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Our currency converter is based on weekly exchange rates and is provided to give you an idea of the itinerary prices in your local currency. The final cost for itineraries can be confirmed by our team of consultants.
As far as road trips go, it doesn’t get much better than New Zealand. Beginning in the creative capital of Wellington, this 10-day guided coach tour will have you discovering the best of the North Island with a local at the wheel. Explore the ethereal landscapes of Tongariro National Park, tuck into a hangi dinner with a Māori community in Rotorua, stretch out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and wrap things up in Auckland. From stunning sights that stop you in your tracks to celebrations of the island’s Māori culture, this North Island adventure will excite, educate and inspire.
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities.
Physical Rating: 2 out of 5 = Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.
Check out why we love Intrepid here and read their booking terms and conditions here.
Welcome to the land of the long white cloud – Aotearoa (New Zealand). Your North Island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7.30 pm in Wellington, New Zealand’s trendy capital. Strung between staggering green hills and the harbour, Wellington holds onto its small-town charm despite its capital status. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the botanical gardens or ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views over the region. Tonight, maybe explore Wellington’s world-renowned food and craft beer scene – your leader will have tips on the best places to grab a bevvy or a bite to eat.
Special information – It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Today is all about getting to know windy Wellington. 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. Next up is an orientation tour with your leader, checking out the bays, central Wellington, the Botanic Gardens and the Parliament Building. This afternoon, maybe 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 creates movie magic. Later, maybe check out the Te Papa Museum.
+ Optional activities – Te Papa Museum Tour, Weta Workshop Cave Tour
Taupo is calling – Leave Wellington behind and drive to the Ruapehu region with views over Tongariro National Park. This evening, stop in the small town of Taumaranui, where you’ll visit a local marae (Māori meeting house). You’ll be welcomed onto Morero marae. Then, sit down for a korero (conversation) with members of the local iwi about their way of life in this special region. Set on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake – Taupo 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 Tongariro National Park.
Special information – Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from around New Zealand and the world. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from – maybe go sailing on Lake Taupo, or if you’re a keen hiker, you may want to consider the Tongariro Crossing – New Zealand’s most famous day hike. The path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and through bushland.
+ Optional activities – Tongariro National Park – Tongariro Crossing (Unguided, Transport to/from Trail Head only)
Special information – Today’s hike on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is optional, and you can book a transfer to and from the trail head at an additional cost. The transfer service is available from November to April, and the cost does not include a guide. Please note that this is a demanding 19.4 km alpine and volcanic hike with significant risks. It requires a high level of fitness, preparation and personal responsibility. Expect steep, uneven terrain, loose volcanic scree and a high elevation – all of which can lead to fatigue, dehydration or health issues. Alpine weather changes rapidly and may cause hypothermia or heat-related illness. Volcanic activity, while unlikely, is a natural hazard in this area. You must be fully self-sufficient, carrying all required gear, food and water. After the Red Crater summit, there are no safe exits until the end of the track. All participants should be fully prepared and are encouraged to disclose any medical conditions. Your leader will assess readiness and has the final say on participation for safety reasons.
Leave Lake Taupo behind and get back on the road. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls – this forceful, icy blue torrent of water is a must-see! Continue your journey towards Rotorua, known for its Māori heritage and hotbed of geothermal activity with its 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 m at the highest point. The evening is yours to relax – maybe explore the world’s youngest geothermal system featuring volcanic craters and hot springs at Waimangu Volcanic Valley or hike through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest.
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 Māori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here, you’ll enjoy a hangi dinner alongside a soul-stirring haka performance.
+ Optional activities- Skyline Gondola Rotorua, Forest Ziplining, Whitewater Rafting, ZORB
Head to the rolling green hills of Matamata this morning, where you’ll 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. From here, it’s on to the Coromandel Peninsula. Along the way, visit Cathedral Cove – a marine reserve known for its sandy beaches, hidden coves and coastline views of the wider Mercury Bay.
This morning, join your leader as they show you around The Coromandel. A land of white sand beaches and lush 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 waters found beneath its golden sand. If the tide allows, dig a hole on the beach and enjoy your own natural hot tub – absolute bliss! This afternoon, maybe stop into Kuaotunu to try their famous ice cream and check out Coromandel Township. Then, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations!
This morning, spend some time soaking in the last of Coromandel in your free time before hitting the road to Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city. The journey is a highlight in itself, following the extraordinary coastline and watching clear blue water stream past the window. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
+ Optional activities – Cathedral Cove Kayaking
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time in Christchurch, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Book this 10-day North Island adventure to experience hiking Tongariro’s volcanic peaks, relaxing on Coromandel’s golden beaches, exploring vibrant cities, and sharing a traditional hangi with a Māori community while a local guide reveals hidden gems along the way.
Packed with lots of tips, highlights, activities and helpful information of our diverse country.
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