Overview
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.
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Our Price From
US$4,851 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $675 per person
Trip Length
8 Days
Trip Starts
Auckland
Trip Ends
Wellington
Departures
Jun 2026 to May 2028
Countries Visited:
Trip Style
Premium
Accommodation
4 Star
Budget
Premium
Age Range
18-99 Years
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
PHPN
Itinerary
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.
Included Meals:
Dinner
Explore Experiences
Auckland
Sky Tower
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 two 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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Experiences
Waiheke Island
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Explore Experiences
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Hobbiton
Spend this morning at your leisure, perhaps relax at the Polynesian Spa or head for adrenaline at the Redwoods Treetop Walkway. This evening, you will pay a visit to Te Pā Tū and be hosted by the people of Tamaki Māori Village. A local expert will guide you in celebrating the abundant harvest of this season, and you will explore concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Within the forest-formed amphitheatre you will hear stories relayed through haka, song and drama, before torch light guides you to an al fresco dining space with three-course feast.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Experiences
Polynesian Spa
Tamaki Maori Village
Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on to Taupō – sitting on the shores of Lake Taupō, 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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Explore Experiences
Taupo
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 Hotel which is nestled in the mountain village at the base of Mt Ruapehu.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Explore Experiences
Tongariro National Park
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Experiences
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- 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 Feature Stay Hotel 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.
- Resort (1 nights)
- Hotel (6 nights)
- 7 Breakfasts included
- 1 Lunches included
- 3 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
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Operator
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer more a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.
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Intrepid Premium (2025-26)
With Intrepid, it’s good trips only. And our Premium trips are exactly that – the small group adventures you love, but with a few added perks to take things up a level. We’ve got 35 years of experience on our side, and we’re all about creating and sharing the best, immersive trips. Say hello to Premium, your adventure travel upgrade.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
Thursday
18 Jun 2026
18 Jun 26
Auckland
Thursday
25 Jun 2026
25 Jun 26
Wellington
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $5,425
US$4,882
Save $543
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
