Northern Discovery, September 2025

DAY 1 WELLINGTON

Kia ora and welcome to ‘Te Ika-a-Maui’ New Zealand’s North Island! Our tour kicks off with a fun evening as we meet our fellow travelling crew and friendly Tour Manager and Tour Assistants.

 

We have our first home cooked meal tonight then we will discuss the exciting days ahead.

 

Includes: Discuss the exciting days ahead | Meet your crew | Dinner

 

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DAY 2 WELLINGTON - TAUPO

This morning we visit Te Papa, New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum. As well as the Art Gallery, you can learn how to DJ, see a colossal Squid, visit the Marae and learn about the Treaty of Waitangi.

 

After Te Papa,we rejoin the coach and take the road to the top of Mount Victoria for fantastic views over the city. From here our tour takes us  through the centre of the city passing the Beehive and Parliament buildings before taking the road north.

 

Our route takes us along the Kapiti coast before travelling inland  to the Tongariro National Park. We have  fantastic views of Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe better known as Mount Doom and Mordor from Lord of the Rings.

 

Once we arrive in Taupo, we visit the Bungy Jump site over the beautiful Waikato River where you have an opportunity to try a bungy or the swing (for this who have their parents permission of course).

 

After everyone has finished their adrenaline pumping activities, we check in to our accommodation and have a sumptuous dinner. It's then time to relax in Taupo's thermal hot pools.

 

Includes: Breakfast | Te Papa National Museum | Thermal Hot Pools | Dinner

 

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DAY 3 TAUPO - ROTORUA

It's an early start this morning for those wishing to skydive, for everyone else a little sleep in before we have some free time in town.

 

Following this we are off to Rotorua - known as the place that captures the best of New Zealand in one spot. Famously known as an 'active volcanic zone', it is just as famous for its Maori history and culture and you get to experience it all.

 

On our way to Rotorua, we stop off to visit the spectacular Huka Falls, situated on the beautiful Waikato River and then stop to see the boiling mud pools.

 

This afternoon it's time to hit the Skyline Gondola and Luge! We get three rides down the luge so throw on your helmet and choose your course from beginner to advanced. Tonight we learn all about the famous Maori haka dance and learn a Maori waiata.

 

Includes: Breakfast | Huka Falls | Gondola and 3 Luge Rides | Dinner

 

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DAY 4 ROTORUA

Our first stop of the day is Te Puia; the premier Maori cultural centre in New Zealand and a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools and spectacular geysers.

 

After Te Puia, we have free time so you might like to try White Water Rafting, Zorb, Swoop Swing or just soak in the hot mineral waters of the Polynesian Spa.

 

Tonight we are in for a very special night as we enter the world of Mitai where we discover Maori art forms, ancient rituals and traditions, experience thrilling song and dance and then eat a delicious and authentic Maori Hangi.

 

Includes: Breakfast | Te Puia | Maori Village| Traditional Maori Hangi | Dinner

 

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DAY 5 ROTORUA - TAURANGA

We farewell Rotorua and head off to discover the real Middle-Earth. Located on the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata, we visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogy.

 

We have a fascinating guided tour where we see the hobbit holes, the famous Party Tree and Bag End; home to Bilbo and Frodo. From here we head the hills to sunny Tauranga. Tauranga is home to Mount Maunganui beach and that is what we discover tomorrow!

 

Tonight dinner is your choice.

 

Includes: Breakfast | Hobbiton Movie Set 

 

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DAY 6 TAURANGA

Time to hit the beach After a hearty breakfast, it’s straight to the beach for our SUP lesson First up is an important lesson about the fundamentals of surfing, ocean awareness, etiquette, and water safety, then it's time to jump on our boards. Next up we paddle in a Waka Ama (outrigger canoe) followed by a cultural walk of Mauao.
 

Tonight we enjoy a group dinner and go through highlights of the day.

 

Includes: Breakfast | Stand Up Paddleboarding | Waka Ama | Cultural Walk | Lunch | Dinner

 

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DAY 7 TAURANGA - PAIHIA

We say goodbye to Tauranga and travel north for a two night stay in Paihia.

 

We visit the Ah Reed Kauri Park where we take a canopy walk and see two 500 year old Kauri trees. We then stop at the famous Kawa Kawa toilets before visiting Ruapekapeka Pa site where the last major battle between British Forces and local Maori was fought.

 

We then arrive in Paihia after checking into our beach side lodge and have time for a walk along the beach.

Another delicious home cooked dinner is on the menu tonight and then enjoy some free time before it's lights out.

 

Includes: Breakfast | Kawakawa | Beach walk | Dinner

 

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DAY 8 PAIHIA

Today is a free day and there are lots of options! Take the bus to Cape Reinga, right at the top of the North Island and drive along the famous 90 Mile Beach (actually only 61 miles!). You will stop at various points of interest and will have time to try sand boarding.

 

You may like to go kayaking or taking the local ferry to Russell on the other side of the inlet. Alternatively  enjoy a free day at the beach or visit the famous Treaty of Waitangi grounds, a place of major significance to NZ history. Gain an insight to some of New Zealand's most outstanding and deeply symbolic carvings that have been gifted to the Treaty Grounds.

 

Tonight dinner is your choice.

Includes: |Breakfast | Cape Reinga | Free day to explore 

 

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DAY 9 PAIHIA - AUCKLAND

After breakfast we travel to the diving beach resort of Tutukaka and join "A Perfect Day Ocean Cruise” where we cruise to the Poor Knights Islands.

 

We don our wetsuits and enjoy the wonders of the deep sea; snorkelling through caves, kayaking, swimming, sea mammal-spotting and learn snippets of fascinating history and island facts.

 

This afternoon we make our way to Auckland - The City of Sails!

 

Includes: Poor Knights Island Day Cruise| Snorkelling| Kayaking | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

 

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DAY 10 AUCKLAND

Today we get to explore New Zealand's largest city; If you dare, try bungy jumping off the harbour bridge...

 

This morning we visit the Skytower for fantastic views of the city and some of you may wish to experience the 192m Sky Jump from the top!

 

This afternoon, you have free time to explore the city, catch up on any last minute shopping, visit the famous Auckland Museum or take a walk to the Viaduct and check out the yachts moored alongside.

 

Tonight we enjoy our last night together with a fun farewell and awards presentation.

 

Includes: Breakfast | Skytower | Shopping| Final night party | Dinner

 

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DAY 11 AUCKLAND - HOME

This morning we drop you off at Auckland Airport at 10.00am with an amazing bunch of new friends and ‘ferntastic’ memories.

 

Includes: Breakfast | Airport transfer | New memories | New friends 

We are happy to book your flights to and from tour and will always try to find the best priced flights available through our preferred airline - Air New Zealand.

The cost of these flights are NOT included in the tour price and are an additional cost along with the $20.00 booking fee.