It’s incredible how much a tour of New Zealand’s North Island can reveal about the country. 8 days through the North Island, running Auckland to Wellington. Along the way: Auckland, Bay Of Islands, Ninety Mile Beach. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.
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This itinerary can be customised: extra nights, different rooms, more activities or a different vehicle. Tell us what you would change.
Your journey:AucklandBay Of IslandsAucklandHuka FallsWellington
Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’. And you’ll discover why when exploring its two harbours at your leisure. Pick a waterfront precinct and find a perch to while away the afternoon with a glass of robust red from Waiheke. Your Travel Director will welcome you and your fellow travelling companions tonight for a tour briefing and drinks. Staying in: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre (1 night)
Your journey north to Bay of Islands from Auckland is not short of drama, discover 140 droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea at the top of the country. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Captain William Hobson and Māori Chiefs in 1840. Your local specialist, perhaps a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. Staying in: Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. And today, you can do just that on optional experiences. Venture up to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach or enjoy a scenic cruise among the 144 islands including lunch and a visit to the iconic hole in the rock. Or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands. The choice is yours. Staying in: Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
Northern exposure is a thing today, when you journey toward the top of the country to visit Whangarei, NZ’s northernmost city, and a place where quirky galleries and museums wait to be explored. It’s like the country in a tantalising snapshot, a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland. Staying in: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
There’s no bad day in Auckland, today, yours starts with a city sights tour before you set your GPS for the Waikato River and Waitomo Caves. This place is radiant, quite literally. While cruising cavernous waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. It’s a landscape almost as otherworldly as Rotorua, where mud pops and jettisons from bubbling geysers, and steam rushes skywards from cracks in the Earth. Tonight, delve deep into Māori culture with the Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia. It begins with an exhilarating cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua, followed by views of the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands, and ends with a delicious buffet dinner of hāngī-inspired cuisine. Staying in: Ibis Rotorua Hotel (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore at your own pace today, but with plenty of tips from your Travel Director. Perhaps choose an optional experience? Want a bit of down time? We wouldn’t blame you for simply blissing out at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of the opportunity to tour the sights featured in The Lord of the Rings movies at Hobbiton. These beautiful landscapes are not only a bucket list tour for Hobbit fans, but a gorgeous countryside getaway. Staying in: Ibis Rotorua Hotel (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
You’ll hear Huka Falls well before you see it, at this natural wonder, a staggering 220,000 litres of water thunder over an 11-metre-high waterfall every second. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, its waters so vivid and blue you’ll think someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time. Traverse the Kapiti Coast to New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington. Tonight, join your Travel Director for drinks to toast your adventure. Staying in: James Cook Grand Chancellor (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
Wellington is known for its uber-cool cafes, so grab a coffee before you head out on your city sights tour. After the tour, bid farewell to your NZ crew. You may wish to depart directly, or if you have time, linger in town, discovering Māori culture at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand (entrance fee applies). Meals included: Breakfast
This itinerary departs on the dates that suit you, subject to availability. Peak season (December to February) books out early, so enquire well ahead for summer travel.
Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or extend into the other island. Tell us what you would change and we will re-quote, no obligation.
Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.
Watch: Hobbiton on this itinerary
Still deciding? Worth a read: How many days do you actually need in New Zealand? · The best time to visit New Zealand, from people who live here
Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.
How your money is protectedAvailability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.
Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.
The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.
Insider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.Questions before you enquire? Email hello@silverferntravel.com and ask. No form required.
5 days across the North Island, starting and ending in Auckland, self drive, with every night booked ahead. Strong on classic driving tours.
3 days across the North Island, round trip out of Auckland, guided the whole way, luggage and logistics handled. Strong on family touring.
5 days across the North Island, a loop from Wellington, at your own pace behind the wheel. Strong on classic driving tours.
