Handcrafted with the ultimate North Island highlights, this adventurous two-week excursion will lead you to Auckland, Wellington, Northland, Rotorua, Taupo, and Napier. Wonders abound on New Zealand’s North Island, volcanos stand sentinel, and Pacific waters cascade around kauri forests. Experiential highlights include a volcanic landing, a Maori tradition immersion, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and the serene atmosphere for which New Zealand is known.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Auckland – Relaxing Around the Harbor
Auckland quickly impresses its charms on its visitors. Pop-up bars and small boutiques can be found along the water, and different neighborhoods have their own unique styles that are showcased best in locally operated cafes and eateries. Hills jump up in the middle of the city and will provide you with an excellent place to look down across the city. After landing at Auckland International Airport, you will be transferred to a hotel next to the harbor. The afternoon and evening will be at your leisure, so you can choose to stay near your hotel or to explore the city interior. With either option, you will discover New Zealand’s laid-back way of life.
What's Included:
Day 2
Auckland – Sailing through Auckland Harbour Visiting the Waitakere Ranges
Day 3
Omapere – Kauri Trees and Colorful Ferns
Day 4
Paihia – Cruising the Bay of Islands
Day 5
Paihia – Day Trip to Ninety Mile Beach
Day 6
Rotorua – The Legendary Hobbiton
Day 7
Rotorua – Geothermal Wonders and Maori Tradition
Day 8
Rotorua – Flight to Mt. Tarawera and Volcano Landing
Day 9
Taupo – Huka Falls and Lake Taupo
Day 10
Taupo – The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Day 11
Napier – The New Zealand Home of Art Deco
Day 12
Napier – Hawkes Bay Wine Tasting
Day 13
Wellington – A Passionate Te Papa Journey
Day 14
Wellington – Departure From New Zealand
Trip Highlights
- Indulge in a scenic flight to Mount Tarawera and touch down on a North Island volcano
- Connect with Maori traditions during an interactive day and night in Rotorua
- Explore the quirky, art deco town of Napier during a two-night stay that will involve plenty of wine tasting
- Discover the Hobbiton movie set, which is arguably North Island’s most iconic attraction
- Sail Pacific waters with a private day of exploration around the Bay of Islands
- Journey to the tip of the country, where Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach evoke Pacific bliss
- Tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is one of the world’s ultimate single-day hikes
- Immerse yourself in the beautiful cities of Auckland and Wellington, including their Maori history and charming cafes
- Admire magnificent North Island scenery, including Huka Falls and forests of kauri trees
Detailed Description
New Zealand’s North Island is all about experiential diversity. While the South Island has dramatic landscapes and pure outdoor adventure, the North Island offers visitors an incredibly varied vacation. There will be beaches, forests, Hobbiton, Maori encounters, artistic cities, enormous volcanos, and bucolic vineyards. From cruising the Bay of Islands to a Te Papa journey in Wellington, this will be the ultimate celebration of North Island highlights. From wine tasting to hiking Tongariro, you will be provided with a little of everything that makes this island so special, including Auckland’s quirky cafes, Huka Falls, and Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland.
After flying to Auckland, you will spend the first five days exploring the north of the island. That includes Auckland itself, where you can choose to partake in a sailing expedition or a journey across the Waitakere Ranges to black volcanic beaches. Three days in Northland will include a trip to Ninety Mile Beach, a day cruise around the Bay of Islands, the historic town of Russel, and an ancient kauri forest. On day six, you will stop at the Hobbiton movie set on route to Rotorua, where geothermal marvels are complemented by Maori traditions. With three nights in Rotorua, you will be immersed in the Maori culture before taking a scenic flight to Mount Tarawera that includes a volcano landing.
Taupo will be your next stop, where the lake will invite you to cruise and Huka Falls that are turquoise beyond the imagination. This will be your base for tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is an exciting, one-day hike that showcases volcanic splendor and excess. You will continue your private journey with a transfer to Napier on day 11, which is an art deco town and your base for exploring the Hawkes Bay vineyards. The quirky capital city of Wellington will then complete your two weeks on the North Island. All transfers will be private along with most of the days. This handcrafted itinerary can also be customized to include any other North Island highlight that you wish to experience, such as glowworm caves or the Coromandel Peninsula.
Starting Price
$5,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.85 stars based on 1613 reviews.