New Zealand North Island Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best New Zealand North Island tour packages
- What people love about New Zealand North Island Tours
- Travel New Zealand North Island your way
- Best tour companies for New Zealand North Island tours
- Discover New Zealand North Island tours for every budget
- New Zealand North Island tours for every type of group
- Top New Zealand North Island travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit New Zealand North Island
- Contact our New Zealand North Island travel experts
- What our customers ask about New Zealand North Island Tours & Trips
The best New Zealand North Island tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand North Island travel expert at TourRadar
North Island's magic spans from Wellington's Mount Victoria to Auckland's harbor. Witness Rotorua's Te Puia geothermal valley, float through Waitomo's glowworm caves, and sail among Bay of Islands' 140 tropical islets. Cultural performances and scenic coastal drives included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $3,305
10% Off- US$2,975You save $330
New Zealand: Northern Choice (Southbound)
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Izzy was an amazing, outgoing person who ensured we got the most out of our trip.”
Mo, traveled in January
Your adventure features Auckland's Sky Tower, Bay of Islands cruising, and Rotorua's Māori cultural shows. Take in Huka Falls, Lake Taupō, and Wellington's Zealandia sanctuary. Includes 7 hotel nights, traditional hāngi feast, and expert guided experiences.
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Whangarei, Paihia, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Christchurch Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $2,395
20% Off- US$1,916You save $479
NZ Adventure North
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“100% would recommend!”
Amelia, traveled in November
Visit North Island's finest attractions: Waitomo's glowworm caves, Hobbiton movie set, and Rotorua's Wai o Tapu geothermal park. Sail Lake Taupo, explore Mitai Māori village, and discover Wellington's Te Papa Museum while staying in comfortable hostels throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Operator INTRO Travel From
20% Off- US$1,299
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown Age Range up to 70 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
20% Off- US$2,919
NZ Intro North
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My highlight was the Maori experience as well as the glow worm caves. I would highly recommend the tour.”
Katie, traveled in August
North Island's highlights take you through Hobbiton movie set, Waitomo's glowworm caves, and Wai o Tapu geothermal park. Immerse in Māori culture at Mitai Village, sail Lake Taupo, and visit Wellington's Te Papa Museum. Includes shared accommodation and essential transport.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Operator INTRO Travel From
20% Off- US$1,349
What people love about New Zealand North Island Tours
- New Zealand: Northern Choice (Southbound)
This tour was absolutely amazing. For so many reasons. And all those reasons have one common denominator; our truly brilliant tour leader Isobel. How did she make this tour so fantastic? Read on to find out!! Firstly, the location. New Zealand is a truly beautiful place. The scenery, among the most breathtaking in the world. The activities, a thrill-seekers paradise. The country's history, intriguing. But Isobel made it so much more than that. We could be driving down a pretty standard stretch of highway, an opportunity that most other tour leaders from my experiences have taken to just chat to the bus driver. Not Isobel. She's a Kiwi, and she takes obvious pride in this. She would grab our attention and tell us a fun fact about the area we were driving through, whether it be a piece of history, or a personal experience of hers. She had us all involved and wanted us to be as in touch and as informed about as many areas of her country as possible. Isobel would constantly encourage others to step out of their comfort zones and try something that they usually wouldn't. For example, there were a few people a little apprehensive about trying white water rafting. Instead of just dismissing them as not wanting to do the activity, she would try to ascertain what was truly stopping them from having a go, and encourage they reconsider. She shared a story about how she was afraid of skydiving but got talked into doing it, and had one of the best times of her life. She also prompted everyone that YOLO - You Only Live Once (something she has been telling people for years - before the phrase became mainstream and overdone!) and reminded us that we were never going to be back here, with this group, and where else in the world would we get a chance to try this. That little extra nudge from her to put people out of their comfort zones saw many of us terrified beforehand, but with a feeling of accomplishment and pleased that we gave it a go afterwards, and had Isobel not cared about us having the time of our lives, many of us would have never felt this great feeling. I've been on tours where the group can feel quite segregated. Clicks of people form and only hang out with each other. Isobel wouldn't have a bar of this. From day 1 she got the whole group involved with getting to know each other and before long we all knew each others names, where everyone was from, everyone got along. She wouldn't just point us in the direction of a nice place for dinner or a nice little bar, she'd come out with us, shout us drinks, make sure we were all having a great time and getting along. Which we did, we got along like a house on fire. She was able to harmonize the whole group. Except our tour didn't feel like a group, it felt like a family. So profound was Isobel's impact on all in our newly formed family, that some of us (this reviewer included) got a permanent reminder of the amazing time we had inked onto our wrists - Our tour motto with NZ13 underneath it. Whenever I'm having a bad day at work, or just feeling a bit down, I pull up my sleeve and it instantly puts a smile on my face. I'm immediately back there, in NZ, with my tour mates reliving it all. But her impact doesn't stop there. She shared quite a personal story of hers on the bus, and then shared a book that helped her get through that time. Both her story and the book she shared had an unimaginable impact on me. I could relate to her story and it had honestly been holding me back from seeing the world. And the book she shared.. It's called Oh The Places You'll Go, and it struck such a deep meaning with me. It changed my perspective on the world and travel completely. So much so that I also got it inked onto my arm - the name of the book with a flag for every country visited thus far. Why you might ask? Because if I ever find myself falling back into the place I was on pre-NZ Contiki, I look at my arm and am reminded of her story and that book. She didn't have to share that story with us, or the book. Most tour leaders wouldn't. But I'm so glad she did. I've gone on some travels I otherwise wouldn't have done had she not given me such inspiration. I'd also like to point out I'm not a tattoo addict - my first ink was actually the tour motto!! Isobel is responsible for being influential with two of my pieces, and I only have three in total. This tour would have been good with any tour leader, but Isobel made it great. I've been on several tours in my time, and none of the tour leaders even come close to the all-round fabulous package that Isobel provides. Isobel has actually made me want to become a tour leader so that I can give others the memorable times that she gave us. She makes it more than a simple holiday; she makes it a life experience. New Zealand is amazing, I've been back three times since my Contiki finished, I recommend everyone check it out and I sincerely hope you get a tour leader even half as brilliant as what Isobel is.
- NZ Adventure North
James is great! 100% would recommend!
Going into my first big trip alone I was nervous, but felt at ease once I met the amazing people in my group. The group leader was an even bigger Lord of the Rings fan than me! Going to Hobbiton (a life long dream of mine), learning about Māori culture and seeing stunning scenery like Huka Falls will always stick with me. Rain or shine, New Zealand is beautiful!
NZ Intro North
Travel New Zealand North Island your way
Coach tours across the North Island blend comfort with real local experiences. Early birds catch Cathedral Cove at its best, followed by a fun bit where you dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach - the water's properly hot so you'll want to mix it with cold seawater. Our travelers like how flexible these tours are; you might go rafting on the Kaituna River one morning then spend the afternoon soaking in thermal pools. Wellington stops give you time for both guided visits and personal wandering - Te Papa museum and the cable car views are worth your time. These routes work well because they mix the main attractions with quiet spots like small coastal towns and lesser-known geothermal areas that big tour buses can't reach.
See all Coach / Bus toursThe North Island's explorer routes take you right into some remarkable places you won't find in typical guidebooks. Down in Waitomo's limestone caves, thousands of glowworms light up the ceiling like a living constellation - it's properly dark down there which makes the blue light show really special. These tours connect nicely with Rotorua where you'll see the Pohutu Geyser in action and soak in thermal pools that locals have used for generations. Our guests particularly love staying overnight in heritage buildings near Mount Ruapehu; you wake up to volcanic views right from your window. The routes include quality time with Māori communities for traditional hangi dinners, plus visits to Hobbiton where yes, you can actually have a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Our guide Isobel gets constant mentions in feedback - she's got this way of sharing local stories that makes everything more meaningful than just ticking off tourist spots.
Select from our extensive range of 86 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through New Zealand North Island with our expert guides leading the way.
Our heritage tours dig deeper into North Island culture, starting in Murupara where tour fees directly help local families. You'll learn the proper way to perform haka, weave your own flax dinner plate and join in traditional hangi feasts - the food gets this amazing smoky flavor from cooking underground. The evening visits to Māori villages stand out because you're not just watching performances but actually talking with people about modern Māori life. These routes include time at Te Puia, which combines geothermal sites with a kiwi bird conservation center. The twilight forest walks with Māori guides often become highlight memories; there's something special about hearing ancient stories and chants while walking paths that generations have used before.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for New Zealand North Island tours
Looking at the feedback from travelers, tour leaders really make a difference in these New Zealand experiences. Contiki's guides Isobel and Susie get mentioned a lot - they're particularly good at getting everyone in the group to connect and bond while sharing their deep local knowledge. INTRO Travel has some standout leaders too, with Sean, Emily, Jess and also Rhys getting great reviews for keeping things organized while making sure everyone has fun. They seem to strike that right balance between being professional guides and friendly faces on the journey. The activities on Haka Tours and Wild Kiwi are quite hands-on - you're not just watching New Zealand, you're getting right into it. People particularly love the black water rafting caves, learning to surf and taking on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Though it's worth noting that one Haka Tours customer mentioned you should book those optional activities early to avoid missing out. What comes through in all the feedback is how well these North Island tours blend active experiences with cultural insights. The guides clearly know their stuff about both the landscapes and local culture, which helps bring the whole experience together for travelers.
Discover New Zealand North Island tours for every budget
Browse the best budget and luxury tours in New Zealand North Island that will take you through unmissable places like Auckland and Rotorua.
New Zealand North Island budget tours
New Zealand North Island tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
103 tours in New Zealand North IslandExplore a wide diversity of group tours through New Zealand North Island. We have 103 adventures that vary from 2 days to 24 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
22 tours in New Zealand North IslandNorth Island small-group tours hit the sweet spot, mixing outdoor excursions with authentic cultural moments. Our travelers speak highly of guides like Burto and Isobel, who share insider knowledge while keeping groups intimate and adaptable. Tours typically run 7-10 days from Auckland, combining the Tongariro Crossing trek with cave rafting at Waitomo and also white water rapids on the Kaituna River. With groups capped at 12-15 people, you'll stay in charming lodges near Mount Ruapehu, and join meaningful Māori experiences in Murupara. The guides shape each day to match group interests - whether that's creating personal hot pools at Hot Water Beach, practicing haka or exploring Cathedral Cove by kayak. These smaller tours access places big coaches simply can't reach, like family Māori settlements, hidden thermal valleys and also local cultural sites. Winter brings even cosier numbers of 8-12 travelers, perfect for those special moments when Pohutu Geyser breaks through dawn mist before sharing traditional hangi meals with local families.
Private / Personalized
18 tours in New Zealand North IslandEnjoy the exclusivity of our Private New Zealand North Island tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace with over 18 itineraries to choose from.
Top New Zealand North Island travel itineraries to fit your plans
Quick North Island tours pack the highlights into 3 days across two main regions. Up in Northland, you'll cruise to the Hole in the Rock, explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and drive the length of Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga. Our guide Hugh gets lots of mentions from travelers for making the Cape Reinga portion both fun and rich with information. The central region route combines Waitomo's glowworm caves, Rotorua's geothermal areas and real Māori cultural experiences. You can visit Hobbiton too, though some travelers note gaps between activities. Both options work well if you're short on time, with good hotels and guides who know how to make the most of each day.
See all tours
Seven days on the North Island lets you really get to know the place. Starting in Auckland, these tours head south through Coromandel's beaches to the Waitomo caves. Rotorua offers plenty of options - you can go white water rafting, zip through old-growth forests and learn Māori traditions at a local village. The Tongariro Crossing is often the trip highlight; it's rated as New Zealand's top day hike and takes you past active volcanoes with bright crater lakes. Our guide Burto gets constant mentions for helping people step outside their comfort zone while keeping the mood light and everything running smoothly.
Ten-day North Island tours give you space to explore without rushing. Whether you start from Auckland or Wellington, you'll have time to really settle into each spot. The activities are varied - dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach, paddle to Cathedral Cove and enjoy evening sailing on Lake Taupo. The cultural side is excellent; you'll join a traditional hangi feast, learn Māori customs and explore significant sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It's perfect for travelers who want to understand New Zealand deeply, with time split between planned activities and personal exploration.
Demographics
Solo travelers quickly find their tribe on our North Island tours, especially during those 7-9 day journeys. Our guests tell us how fast their tour groups become like family. They love sharing traditional hangi feasts, learning haka moves and also joining in group karaoke during evening lake cruises. The hostels we use are right in the center of things, with pod-style rooms that give you private space while making it easy to meet others. The guides are great at making everyone feel part of the group from day one, often organizing optional group dinners where connections happen naturally.
Couples can mix romance with exploration on these routes. The tours combine coastal drives along the Coromandel Peninsula with quiet evenings soaking in thermal pools at sunset. Some itineraries include nice touches like sailing on Lake Taupo as the sun goes down and experiencing Māori performances followed by intimate dinners. Many couples go for self-drive options to explore hidden beaches, visit small wineries and also discover quiet towns at their own pace. The rooms near Mount Ruapehu are a highlight - you wake up to volcanic views right from your window.
Young adults go for tours that keep things active and social while staying flexible. The popular 7-10 day routes hit the main spots but leave room for extras like white water rafting, cave tubing in black water, surfing at Raglan and also bungy jumping near Taupo. You'll stay in modern hostels with good common areas where meeting other travelers just happens naturally. These tours mix structured activities - like Hobbiton visits and Māori cultural experiences - with free afternoons to do your own thing, whether that's hiking Tongariro or soaking in thermal pools.
Senior travelers enjoy tours that blend comfort with real cultural insights. The multi-day trips take you to important places like Te Puia's geothermal valley and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where guides share rich historical stories. You'll move at a good pace - there's proper time to explore Auckland's Sky Tower, Whangarei Falls and also the beautiful Matapouri Beach. Several routes focus on natural wonders while keeping walks manageable with plenty of stops. Our older guests particularly value the cultural elements, taking time to learn about Māori traditions and meet local community members.
Families get to mix outdoor fun with cultural moments on these North Island tours. Kids really love rolling down hills in giant inflatable balls (zorbing) in Rotorua and taking easy walks through ancient redwood forests. The geothermal areas are a hit - watching real geysers shoot up and mud pools bubble away. A popular route takes you to Hobbiton where everyone can explore hobbit holes together and also Waitomo's glowworm caves which leave quite an impression. These family tours typically run 7-12 days with built-in downtime, so everyone can relax at spots like Hot Water Beach where digging your own thermal pool becomes a fun group activity.
- Solo Travelers58 tours
- Couples24 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)15 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)27 tours
Best time to visit New Zealand North Island
- Spring 2025
Spring hits that sweet spot from September through November with mild days and lighter crowds. Tours run 7-12 days mixing outdoor walks with local culture. You'll catch Cathedral Cove at its best early morning when spring flowers dot the cliffsides. Some routes include Hobbiton visits while the movie set gardens show their colors, plus you can take your time at the Green Dragon Inn without summer's rush. Our guests particularly like spring tours combining Rotorua's geothermal trails with guided walks around Lake Taupo and also visits to family-run Māori communities. Spring timing means guides and hosts have more time for stories and local tips.
- 31 tours
- popular 39 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer opens up beach possibilities from December through February. Longer tours stretch 10-14 days making good use of warm evenings with Lake Taupo sunset sails and twilight soaks in natural springs. Active types can tackle Kaituna River rapids or join guided walks in the Waitakere Ranges. Culture stays central - our travelers connect with local hosts over evening hangi feasts after full days out exploring. Several tours base you in Coromandel where you can dig personal hot pools at Hot Water Beach and paddle to hidden bays. Premium summer options keep things personal with 8-12 people and add nice touches like private cultural shows and also exclusive valley access.
- 36 tours
- popular 43 tours
- 38 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings out rich colors from March through May across the North Island. Popular 7-10 day routes take advantage of settled weather for Tongariro Crossing hikes and Waitomo cave explorations. Wellington features more in autumn tours where you can really dig into food spots and cultural sites without summer's crowds. Our travelers love autumn at Hobbiton when changing leaves transform the movie set gardens. Some tours focus deeply on geothermal areas and Māori culture with village homestays and guided walks through steaming valleys - often you'll have viewing spots completely to yourself.
- 51 tours
- popular 69 tours
- 67 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours between June and August blend warmth and cold in really clever ways. The most popular options run about 7 days with time split between Rotorua's steamy geothermal valley and cozy cultural spots. Our travelers tell us there's something special about watching Pohutu Geyser burst through the winter fog before heading inside for a hot hangi meal. Several tours stay in heritage lodges near Mount Ruapehu where you might catch snow dusting the volcanic peaks. Winter keeps groups intimate at 12-15 people, perfect for long chats with Māori hosts over dinner and getting local secrets from guides. The Waitomo glowworm caves feel extra special in winter - those blue lights really pop against the dark winter sky.
- 61 tours
- 66 tours
- popular 67 tours
Contact our New Zealand North Island travel experts
Laura
Expert in New Zealand North Island at TourRadar
Laura is one of our seasoned New Zealand North Island Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about New Zealand North Island tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about New Zealand North Island Tours & Trips
What authentic cultural experiences can you discover on the North Island?
You'll find incredible Māori cultural experiences at marae traditional meeting grounds across the North Island. At Kohutapu Lodge you'll learn the powerful haka war dance weave your own flax plates and watch as your hangi meal is prepared in a traditional earth oven while local elders share their stories. Over at Waitangi Treaty Grounds you can join guided tours and watch amazing cultural performances that really bring traditional song and dance to life while learning about the Treaty's huge impact on New Zealand's story. Many travelers love experiencing this on our 10-Day Hihi North Island Adventure.
Where can you explore natural areas beyond Auckland and Wellington?
Tongariro National Park is absolutely stunning with three active volcanoes and some epic hiking including the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing which you can experience on our 7-Day Northern Explorer tour. The magical Waitomo Caves light up with glowworms and you can explore them by boat or walking tours. Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula has this amazing natural rock arch you can reach by walking kayaking or boat trips. You've got options to drive yourself for flexibility or join guided tours where experts share all the local knowledge.
What are the best local routes for exploring the North Island?
The Pacific Coast Highway along Coromandel's east coast is absolutely gorgeous with amazing beaches and coastal views plus you can dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach at low tide. The Thermal Explorer Highway takes you through Rotorua's incredible geothermal areas while Forgotten World Highway winds through some really remote and historic spots. These routes are perfect when you want stunning scenery unique spots and fewer tourists. Cyclists love our Tour de Hawkes Bay Estates which includes Napier's waterfront a delicious platter at Church Road Wines and dining at Craggy Range's amazing Terroir Restaurant.
What local foods should you try on the North Island?
You've got to try hangi a traditional Māori feast that's cooked in the earth Kohutapu Lodge does an amazing full hangi buffet where the meat and vegetables have this incredible smoky earthy flavor. It's actually one of the highlights on our New Zealand Northern Choice 12-day tour. For classic Kiwi food grab some fish and chips in Raglan the waterfront spots are fantastic. If you're into seafood the coastal towns like Paihia and Napier have some of the freshest catches you'll find anywhere.