressive 20 m cascade tumbling over volcanic cliffs. Later in the day, head to your Feature Stay accommodation at the Powderhorn Chateau and settle in. The chateau is surrounded by the high peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro and the views are simply unbeatable.
Day 7 - Ohakune to Wellington
This morning, make tracks for Wellington – New Zealand’s trendy capital city. After settling in, hop aboard a private catamaran and get to know the city on an evening cruise around Wellington Harbour. Return to land after an hour and join your group for dinner at a waterfront restaurant – the perfect chance to reminisce about your North Island adventure.
Day 8 - Wellington
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. Alternatively, combine this trip with Premium New Zealand South Island for the ultimate trip.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-11-202405-12-2024AUD $ 6,129-
05-12-202412-12-2024AUD $ 5,733-
12-12-202419-12-2024AUD $ 5,733-
19-12-202426-12-2024AUD $ 6,070-
26-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 5,733-
02-01-202509-01-2025AUD $ 5,348-
09-01-202516-01-2025AUD $ 6,005-
16-01-202523-01-2025AUD $ 6,005-
23-01-202530-01-2025AUD $ 6,112-
06-02-202513-02-2025AUD $ 5,521-
13-02-202520-02-2025AUD $ 5,784-
20-02-202527-02-2025AUD $ 5,678-
27-02-202506-03-2025AUD $ 5,470-
20-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 5,461-
27-03-202503-04-2025AUD $ 5,262-
10-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 5,262-
24-04-202501-05-2025AUD $ 5,262-
08-05-202515-05-2025AUD $ 5,317-
19-06-202526-06-2025AUD $ 5,317-
07-08-202514-08-2025AUD $ 5,317-
11-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 5,317-
25-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 5,317-
09-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 5,317-
16-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 5,317-
23-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 5,317-
06-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 5,317-
13-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 5,317-
20-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 5,529-
27-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 5,529-
04-12-202511-12-2025AUD $ 5,529-
11-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 5,529-
15-12-202522-12-2025AUD $ 6,505-
18-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 6,755-
01-01-202608-01-2026AUD $ 6,755-
08-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 6,755-
15-01-202622-01-2026AUD $ 6,755-
22-01-202629-01-2026AUD $ 6,755-
29-01-202605-02-2026AUD $ 6,755-
05-02-202612-02-2026AUD $ 6,755-
12-02-202619-02-2026AUD $ 6,755-
16-02-202623-02-2026AUD $ 6,755-
19-02-202626-02-2026AUD $ 6,755-
26-02-202605-03-2026AUD $ 6,755-
05-03-202612-03-2026AUD $ 6,505-
12-03-202619-03-2026AUD $ 6,505-
19-03-202626-03-2026AUD $ 6,505-
26-03-202602-04-2026AUD $ 6,505-
02-04-202609-04-2026AUD $ 6,505-
09-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 6,505-
23-04-202630-04-2026AUD $ 6,255-
07-05-202614-05-2026AUD $ 6,255-
21-05-202628-05-2026AUD $ 6,255-
18-06-202625-06-2026AUD $ 6,255-
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $ 6,880-
10-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 6,880-
24-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 6,880-
08-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 6,880-
15-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 6,880-
22-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 6,880-
05-11-202612-11-2026AUD $ 6,880-
12-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 6,880-
19-11-202626-11-2026AUD $ 7,155-
26-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 7,155-
03-12-202610-12-2026AUD $ 7,155-
10-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 7,155-
14-12-202621-12-2026AUD $ 7,155-
17-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 7,430-
31-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 7,430-
07-01-202714-01-2027AUD $ 7,430-
14-01-202721-01-2027AUD $ 7,430-
21-01-202728-01-2027AUD $ 7,430-
28-01-202704-02-2027AUD $ 7,430-
04-02-202711-02-2027AUD $ 7,430-
11-02-202718-02-2027AUD $ 7,430-
15-02-202722-02-2027AUD $ 7,430-
18-02-202725-02-2027AUD $ 7,430-
25-02-202704-03-2027AUD $ 7,430-
04-03-202711-03-2027AUD $ 7,155-
11-03-202718-03-2027AUD $ 7,155-
18-03-202725-03-2027AUD $ 7,155-
25-03-202701-04-2027AUD $ 7,155-
01-04-202708-04-2027AUD $ 7,155-
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $ 7,155-
22-04-202729-04-2027AUD $ 6,880-
06-05-202713-05-2027AUD $ 6,880-
20-05-202727-05-2027AUD $ 6,880-

Accommodation

Resort (1 nights),Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Catamaran,Ferry

Map