Intrepid 8 Day New Zealand North Island – Premium 

Embark on an 8-day small group guided coach tour from Auckland to Wellington, discovering the North Island in all its glory as you sip wine on Waiheke Island, explore Hobbiton, marvel at Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, relax by Lake Taupo, traverse Tongariro’s volcanic landscapes and sail across Wellington Harbour.
8 Days
Coach Tour
4 Star Accommodation, 4.5 Star Accommodation

Operated by

This tour includes

Experiences

  • Locally based leaders
  • Transport: Private vehicle, Catamaran, Ferry
  • 7 nights Hotel
  • Style: Premium - Intrepid's best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and their most experienced leaders
  • Premium inclusions: Arrival airport transfer, Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport, 24/7 on-ground support

Meals

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 3 dinners

Attractions

  • Auckland - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
  • Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch
  • Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
  • Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
  • Waitomo - Glowworm Cave Tour
  • Rotorua - Visit Te Pa Tu Maori Village with Local Guide and Hangi Dinner
  • Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
  • Tongariro National Park - Taranaki Falls
  • Wellington - Evening Cruise on Wellington Harbour

Overview & Itinerary

Take in the natural beauty of New Zealand’s North Island and visit iconic Hobbiton. This is natural beauty on the biggest scale – huge volcanoes, vast lakes, rolling farmlands and deep caves. On this Premium 8-day guided coach tour, you’ll explore 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 Harbour.

Premium: Intrepid’s best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and their most experienced leaders. Group size: 1 to 12

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 New Zealand! On arrival you will be met on arrival at Auckland Airport and transferred to your accommodation. 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.

Special information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information 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.

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.

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.

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.

+ Optional activities – Redwoods Treetop Walkway, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa

Special information – Your trip leader has a rest day today, as per NZ legal requirements. Your trip leader will ensure you’re ready to enjoy your time in Rotorua, before taking a 24 hour break. They will be available in case of emergencies.

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.

+ Optional activities – Lake Taupō Sailing Adventure

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 Mount Ruapehu.

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.

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.

Why we think you’ll love this tour:

Book this 8-day small group premium tour to delight in New Zealand’s North Island, exploring majestic volcanoes, sparkling lakes, rolling farmlands, and enchanting cultural highlights, all while enjoying expert guidance, premium comfort, and unforgettable experiences.

Price Estimate

🏷️ Last minute deals on select departures

Start Date
End Date
Solo pricing (pp)
Twin pricing (pp)
2026
8 October 2026 Special
15 October 2026
$8,695 NZD
Was   $7,190 NZD
Now   $6,103 NZD
15 October 2026
22 October 2026
$9,965 NZD
$8,460 NZD
22 October 2026 Special
29 October 2026
Was   $8,800 NZD
Now   $7,706 NZD
Was   $7,295 NZD
Now   $6,201 NZD
29 October 2026 Special
5 November 2026
Was   $8,220 NZD
Now   $7,213 NZD
Was   $6,715 NZD
Now   $5,708 NZD
5 November 2026 Special
12 November 2026
Was   $9,235 NZD
Now   $8,462 NZD
Was   $7,730 NZD
Now   $6,957 NZD
12 November 2026 Special
19 November 2026
Was   $8,565 NZD
Now   $6,800 NZD
Was   $7,060 NZD
Now   $5,295 NZD
23 November 2026
30 November 2026
$9,665 NZD
$8,160 NZD
3 December 2026
10 December 2026
$9,195 NZD
$7,690 NZD
10 December 2026
17 December 2026
$9,135 NZD
$7,630 NZD
2027
7 January 2027
14 January 2027
$8,835 NZD
$7,330 NZD
11 January 2027
18 January 2027
$8,835 NZD
$7,330 NZD
18 January 2027
25 January 2027
$8,835 NZD
$7,330 NZD
28 January 2027
4 February 2027
$8,835 NZD
$7,330 NZD
4 February 2027
11 February 2027
$9,295 NZD
$7,790 NZD
8 February 2027
15 February 2027
$8,765 NZD
$7,260 NZD
15 February 2027
22 February 2027
$8,835 NZD
$7,330 NZD
18 February 2027
25 February 2027
$8,635 NZD
$7,130 NZD
22 February 2027
1 March 2027
$8,865 NZD
$7,360 NZD
25 February 2027
4 March 2027
$8,600 NZD
$7,095 NZD
11 March 2027
18 March 2027
$8,560 NZD
$7,055 NZD
18 March 2027
25 March 2027
$8,560 NZD
$7,055 NZD
1 April 2027
8 April 2027
$8,355 NZD
$6,850 NZD
22 April 2027
29 April 2027
$8,355 NZD
$6,850 NZD
3 June 2027
10 June 2027
$8,353 NZD
$6,850 NZD
9 September 2027
16 September 2027
$10,285 NZD
$8,264 NZD
7 October 2027
14 October 2027
$10,285 NZD
$8,265 NZD
14 October 2027
21 October 2027
$10,285 NZD
$8,265 NZD
21 October 2027
28 October 2027
$10,285 NZD
$8,265 NZD
28 October 2027
4 November 2027
$10,530 NZD
$8,510 NZD
4 November 2027
11 November 2027
$10,530 NZD
$8,510 NZD
11 November 2027
18 November 2027
$10,530 NZD
$8,510 NZD
18 November 2027
25 November 2027
$10,530 NZD
$8,510 NZD
25 November 2027
2 December 2027
$10,530 NZD
$8,510 NZD
2 December 2027
9 December 2027
$10,530 NZD
$8,510 NZD
6 December 2027
13 December 2027
$10,780 NZD
$8,760 NZD
9 December 2027
16 December 2027
$10,780 NZD
$8,760 NZD

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