Travel Package Ideas
- All itineraries here are suggestions to give you an idea of what New Zealand has to offer. They are fully customizable and prices will vary depending on your level of comfort. Our travel advisors are flexible and will design your trip to suit your individual budget and desires.
- All prices are in USD. Per couple, and includes accommodation, rental cars, airport transfers, and some activities.
Full North Island 14+ Days
Highlights:
Maori Culture
Wine Tasting
Geothermal
Art & Museums
Adventure Sports
Includes:
Accommodation
Rental Car
Airport Transfers
Selected Activities
The North Island of New Zealand is a captivating destination known for its volcanic landscapes, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities. Auckland, the largest city, offers a mix of urban and natural wonders. Explore the islands of Waiheke, Rangitoto, and Tiritiri Matangi, each with its unique charm and wildlife. Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland, showcases Maori culture and thrilling experiences. Witness geysers, mud pools, and soak in hot mineral spas. Discover the traditional Maori village, Te Puia, and enjoy the interactive experiences at the Agrodome. The Tongariro National Park boasts majestic mountains, including Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes. Wellington, the capital city, offers a vibrant arts scene, museums, and the iconic cable car. Visit Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary, and explore the captivating landscapes of the Wairarapa region. Further north, the Bay of Islands invites you to relax on beautiful beaches and experience water activities. Cruise through the stunning bay, visit historic towns like Russell, and explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The North Island's highlights promise a diverse and unforgettable journey, showcasing the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of this captivating destination.
Start: Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city is known as the city of sails. Set between two iconic harbors, Auckland offers a stunning variety of activities. Take a trip out to the islands; easy-going Waiheke, volcanic Rangitoto and the Tiritiri Matangi sanctuary, or see wildlife closer to shore at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium or the Auckland Zoo. Visit the Toi o Tamaki art gallery or the city’s several museums.
Try bungy jumping off the harbor bridge or the 328-meter Sky Tower for spectacular views and thrills. While you’re there, check out the glass viewing platform, and learn about NZ’s most famous sporting team at the interactive All Black Experience. Wander the waterfront at Viaduct Basin with its trendy bars and restaurants. Take the family for wild rides at Rainbow’s End, climb into the Waitakere ranges or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. Auckland truly has something for everyone.
Activities:
Viaduct Harbor
Waiheke Island
Sky Tower
Beaches
Auckland Zoo
Drive: Auckland to Tauranga
Beauty begins once you’ve left the Southern Motorway (Coromandel exit). Through small towns, country and seaside views, the road leads to Paeroa, where you’ll find a giant L&P bottle and antiques and collectibles shops by the dozen. A must-stop is the Karangahake Gorge historic walkway which follows an old railway line complete with dark tunnels and rich gold mining history. Continue to Waihi, ride on the vintage train or visit the Waihi Gold Discovery Center to get a hands-on gold mining experience. Follow SH2 through Katikati, known for the gorgeous murals decorating many of its commercial buildings, and on the busy highway to Tauranga.
Stay: Tauranga
Trendy Tauranga and Mt Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty have surf, sun, sand, and more to delight the whole family. Start with a climb up the iconic Mount, then plunge into the saltwater hot pools or laze on the beach right next door. Get your adventure fix at the Waimarino Adventure Park or Adrenalin Forest’s hire-wire obstacle course. Go chasing waterfalls- the locals recommend both McLaren’s and Kaiate Falls. Discover some history at the Historic Village and art at the Tauranga Gallery or TePuna Quarry sculpture park. Nature lovers will delight in the tranquil Katikati Bird Gardens. Or sail across the Bay on a catamaran to the pest-free oasis of Whale Island to view forest and seabirds in their natural habitat.
Activities:
Wineries
Art Galleries
Mt Maunganui
Waterfalls
Drive Tauranga to Rotorua
This rural route takes you over hills and plantations to the western shores of Lake Rotorua. Stop at Hamurana Springs for an easy walk through towering redwoods and past crystal-clear springs. Continue on SH36 into the Rotorua suburbs.
Alternative Route: out of Tauranga on SH 29A and avoid the SH 2 Eastern Toll Road by following the signs for Te Puke. The scenic drive leads to Te Puke in the heart of Kiwifruit country. Stop off at a working kiwifruit orchard to discover the story of one of the world’s healthiest fruits. Alternatively, take a break in Paengaroa at the Comvita Visitor Centre and cafe. Continue over the Mamaku Range hills before descending to the picturesque Okere Falls. Now, it’s an easy drive beside Lake Rotorua and onto the city.
Stay: Rotorua
Rotorua is home to spectacular geothermal wonderlands and Maori arts, culture and history. You can experience storytelling, cultural performances and delicious hangi (traditionally cooked meat and vegetables) at the Tamaki or Mitai Maori Villages. Or opt for Whakarewarewa to see geothermal marvels and the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Further afield lie the Wai O Tapu thermal valley and the Redwoods Forest Treewalk with its many walking and cycling tracks. Bird watchers will love Wingspan, the national Bird of Prey Center and the Rainbow Springs Kiwi House. Daring adventurers rejoice! Rotorua's got everything from bungy jumping and rolling Zorb balls to a guided tour of the Mt Tarawera crater. Finally ready to relax? Take a dip in one of the hot mineral spas before heading out to Eat Street with its mix of restaurants, cafes, bars and the fabulous Lady Jane's Ice Cream Parlour.
Activities:
Redwoods Treewalk
Hot Pools
Geothermal Park
Maori Cultural Experiences
Gondola & Luge
Drive: Rotorua to Gisborne
Lakes, native bush, pine plantations, rolling hills, and winding river gorge — this drive has it all. You’ll travel on SH 30 through rolling farmland past the Rotorua lakes towards SH 2 at Awakeri. Detour to Whakatane and beautiful Ohope Beach for a swim and snack and fill the gas tank before continuing towards Opotiki. Wind through the Waioeka Gorge alongside sparkling rivers and over high-country farmland. There are plenty of stopping points to admire the breath-taking scenery and learn the area’s fascinating history from the many interpretation boards along the way. Stop for a walk along the historic Tauranga and Manganuku Bridges, then continue to Matawai and Otoko, where the Otoko Walkway follows an old railway line. The final 50km (33 miles) open out to orchards and vineyards before entering New Zealand’s most eastern city
Stay: Gisborne
It's worth the journey to get to Gisborne, the first city in the world to greet the sun each day. There's plenty of culture on offer here. For example, the Tupapa Heritage trail leads to the spot where both the Maori ancestral canoes and Captain Cook first came ashore in New Zealand. Or climb Maunga Hikurangi to see the sunrise and another Maori cultural experience. If you've always wanted to surf, here's your chance. Gisborne offers surfing lessons and next-level beaches to try out your new skills. If you'd rather bodysurf, try a hands-on workshop where you'll craft your very own wooden bodysurfer's hand-plane. Why not try a railbike adventure — ride side-by-side along disused railway lines, including tunnels and magnificent scenery. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, interact with wild stingrays on Dive Tatapouri’s low-tide reef ecology tour.
Activities:
Waterfalls
Sunrises
Beaches
Wineries
Walkways
Drive: Gisborne to Napier
Drive through hilly farmland and admire inland and coastal views as State Highway 2 winds its way from Gisborne to Napier. Stop halfway at Wairoa to visit the District Museum with its impressive display of local history. Further on, Lake Tutira wildlife refuge is known for its prolific birdlife and a great place to stretch your legs before the final leg into Napier.
Stay: Napier
Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco City, was largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake struck in 1931. Now, it makes the most of its status with an annual art-deco festival each February and plenty of all-year-round art tours around town. It is also one of New Zealand's sunniest regions, which boasts beautiful beaches, wineries, and the country's longest-running Farmers Market in nearby Hastings. Napier is home to the NZ National Aquarium, where you'll see 100+ native and exotic animals from land and sea. Or, experience nature at its wildest and windiest with a tractor tour onto Cape Kidnappers to visit the world's largest mainland gannet colony. But, if you're into haunted buildings, you can call in at New Zealand's oldest prison in Napier for a spooky, scary self-guided tour.
Activities:
Art Deco
Wineries
Aquarium
Cape Kidnappers
Galleries
Drive: Napier to Martinborough
Napier and its neighboring region, Wairarapa, are known for their delicious chardonnays, pinot noir and sauvignon blanc wines, so the countryside between them is rich with vineyards, farms and orchards. Hot, dry summers often mean stunning weather for your drive, so plan to stop off at a winery or two on the way. For a wildlife experience, visit the Pukaha National Wildlife Center, home to many native and endangered birds. Refuel in their Kaka Cafe before driving through to Masterton, where the town’s central park has an aviary, aquarium, deer park and more. From there, it’s a short drive to Martinborough, home to boutique vineyards, restaurants and upmarket B&Bs.
Stay: Martinborough
It's well worth visiting the Wairarapa district and the "wine village" of Martinborough. There's plenty for aficionados to savor with so many wineries, breweries, and olive groves close to the town center. Walk or cycle around town and discover the Marty Mural Trail and the early settler museum with its eclectic collection. Next, visit the Cape Palliser Lighthouse on the North Island's most southerly point. On the way, you'll see seals and the Putangirua Pinnacles, which formed a dramatic backdrop in the Lord of the Rings. Martinborough is known NZ-wide for its many annual festivals, including the Martinborough Fair in February/March and the Wairarapa Hot Air Balloon Festival each Easter. If you're feeling fit, play the 18-hole course at the affordable Martinborough golf course or ride the Rimutaka Cycle Trail, which is one of the NZ Great Rides. .
Activities:
Stargazing
Wine Trail
Breweries
Hiking
Vineyards
Drive: Martinborough to Wellington
Travel 15 minutes straight through wine country to Featherston or take a 45-minute scenic circuit around Lake Wairarapa, where there are plenty of places to chill out and picnic along the shores. Leaving Featherston, the drive becomes a spectacular climb through the Rimutaka Range with its breath-taking views of the wide river valley below. Once the mountains are behind you, it’s an easy drive through the Hutt Valley and onto the motorway to whisk you into Wellington.
Stay: Wellington
Some call Wellington the "coolest little capital city in the world," and they're right! There's something for everyone in New Zealand's vibrant capital. Take a free tour of Te Papa National Museum, the Wellington museum or the beautiful Parliament buildings. Then, discover how movies make their magic at the intriguing Weta Workshop. For a jam-packed day, ride the Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens, and visit the Fragrifert perfumery and the planetarium at Space Place. From there, take a free electric vehicle shuttle to Zealandia, Wellington's flourishing ecosanctuary, for a glimpse into what NZ was like before humans arrived. Wellington is a foodie delight; try Hannah's Laneway to find bakers, roasters, grinders and chocolatiers. Cuba Street's the place to go for downtown restaurants and bars, and you'll find quirky cafes dotted all over the city. Finally, for something a little different, go to Counter Culture to eat, drink and play one of their 900+ board games.
Activities:
Te Papa Museum
Weta Workshops
Art Galleries
Botanic Gardens
Cable Car
Drive: Wellington to New Plymouth
Drive out of Wellington along the motorway and continue on the scenic coastal road along the Kapiti Coast, or leave town via the busy new Northern Corridor via Transmission Gully. Either way, continue on SH 1 to Bulls. Spot all the bull and cow jokes on the town storefronts before you turn onto SH 3 towards Whanganui. Here you can stop for a break at Virginia Lake, take a paddleboat ride along the river or drive straight on to Hawera. Don’t miss the town’s entrancing Tawhiti Museum and Cafe. Leaving Hawera, turn off SH3 and follow the spectacular Surf Highway 45. Enjoy stunning ocean views as you wind around the coast towards Ōpunake with its magnificent beach, excellent cafes and famous fish and chips. Continue through Ōketo and Ōakura into New Plymouth. Alternatively, stay on SH3 at Hawera and continue inland via Stratford. If the weather is clear, you’ll see stunning views of Mt Taranaki and take 30 minutes off the journey.
Stay: New Plymouth
There's plenty to love in the west coast city of New Plymouth, starting with perfectly formed Mt Taranaki. If you're into hiking and cycling, consider a day trip into Egmont National Park, which surrounds the mountain. Back in town, stroll among acres of botanic gardens and woodlands, or visit Brooklands Zoo in Pukekura Park. In summer, Pukekura's annual Festival of Lights is a must-see. Visitors flock to the city in March to see a wealth of international acts during the WOMAD festival, while gardeners adore the Taranaki Garden Festival each spring. Finally, don't miss the celebrated Len Lye gallery or the Puke Ariki museum down the road. Perched right on the coast, New Plymouth boasts a beautiful 13km ocean-view walkway. First, take a photo at the Len Lye wind wand and the spectacular arches of the Te Rewa Rewa bridge. Then, with the kids, pop into Pukeiti Gardens to enjoy their engaging Treehouse Trail.
Activities:
Coastal Walkway
Gardens
Hiking
Art Galleries
Mt Taranaki
Drive: New Plymouth to Taupo
You’ll see some spectacular coastal views as you follow SH 3 from New Plymouth to tiny Awakino. Turn inland and pause to explore the old Awakino Tunnel, before continuing on the new bypass to Te Mapara. Follow SH 30 or stay on SH 3 to detour into Te Kuiti and the world-famous Waitomo Glow-worm Caves. Here, take an adventurous break with a guided walk or blackwater rafting tour (book in advance) before driving back to SH 30. Continue through the hilly, rural landscape to Mangakino, a fishing and cycling village on the shores of Lake Maraetai. From there, drive alongside the Kinleith forest plantations to reach Taupo township.
Stay: Taupo
Another geothermal and water paradise awaits visitors to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. Here you can kayak, parasail, sail, paddleboard and more. Or let someone else do the work and take a scenic cruise to see the gigantic Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay. Taupo has myriad walking, hiking and cycle trails for all fitness levels. Head through forests and along mountain tops. Then walk past the bubbling, boiling mud and colorful mineral rocks at Craters of the Moon and Orakei Korako Valley. Locals will recommend you watch the spectacular release of water at Huka Falls and Aratiatia Rapids or get amongst it with the various river rafting and jet boating adventures on offer. Finally, relax and enjoy soaking in the mineral waters of the Otumuheke Stream or swim at the DeBretts pool complex.
Activities:
Huka Falls
Lake Taupo
Bungy Jumping
Tongariro National Park
Maori Carvings
Drive: Taupo to Auckland
Drive through the heart of New Zealand’s timber country towards Putaruru, where you can stretch your legs on the Te Waihou Walkway or visit the Timber Museum and wander around the town’s decorative Water Park. Alternatively, stop a little further on at Cambridge, NZ’s equine capital. Take a tour through working racing stables or visit nearby Lake Karapiro to try its many water activities or get an adrenalin rush with a thrilling Camjet tour to the base of the Karapiro Dam. After Cambridge, it’s a straight but busy drive on SH 1 through Huntly and on to Auckland.
Stay: Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city is known as the city of sails. Set between two iconic harbors, Auckland offers a stunning variety of activities. Take a trip out to the islands; easy-going Waiheke, volcanic Rangitoto and the Tiritiri Matangi sanctuary, or see wildlife closer to shore at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium or the Auckland Zoo. Visit the Toi o Tamaki art gallery or the city’s several museums. Try bungy jumping off the harbor bridge or the 328-meter Sky Tower for spectacular views and thrills. While you’re there, check out the glass viewing platform, and learn about NZ’s most famous sporting team at the interactive All Black Experience. Wander the waterfront at Viaduct Basin with its trendy bars and restaurants. Take the family for wild rides at Rainbow’s End, climb into the Waitakere ranges or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. Auckland truly has something for everyone.
Activities:
Viaduct Harbor
Waiheke Island
Sky Tower
Beaches
Auckland Zoo
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