Bus / Coach Tours - Best New Zealand Coach Tours- Guided Tours- Small Group Tours
7 Day North Island Tour: Northern Explorer
price from
NZ$ 3699
per person (twin share)
Discover New Zealand’s North Island: A 7-Day Journey Through Paradise
Journey through New Zealand’s stunning North Island on an intimate small-group adventure limited to just 28 guests. From ancient caves illuminated by nature’s light show to geothermal wonders that showcase Earth’s raw power, this carefully crafted tour reveals the very best of Aotearoa’s northern treasures.
Your Journey Unfolds
Auckland to Waitomo: Nature’s Light Show
Begin your adventure in Auckland before traveling to the mysterious Waitomo Caves, where thousands of bioluminescent glowworms create a living constellation across limestone cavern ceilings. This ethereal spectacle, featured in Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries, offers a magical introduction to New Zealand’s natural wonders.
Rotorua: Where Earth Meets Ancient Culture
Venture into Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland, where steaming vents and bubbling mud pools reveal the power beneath New Zealand’s surface. Explore the haunting Buried Village, a testament to the devastating 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption. Find serenity among the towering California Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest, where ancient giants create a cathedral-like atmosphere in this unexpected corner of New Zealand.
Lake Aniwhenua: Cultural Immersion
Experience authentic Māori hospitality at Kohutapu Lodge, where your traditional hangi feast goes beyond mere dining – it’s a celebration of community and cultural preservation. Learn how this inspiring initiative transforms lives while savoring dishes cooked in earth ovens using ancient methods.
Taupo and Hawke’s Bay: Natural Beauty Meets Refined Taste
Witness the raw power of Huka Falls, where crystal-clear water thunders through a narrow chasm. In Hawke’s Bay, Napier’s world-renowned Art Deco architecture tells the story of a city reborn from devastation. Crown your day with an exclusive wine-tasting and dining experience at the historic Mission Estate Winery, New Zealand’s oldest winery.
Wellington: A Capital of Culture
Conclude your journey in Wellington, where creative energy pulses through every street. This compact capital city combines world-class museums with bohemian cafes, innovative restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. Take time to explore at your own pace, perhaps visiting the acclaimed Te Papa Museum or riding the iconic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic harbor views.

Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Coach
Tour Departures
- check “DATES & PRICES” on this page
Airport Transfers
- Not Included
Pricing
-
- Twin-share: NZ$3,699
- Single: NZ$4,495
Season 2025 – 2026 (September 2025 – April 2026)
- Twin-share: NZ$3,995
- Single: NZ$4,795
Prices per person, in New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Meals
- 6 x Breakfast
- 2 x Breakfast
- 2 x Dinner
Accommodation
- Superior Hotels
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Auckland – Rotorua – Rotorua – Lake Aniwhenua – Taupo – Napier – Wellington
Group Size
- check the maximum number of passengers in the itinerary
Tour Code
- KITO042025
Pre & Post Accommodation
- Available
Itinerary
Haere Mai and Welcome to Aotearoa/New Zealand! Your journey begins in the stunning Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, where ancient volcanic landscapes meet sparkling harbors. As the country’s largest city, Auckland lives up to its nickname ‘City of Sails’ with its twin harbors dotted with countless white sails, while 44 dormant volcanoes create the city’s distinctive skyline and lush green spaces.
Your home for tonight is the centrally located Nesuto Stadium Hotel in the heart of Downtown Auckland. After check-in, take time to refresh and settle in. The friendly reception staff will provide you with a welcome letter containing essential tour information. This evening marks the start of your adventure as you meet your fellow travelers and welcome host in the hotel lobby at 6:15 pm, followed by a specially curated welcome dinner at 6:30 pm where you’ll get your first taste of New Zealand’s renowned cuisine.
Optional tip: If you arrive early and have spare time, the hotel is within walking distance of the iconic Sky Tower and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour, perfect for a brief exploration of the city.
*Te Reo Māori pronunciation guide:
- Haere Mai (Hi-ree My): Welcome
- Tāmaki Makaurau (Taa-ma-key Ma-ka-rau): Auckland’s Māori name, meaning “Tāmaki desired by many”*
Arrival: Anytime
Accommodation: Nesuto Hotel @ 40 Beach Road, Auckland City (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Departing from the bustling heart of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), your journey south takes you through the rolling farmland of the Waikato region to reach the subterranean wonders of Waitomo. Here, you’ll discover a hidden world that has captivated visitors for generations, including the legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough himself.
Your underground adventure begins in Waitomo’s most luminescent cave system, where you’ll glide silently through ancient limestone caverns aboard a small boat. Above you, thousands of tiny Arachnocampa luminosa (New Zealand glowworms) create a breathtaking living constellation – their blue-green light reflecting off the dark waters like a star-filled night sky. This natural phenomenon occurs nowhere else on Earth, making it truly unique to Aotearoa.
Following this ethereal experience, you’ll explore a second remarkable cave system on foot. Marvel at the intricate limestone formations – stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing stone draperies – carved by water over countless millennia. Your expert guide will reveal the fascinating geological processes that created these underground cathedrals and their delicate decorations.
The afternoon’s journey continues through the central North Island to Rotorua, a city built within an active geothermal field. Here, the earth’s power manifests in steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and spectacular geysers. Your day concludes with a carefully curated dinner with your fellow travelers, followed by a peaceful night’s rest in your premium accommodation, perfectly positioned to begin tomorrow’s geothermal adventures.
*Te Reo Māori pronunciation guide:
- Tāmaki Makaurau (Taa-ma-key Ma-ka-rau): Auckland
- Waitomo (Why-toh-moh): Meaning “water entering a hole in the ground”*
Visit: Waitomo, Rotorua
Activity: Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your morning begins with a scenic journey along Lake Rotorua’s shoreline to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Mount Tarawera. This sleeping giant once guarded the eighth wonder of the world – the Pink and White Terraces, magnificent silica formations that cascaded down the mountainside until the catastrophic 1886 eruption transformed the landscape forever. At the Buried Village (Te Wairoa), you’ll step back in time to experience New Zealand’s Pompeii. This fascinating archaeological site reveals the story of that fateful night when Mount Tarawera awakened, preserving a moment frozen in time beneath layers of volcanic ash.
The afternoon takes you into the enchanting Whakarewarewa Forest, where ancient giants meet native treasures. Walk among the majestic California Redwoods and Douglas firs, towering up to 72 meters high, while beneath them grows the iconic ponga (silver fern) – New Zealand’s beloved national symbol.
Your free time in Rotorua offers several compelling options:
For a unique geothermal experience, explore the free public Kuirau Park, where steaming lakes and bubbling mud pools demonstrate Rotorua’s volcanic heart. Take a stroll along Lake Rotorua’s edge through the historic Government Gardens, with their Victorian architecture and perfectly manicured lawns. For ultimate relaxation, indulge in the healing waters of the Polynesian Spa, where mineral-rich pools offer stunning lake views. For a bird’s eye perspective of the region, ride the Skyline Gondola to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Rotorua, the city, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
*Te Reo Māori pronunciation guide:
- Whakarewarewa (Fa-ka-re-wa-re-wa): The forest’s name, meaning “gathering place of the war parties”
- Tarawera (Ta-ra-we-ra): The name of the volcano, meaning “Burnt Peak”*
Visit: Rotorua
Activity: Visit the Buried Village and take the Waitawa Walk in Whakarewarewa Forest
Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey today leads to a hidden gem of Aotearoa – the serene shores of Lake Aniwhenua in Murupara. Here, at the remarkable Kohutapu Lodge, you’ll experience authentic Māori culture and community spirit that few visitors ever encounter. This family-owned sanctuary isn’t just a lodge – it’s the heart of a powerful community transformation, where traditional values meet modern social innovation.
Your cultural immersion begins with a guided tour to ancient Māori rock carvings, where sacred stories have been etched in stone for generations. Your local guides, whose ancestors have been kaitiaki (guardians) of this land for centuries, will share the deep spiritual and historical significance of these taonga (treasures).
At the lodge, you’ll witness the preparation of a traditional hāngī – a feast cooked in the earth using ancient methods passed down through generations. Watch as your meal is lovingly prepared and slowly steam-cooked underground using hot stones, emerging infused with subtle smokiness and earthen flavors. This isn’t just lunch – it’s a centuries-old tradition brought to life, and many guests describe it as their most memorable meal in New Zealand.
Your afternoon journey continues to the vibrant town of Taupō, where nature’s power is on full display. Marvel at Huka Falls, where the mighty Waikato River narrows dramatically, forcing a quarter of a million liters of crystal-clear water through a natural gorge every second, creating a spectacular display of turquoise power. Your day concludes with breathtaking views of Lake Taupō – a vast volcanic crater lake roughly the size of Singapore, whose deep blue waters mirror the sky above.
*Te Reo Māori pronunciation guide:
- Aniwhenua (Ah-nee-fen-oo-ah)
- Hāngī (Hung-ee)
- Taupō (Toe-paw)
- Kaitiaki (Kai-tee-ah-key): Guardian
- Taonga (Tao-nga): Treasure*
Visit: Murupara, Whirinaki, Taupo
Activity: Kohutapu Lodge Tribal Tour
Accommodation: Anchorage Taupo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Hangi Lunch + Dessert
Your journey today leads you to Hawke’s Bay, a region where the Mediterranean climate meets Pacific paradise, creating New Zealand’s oldest and most celebrated wine country. The first stop is the historic Mission Estate Winery, established in 1851 by French Marist missionaries. This iconic estate, with its sweeping hilltop views and grand colonial architecture, stands as New Zealand’s oldest winery and a testament to the region’s rich viticultural heritage.
Here, you’ll be guided through a carefully curated wine tasting, discovering the distinctive characteristics of wines shaped by Hawke’s Bay’s unique terroir. The experience culminates in an elegant lunch at the estate’s renowned restaurant, housed in the beautifully restored seminary building. Savor innovative dishes crafted from local ingredients while gazing over the estate’s rolling vineyards and the distant Taradale hills.
The afternoon brings you to Napier, a city reborn from tragedy into an architectural treasure. Following the devastating 1931 earthquake, the city was rebuilt in the height of the Art Deco period, creating what is now one of the world’s most complete collections of Art Deco architecture. As evening approaches, take a stroll along Marine Parade, where Norfolk Pines line the Pacific shoreline. The street comes alive at sunset, with the golden light playing off the geometric patterns and sunburst motifs of the historic buildings.
For dinner, the waterfront offers an array of exceptional restaurants where you can indulge in the Bay’s renowned seafood. Perhaps try the local specialty – fresh Pacific oysters or line-caught snapper – while watching the waves roll in at one of the sophisticated eateries overlooking Hawke Bay.
Local tip: Keep an eye out for Napier’s hidden Art Deco gems – even the street signs and bus shelters incorporate the distinctive geometric patterns and motifs of the era.
Visit: Mission Estate Winery
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we’ll depart Napier and journey down to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand and the home of the best cup of coffee in the country!
On the way down, we’ll make a stop in Greytown, Wairarapa’s oldest town, for a spot of lunch. A picturesque village with restored Victorian buildings, Greytown is a charming place to stop, refuel and browse the boutiques before our North Island tour continue down to Wellington.
With a population of fewer than 220,000 people, no city in NZ combines a relaxed atmosphere and a cultured, bohemian spirit better than Wellington. The afternoon is free for you to spend exploring the city – we highly recommend a visit to our national museum Te Papa which offers free entrance and boasts some incredible exhibits.
Visit: Wairarapa, Wellington
Accommodation: Naumi Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
As the morning sun rises over Wellington harbor, we reach the final chapter of our journey through Te Ika-a-Māui (New Zealand’s North Island). Over breakfast, take time to exchange contact details with the wonderful friends you’ve made and share your favorite memories from our adventures together – perhaps the ethereal glow of Waitomo’s caves, the powerful geysers of Rotorua, the sacred shores of Lake Aniwhenua, or the Art Deco elegance of Napier.
Your tour leader and the entire team have been privileged to share Aotearoa’s treasures with you – from its dramatic landscapes and rich Māori culture to its warm-hearted people and world-class cuisine. Whether you’re continuing your explorations in Wellington – perhaps visiting Te Papa Museum or taking the iconic cable car – or heading to your next destination, you leave with not just photographs and souvenirs, but with a deeper connection to this special corner of the world.
As we say in New Zealand: Haere rā (farewell) and kia ora (thank you/best wishes). May your future journeys be as rewarding as the one we’ve shared together.
Te Reo Māori farewell: “Ka kite anō” (Until we meet again)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Inclusions & Highlights
7 Day North Island Small Group Tour (minimum of 9 travellers, maximum: 28)
- Tour Guide
- Luxury Coach
- 6 nights in superior accommodation
- 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Visit the Buried Village
- Lake Aniwhenua Cultural Experience
- See the Huka Falls
- Lunch at Mission Estate Winery
* Travel in supreme comfort aboard our luxury coach, equipped with panoramic windows and premium amenities
* Rest easy in carefully selected 4-star accommodations that reflect each region’s character
* Savor chef-prepared meals showcasing New Zealand’s finest local ingredients
* Benefit from the knowledge and passion of our expert tour leaders
* Enjoy the perfect balance of guided experiences and free time to explore
Tour Departure Dates
21 February 2025
7 March 2025
14 March 2025
28 March 2025
4 April 2025
SEASON 2025-2026
3 October 2025
24 October 2025
31 October 2025
14 November 2025
21 November 2025
16 January 2026
30 January 2026
6 February 2026
20 February 2026
6 March 2026
13 March 2026
27 March 2026
3 April 2026
17 April 2026
Accommodation
6 nights superior accommodation