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New Zealand: Best of the North Island
Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. New Zealand’s North Island may be the smaller of the two, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure. Over this seven-day tour, you'll hop in a sea kayak to explore a secluded harbour, learn about Maori culture from the source, and learn to surf on an iconic break. There's no better way to live, breathe, and paddle the New Zealand experience.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Merchandising: Top Seller
Trip Type: Small Group
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
Age requirements: 18-39
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
New Zealand: Best of the North Island - Itinerary
DAY 1
Auckland
Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Haka House Auckland City:
Haka House Auckland City
Optional Activities
New Zealand: Best of the North Island - Itinerary
DAY 1
Auckland
Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Haka House Auckland City:
Haka House Auckland City
Optional Activities
What’s Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan
- Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
- Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
- Maori cultural experience
- Huka Falls
- Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hostels & basic lodgings (6 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people). **All nights are multi-share on this trip.
- 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Private vehicle, bus, boat, kayak, walking.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
New Zealand: Best of the North Island Departure Dates
All Years
| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Feb 14 2026 | Fri, Feb 20 2026 | Sold Out | $1,144.57 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Feb 21 2026 | Fri, Feb 27 2026 | Sold Out | $1,144.57 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Feb 28 2026 | Fri, Mar 06 2026 | Open (7) | $1,034.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Mar 07 2026 | Fri, Mar 13 2026 | Open (1) | $1,061.57 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Mar 14 2026 | Fri, Mar 20 2026 | Open (6) | $1,061.57 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Mar 21 2026 | Fri, Mar 27 2026 | Sold Out | $1,061.57 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Mar 28 2026 | Fri, Apr 03 2026 | Open (15) | $1,061.57 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Apr 04 2026 | Fri, Apr 10 2026 | Open (11) | $1,061.57 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Apr 11 2026 | Fri, Apr 17 2026 | Open (10) | $1,061.57 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |
More from New Zealand: Best of the North Island
USEFUL INFO
What's Included
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan
Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington. Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan). Maori cultural experience. Huka Falls. Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Surf world-famous waves, learn about Maori culture in a geothermal valley, get the adrenaline pumping in Rotorua, dance the night away in Wellington.
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Are there Itinerary notes?
Are there Itinerary notes?
Please note that most 18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in New Zealand is multi-share. For more info, see our Trip Details.
