As far as road trips go, it doesn't get much better than New Zealand. Beginning in the creative capital of Wellington, this 10-day journey takes in the best of the North Island with a local leader at the wheel, from stunning sights that stop you in your tracks to celebrations of Maori culture.
Explore the ethereal landscapes of Tongariro National Park, tuck into a hangi dinner in Rotorua, watch geysers and mud pools bubble away, wander the Hobbiton movie set, stretch out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and wrap things up in Auckland.
Days
- 10 days, 9 nights
Age
- 15+ — under 18s must travel with an adult
Group size
- Small group
Start / finish
- Wellington / Auckland
Return
- See itinerary for details
Accommodation
- 9 nights in accommodation along the route.
Transport
- Overland travel with a local leader who stays with the group for the whole trip.
Meals
- Nine breakfasts and one dinner — the hāngi in Rotorua. Every other meal is at your own cost.
Route
Included experiences
- Wellington — Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary and an orientation tour with your leader
- Tongariro National Park — scenic drive through to Lake Taupo
- Lake Taupo — free day, with the Tongariro Crossing as an option
- Huka Falls
- Rotorua — Redwood Forest canopy walk and the Pohutu Geyser
- Rotorua — hāngi dinner and haka performance
- Hobbiton — guided movie set tour
- Coromandel Peninsula — Cathedral Cove and the natural hot tubs at Hot Water Beach
Pictures / Videos
Reviews
4.9
Based on 27 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, one of the shorter trips it's built from, or the same trip in the opposite direction. Gathered from around the web and paraphrased — each review says which.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Book it. Beautiful, fulfilling, worth the money, with a great guide and great views.
Brilliant time, though I wish more activities were in the price. My favourites were the ones I paid extra for, and they cost a fair bit.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Intrepid and our guide Snowy: amazing. Recommended, and thank you.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Couldn't fault the guide or the trip. A riot, and we learned about the culture and Kiwi way of life.
Best holiday I've had in ages, down to how well prepared it was and how professional our guide was.
Small-group travel done smoothly by Intrepid, reaching the attractions worth seeing.
Lots of fun on the North Island. Our leader knew plenty about the region and I lucked out with the group.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
A great way to see the North Island's highlights. The Tongariro Crossing and white water rafting stood out for me.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Third Intrepid trip for me, all good, but the NZ North Island may top them. Remarkable country, a fantastic guide, a nicely varied mix of activities. Five stars; I just regret not staying on for the south islands.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Annie went well beyond the tour-leader role, reworking the plan and finding alternatives when weather changed things. Note we walked at least 5 km a day, so think about that. Otherwise, if the North Island appeals, go.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Intrepid's journey made the NZ North Island feel powerful and embracing.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Awesome the whole way through. South Island next for me.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
First time in New Zealand and it delivered. Incredible place; I just lacked the time for the South Island.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
I came away from the North Island with more than I'd bargained for. Emily guided us superbly, the planning behind it was excellent, and what was included struck a nice balance between culture and fun. Worth booking.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Lovely trip with a leader who knew his stuff. The North Island is beautiful, go see it.
Jordan drove us and was the best going; he made it perfect. Big thumbs up to Intrepid.
Guide and trip both beat our expectations. He worked with care and humour, knew the area well and drove patiently. Great time, wonderful memories, and New Zealand is stunning.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Incredible north island journey, with scenery and views that floor you.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Loved the whole thing. The small numbers made all the difference, and the company suited the lovely setting. One gripe: why did our guide take a day off midway?
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Honestly a brilliant experience. My only job each day was showing up at the bus on time; everything else was handled. Travelling solo as a woman, I felt looked after, and Taylor led the group so well. Choosing this adventure was the right call. Thanks, Intrepid!
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Two clashing itineraries, Haka's and Intrepid's. Confusing.
Lovely small group, covering what we wanted plus hidden gems we'd never have found. Ten days here beat what friends managed in 15 with a hire car. Short on time, this is the way.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
What we got matched the description, and the guide lifted it further. The comfort option beat our hopes.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Plenty of adrenaline on offer, zip lining and white water rafting among them, but it also works as a relaxed way to see how lovely NZ is. Comfortable beds, and the guide's local knowledge was unbeatable, opening up places we'd never have found.
Reviewed on the 10 Day Northern Trail — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Age is no barrier if you like being active. My grandson, 19, and me, 70, loved it in May 2024. Superb guide; food, activities and beds all excellent.
