New Zealand: Best of the North Island - 7 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female72%
- Male28%
Average age
Start / End
- Auckland
- Wellington
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 20Meals included
8Highlights
- Embark on an exhilarating adventure in Raglan, first by sea kayaking through a tranquil, secluded harbour, followed by an unforgettable surf lesson on its iconic black sand beaches.
- Journey into the mystical depths of the Waitomo Caves, an optional experience where thousands of glow worms create a breathtaking, starry spectacle on the cavern ceilings.
- Immerse yourself in Rotorua's geothermal wonderland, witnessing bubbling mud pits and vibrant pools, then delve into rich Maori culture with an engaging evening experience at Te Puia Village.
- Witness the sheer power of the mighty Huka Falls, where turquoise waters dramatically cascade, and later, unwind with a serene sailing trip across the vast and picturesque Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake.
- Explore the vibrant capital city of Wellington, delving into New Zealand's captivating history and art at the acclaimed National Museum, Te Papa, before enjoying the city's lively evening atmosphere.
- Experience the diverse and breathtaking beauty of New Zealand's North Island over seven days, from the bustling metropolis of Auckland to coastal surf towns, geothermal marvels, and the cultural heart of the country.
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Summary
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.
Itinerary
Day 1
Auckland
Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
What's Included
Accommodation
Hostels & basic lodgings (6 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people). **All nights are multi-share on this trip.
Meals
Breakfasts: 6, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Feb 2026
from £786Mar 2026
from £969Apr 2026
from £872May 2026
from £969Jun 2026
from £872Jul 2026
from £872Aug 2026
from £969Sep 2026
from £890Oct 2026
from £890Nov 2026
from £890Dec 2026
from £969Jan 2027
from £1,048Feb 2027
from £1,048Mar 2027
from £969Apr 2027
from £969May 2027
from £969Jun 2027
from £969Jul 2027
from £969Aug 2027
from £969Sep 2027
from £890Oct 2027
from £890Nov 2027
from £890Dec 2027
from £969
- Save 26%Sat 28 Feb 2026 > Fri 6 Mar 2026Guaranteed Departure🔥3 spaces of 20 left£1,059Best offer£786
Customer reviews & ratings
BOOK THE TRIP!! This was a life changing experience that was just amazing in every way. You don?t have to plan anything and get to have incredible experiences while making amazing friends along the way. I literally can?t recommend it enough. If you get Amy as your CEO, you are in for a treat! She was absolutely incredible - full of passion, knowledge and fun! I can?t wait to book another G Adventures trip! G Adventures made travel so easy! Everything was taken care of and flowed so smoothly. It was a great way to travel especially if you?re going solo.
Charissa Dec, 2025 VerifiedMy time in the North Island is one that I won't soon forget. I met amazing people, went on incredible adventures and have made lifelong memories because of it. One week in the North Island was definitely not enough time to experience everything New Zealand has to offer, but it was the perfect amount of time to share in amazing experiences with new friends. If I could have added to my journey and gone to the South Island too, I definitely would have, if only to stay with our amazing tour guide Siobhan and all the friends that continued on with her. I would do this tour again in a heartbeat. My group was led by the most fantastic tour guide Siobhan (aka. Shorty). She was incredibly generous and kind, extremely knowledgeable, and very fun to be around. As well as that, the activities (both included and optional) were amazingly fun and exciting. The entire experience was a perfect way to meet new people and try new things, all whilst feeling comfortable in a different country.
Harrison Oct, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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