4 places you sleep in over 7 nights. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.
Guided tour, coach group. A driver guide travels with you the whole way, on a full-size coach, with the luggage and every booking handled.
Follow the path of pioneer settlers as you travel the North Island of New Zealand, the birthplace of the country’s European history. 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.
Explore more:North Island toursHobbiton and Lord of the RingsTours for seniorsSolo travellersAll guided toursAuckland toursRotorua tours
This tour runs as published on set dates. Nights before or after it, and any of the optional experiences, can be added to your quote.
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: Grand Millennium, Auckland (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: Grand Millennium, Auckland (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
Northern Spotlight 27/28 runs on set dates. These are the departures still open, with what each one costs per person, two sharing.
Availability checked 26 October 2026 from the operator's own bookings. Guaranteed means the operator has confirmed the departure will run; sold out dates stay on the list so you can see what is left.
A date not listed is not being sold. Choose one and your quote comes back against that departure, at that departure's price.
The tour itself runs as published. Nights in Auckland before it starts or in Wellington after it ends, and any of the optional experiences, can be added to your quote.
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
Something not answered here? , no quote attached.
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
No payment to enquire; a firm quote within one working day. Lowest priced travel dates, two sharing. International flights not included. A 20% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected
Itineraries operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure Insider.
No payment, no obligation. A specialist replies with a firm quote within one working day.
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.
8 days across the North Island, from Auckland through to Wellington, fully escorted, so every day just happens. Strong on Māori culture.
8 days across the North Island, Wellington to Auckland, with a driver guide and everything arranged. Strong on Māori culture.
7 days across the North Island, Auckland to Wellington, with a driver guide and everything arranged. Strong on Māori culture.
