Northern Explorer

8 Days Auckland to Wellington
Northern Explorer
Northern Explorer
Northern Explorer

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Travelmarvel's 8 Day Northern Explorer. From Auckland to Wellington, journey through the breathtaking landscapes as you encounter the welcoming people of New Zealand's north island.
Our Price From
US$2,195 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
Trip Length

8 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Auckland

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Wellington

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
Travelmarvel
Trip Reviews
2 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4/5
Trip Style
Trip Style

Land Journey

Accommodation
Accommodation

4 Star

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

12-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

48

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

NTAW8

Itinerary

Your unforgettable adventure begins as you touch down in Auckland, New Zealand's vibrant cultural and economic hub. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your premium hotel. Whether you're settling into your hotel room or heading out to explore Auckland's vibrant dining and shopping precincts, your first day in Aotearoa is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City

Embark on a scenic journey north through New Zealand's lush landscapes, where you'll pause to admire the awe-inspiring Kauri tree. Standing as one of the most magnificent living giants in the world, this ancient tree will leave you in awe with its towering presence and immense size.

After this captivating encounter with nature, continue your journey to the breathtaking Bay of Islands, and enjoy a spectacular Insider Experience. As the sun sets, you'll be treated to a specially curated Welcome Dinner, a celebration of local cuisine and the finest regional flavours, offering a taste of the exquisite culinary experiences that await you on this extraordinary journey.

Insider Experience - Take a cruise to Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands Keep an eye out for sea life encounters as you cruise through the Bay of Islands on the north-eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. Set sail from Paihia and journey along the dramatic Cape Brett Peninsula, gliding through the famous Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting).

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands (Two Nights)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The Bay of Islands, with its 144 islands, offers a stunning aquatic playground off the north-eastern coast of the North Island. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the subtropical surrounds. Your Tour Director is always on hand to offer some fantastic suggestions to make the most of your time here.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Spend the morning in the stunning Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland by coach. With the rest of the afternoon free for you to spend at leisure, you may like to try one of our Enhance Your Journey select experiences (own expense); The All Blacks Experience or Wētā Workshop Unleashed.

Enhance Your Journey - All Blacks Experience Take part in a guided tour that delves into the rich history and culture of one of the world's most iconic sports teams. Delve into the stories of the people who have shaped the All Blacks into a powerful symbol of New Zealand's national identity.

Enhance Your Journey - Wētā Workshop Unleashed Go behind the scenes with the Academy Award-winning team at Wētā Workshop and learn how blockbuster films like The Hobbit are created.

Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Waitomo and embark on a memorable Insider Experience. Continue on to Rotorua, where you'll have the evening free to enjoy at your leisure.

Insider Experience - Visit Waitomo's Glowworm Caves Descend into the caves beneath the lush Waitomo hills and look up to see a cavern illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights. A sight to behold, the phenomenon is the work of glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand.

Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (Two Nights)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Māori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to the Agrodome, where you'll meet animals and learn about life in rural New Zealand. Alternatively, you may like to partake in our Enhance Your Journey experience. This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Māori cultural immersion and geothermal wonders in Rotorua Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori culture, and cuisine at Te Puia. Embark on a guided tour through the historical geothermal valley, where you'll explore a stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools. Feel the awe-inspiring power of Pōhutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand's national treasures at the new Kiwi Conservation Centre. This evening, enjoy a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hāngī.

Enhance Your Journey - Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour Explore the iconic set from The Lord of the Rings films, featuring charming Hobbit Hole doors and the home of Frodo Baggins nestled in the hillsides (additional expense).

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel the Thermal Explorer Highway and visit Lake Taupō and Huka Falls. Afterwards, journey to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This tightly knit city is home to a stunning waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, and quaint colourful timber houses on the surrounding hills.

Accommodation: Novotel Wellington
Included Meals: Breakfast

Your New Zealand tour comes to an end after breakfast today.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

  • Take a cruise to Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands: Keep an eye out for sea life encounters as you cruise through the Bay of Islands on the north-eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. Departing from Paihia, cruise along Cape Brett Peninsula and sail through the distinctive Hole in the Rock formation (conditions permitting).
  • Visit Waitomo's glowworm caves: Descend into the caves beneath the lush Waitomo hills and look up to see a cavern illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights. A sight to behold, the phenomenon is the work of glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand. 
  • Māori Cultural Immersion in Rotorua: Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori culture, and cuisine at Te Puia. Embark on a guided tour through the historical geothermal valley, where you'll explore a stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Prices include all sightseeing, cruises, and entrance fees as specified, as well as airport transfers on the first and last day
  • Prices are for land tour only. Flights not included

Operator

Travelmarvel
 (415) Reviews
Total No. of Tours & Cruises81
Holiday memories are not just shaped by the incredible places you visit, but also by the wonderful people you meet along the way. At Travelmarvel, we know that great service is about going above and beyond, and that’s why our staff are regarded as a holiday highlight in their own right.

Travelmarvel holidays offer the more perfect combination of all the highlights of the destination with outstanding quality and value for money - you won’t go wrong choosing Travelmavel for your next holiday adventure.

Trip Reviews (2)

Travelmarvel Reviews
Reviews 2 Reviews
Average Rating 4 out of 5
5 Star
4 Star
100%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Too little time in New Zealand 1 , CA, United States, May 2023
A wonderful one-week trip through the beautiful North Island of New Zealand. We came away wanting more. Our tour leader, Fernando, and coach driver, Matt, were capable and caring throughout. Matt did a terrific job driving us through flooded roads from the Bay of Islands to Auckland.

Highlights were our visits to the Waitangi Treaty Site, the Hobbiton read more Movie Set, and the Te Puia Maori cultural experience. Included meals were consistently good; however, stops for lunch "on your own" that left us with too little time to find a good meal in unknown small towns were rather disappointing. Hotels were clean, and had friendly staff, but were not the best -- bathrooms in particular had too little space and were not well designed.
Tour guide and driver were excellent! 1 , WA, Australia, Sep 2015
Tour guide and driver were excellent! They were very upbeat and made the trip run smoothly. Michelle at Global Journeys made everything so easy I would definitely recommend her/them.

Download Brochure

Travelmarvel New Zealand (2025-26) Brochure

Travelmarvel New Zealand (2025-26)

Discover the beauty of New Zealand by land and rail. Whether you’re looking to tick off all the iconic sights of the North Island, deep dive into the landscapes of the South Island, or explore New Zealand from top to bottom, our immersive land journeys are an ideal choice. If a rail journey between mountains, lakes and rolling countryside is calling, more look no further. Discover New Zealand on your terms, in a travel style that's tailored to your preferences.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Saturday 05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 26 Auckland
Saturday 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 26 Wellington
Details
Available Departure
Our Price
US$2,295
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 26 Auckland
Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Wellington
Details
Available Departure
Our Price
US$2,295
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Auckland
Saturday 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 26 Wellington
Details
Available Departure
Our Price
US$2,295
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 26 Auckland
Saturday 03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 26 Wellington
Details
Available Departure
Our Price
US$2,295
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
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 Travelmarvel. 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.

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