North Island Adventure
Road trip through New Zealand's North Island

Destinations
New ZealandActivity
Active, Nature & Wildlife, CultureTour Type
Small group tourPhysical Level
Easy
Season
January - December
The North Island is filled with surprising contrasts: from the idyllic Coromandel where you can soak in a hot pool dug in the sand and the geothermal wonderland of geysers in Rotorua, to side-trips to Middle Earth-esque countryside, underground adventures in caves lit by glow worms, and even a volcanic desert — there is plenty to see.
This small-group guided tour of the North Island will visit Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, and Wellington, with the option to visit Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Tongariro Crossing along the way. You can choose to travel from Auckland through to Wellington, or take the reverse itinerary.
Included area Māori cultural night and traditional Māori hāngī dinner cooked in an underground oven, with options to go bungy jumping, white water rafting and ziplining, among others.
This tour can also be completed in reverse. Departure dates listed include both directions. Enquire for more details.
Tour itinerary
What you'll see and do
Day 1
Auckland to Coromandel

Leaving Auckland behind, you'll head to the Coromandel Peninsula, a veritable paradise of beautiful beaches and misty rainforests.
You'll get a chance to visit the famous Hot Water Beach before arriving in Whitianga where you can sample the sandy beaches or simply enjoy the relaxed vibe.
Day 2
Coromandel to Rotorua

This morning walk along the cliffs and down to Cathedral Cove. With perfect beaches and massive rock arches and columns, it’s one of the most popular spots in the Coromandel. Alternatively, take an optional guided Cathedral Cove kayak trip and check out this stunning coastline from a different angle.
In the afternoon you will head towards Rotorua; stopping en route at Matamata, best known for being the home of the Hobbiton movie set. For Lord of the Rings fans a fully guided tour of the 12 acre Middle-earth set is a must-do — you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
Day 3
Rotorua

Today is a free day to explore Rotorua and its surrounding area. While the majority of the North Island is volcanic in some way, Rotorua is exceptional for its geothermal activity. With neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, active volcanoes and geysers galore, there are more unique natural wonders to be found in Rotorua than many other places in the world.
If adrenaline is your thing, you can take a rafting trip on the Kaituna river — the highest commercial waterfall drop in the world. Another option is a day trip to the famous Waitomo Gloworm Caves, which offer a number of ways to experience the twinking creatures up close.
Day 4
Rotorua to Murupara

This morning you will visit Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll learn more about Māori history and culture, come face to face with the Pohutu Geyser, see jumping mud pools and get up close and personal with kiwi birds.
Later this afternoon you'll head to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara — a living Māori village — where you will experience a tribal tour by a village elder. Here you’ll also have a chance to learn the world-famous haka dance, and weave your own dinner plate using flax (a type of plant). Dinner will be a traditional hāngi meal, which is cooked in an underground earth oven.
The best part about spending the evening at Kohutapu Lodge? The majority of proceeds from this activity go back to the local community.
Day 5
Murupara to Lake Taupō

It’s only a short drive to your next destination, Lake Taupō, and there’s plenty to discover along the way. From mesmerising mud pools to the thundering rapids of the Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam, your guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake — believe it or not, it’s roughly the same size as Singapore. This place is all about the thrills and spills, and there are plenty of options in store this afternoon. Get your hair wet with a water touch bungy jump, take an unforgettable skydive or a sunset lake cruise for amazing lake and mountain views.
Day 6
Lake Taupō and the Tongariro Crossing

You can spend today either relaxing around Lake Taupō or hiking the Tongariro Crossing — often classed as one of the best full-day walks in the world. This 19.4-kilometre mountain trek in Tongariro National Park boasts emerald green lakes, venting steam, lava flows and craters.
If you’d prefer to take it easy, jump on a boat for a sailing trip to view Māori rock carvings. Or head to Spa Park and soak until your fingers are wrinkly. However you choose to spend today we guarantee you won’t forget it.
Day 7
Lake Taupō to Wellington

It’s a big drive from Taupō to Wellington, but there’s some unmissable scenery on offer. You'll journey through Tongariro National Park and the Rangipo Desert, which is home to three active volcanic peaks — Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. You'll also pass through two of the North Island’s quirkier towns which you'll get a chance to explore.
You will arrive in Wellington in the afternoon, with just enough time for film fans to make a trip to Weta Workshop — where the special effects of Lord of the Rings and Avatar were produced — before heading out to enjoy the capital's fantastic food and craft beer scene.
Upcoming departures
Departing | Returning | ||
---|---|---|---|
More dates available | Enquire |
Where to stay
Sample accommodation suggested by our New Zealand experts.
All accommodation is in high-end hostel accommodation, except for your one night shared cultural experience. Upgrades to private rooms available on request.
Tour inclusions
Get in touch now for more details
Some meals |
Continental breakfasts are included every day. |
|
Accommodation |
All accommodation is included in the tour price. |
|
Guided excursions |
All tours include a passionate Kiwi guide. |
Reviews
What people are saying about Haka Tours
Kristina
24/05/2022
Don't give it a second thought — visit New Zealand and sign up for a Haka Tour! I just got back from the South Island Haka tour and definitely have to say it was one of the best vacations ever. The trip was entirely stress-free and fun, every city we visited was amazing, scenery unbeatable, accommodation was clean and nice and I made lifelong friends that I hope to travel with again in the future. Worth every penny!
Wade
24/05/2022
Best tour ever! Did the Amplified New Zealand Tour from Auckland to Christchurch. It was an amazing experience from front to back, enabled by the flexibility and experience of Andy advising where and when to do activities. Would absolutely recommend this as a great way to see and experience New Zealand quickly!
Helena Anne
24/05/2022
Amazing trip last week with Haka Tours. Perfectly paced and flawlessly organised thanks to Andy. Nice size group, good accommodation and long drives were never frustrating. It's lovely to be on an organised tour and still have independence. Very impressed with Haka, I'll certainly be back to explore the North island!
Days
7
From only
NZ$1,329 pp

Other tours you might like

Northern Trail
Maori culture, beautiful landscapes and the best of the North Island
10 daysFrom NZ$3,039Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland, Lake Taupo, Wellington | |
|
Small group tour |
|
Adventure, Water Sports, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks, Culture, Cities |

New Zealand Wanderer
The best of the north with a taste of the south
12 daysFrom NZ$3,609Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula, Kaikoura, Auckland, Lake Taupo, Christchurch, Wellington | |
|
Small group tour |
|
Active, Nature & Wildlife, Culture |

Amplified New Zealand
Total Kiwi experience
16 daysFrom NZ$2,849Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula, Kaikoura, Wanaka, Auckland, Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Taupo, Christchurch, Wellington | |
|
Small group tour |
|
Active, Nature & Wildlife, Culture |