Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island 2022-23
Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island 2022-23
Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island 2022-23
9 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Wellington
Visiting: Auckland, Whangarei Falls, Paihia, Bay Of Islands, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TGKAW2
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 20
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Budget, Coach tours (worldwide), Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
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, New Zealand
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
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 To Paihia, Via Whangarei Falls
Location: Auckland, Whangarei Falls, Paihia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave goodbye to Auckland for now – 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, when we arrive in Paihia the evening's yours for exploring: we rec you hunt down some seafood chowder or ‘fush and chups’ along the harbour *chef’s kiss*.
Day 3 : Paihia, Bay Of Islands
Location: Paihia, Bay Of Islands
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today = options. Get your kayak on around the horseshoe-shaped Haruru Falls (spoiler: Haruru means ‘big noise’). Opt for a bird’s-eye view of the islands with an adrenalin-pumping skydive. 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). 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 To Auckland
Location: Paihia, Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Guess who's back, back again? It's you – back in Auckland. Heck yes. First up: we'll climb the city's friendly neighbourhood volcano Mt Eden for incred panoramic views. Then: prepare to engage explorer mode – the rest of the day's up to you. Jump on the ferry to Rangitoto Island for more volcanic vibes. Drop by the hipster Ponsonby district for boho boutiques and quirky cafes. Soak up some culture at Auckland Art Gallery. Or switch off Google Maps and simply get lost in the unknown. And this evening? Make a beeline for Britomart: a foodie's heaven jam-packed with local eateries. Go get 'em.
Day 5 : Auckland To Marae Stay, Via Waitomo
Location: Auckland, Waitomo Caves
Accommodation Name: Maori marae
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, we’ll receive a traditional welcome at the marae (Maori meeting ground) and will tuck into a hangi with the gang. Hear local Maori stories and learn the meaning of whanau as we bunk down in this sacred ancestral meeting place. This is as authentic as it gets.
Day 6 : Marae To Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
To say Rotorua has it ‘going on’ would be the understatement of the century. We’re talking: adrenalin-pumping activities, geothermal spas and mind-boggling movie sets. And you’ve got 24 hrs to embrace it all. 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. Play Tarzan on a sky-high canopy tour. Or race your trip mates inside a giant Zorb ball (when in NZ, right?). And for you thrill-dodgers, slap on a thermal mud mask and soak up allll the healing properties of Rotorua’s sulphur spas. Locals have been using them for over 800 years, so it’s gotta have some benefits. Tonight is up to you, so gather the gang and compare today’s thrills and spills at one of the local haunts in town.
Day 7 : Rotorua To Tongariro National Park, Via Lake Taupo
Location: Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before we make tracks today, there’s a steamy visit to the geothermal valley of Te Puia on the cards. We’ll check out Pohutu (think: poor-hoo-too) – the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. 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
Location: Tongariro National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. If four-wheeled adventuring is more your style, there’s a quad biking excursion on the cards too. This evening, we’ll give this legendary trip the send-off it deserves with one final group dinner.
Day 9 : Tongariro National Park To Wellington
Location: Tongariro National Park, Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Local culture? Tick. Epic landscapes? Tick. Time to leave? Tick. Sad face. Today we’re making our way to Wellington where our North Island adventure draws to a close. 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
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Transport
Air-conditioned coach
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Accommodation
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Fully Guided
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Meals
8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Country Entry Visas
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes from all over the world
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What is the maximum group size?
20
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they aren't
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No they aren't
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Are flights included in this tour?
No they aren't
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes it is
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All guides are English Speaking
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
We will have our Tour Leader with you every day
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No they aren't
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What currencies are required for this tour?
New Zealand Dollar
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Single pricing is available on all tours
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not required
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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.
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Is there an age limit on Topdeck trips?
Yes. Our trips are specifically designed for those aged 18-39 years of age.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.topdeck.travel/resources/booking-flexibility
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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
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
E-Documentation will be sent
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we work dilligenltly with our partners to acheive this
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes you can on European Tours
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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