Explore the very best of New Zealand's North Island on an 11-day road trip from the far north down through glowworm country to the surf coast. Travelling in a small group of no more than 18, we take in kauri forests, Māori culture, geothermal wonders and coastal towns at a relaxed, personal pace.
We swim in the crystal-clear Kai Iwi Lakes, stand beneath Tāne Mahuta in the Waipoua Forest, explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds over a traditional Hāngī dinner, dig our own pool at Hot Water Beach, wander the colourful Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonderland, and finish with the glowworm caves of Waitomo and the surf breaks of Raglan.
Days
- 11 days, 10 nights
Group size
- Max 21
Start / finish
- Auckland / Auckland
- Auckland airport, late afternoon on day 11
Return
- Auckland airport, late afternoon on day 11
Accommodation
- 10 nights in 3-star hotels and flashpacker dorms — one beachfront at Omapere, two at Paihia, one in Auckland, one at Hahei on the Coromandel, two in Rotorua, two in Taupō and one in Raglan.
Transport
- A Mercedes Sprinter with your guide, north from Auckland and back again, finishing at the airport in the late afternoon on day 11.
Meals
- A fish and chips dinner on the beachfront at Omapere on the first night, and a traditional hāngī dinner at Waitangi on day 3.
Route
Included experiences
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds — with an included combo pass, and a hāngī dinner that evening
- Tāne Mahuta — the largest living kauri tree in the country, in the Waipoua Forest
- Hobbiton — the movie set on the road to Taupō
- Cathedral Cove — the gateway to Narnia, with kayaking or a swim at Hahei
- Hot Water Beach — digging your own pool at sunset, tide permitting
- Waitomo — glowworm caves, wet or dry, from crawling to abseiling
- Raglan — a surf lesson on the world's longest left-hand break
- Bay of Islands — a free day for cruising, dolphin spotting or kayaking to secluded beaches
- Wai-O-Tapu — the most colourful geothermal features in the country
- Rotorua — luging, zorbing and rafting, or an optional Mitai Māori Village hāngī
- Huka Falls, then a sunset beer beside Lake Taupō
- Taupō — a free day for the Tongariro Crossing, jetboating or a 15,000ft skydive
- Kai Iwi Lakes and the Kauri Museum at Matakohe in the Far North
- Marsden Winery and Matakana Village — wine tasting on the way north and back
Pictures / Videos
Reviews
5.0
Based on 105 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.
“Wild kiwi for the win!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Having only ever done big group tours before, this reviewer loved ending up on a tour of just three people, which felt almost like a private trip. Guide Tom went out of his way to take them on extra walking and forest walks. She found Wild Kiwi organised and professional, and came away from the week feeling relaxed and thoroughly entertained.
“North NZ Winter Tour- Do it!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer did the North Island tour with guide Tom over winter and was pleasantly surprised — the season didn't dampen activities at all, even water-based ones, thanks to warm wetsuits, and the scenery was still incredible. Tom was friendly, knowledgeable, and full of great local tips for photo spots, food, and things to do. She called it an unforgettable trip and highly recommends going with Tom as guide.
“Great memories 🫶”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had a great week touring the North Island, with a different activity on offer at every stop. Having been sceptical about group tours beforehand, she finished the week feeling like part of a new family, largely thanks to guide Telli. She recommends Wild Kiwi as a good way to see the best of the North Island.
“Definitely the better of the 2 Islands on offer.”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Having done both islands back-to-back, this reviewer felt the North Island offered more variety and better value for money. Guide Telli kept the group of eight running on time and in good spirits throughout. Hobbiton was the standout activity for most of the group, along with the geothermal sulphur pits near Rotorua.
“Wild Kiwi Northern Voyager Tour”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer loved how well organised the trip was, with activity choices to suit a wide range of preferences and abilities — from the thrilling Tongariro Crossing to more relaxed options like the glow-worm cave row-boat and hot pools. She'd definitely recommend Wild Kiwi, with a shout-out to guide Tom for being both great fun and a brilliant organiser.
“Pretty sights, great fun”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had a relaxed, unrushed trip with lovely fellow travellers and a nice guide in Tom. The only downside noted was needing to decide on the next day's activities early, since they usually need booking a day ahead.
“Terrific experience”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer was grateful for a guide, Tom, who drove tirelessly and knew all the best sightseeing and eating spots. Hobbiton was a particular highlight, and activities were easy to arrange via a WhatsApp group update. He'd recommend the Wild Kiwi tour to anyone visiting New Zealand.
“Great!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had a great time getting to experience some awesome things with a sweet tour guide, and appreciated having someone drive the group around and share all about New Zealand. Highly recommended.
“An excellent, stress-free week exploring the North Island of NZ”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer booked the 7 Day Northern Voyager tour as her first solo trip and couldn't recommend it enough, saying Wild Kiwi's handling of transport and accommodation removed all the stress — she just had to show up. She could opt in or out of activities based on her own interests and budget, and met great people along the way. Guide Tom was personable and a wealth of local knowledge, keeping everyone on schedule, and she came away impressed enough by the North Island that she's already planning to return for the South Island.
“Trip of a lifetime”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer said Wild Kiwi is a must-do, with so much to see and do and a wide variety of activities on offer — even the towns themselves had plenty to explore beyond the listed options. She gave a shout-out to guide Tom for making it a trip to remember.
“Great time with Tom”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had a great trip with lots of activities to choose from and enjoyed the company of fellow travellers. Guide Tom was a good driver and very informative — the only complaint being that he wouldn't join in on skinny dipping.
“The best trip with wild kiwi and Siobhan”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had an amazing time and would definitely recommend Wild Kiwi as a great way to see the North Island and learn about the culture. Guide Siobhan was brilliant, making everything easy and bringing great energy throughout.
“a perfect blend of lovely people, breathtaking locations…”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer described the tour as a perfect blend of lovely people, breathtaking locations and sporting activities, crediting guide V's excellent organisation for making sure everyone could do what they wanted. Her calm, secure approach let the group enjoy every moment, and the reviewer was very grateful for the week.
“Great sights, great people”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer praised guide V for her friendly, enthusiastic, helpful approach in a group of solo travellers aged 25-35, with the Maori village tour and Lake Taupo sailing among her highlights over a well-packed seven-day trip. She had some initial confusion over which activities were included after booking through a third party, but Wild Kiwi ended up reimbursing the cost once the mix-up was explained. She'd book with Wild Kiwi again, directly next time.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
The Northern Voyager tour was intense but well worth it, with a packed itinerary covering New Zealand's highlights. Guide Siobhan was organised, knowledgeable and fun throughout. One gripe: a paid “private room” upgrade didn't guarantee a private bathroom, and the first night involved a long walk to shared outdoor toilets, which the reviewer felt Wild Kiwi should make clearer when booking. Despite the mix-up, still highly recommended.
“Flawless trip”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer said Wild Kiwi has it all figured out, with guide Robbie a professional, well-seasoned operator who made the small-group format and flexible daily activity choices work well. Robbie also booked dinner reservations at his favourite spots and invited the group along most nights, which she felt was great value for money.
“Perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in the beautiful…”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer enjoyed a great small-group tour around the North Island with plenty of free time and activity options, liking the balance of adventure and relaxation. Guide Robbie's recommendations made the week even better, and she'd definitely recommend the tour.
“Wildkiwi NZ tour at its best”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Travelling solo after a busy work stretch, this reviewer found the trip a great mix of calm and fun thanks to guide Claudia, who gave great tips at every stop and helped create a harmonious group. She'd do it again and recommends it to others.
“Fantastic! Would recommend to anyone”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had the best time with a great group of people, praising guide Siobhan for being informative and feeling like part of the group rather than just a guide. She'd recommend the trip to anyone, and liked that the group wasn't too large.
“Most Enjoyable Experience!! Would recommend to any solo…”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had the best experience touring the North Island, meeting a great group of people and making friends for life. Special thanks went to guide Siobhan for making the whole trip effortless and enjoyable.
“Perfect for Solo Travelers A Seamless and Social New Zealand…”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer found the whole experience extremely well organised, with warm, attentive staff. Simple but comfortable accommodation was well worth the modest cost of a private room, and the group of fellow solo travellers made it easy to connect. Having activities pre-booked took the stress out of travelling alone, and he'd highly recommend the experience.
“Greatest week with Wild Kiwi”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer called Ben the best guide, totally recommending the trip especially for solo travellers, and had a wonderful week with a great group.
“Amazing experience, Highly Recommend!!!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This was this reviewer's first solo trip and she loved it, packing a lot into just one week thanks to a fun group and busy activity schedule. It was easy to build friendships with other solo travellers, and guide Ben knew all the best food and viewing spots along with solid advice on which activities were worth doing.
“Great week on the North Island”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had a great week on the North Island with guide Ben, travelling in a group of solo people aged 23 to 34 who were easy to get along with and became fast friends. She liked having plenty of extra activities to book alongside the flexibility to do her own thing.
“Great time :)”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had a great time with non-stop activities, a lovely group, and a knowledgeable, friendly guide in Ben.
“Highly recommend!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had the best time with guide Claudes, who was full of passion and knowledge about her home country and great company throughout. Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves were trip highlights, along with the informative and delicious Tē Pa Tū Maori cultural experience. She found the accommodation and van comfortable for the longer drive days, and recommends the tour to anyone visiting, whether doing one leg or two back to back as she did.
“Fun and activity packed week!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had the best time packing in all the North Island highlights, enjoying fun activities, local insights and history, and making new friends along the way. The trip felt well organised and never hectic despite covering a lot, thanks in part to guide Clauds' passion and knowledge. He'd fully recommend it to solo travellers or friends wanting to stay busy, with the note that many activities cost extra so it's worth budgeting for.
“North Island NZ adventure”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Teresa had a wonderful North Island trip with Wild Kiwi. Guide Claud's energy and enthusiasm for New Zealand stood out, and she kept the group having fun with great local recommendations at every stop. She was also resourceful when plans needed to change. The weather cooperated for most of the trip, right up until the final day.
“Great tour involving a great deal of walking.”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Linda found this a fantastic way to see the North Island, with Claudia as an excellent guide and driver who offered plenty of activity choices and great hotels. She noted the pace is fairly physical, with lots of walking, and most of the group skewed younger (40-60). At 77, she managed to keep up but felt a bit of an age gap with the rest of the group.
“Solo travelers in New Zealand”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Katharina, travelling solo, found this New Zealand trip surpassed her already-high expectations. She appreciated how well suited a group tour is for solo travellers, meeting friendly people along the way. Guide Telli stood out for giving honest, valuable tips on activities and towns and organising everything smoothly, letting her simply relax and enjoy the ride.
“Northern voyagers - Telli”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Aislinn had a great week exploring the North Island with guide Telli, and would recommend Wild Kiwi to solo travellers wanting to meet new people.
“North Island vegan degustation”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Susan, a vegan traveller, had a wonderful introduction to New Zealand. Guide Clauds was attentive and went out of her way to make sure Susan's dietary needs were properly catered for.
“Wild Kiwi Northern Voyager Experience”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had an incredible Northern Voyager experience with guide Telli leading the way. Their one suggestion was that seven days felt almost too short, and that a 14 or 21-day option would be even better. They'd recommend it to anyone wanting an action-packed trip full of activities from morning to night.
“Fabulous way to see Nothern New Zealand”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
In a second review, Linda again praised Claudia as a fabulous, capable driver who kept the group busy with activities in good weather and great hotels. Her one note was that the tour suits a fairly fit 20-65 age range, and at 77 she felt a bit of a generational gap despite keeping up fine.
“Had the best time!!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Charlotte had a great week with guide Telli, who was experienced, kind, and made sure everyone was well looked after while showing them incredible places.
“The Best North Island Tour!!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
On her first solo trip, Lucy called the Northern Voyager the trip of a lifetime. Guide Claudia was funny, well organised, and shared plenty of Maori culture and history along the way, while Lucy made close friends within the group. Highlights included kayaking to Cathedral Cove and a boat trip on Lake Taupo, though she notes the pace is fast with some early starts.
“Northern Voyager”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Amy-Lea had an incredible time exploring the North Island, saying the Wild Kiwi tour took the stress out of travelling. Guide Claudia's cheerful, approachable style and local knowledge made the trip feel welcoming.
“North Island NZ”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Shirley called the Northern Voyager the experience of a lifetime, crediting guide Claudia's warmth and local knowledge for making everyone feel comfortable. The small group size let everyone mingle, making for a genuinely enjoyable trip.
“Special trip with Clauds”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Solo traveller Macy found the trip well organised and packed with activity while still being fun. Guide Clauds was passionate and informative, and Macy left with lasting friendships and memories.
“A great experience”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer described a fun, relaxed week with a group of 14 friendly travellers, plenty of activity choices, and a guide who let everyone do their own thing. Overall it was an enjoyable trip with a nice and funny guide.
“Improvement transportation”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer enjoyed exploring plenty of North Island sights but felt the bus itself was uncomfortable, especially for taller passengers on long drives, and suggested more legroom and reclining seats. Despite that, they praised guide Claudia's recommendations and the knowledge gained on the trip.
“Great trip to see Northern Island”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
In a second review, Nando praised the well-organised North Island trip and guide Telli's humour for making the week easy-going, having seen a good variety of sights.
“Seven Days of Adventure, Friendship, and NZ Highlights with…”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Travelling the North Island solo for seven days, this reviewer said the people made the trip as much as the places. The group road-tripped from Auckland through Rotorua, Waitomo and Lake Taupo, taking in glowworm caves, hot pools, a hike up Mount Tarawera, Hobbiton, and a Maori karaoke night, with a Secret Santa on Christmas. Guide Claudia's calm, detail-oriented style made the logistics feel effortless, and the group bonded so strongly that they kept meeting up afterwards.
“Best vibes, energy and close friends”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
As a solo female traveller in her 20s, this reviewer found it a great way to see the North Island, crediting guide Ben's energy and vibe for making the trip. The group of 18 was small enough that she got to know everyone well, turning what could have been a solo trip into one shared with close new friends.
“Great time in the North Island!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Gillian had a great week exploring the North Island, seeing plenty and learning a lot about the culture. Her group of about 16 was very friendly, and the guide was excellent.
“Oh wow”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Catherine couldn't have asked for more from her first group adventure, stepping outside her comfort zone and meeting amazing people. She credited guide Ben for making it such a blast.
“Top time up north!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
On her second solo tour with Wild Kiwi, Greta had an absolute blast on the Northern Voyager, travelling with a genuinely international group. She liked having the freedom to pick her own pace of activity, from white-water rafting to more relaxed hikes, and enjoyed evenings playing cards and sharing pizza with the group. Some weather-related changes to plans didn't dampen the trip, and she was happy to just wander new towns when needed.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Having already done a South Island trip with Wild Kiwi, this reviewer returned for the Northern Voyager and loved it just as much. White-water rafting was the standout activity, with most of the group jumping in. The mostly solo-traveller crowd, spanning ages 20 to late 30s from across the US, India, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia, made for a great international dynamic and a trip she'd highly recommend.
“Loved the experience, people and company!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer combined the North Island tour with the Southern Loop and found the pairing perfect, well guided throughout by Ben in the north and Siobhan in the south. Both guides being Kiwis meant plenty of fun local facts and stories, and they fully joined in with the group's activities, making for an engaging, enjoyable trip.
“Amazing, once in a lifetime experience.”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Jess had an amazing time on the Northern Voyager, calling it a great way to travel New Zealand and meet like-minded people while solo. Guide Tom was knowledgeable about every town and recommended activities well, including a skydive, and the friendly group made the week even better. She's hoping to return and explore the South Island next.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Spent a great week touring the north of New Zealand with guide Tom, who made sure the group's needs were met throughout. Personal highlights included whitewater rafting, sunrise at Hot Water Beach, a boat trip on Lake Taupo, and the Tongariro Crossing. Recommended for anyone with limited time wanting to see the North Island.
“Great tour”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Conor enjoyed the whole tour with a fun group, with the glow-worms and the Tongariro Crossing among his favourite North Island stops.
“Awesome experience in NZ’s North Island”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
First-time tour-goer who had a blast on this North Island trip, praising a guide who kept things fun, educational and well organised. The comfortable Mercedes coach came with WiFi, letting the reviewer look up the scenery as they went, and everything ran smoothly with minimal fuss. A high recommendation overall.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Patrick calls this trip life-changing, having tried six new activities in one week — white water rafting, zip lining, skydiving, bungee jumping, cave exploring, and surfing. Guide Telli was excellent and the group made the week unforgettable; his only regret is not booking the South Island leg too. If he goes back, Wild Kiwi will be his first choice.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
One of the most memorable tours, with Tegan guiding the Northern Voyager trip and keeping things fun throughout. The Tongariro Crossing had to be cancelled due to weather, and the packed itinerary left little room to reschedule it, but the rest of the tour's highlights more than made up for it.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Kathryn had an amazing time and enthusiastically recommends the tour to everyone.
“Best week ever !!!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had an unforgettable week on the Northern Voyager, which they say suits solo travellers well. Guide Tegan was passionate and knowledgeable, made everyone feel included, and even ensured gluten-free breakfast options were available every day for a traveller managing coeliac disease.
“An incredible way to experience the North island - 10/10…”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Courtney finished the Northern Voyager and had an incredible time with a lovely group, making it easy to recommend for solo travellers. Guide Tegan settled everyone in quickly and shared deep knowledge of Māori culture, and the pick-and-choose activities let travellers tailor the trip to their comfort level. Having tried another solo-travel operator the week before, she rated Wild Kiwi well ahead and plans to return for the South Island.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Bridget enjoyed a great tour with a comfy bus, fun activities, and a guide she calls legendary.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Did the Northern Voyager tour and had the trip of a lifetime. Guide Ben did an awesome job driving, sharing local knowledge and organising all the activities. Loved the small group size, and already planning to come back for the South Island with Wild Kiwi.
“Northern Voyager - a stress free holiday packed with adventure!”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
A great week on the Northern Voyager tour with guide Tegan and twelve fellow travellers, packing in North Island highlights including Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Hobbiton, the Mitai Maori village experience in Rotorua, Taupo, the Waitomo glowworm caves and surfing at Raglan. Travelling solo, the reviewer felt safe and well supported by Tegan, who was full of local knowledge and Maori history and culture. The only downside was a couple of weather-related cancellations, including the Tongariro Crossing, though that's simply the nature of a tight schedule. A strong recommendation for solo travellers wanting a stress-free, activity-packed trip.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Tom gets high praise here as a clear, helpful and flexible guide who adapted quickly when weather or scheduling changed plans. The reviewer did the Northern Voyager tour and felt a little envious of others continuing on to the South Island, describing the itinerary as packed but comfortable and scenic. They'd recommend it without hesitation.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
A brilliant start to this reviewer's New Zealand adventure, with guide/driver Tom praised for keeping things moving and sharing his local knowledge. They recommend the Northern Voyager, which took them to Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupo and Raglan via Matamata for Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves, though they were disappointed to miss the Tongariro Crossing due to bad weather.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
A detailed, glowing account of the Northern Voyager tour with guide Tom, who kept communication clear and made everyone feel included. The reviewer liked the spacious bus, included breakfasts, and optional activities such as Hobbiton, kayaking to Cathedral Cove, ziplining in Rotorua, hot springs and sailing in Taupo. Driving days were manageable with plenty of stops, hostels were clean, and the smaller group of about ten made for a more personal experience. They'd happily do the tour again.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer loved the Northern Voyager Tour and found guide Dee knowledgeable, organised and easy to become friends with. They call it an absolutely wonderful experience, especially recommended for solo travellers.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer found the Northern Voyager tour truly extraordinary, with guide Dee a knowledgeable and delightful companion throughout. They describe the week-long trip as covering all the essential New Zealand destinations and a must for any visitor.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Highly recommending Wild Kiwi's Northern Voyager tour, this reviewer credits guide Dee with countless stories about the places they visited and a genuine knack for keeping the group laughing. Accommodation was great and the range of optional activities made choosing hard. They call it a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer joined the Northern Voyager tour and highly recommends it, thanking guides Ben and Dea for making everyone feel welcome. They liked the smaller group size, the well-organised mix of optional activities, and the comfortable, wifi-equipped bus, and encourage anyone on the fence to just book it.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer highly recommends the Northern Voyager Tour, praising guides Ben and Deanne for making the group feel welcome and sharing plenty of Maori culture and local knowledge. Their honest advice on which activities were worth the money helped strike a good balance between sightseeing and relaxing.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer had a lovely time on the one-week Northern Voyager tour, describing guides Ben and Deanne as fun, supportive people who made sure everyone had a great time. They felt the package covered all the major North Island spots and would recommend the tour to anyone looking to make lasting friends.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Booked pretty last minute, this reviewer said the Northern Voyager tour was the best decision, with no stress and a great chance to explore New Zealand alongside like-minded travellers. Guide Ben ('Big Ben') was praised as professional, organised and great fun, going out of his way to make sure every guest was comfortable and had a memorable time.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer described their Northern Voyager tour as an unforgettable experience shared with ten travelling companions, crediting guide Ben ('Big Ben') for creating lasting memories and strong friendships within the group. They praised Ben as knowledgeable, gracious and a wonderful leader throughout the trip.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer said the Northern Voyager trip was absolutely brilliant, enjoying the magical, breathtaking North Island scenery with a small, lovely group and plenty of activity choices. Guide Claudia organised everything so well and made sure everyone had the best possible experience, and they hope to book another tour in future.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer called the Northern Voyager one of the best experiences ever, visiting many beautiful places and doing great activities with guide Claudia, whose knowledge and bubbly, kind nature made the trip fun from the start. Standout moments included Hobbiton, a hike and hot springs in Taupo, and the glow worm caves.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Russell found the experience smooth, fun, and full of great people, though he notes most activities aren't included in the price and add up. Still calls it a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Philippe had a tremendous experience on the Northern Explorer tour, recommending it to anyone wanting to see as much of the North Island as possible in a short time. Guide Robbie did an excellent job getting the group around while sharing personal insight on each stop. His only regret was not also booking the South Island leg.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Xiaoqi describes it simply as an awesome experience with Wild Kiwi.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Conor's Northern Voyager tour was his first time travelling solo overseas, and he found Wild Kiwi made it simple - just show up at Queens Wharf and everything else was taken care of. The small group size gave him plenty of chances to bond with other travellers, and he singled out guide Tom as friendly, funny and accommodating. He'd strongly recommend the tour to anyone wanting to explore the north, and hopes to come back for the south.
“100% recommended, great tourguide, awesome people and cool…”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Had an awesome time on the Northern Voyager tour of the North Island, especially thanks to guide Mike. Great group of people and a wide range of activities to choose from - highly recommend this tour.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Hamish's Northern Voyager trip was his first time travelling solo in a group, and he loved every moment of it. Guide Robbie knew all the best local spots and was a standout part of the experience. He'd recommend it to anyone wanting to see the country and make new friends along the way.
“Great Small Tour”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
An amazing tour of New Zealand's North Island with guide Claudia, blessed with good weather that allowed most of the optional activities to go ahead. Highlights included the Tongariro Crossing, a sunset sail on Lake Taupo, and white-water rafting in Rotorua. Travelling solo was easy since most of the group were doing the same, making it a great way to meet similarly-aged travellers.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Plenty to see and do, and a great way to make friends from around the world. Having WiFi on the vans was a real bonus that made a big difference.
“Nothern Voyage 7 days”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Spent a week on the North Island with guide Hendrik on the Northern Voyager, who did everything he could to make sure the group got the most out of every activity. A brilliant, hassle-free week.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
A great tour overall, with good activities and a great guide.
“Guaranteed return”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
The best week of this reviewer's holiday, despite some rough weather early on. Guide Tolan was fantastic throughout, joining in on activities and cooking a great barbecue in the Coromandel. Already planning to come back and do the South Island next.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
An amazing time with an awesome guide and plenty of great people met along the way. Accommodation, mostly hostels, was fine, and the pace kept the group constantly moving and packing a lot in. There was a great range of activities including the Tongariro Crossing, and often the chance to fit in more than one activity a day.
“Amazing tour, amazing people”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Did the 7-day Northern Voyager tour and it exceeded expectations - the activities were great and the guides were friendly, informative and fun throughout. About half the group were solo travellers and the rest similarly-aged couples, making for a really memorable week.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
A brilliant, stress-free way to travel with the benefit of local knowledge. Guide Telli was great fun (his horse joke stuck with the reviewer), and the activity choices were good. The small, mixed-age group felt friendly rather than regimented, and the reviewer plans to book with Wild Kiwi again.
“Great way to see the North Island in 7 days, New Zealand”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
A great 7-day tour of the North Island, ideal for meeting new people and hitting the region's highlights with a flexible schedule - one day some of the group went golfing while others visited Hobbiton, a nice option suggested by the guide. Guide Tolan (T) was laid-back, professional and highly knowledgeable, and the trip included comfortable van travel, a stay in Raglan and a holiday park in the Coromandel, with the rest of the nights in clean, basic hostels.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
A great tour with well-organised timing and a lovely group atmosphere. The reviewer loved the places visited and had a blast, with guide Telli guaranteeing plenty of laughs.
“Northern Voyager Wild Kiwi Tour”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Loved this Northern Voyager tour of the North Island - even the drives were scenic. Guide Tolan was excellent and this reviewer's top recommendations from the trip were the white-water rafting in Rotorua and the Māori village experience.
“Northern Voyager “Sweet As””
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
An outstanding 7-day Northern Voyager trip with guide Tolan (Mr T), who showed off everything the North Island has to offer. The van was comfortable, the music was great, and the scenery and experiences were unforgettable - a great choice for solo travellers wanting both structure and freedom.
“Simply the best - Northern Voyager”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
An amazing experience across the North Island of New Zealand with hilarious and friendly guide Tolan - a genuinely unforgettable trip.
“7 Day Northern Voyager”
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
This reviewer completed the 7 Day Northern Voyager back in September 2018 and still raves about it, calling Wild Kiwi a great “posh backpackers” option. The comfortable van and flexible pace let them fit in everything from skydiving to relaxed sightseeing. Guide Tolan was a standout, and the mix of small-group and solo travellers made for a great introduction to New Zealand.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
An awesome tour with Jordie as guide. The weather wasn't great, but the group still made the most of it thanks to a well-planned itinerary.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Aaron took the 7 Day Northern Voyager and loved how customisable it was - the tour covers accommodation, transport, a surfing lesson, another activity and a dinner, with the guide booking in whatever extras you choose. Guide Robbie was a big part of what made it great, and the comfortable van with wifi and leather seats was a nice touch. He'd highly recommend Wild Kiwi to anyone visiting New Zealand.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Amazing places and an awesome guide made this so much fun the reviewer would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
A great tour with lots of fun, good activities and a great guide. Despite fitting a lot into seven days, it never felt rushed. One hostel wasn't great but the rest of the accommodation was good, and the included breakfasts offered an excellent range of choices.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
A fabulous week exploring the North Island with Wild Kiwi, packed with fun activities. Surfing was the highlight - the reviewer even managed to stand up.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
One of the best vacations of the reviewer's life, packed with adventures like bungee jumping, white water rafting, cave rafting and kayaking alongside a great group of people. Guide Tolan was knowledgeable, warm and welcoming from the moment he introduced himself, and made sure everyone got to do what they wanted. A trip of a lifetime, with thanks to both Wild Kiwi and New Zealand.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
An amazing trip overall, though the reviewer would have liked more things included.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Wild Kiwi is the best choice for touring New Zealand, with great itineraries, transport, guides and plenty of adventure. It's also a fantastic way to meet incredible people.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
I'm usually put off organised tours because they can feel rushed and impersonal, but with Wild Kiwi our group felt like a little family. Our guide Jed was fantastic, keeping our days full of optional activities and group dinners, and adjusting plans when the weather didn't cooperate. The vehicle gave us plenty of room to relax, and I'm already looking forward to doing the South Island tour with them next.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Matthew can't think of a better way to see the country after completing the Northern Voyager tour, fitting a lot in over the 7 days thanks to how well it was organised. Travelling between towns was easy in the comfortable tour bus, and the guide was engaging and insightful throughout. He made some great friends along the way and would do it again.
Reviewed on the 7 Day Northern Voyager, one leg of this trip
Thanks to Robbie and Wild Kiwi for an epic 7 days in the North Island. Highlights included learning to surf in Raglan, black water rafting in Waitomo, and digging our own hot pool at Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel. Our guide was really knowledgeable, the accommodation and vehicle were great, and the itinerary kept a perfect pace throughout.
