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Explorer

New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure

11 days • 4.1

Very Good

8 reviews

11 days

Start

Christchurch, New Zealand

Finish

Auckland, New Zealand

Trip Code

PHRO

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

9 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private Vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (10 nights)

From £1,792(11 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Explore Hobbiton on a guided tour, finishing with a drink at The Green Dragon – this iconic must-see location is where scenes from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed and is like stepping right into Middle Earth!

Head to a Maori village where the profits from your visit are fed back into the community. Learn the haka and Maori weaving before tucking into a traditional hangi dinner.

Experience the geothermal delights of Rotorua, watch New Zealand’s largest geyser erupt and observe adorable kiwis in a nocturnal house at a conservation centre.

Discover the cool, artsy capital of Wellington with a local leader who knows all the best cafes, museums and hangouts.

See the sea from the coastal town of Kaikoura – this picturesque spot is perfect for a classic walk along the beach and if you’re lucky, you might even see some seals near the coastline!

Is this trip right for you?

This trip is run by Haka Tours, an Tuuur Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Tuuur customers. Tuuur works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. Dorms generally consist of 4-8 beds (private rooms are available on request). You may be required to share with non-Tuuur travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.

Itinerary

Adventure awaits in New Zealand – from South to North, discover the scenic beauty of a natural paradise

Wherever you lay your eyes in New Zealand, there’s something remarkable to look at. On this adventure from the South Island through the beauty of the North, spend 11 unforgettable days soaking up sunshine and hopping between beaches, lakes, villages and cities. A local leader will show you the best bits of this spectacular island as you jump off from Christchurch, head to seaside Kaikoura, explore trendy Wellington, marvel at the sight of Lake Taupo, learn about local culture in a Maori village, take in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and chill out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula before wrapping up in lively Auckland. Of all New Zealand’s assets, its people top the list, so embrace a warm welcome from the locals as you explore their beautiful backyard. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. We are aware of a system functionality limitation incorrectly indicating "twin-share" when you manage your booking on our website.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Christchurch
Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Christchurch – the largest city in the South Island. After being rocked by an earthquake in 2011, much of Christchurch’s downtown has been destroyed, but there are now tonnes of examples of the cool and creative ways the locals have rebuilt. One of the best examples is the Christchurch Cathedral – rebuilt out of cardboard, this is now one of the city’s most interesting architectural features. If you arrive early, maybe explore the sites, cute cafes and cool shops. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to get to know your leader and group. After, why not head out for dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.
Accommodation
Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Kaikoura
Today, leave the city behind and make tracks for Kaikoura – a seaside town known for its rugged mountain scenery and abundance of marine life. When you arrive, maybe get to know the town’s most famous creatures. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat! – dusky dolphins, hectors dolphins and common dolphins are all regularly seen around these parts. Kaikoura is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching, with humpbacks, orcas and sperm whales often sighted on whale watching cruises. Stop by a seal colony to watch endearing fur seals go about their business.
Accommodation
Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Kaikoura - Visit to a Seal Colony
Optional activities
Kaikoura - Wildlife Kayaking - NZD140
Kaikoura - Whale Watching - NZD175
Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter - NZD120
Kaikoura - Albatross Encounter - NZD175
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Kaikoura / Marlborough Sounds / Wellington
Take the morning to soak in the scenery of Kaikoura before heading north to Picton. Take a stroll around this harbour town and perhaps pick up a bite to eat before boarding the ferry to Wellington. Crossing the Cook Strait is one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides – watch as the vast landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds unfold along a beautiful coastline, making way for sweeping vineyards and open skies. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, known for its amazing food and craft beer scene. Tonight, be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up a great brew.
Accommodation
Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Wellington / Taupo
Wellington is as cool and creative as it is windy (and it’s thought to be the windiest city in the world!). Your leader will show you around the capital this morning. Depending on the interests of the group, this may include the parliament buildings, cable car and Mt Victoria. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and drive on to Taupo, sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake. This drive is a perfect introduction to the wild and varied landscapes of the North Island – pass by the arid scenes of the Rangipo Desert and the soaring volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. Arrive in Taupo in the evening. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country.
Accommodation
Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout
Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Taupo
The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best one-day walks in the world (but it’s not for the faint hearted!). Carved into the cliff faces surrounding Lake Taupo you’ll find 14-metre-tall Maori artwork that can only be accessed by boat. Want to relax and unwind? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it’s sure to be one to remember.
Accommodation
Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Taupo - Skydive - from - NZD529
Taupo - Water Touch Bungy - NZD235
Taupo - Tongariro Crossing Return Shuttle to/from Trail Head (Nov-Apr only) - NZD130
Taupō - Lake Taupō Sailing Adventure - NZD69
DAY 6
Day 6 • Murupara
Travel today to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – most proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a member of the Maori community who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Meet with other members of the village and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight’s dinner out of flax plants. Dinner tonight is one for the books – tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a delicious, earthy flavour.
Accommodation
Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax
Murupara - Hangi Dinner
Murupara - Village Tour with Local Maori
Murupara - Learn the Haka
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Rotorua
Your journey continues as you drive north towards Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and the pervasive sulphur smell it lends the town. Fluorescent lakes, bubbling mud pools, active volcanoes and dramatic geysers punctuate the landscape here, making it feel like you’re on another planet. Stop off at a thermal park to get your first look at Rotorua’s otherworldly landscapes, then continue into the town where your leader will show you around the Government Gardens and pleasant lakefront. End the day with a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll get firsthand insight into Maori culture. You’ll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand’s largest geyser, in action – this is a sight that will blow you away! A visit to the kiwi conservation centre will allow you to observe this endearing nocturnal bird as it behaves at night.
Accommodation
Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village
Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Rotorua
There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take a stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If you feel like getting your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world’s top white water rafting destinations. Choose to head deep into one of New Zealand’s most ancient forests for an exhilarating eco canopy adventure, learning about the native wildlife and ecology as you zipline from tree to tree. Or take a guided kayak trip where you’ll enjoy a fun-filled evening of hot pools (which are only accessible by boat), BBQ dinner and paddling through magical glow worm caves.
Accommodation
Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Rotorua - River Sledging - NZD135
Rotorua - Guided Glowworm Kayak, Hot Pools & Dinner - NZD300
Rotorua - Forest Ziplining Canopy Tour - from - (3.5hrs) - NZD189
Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting - NZD139
Rotorua - ZORB - from - NZD45
Rotorua - Mt Tarawera Hike - NZD209
DAY 9
Day 9 • Hobbiton / Coromandel Peninsula
Start the day with a visit to Hobbiton – the absolute must-do when in New Zealand. On a fully guided tour of the set where scenes from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were shot, you’ll see Hobbit Holes and the Mill, finishing up with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This afternoon, head to the Coromandel Peninsula – a land of beaches and lush rainforests. Take a walk along the clifftops and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the region’s most beautiful and photogenic spots – the rock arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly impressive sight. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat!
Accommodation
Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove
Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Optional activities
Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking - NZD175
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland
Of all the Coromandel Peninsula’s marvellous beaches, one stands out above the rest. Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. Visit at low tide and get digging – unwinding in a natural hot tub on the beach is an experience second to none. Complete the final stretch of your journey as you travel to Auckland – New Zealand’s biggest city is in a great spot, meaning you’re never far from the water. The dining and nightlife scene is up there with the best of them, so as it’s your last night together, you may like to head out for dinner with the group to celebrate.
Accommodation
Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Auckland
Your adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time to arrange extra accommodation.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private Vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (10 nights)

Included activities

Kaikoura - Visit to a Seal Colony

Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing

Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout

Tongariro National Park - Scenic Drive

Murupara - Learn to Weave Flax

Murupara - Hangi Dinner

Murupara - Village Tour with Local Maori

Murupara - Learn the Haka

Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village

Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser

Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove

Rotorua - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Coromandel Peninsula - Hot Water Beach

Optional activities

Kaikoura - Wildlife Kayaking - NZD140

Kaikoura - Whale Watching - NZD175

Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter - NZD120

Kaikoura - Albatross Encounter - NZD175

Taupo - Skydive - from - NZD529

Taupo - Water Touch Bungy - NZD235

Taupo - Tongariro Crossing Return Shuttle to/from Trail Head (Nov-Apr only) - NZD130

Taupō - Lake Taupō Sailing Adventure - NZD69

Rotorua - River Sledging - NZD135

Rotorua - Guided Glowworm Kayak, Hot Pools & Dinner - NZD300

Rotorua - Forest Ziplining Canopy Tour - from - (3.5hrs) - NZD189

Rotorua - Whitewater Rafting - NZD139

Rotorua - ZORB - from - NZD45

Rotorua - Mt Tarawera Hike - NZD209

Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove Kayaking - NZD175

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Sunday Jul 06, 2025

Wednesday Jul 16, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left

£1,887£1,792

Sunday Sep 14, 2025

Wednesday Sep 24, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 14 spaces left

£1,870

Wednesday Oct 08, 2025

Saturday Oct 18, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,887

Wednesday Oct 15, 2025

Saturday Oct 25, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left

£1,947

Thursday Nov 06, 2025

Sunday Nov 16, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 14 spaces left

£1,964£1,865

Wednesday Nov 19, 2025

Saturday Nov 29, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,964

Sunday Dec 21, 2025

Wednesday Dec 31, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 13 spaces left

£2,035

Sunday Dec 28, 2025

Wednesday Jan 07, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 14 spaces left

£2,035

Thursday Jan 29, 2026

Sunday Feb 08, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 14 spaces left

£2,035

Monday Feb 02, 2026

Thursday Feb 12, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,947

Tuesday Feb 10, 2026

Friday Feb 20, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,947

Monday Feb 23, 2026

Thursday Mar 05, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,947

Saturday Mar 07, 2026

Tuesday Mar 17, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,035

Saturday Apr 04, 2026

Tuesday Apr 14, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,964

Thursday Apr 09, 2026

Sunday Apr 19, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,964

Important notes

1. Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share hostels. Multishare typically includes 4-8 beds. You may be required to share with group members of a different gender, couples and non-Tuuur travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.

2. A single supplement (with shared bathroom facilities) is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double room will be allocated to you. The single supplement excludes Day 6 (Murupara) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

3. This trip is run by Haka Tours, an Tuuur Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Tuuur customers. Tuuur works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

Reviews (8)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 star

Richard

Feb 26, 2025

This was an excellent one week tour across the North Island with a wide range of activities to really experience and engage with New Zealand’s culture and fascinating varied landscape. Angela was a great tour guide and really brought the group together. Overall, a very memorable trip!

Anna

Jan 06, 2025

What a fantastic trip! Really good for Lord of the Rings fans, I especially enjoyed seeing Mount Doom, Hobbiton and Weta Workshop (this did cost extra but it's so worth it). Our guide, George, was great fun and very knowledgable.

Jean

Dec 18, 2024

I had a wonderful eight days on the North Island. It was both relaxing and exciting, with opportunities for physical challenges, shopping, making new friends, and becoming more familiar with the unique personality of New Zealand.

Felicity

Sep 28, 2024

I had the most amazing time on this tour! It’s the best tour I’ve been on and our team leader George was a super star! He was fantastic at suggesting activities and I learned so much from him. This trip really is a highlights tour of the North Island – I would highly recommend doing it!!

Marian & Ed

Dec 19, 2023

This trip was exactly as advertised. Our tour guide Harry was excellent- he made sure everyone had a great time. He was a great driver, made sure we stopped during the long drives. Harry answered all questions, had a lively personality & was the best guide! Would definitely recommend!

Lachlan

Mar 10, 2023

The trip in the north island of New Zealand was awesome. The scenery is spectacular and there is definitely lots of fun activities. Definitely recommend this trip as a great taster of the north island.

Kaetlyn

Dec 20, 2022

Amazing experience with good tour guides.

Christina

Mar 01, 2023

The entire experience of my tour was stressful and I would not recommend booking a tour with this company to anyone. One of the two New Zealand tours was cancelled 2 weeks before we left due to incompetence of the companies involved even though we booked 6 months in advance. Our tour guide was rude and unprofessional. The communication of changes and issues was extremely poor. I would elaborate more and give examples of the issues but 50 words is insufficient, I'd need several pages. This has put me off ever booking onto a tour ever again with any company just in case it was as bad as this one.

DAY 11
Day 11 • Auckland
Your adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time to arrange extra accommodation.
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DAY 11
Day 11 • Auckland
Your adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time to arrange extra accommodation.
Meals
Breakfast