North Island Explorer - 11 days

11 days
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Small Group Tour
From Auckland, discover the delights of New Zealand’s scenic North Island over 11 days on this escorted group tour. Learn about Maori culture and heritage in Rotorua and explore the beautiful Bay of Islands in New Zealand's far north. Spot rare birdlife at the Coromandel Peninsula, opt to explore the Hobbiton movie set from 'Lord of the Rings', and marvel at ...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Reed Memorial Park – Walk along an elevated canopy to see ancient kauri forests, and visit pretty Whangarei Falls
    • Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Enter the meeting house and see the war canoe where the 1840 treaty was signed
    • Bay of Islands – Discover the pretty town of Russell and then choose between a trip to New Zealand's far north or a cruise through the 'Hole in the Rock'
    • Auckland – Explore the city on a guided tour and visit the fascinating Auckland Museum, plus free time to sightsee at leisure
    • Coromandel Peninsula – Ride the Driving Creek Railway for panoramic views and enjoy a free day to explore the scenic area
    • Rotorua – Visit the Te Puia geothermal site, visit a Kiwi conservation project and opt to visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Hobbiton, plus experience a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening
    • Napier – Discover the town on foot and indulge in an evening of wine and dinner at the Mission Estate Winery
    • Wellington – Ride the cable car over New Zealand's capital city and visit the country's national museum - Te Papa

What's this trip about?

    From Auckland, discover the delights of New Zealand’s scenic North Island over 11 days on this escorted group tour. Learn about Maori culture and heritage in Rotorua and explore the beautiful Bay of Islands in New Zealand's far north. Spot rare birdlife at the Coromandel Peninsula, opt to explore the Hobbiton movie set from 'Lord of the Rings', and marvel at stunning Lake Taupo. Sample local wines in Napier and end your journey in the Kiwi capital of Wellington.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityWelcome to Auckland!
End CityWellington

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Rotorua
  • Wellington

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 16

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • 10 breakfasts & 2 dinners
    • 10 nights 4 star hotels
    • Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 11
    • Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites
    • All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
    • Ferry to Russell
    • Touring of Auckland, Napier & Wellington
    • Entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    • Journey along 90 Mile Beach or take a Hole in the Rock cruise at Bay of Islands
    • Coromandel narrow-gauge railway
    • Visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Hobbiton Movie Set
    • Te Pa Tu Maori experience
    • Mission Estate Winery dinner
    • Wellington Cable Car and Te Papa museum visit
    • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day : 1 Welcome to Auckland!

Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day offers free time for you to explore the local area.

Day : 2 Auckland

Auckland – Russell. Today we depart Auckland and travel north via the iconic Harbour Bridge before reaching the Reed Memorial Park. Here we walk along an elevated canopy through what remains of the original kauri forests, featuring kauri trees which are at least 500 y...

Day : 3 Russell

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in. Today we have a choice of two excursions to explore the picturesque surroundings. Option 1 is to trave...

Day : 4 Russell

Russell – Auckland. Our journey takes us back to Auckland, travelling through rural towns and past picturesque beaches before arriving back in the 'City of Sails.' Here we will enjoy a sightseeing tour where we explore its lively harborside, take in sweeping panoramic views, and explore charming villages. We also enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the Auckland Museum.

Day : 5 Auckland

Auckland – Whitianga. Today we head south across the Hauraki Plains to Thames before continuing up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The coastal drive along this route is truly breathtaking. On clear days, be sure to watch for the SkyTower, visible across ...

Day : 6 Whitianga

The Coromandel region is a vibrant canvas of white cliffs, sun-kissed golden beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green forests. In the summer, vibrant scarlet hues emerge thanks to the blossoming Pohutukawa trees. One of its most renowned attractions is ...

Day : 7 Whitianga

Whitianga – Rotorua. Setting off in the morning we follow the Pacific Coast Highway through the coastal towns of Whangamata and Tauranga before turning inland to visit a scenic bushwalk with views of Okere Falls. Then it's onwards to Rotorua, the epicentre of Maori he...

Day : 8 Rotorua

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in. Today we have a choice between two different activities. Option 1 is a visit to the Waimangu Volcanic Vall...

Day : 9 Rotorua

Rotorua – Napier. This morning we head south, visiting Huka Falls and onwards to Lake Taupo. If clear skies permit, from here we should be able to see the peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, where lays the volcanic terrain that acted as the backdrop of ‘Mordor’...

Day : 10 Napier

Napier – Wellington. This morning we make our way to New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, home to artists, writers and filmmakers with a trendy cafe culture. We see the magnificent Parliament Buildings, including the iconic 'Beehive' building before heading to th...

Day : 11 Wellington

Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Wellington Airport for your flight home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,685
Price per day$335
Last Updated: 1/5/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
16 Apr 2025
26 Apr 2025
$0
07 May 2025
17 May 2025
$0
08 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$0
22 Oct 2025
01 Nov 2025
$0
05 Nov 2025
15 Nov 2025
$0
26 Nov 2025
06 Dec 2025
$0
14 Jan 2026
24 Jan 2026
$0
28 Jan 2026
07 Feb 2026
$0
11 Feb 2026
21 Feb 2026
$0
25 Feb 2026
07 Mar 2026
$0

Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with On The Go Tours.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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On The Go Tours Reviews & Ratings

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights and visas
    • Items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, travel insurance etc)
    • Optional activities
    • Tip for your tour guide driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.

Accommodation

4-star hotels
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
18+The average age of passengers on these tours is between 55-75yrs. Pure Discoveries do not permit children.
Additional Information
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Trip ID
onthegotours-NOREX

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