Discover the inspiring scenery and Maori culture of New Zealand's North Island on this 10-day adventure. Travel from the bright lights of Auckland to creative, contemporary Wellington with a local leader, taking in beaches, rainforests and geothermal wonders along the way.
Dig your own hot tub at Coromandel's Hot Water Beach, step into Middle Earth at the Hobbiton movie set, and watch geysers and mud pools simmer in Rotorua. Share a hangi dinner with a Maori community, walk over redwood forest canopies, chase waterfalls near Taupo and finish among the hills and harbour of Wellington.
Days
- 10 days, 9 nights
Age
- 15+ — under 18s must travel with an adult
Group size
- Small group
Start / finish
- Auckland / Wellington
Return
- See itinerary for details
Accommodation
- 9 nights in hostels and simple accommodation.
Transport
- Overland travel with a local leader who stays with the group for the whole trip.
Meals
- Eight breakfasts and one dinner — the hāngi at Rotorua. Every other meal is at your own cost.
Route
Included experiences
- Coromandel Peninsula — Cathedral Cove and the natural hot tubs at Hot Water Beach
- Bridal Veil Falls and the surf town of Raglan
- Raglan — sunset harbour cruise with fish and chips
- Hobbiton — guided movie set tour
- Rotorua — Redwood Forest canopy walk and the Pohutu Geyser
- Rotorua — hāngi dinner and haka performance
- Huka Falls and Lake Taupo
- Wellington — Mt Victoria Lookout and the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
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.
AI summary of 27 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the tour for offering beautiful scenery and landscapes across the North Island, excellent guides with strong local knowledge who enhance the experience beyond the itinerary, and well-organised logistics that handle most planning and allow visitors to focus on enjoyment. Small group sizes, the balance of activities ranging from adrenaline-focused experiences like zip lining and white water rafting to more relaxed sightseeing, comfortable accommodation, and cultural insights into Kiwi life stand out most often as key strengths. The most common caveat is that the tour involves significant daily walking of at least five kilometres, which prospective travellers should consider before booking.
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.
Book it. Beautiful, fulfilling, worth the money, with a great guide and great views.
Reviewed on the 10 Day North Island — the same trip run in the opposite direction
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.
Couldn't fault the guide or the trip. A riot, and we learned about the culture and Kiwi way of life.
Reviewed on the 10 Day North Island — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Best holiday I've had in ages, down to how well prepared it was and how professional our guide was.
Reviewed on the 10 Day North Island — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Small-group travel done smoothly by Intrepid, reaching the attractions worth seeing.
Reviewed on the 10 Day North Island — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Lots of fun on the North Island. Our leader knew plenty about the region and I lucked out with the group.
A great way to see the North Island's highlights. The Tongariro Crossing and white water rafting stood out for me.
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.
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.
First time in New Zealand and it delivered. Incredible place; I just lacked the time for the South Island.
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.
Lovely trip with a leader who knew his stuff. The North Island is beautiful, go see it.
Reviewed on the 10 Day North Island — the same trip run in the opposite direction
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 North Island — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Jordan drove us and was the best going; he made it perfect. Big thumbs up to Intrepid.
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 North Island — the same trip run in the opposite direction
Short, mostly-inclusive trip? The North Island one is worth it.
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 North Island — the same trip run in the opposite direction
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.
What we got matched the description, and the guide lifted it further. The comfort option beat our hopes.
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.
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 North Island — the same trip run in the opposite direction
The guide made it all easy and a lot of fun.
