Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island 2025-26
Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island 2025-26
Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island 2025-26
10 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Wellington
Visiting: New Zealand
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TGKAW5
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Eye-popping landscapes. Jaw-dropping activities. And local know-how by the bucketload. This trip isn't about seeing the North Island - it's about experiencing it. In all its spectacular, quirky, historic glory. Expect: towering volcanoes, roaring waterfalls, magical caves and out-of-this-world views. The adventure starts HERE.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland (North Island, New Zealand)
Meals Included: Dinner
Kia ora! Welcome to Auckland: home to over 50 volcanos, this city sure is a blast (sorry not sorry). First up: meet the fellow explorers you’ll be sharing the adventure with. Then: we’ll dig into our first group dinner. Ready to delve deep into the North Island’s mind-blowing landscapes and richer-than-rich culture? See you bright and early!
Day 2: Auckland – Whangarei Falls – Paihia (Bay Of Islands)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave goodbye to Auckland – we’re heading for the jaw-dropping Bay of Islands. Fancy swinging by a natural wonder en route? You’re in luck: the thundering Whangarei Falls awaits. Plunging into the Hatea River from a height of 26 metres, the waterfall’s surrounded by giant kauri trees – sacred to the Maori people as protectors of the forest. Later, we’ll make tracks to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds: arguably New Zealand’s most important historic monument. When we arrive in Paihia, there’s an orientation with your Trip Leader. Then, the evening's yours: we rec you hunt down some seafood chowder or ‘fush and chups’ along the harbour *chef’s kiss*.
Day 3: Paihia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today = options. Jump on a cruise around the ‘Hole in the Rock’ – no prizes for guessing what this is – to spot the area’s celebrity dolphins. Or stick to solid ground with a tour of Cape Reinga (the tip of the island) and Ninety Mile Beach (lied on its CV – actually 55 miles long). There’s also a sundown cruise if you can’t get enough of those island views. All the adventuring got your stomach rumbling? Round up the fam and head to a waterfront bar for craft beer and burgers.
Day 4: Paihia – Matakana – Waitomo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave goodbye to the Bay of Islands and head down to Waitomo. This is a big drive day, so stock up on snacks (and don’t lose your ear pods under your seat). We’ll make a pit stop at Matakana Village to stretch our legs and grab a bite to eat. It's foodie heaven: we’re talking cool cafes, artisan chocolate shops and award-winning coffee shops. Just before we get to Waitomo, we'll have a whizz around Otorohanga. Possibly New Zealand’s most patriotic town, get ready to spot real-life Kiwi birds, giant kiwi statues AND kiwi murals. When we reach our final destination, there’ll be time to get your bearings. Dinner plans? Totally up to you, but your Trip Leader has the recs.
Day 5: Waitomo – Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Waitomo Caves. A glowworm-studded labyrinth of underground caves and rivers – this place is like something out of a sci-fi movie. Spend your free time exploring Ruakuri Cave on foot. Cruise through the magical grotto. Or strap in for a unique blackwater rafting experience (disclaimer: you’re gonna get wet). Later, you’re heading to Rotorua where you’ll get your bearings on a walk around town with your Trip Leader. Then, it's food o’clock. Tuck into some delish dishes and make that stomach smile.
Day 6: Rotorua – Kohutapu
Meals Included: Breakfast
To say Rotorua has it ‘going on’ would be the understatement of the century. We’re talking: adrenalin-pumping activities and mind-boggling movie sets. Ready for some recs? For the LOTR fans (or closet fans), take a walk through Tolkien’s dreams at the Hobbiton movie set. Adrenalin junkie? Get your hit on a rapid ride down the mighty Kaituna River. After, it’s time to pile back on the bus cos Kohutapu calls. And we’re about to delve in DEEP with some proper authentic culture. Think: Maori rock carvings, legendary stories, a haka demo, PLUS workshops on marae traditions and a hangi dinner. Minds blown and bellies full, you’ll settle down in some cosy cabins to catch some zeds. Sweet!
Day 7: Kohutapu – Tongariro National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before we roll into our next sleep spot, there’s a steamy visit to the geothermal wonderland, Wai-O-Tapu, on the cards. We’ll check out the Lady Knox Geyser which has been known to shoot boiling hot water 20m into the air! Then: we’ll make a stop at booming Huka Falls and play spot-the-extreme-kayaker as they tackle the immense 11-metre plunge down the canyon falls. Finally, we’ll take in the A-Mazing views over Lake Taupo before putting our feet up at our accommodation near Tongariro National Park. What. A. Day.
Day 8: Tongariro National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dramatic volcanic peaks dominating the horizon. Rugged terrain that looks like you landed on Mars. And intense turquoise lakes gathered in steep valleys. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best one-day hikes in the world – and it 100% deserves the rep. You’ve got a full day to find your Samwise up Mt Ngauruhoe (aka Mt Doom), soak up all the I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E views and wish you’d broken in those new hiking boots.
Day 9: Tongariro National Park – Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’re making our way to Wellington where our North Island adventure will soon end *tries not to cry*. Get your bearings around the capital during an orientation before we head to Mt Victoria for 360-degree views over the harbour. This evening, we’ll give this legendary trip the send-off it deserves with one final group dinner AND craft beer tasting. Vibe = AWESOME.
Day 10: Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Local culture? Tick. Epic landscapes? Tick. Time to leave? Tick. Sad face. BUT: it doesn’t have to end like this. Hop on a flight to Christchurch and join our New Zealand South Island trip – the timings work out perfectly, we checked. You know you want to...
What's Included
-
Transport
Air-conditioned minicoach
-
Guide
Check out our Q&As
-
What is included in the final day in Wellington?
On the final day in Wellington, you will have an orientation tour of the capital, visit Mt Victoria for 360-degree views over the harbour, and enjoy a group dinner with craft beer tasting.
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in an air-conditioned minicoach.
-
What are the highlights of the Tongariro National Park visit?
In Tongariro National Park, you can embark on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best one-day hikes in the world. The hike features dramatic volcanic peaks, rugged terrain, and intense turquoise lakes.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Waitomo Caves?
At Waitomo Caves, you can explore Ruakuri Cave on foot, cruise through the magical grotto, or experience blackwater rafting, which involves navigating through the caves and rivers while getting wet.
-
What activities are available in Paihia?
In Paihia, you have the option to jump on a cruise around the 'Hole in the Rock' to spot dolphins, take a tour of Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, or enjoy a sundown cruise. You can also explore the local area and enjoy craft beer and burgers at a waterfront bar.
-
What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a marae visit, workshops, and a hangi dinner at Kohutapu Lodge. You will also experience Maori rock carvings, legendary stories, and a Haka demonstration.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Curious? Open-minded? Same. Topdeckers are a mixed bunch, but that’s what makes us special. They come from all over the globe and are aged between 18 and 39. Like you, they’re looking to feel real. To experience more. To embrace the unknown. To grow and connect – without judgement.
-
Is there an age limit on Topdeck trips?
Yes. Our trips are specifically designed for those aged 18-39 years of age.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.topdeck.travel/resources/booking-flexibility
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We operate Single Share across across all touring styles and will match you with someone of the same gender
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
E-Documentation will be sent
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we work dilligenltly with our partners to acheive this
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes you can on European Tours
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Thursday
May 27, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Feb 17, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Topdeck allows you to make 1000 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Topdeck allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform topdeck, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Topdeck requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of topdeck charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.