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New Zealand: Best of the North Island

7 Days
From CAD $1,319 Was CAD $1,759

Best Rate
Guarantee

Trip Type
Small Group

Activity Level
Average

Rating

(21 reviews)

Experience Overview

Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. New Zealand’s North Island may be the smaller of the two, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure. Over this seven-day tour, you'll hop in a sea kayak to explore a secluded harbour, learn about Maori culture from the source, and learn to surf on an iconic break. There's no better way to live, breathe, and paddle the New Zealand experience.

Highlights

Surf world-famous waves
Learn about Maori culture in a geothermal valley
Get the adrenaline pumping in Rotorua
Dance the night away in Wellington.

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Trip Details

Product Code: 2664

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Basic

Transport: Private vehicle, bus, boat, kayak, walking.

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: 18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Supplier Code: ONNI

Starts: Auckland, New Zealand

Finishes: Wellington, New Zealand

Duration: 7 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical rating: Average

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
Maori cultural experience
Huka Falls
Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hostels & basic lodgings (6 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people). **All nights are multi-share on this trip.

6 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, bus, boat, kayak, walking.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1319 (CAD $188 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland

Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Haka House Auckland City

Day 2: Auckland/Raglan

Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights.
Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You'll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Tour Raglan’s secluded bays and unique coastline by kayak. Paddle the inner harbour to get up close to wildlife, fish, and (fingers crossed) orcas. Discover the pancake rocks on the harbour's northern side.Accommodation - Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge

Day 3: Raglan

Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies.
Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Learn how to catch a wave in this surf lesson. Start with instruction on dry land before heading into the surf. Take advantage of the large soft boards used in class (they help everyone stand up).Free_time - Enjoy free time any way you want in this surfing town. Head to the beach to hang ten or relax with a cold drink and plan your next activities.Accommodation - Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge

Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua

Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - See the famous Te Puia Geyser during this sensory cultural experience. Be guided by a local Maori guide on this 2 hour tour set in the Te Puia thermal valley and enjoy a delicious traditional kāinga waru pudding cooked in their natural hot spring.Accommodation - Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua

Day 5: Rotorua/Taupo

Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - With lots to see and do in Rotorua, get out and explore!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the mighty Huka falls. With more than 220,000 litres of water per second flowing over an 11 metre high waterfall, these impressive falls are an attraction not to be missed.Activity - Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views from Lake Taupo. Listen to the experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails or take a step back and soak in the views. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent).Accommodation - Based by the Lake

Day 6: Taupo/Wellington

Hit the road to the nation's capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.

Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend some time exploring the city.Activity - Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Wellington on this night out with the group. Put those competitive hats on and play games at Blend Bar (may the best person win) and then put those dancing shoes to good use as you shimmy and shake the night away with your adventure buddies by your side. There’s no one cooler than this travel crew right here!Accommodation - Cambridge Hotel

Day 7: Wellington

Depart at any time.

Alas, your trip has come to an end. However, who says you have to go home? Why not add on another tour so you can keep exploring this stunning part of the world. After all, does anyone ever regret extending a vacation?

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

Reserve Now

Reviews

Friederike V. - Traveled, December 2023

Because the trip was well planned and the group size was appropriate.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023

Todd - Traveled, December 2023

The activities were perfect, it was very stress free as a traveler, and Benji was absolutely legendary

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023

Deirdre F. - Traveled, December 2023

Good time, saw a lot of things/made the most out of the time gad

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2023

Lara F. - Traveled, November 2023

Especially when travelling by yourself, this is an incredible opportunity to have a great time in a new country. I also enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to plan anything which was basically a vacation for my brain. However, with a bus full of people you're travelling with, I wasnt able to do everything I really wanted to do (you offer a lot of options to choose from, however to do anything besides the given options was difficult to include with the schedule). But I guess this just a little disadvantage of travelling with a group. To be able to enjoy a trip with other people was a big plus for me.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023

Trevor M. - Traveled, November 2023

Well organized, wide variety of tour options, quality guides

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023

Alerto L. - Traveled, November 2023

it's not for everybody but I love it. The trip delivered a good experience I think for all

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023

Hannah F. - Traveled, November 2023

There was no organisation required on my part, everything ran smoothly with absolutely no stress, country recommend enough!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023

Patrick C. - Traveled, November 2023

The tour was absolutely unreal and provided anything and everything you could have asked for. From the best tour guides, a wide array of activities to participate in, and plenty of insider experience into the things to do in New Zealand was absolutely incredible experience that I will never forget

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023

Nailaa R. - Traveled, November 2023

A good way to go travelling without have to worry about too much as everything is pretty much planned for you.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023

Jamieson C. - Traveled, November 2023

I had such an amazing time I can't wait to do another tour!!!!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023

Niamh Doherty D. - Traveled, October 2023

Very well organised, CEO Brittany was amazing with pre-booking activities and food so there was nothing I wasn't able to do. Also the drive was broken up with lots of little stops that made in feel shorter

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023

Lisa F. - Traveled, October 2023

Had an amazing time on the tour - CEO (Brittany) was very knowledgeable and always had great activity detail + recommendations for food etc.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023

Cassian L. - Traveled, October 2023

Overall, enjoyable activities each day.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023

Lewis B. - Traveled, October 2023

These kind of tours are Good for getting a lot done in a short period of time, it is well organised and you do the main bits. However it can be more rushed and intense than travelling and organising it by yourself where you can space things out more. However, it is good to meet new people from around the world and have the peace of mind of things organised and local knowledge etc...

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023

Rachel M. - Traveled, September 2023

Informative guides, great locations

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023

Megan H. - Traveled, September 2023

Great experiences, felt secure and safe the whole trip. Had an amazing tour guide