10 Day New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)

Fully Guided Adventure Small Group

Our Price From 2,689 Per Person

Exclusive Savings 800 Per Person

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Trip Length

10 Days

Trip Starts

Auckland

Trip Finishes

Wellington

10 Day New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound) Itinerary (Intrepid)

Countries Explored: New Zealand

Trip Operator

Intrepid Travel

143 Reviews

Trip Style

Comfort

Departures

Jul 2025 to Aug 2026

Budget

Affordable

Max. Group Size

Pace

Leisurely

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

PHKN

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 10 Day New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound). The legendary landscapes and natural bounty of New Zealand’s North Island are simply unbeatable, and there’s so much more to the region than just showstopping scenery. This 10-day adventure takes you from the bright lights of Auckland to creative and contemporary Wellington. Along the way, your local leader will introduce you to the beaches and forests of the Coromandel Peninsula, the under-the-radar town of Raglan, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National...read more

Itinerary

Welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) – the land of the long white cloud! Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest, busiest city on the North Island. Meet your local leader and new travel friends at your accommodation at 6 pm for a welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe check out the beach down at Mission Bay or take a stroll along the restaurant-lined waterfront. After the meeting, you may like to dip into Auckland’s nightlife with your fellow travellers.

This morning, leave the bright lights of Auckland City in the rear-view mirror as you jump in your vehicle and drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, following the coastline. A land of white sand beaches and 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 water found beneath its golden sand. If the tide allows, dig a hole on the beach and enjoy your own natural hot tub! After a visit to Cathedral Cove, you’ll arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon. (B)

Hit the road and make a scenic drive to Raglan, passing hills and valleys. The journey will be broken up with photo stops, including a visit to the 55-m cascade of the Bridal Veil Falls. Widely considered to be New Zealand’s premier surf spot, the chilled-out town offers a wealth of awesome activities. Check out the local cafes, shops and galleries, stretch out on the beach and enjoy the view or head out on a hiking trail to get a better look at the landscape. Tonight, get on the water for a sunset boat cruise around Raglan Harbour, and tuck into a tasty fish and chips feast – a true Kiwi experience! (B/D)

This morning’s adventure takes you underground during an optional visit to the Waitomo Caves – a subterranean system of caverns and passageways illuminated by thousands of glow worms. You may like to join a walking tour to hear the story of the caves’ history, geology and connection to Maori mythology. If you’d rather stay on the surface, the Ruakuri Forest walk is a must, cutting through dense rainforest and taking in views of gorges and limestone arches. Then, head to the rolling green hills of Matamata to 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. Continue your journey towards Rotorua, known for its Maori heritage, hotbed of geothermal activity and 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 metres at the highest point. (B)

Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – home to simmering mud pools, dramatic geysers and fluorescent lakes. If you’ve got a head for heights, ziplining through Rotorua’s ancient forests is an unbeatable way to take it all in. This evening, you’ll get a true taste of Maori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here, you’ll enjoy a hangi dinner alongside a soul-stirring haka performance. (B/D)

Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa is the perfect place to unwind with your free morning. Or, you can head to Kuirau Park to walk through a landscape of hissing natural hot pools. This afternoon, say goodbye to Rotorua and get on the road for Taupo. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls along the way, before arriving in the late afternoon. Set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake – this 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 Taupo and Tongariro National Park. (B)

A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from around New Zealand and the world, keen to both relax and get their blood pumping with the adventure sports and hikes on offer. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty to choose from. If you’re a keen hiker, you may like to complete the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most famous day hike. At 19. 4 km long, the path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and bush. A good level of fitness and appropriate gear for all types of weather are a must for anyone considering tackling the crossing today. (B)

Wellington is calling – leave Taupo behind and drive on to New Zealand’s trendy capital city. Strung between green hills and the harbour, Wellington holds onto a small-town charm despite its capital status. The city is known for its creative and artistic endeavours, and this afternoon, your leader will give you a brief introduction to the city. Then, you have free time to explore at your own pace. You may like to head up Mt Victoria for a view that will help you appreciate Wellington in all its glory. With a booming food scene, your leader will have no shortage of restaurant recommendations. (B)

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. 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 here create film magic. This afternoon, you may like to check out Wellington’s most famous cultural attraction, Te Papa Museum. Displaying an intriguing combination of New Zealand’s history and cultural heritage woven with cutting edge technology and interactive displays, there’s something here to entertain everyone. (B)

It’s time to say a fond farewell to your newfound friends, as your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring Wellington, get in touch ahead of time with your booking agent. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Swap Auckland’s big 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.
Chill out or hang ten in Raglan, a laidback town and surfing hotspot. Hop aboard a boat cruise around Raglan to watch the sunset and tuck into a classic Kiwi fish and chips dinner.
Discover the diversity of Rotorua, from unbelievable geothermal activity to rich Maori culture. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and traditional haka performance.
Admire the out of this world landscapes of Tongariro National Park, from emerald green lakes to soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
Get to know New Zealand’s creative and cosmopolitan capital, Wellington. Your local leader will show you the best of the city, including the Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame.

Hotel/Motel (9 nights)

9 Breakfasts included
2 Dinners included

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Brochure

Intrepid Australia & New Zealand (2024-25)

Explore Intrepid's Australia and New Zealand brochure, your gateway to antipodean adventures. From Australia's rugged outback and iconic coasts to New Zealand's majestic landscapes and Maori traditions, our curated journeys promise authentic experiences in these spellbinding lands. Delve into the heart of Oceania with Intrepid's expertly crafted it...more

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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.

New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound)

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Auckland

Day 2: Coromandel Peninsula

Day 3: Raglan

Day 4: Hobbiton / Rotorua

Day 5: Rotorua

Day 6: Rotorua / Taupo

Day 7: Taupo

Day 8: Wellington

Day 9: Wellington

Day 10: Wellington

Trip Inclusions Expand All

Sightseeing Highlights

Accommodation

Included Meals

Trip Notes

Brochure

Intrepid Australia & New Zealand (2024-25)

Availability USD Twin Share (Per Person)Solo Share (Per Person)Solo (Own Room)

Flexible Deposit

Guaranteed Departures

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Itinerary

Trip Inclusions

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