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...

New Zealand

New Zealand: Best of the North Island

DAY 1 Auckland

Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.

Administrative

Your Welcome Moment: 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.

Administrative

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

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Optional Activities - Day 1Show

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Haka House Auckland City

Hostel
DAY 2 Auckland/Raglan

Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights. Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You’ll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Auckland- Raglan3h160km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Watersport

Sea Kayaking

Raglan1.5h-2h

Tour Raglan’s secluded bays and unique coastline by kayak. Paddle the inner harbour to get up close to wildlife, fish, and (fingers crossed) orcas. Discover the pancake rocks on the harbour's northern side.

Accommodation

Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge

Lodge
DAY 3 Raglan

Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies. Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.

Watersport

Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson

Raglan1.5h-2h

Learn how to catch a wave in this surf lesson. Start with instruction on dry land before heading into the surf. Take advantage of the large soft boards used in class (they help everyone stand up).

Free Time

Raglan

Enjoy free time any way you want in this surfing town. Head to the beach to hang ten or relax with a cold drink and plan your next activities.

Accommodation

Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge

Lodge
DAY 4 Raglan/Rotorua

Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Raglan- Rotorua3h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Landmark

Te Puia Geyser by Night

RotoruaEVENING

See the famous Te Puia Geyser during this sensory cultural experience. Be guided by a local Maori guide on this 2 hour tour set in the Te Puia thermal valley and enjoy a delicious traditional kāinga waru pudding cooked in their natural hot spring.

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Optional Activities - Day 4Show

Accommodation

Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua

Hostel
DAY 5 Rotorua/Taupo

Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake.

Free Time

RotoruaMORNING

With lots to see and do in Rotorua, get out and explore!

Bus

Private Vehicle

Rotorua- Taupo1h-2h80km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Nature

Huka Falls

TaupoMORNING

Visit the mighty Huka falls. With more than 220,000 litres of water per second flowing over an 11 metre high waterfall, these impressive falls are an attraction not to be missed.

Taupo Sailing

Taupo

Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views from Lake Taupo. Listen to the experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails or take a step back and soak in the views. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent).

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Optional Activities - Day 5Show

Accommodation

Based by the Lake

Hostel
DAY 6 Taupo/Wellington

Hit the road to the nation’s capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district. Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa. Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Taupo- Wellington5h-6h375km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time

WellingtonAFTERNOON

Spend some time exploring the city.

People

Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out

Wellington

Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Wellington on this night out with the group. Put those competitive hats on and play games at Blend Bar (may the best person win) and then put those dancing shoes to good use as you shimmy and shake the night away with your adventure buddies by your side. There’s no one cooler than this travel crew right here!

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Optional Activities - Day 6Show

Accommodation

Cambridge Hotel

Hotel
DAY 7 Wellington

Depart at any time. Alas, your trip has come to an end. However, who says you have to go home? Why not add on another tour so you can keep exploring this stunning part of the world. After all, does anyone ever regret extending a vacation?

Administrative

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Day
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