New Zealand North Island Tours & Trips
LOTR fan? You have to explore Hobbiton's movie set or gliding through Waitomo's glowworm caves. New Zealand's North Island calls with Auckland's harbors, Rotorua's geothermal wonders, Tongariro's volcanic crossing, and Maori cultural experiences. Dig your own hot pool and sail across Lake Taupo. This is wild like nowhere else.
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Richard • traveled in November
What an amazing way to experience the North Island. Pretty much every day was a worthwhile experience whether or not you book optionals, and everything was extremely well organized. The staff went above and beyond to make this journey unforgettable in the best way possible.
New Zealand: Northern Choice (Southbound) - J
Jeffrey • traveled in September
My group was phenomenal, we all had a blast together. Our guide was very communicative, using WhatsApp and a photo circle to share information, resources and photos. I’m not used to hopping hostels, so that was a bit rough, definitively pack light and try to be organized. I should have done a better job researching temperature as well - as it got much colder than I was expecting. Overall the trip was incredible and I did everything I wanted to do.
New Zealand: Best of the North Island - EM
Eva • traveled in January, 2026
Excellent tour with best guide/driver Tom! Many highlights and impossible to rate them. But if you like The lord of the ring - Hobbiton are a must!! Great to be a small Group - New friends for life!
Premium - North Island Escape
Traveler Photos & Videos from New Zealand North Island tours
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New Zealand: Best of the North IslandMay
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NZ Intro 17 Day
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Northern Spotlight (from Auckland to Wellington)
CMConnor
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11 Day Tour - Best of New ZealandDominick
Table of contents
- The best New Zealand North Island tour packages
- 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
The best New Zealand North Island tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand North Island travel expert at TourRadar
New Zealand: Northern Choice (Southbound)
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic holiday! Her knowledge and experience enhanced our tour.”
Tracey, traveled in December
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 Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $2,250
10% Off- US$2,025You save $225
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great! Awesome adventure!”
Natalie, traveled in January
North Island's best features include surfing Raglan's famous breaks, viewing Rotorua's geothermal valleys, and sailing Lake Taupo. Visit Te Puia Village, trek Bridal Veil Falls, and immerse in Wellington's culture at Te Papa Museum. Seven-day tour includes key highlights from Auckland to Wellington.
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Raglan, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $1,379
25% Off- US$1,034You save $345
Premium - North Island Escape
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Many highlights and impossible to rate them. But if you like The lord of the ring - Hobbiton are a must!!”
Eva, traveled in January
Your adventure connects Hobbiton Movie Set to Waitomo's glowworm caves. Witness Rotorua's geothermal wonders, Lake Taupo activities, and coastal beauty at Mount Maunganui and Raglan. Premium accommodations complement seven distinct destinations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Mount Maunganui, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Cambridge, Raglan Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Wild Kiwi From
25% Off- US$2,285+$391 upfront costs
New Zealand – North Island Multisport
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“all the points of the program could not be realized because of the bad weather.”
marie, traveled in December
North Island's varied terrain stretches from Auckland to Waitomo. Hike volcanic Tongariro, cycle Karangahake Gorge, and kayak Whanganui River. Marvel at geothermal Rotorua, savor traditional Hangi feasts, and visit glowworm caves across 8 action-packed days.
Duration 8 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Raglan Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From
25% Off- US$2,549
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
25% Off- US$3,017
A cultural journey from Auckland through Coromandel Peninsula's Hot Water Beach and Driving Creek Railway. Te Puia and Te Pa Tu showcase Maori heritage in Rotorua, while Napier's Art Deco architecture and Wellington's Te Papa Museum offer historical context. Wine tasting at Mission Estate Winery included.
Duration 20 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Whitianga, Rotorua, Te Puia, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Picton, BlenheimSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours From
25% Off- US$9,490
Northern Crossing - Small Group Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The group was warm and inclusive, and we enjoyed the rest of the activities very much.”
Katie, traveled in October
North Island's finest attractions include the glowworm-lit Ruakuri Cave in Waitomo, Hobbiton Movie Set tour, and an overnight stay at Te Pā Tū Māori Village. A sunset sail on Lake Taupo, lodging at riverside River Valley Lodge, and Wellington's Te Papa museum round out this cultural journey.
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator Kiwi Experience From
25% Off- US$1,254
Travel New Zealand North Island your way
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
New Zealand North Island tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top New Zealand North Island travel itineraries to fit your plans
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
3 Week Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers57 tours- Couples33 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)18 tours
- Seniors (50+)29 tours
Best time to visit New Zealand North Island
- 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.
- 21 tours
- popular 39 tours
- Spring 2026
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.
- popular 55 tours
- 45 tours
- 26 tours
- Summer 2026
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.
- popular 26 tours
- 26 tours
- 25 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
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.
- 33 tours
- 43 tours
- popular 44 tours
Contact our New Zealand North Island travel experts
Joachim
Expert in New Zealand North Island at TourRadar
Joachim 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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