Iconic North
Iconic North
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's North Island with the "Iconic North" tour. This adventure begins in the vibrant city of Auckland, where you'll explore the America's Cup exhibition at the Maritime Museum with a local specialist. Discover the cultural hub of Rotorua, visit the geothermal valley at Whakarewarewa, and marvel at the natural beauty of Huka Falls and the Kapiti Coast. Travel in comfort on a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy cherry-picked hotels, expert guidance, and a selection of meals including breakfasts and up to half of your evening meals. From the history-rich streets of Auckland to the "Capital of Cool," Wellington, this tour offers a blend of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and leisure time, making it perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in New Zealand's unique landscapes and rich heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Cordis
Accommodation Name: Cordis Auckland
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
Hello Auckland! Begin your New Zealand north island tour in the gorgeous “City of Sails.” (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). At a Welcome Reception meet your Travel Director and travel mates. Then it’s off to dinner at Eight, an interactive restaurant named for its eight kitchens where you can choose from international cuisine options including sushi, fresh oysters, Indian curry and Italian pasta. Get an introduction to the city’s Maori history and melting pot of cultures from your Travel Director and get ready to start your adventures of the North.
Day 2: Explore The Sights Of Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Cordis
Accommodation Name: Cordis Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day getting to know New Zealand’s passion for the water, sailing and Auckland’s maritime history on a private and exclusive America’s Cup tour at the New Zealand Maritime Museum with a Local Specialist. Then it’s off to experience more of this seafaring city on a sightseeing tour beginning at the Auckland Waterfront. You’ll visit Mission Bay, historic Bastion Point, and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial with views of the Auckland skyline, North Shore, and Waitemata Harbor at every turn. You have the rest of the day free to explore the city as you like. Amble down Queen Street to Viaduct Harbor’s main shopping precinct and relax with a glass of New Zealand’s crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Or, if you’re looking for more than views of the city, you’ll find it aboard the ferry to the charming maritime village of Devonport. You could walk to to he summit of Mt. Victoria, visit Devonport Chocolates where you can watch chocolatiers handmaking their sweet treats or simply relax on Cheltenham Beach.
Day 3: Rotorua, The Cultural Hub
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Go from city to farm life today as you travel to the countryside for a dose of local hospitality at a Be My Guest experience in the Red Barn at the home of former champion jockey, Lance O’Sullivan, and Bridgette. Over your farm to table lunch prepared by the onsite chef, get a feel for country life as you're invited to roll up your sleeves and make your own butter - butter churners, tiny mason jars and all! The next hot-spot on your NZ holiday – in every sense of the word – is Rotorua. Visit Te Puia to see and support Maori artisans at work, then continue your Rotorua tour at the steamy Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, a staggering valley where geysers pop and thermal springs jettison skywards. Fun fact: this is the only living Maori village in the world.
Day 4: Rotorua, Yours To Discover
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Today, choose your own adventure. We have plenty of ideas for the paths you might follow. Optional Rotorua tour sightseeing experiences include relieving NZ holiday-weary limbs in the thermal waters of the Polynesian Spa or perhaps you’d prefer to zip across Rotorua’s three lakes in an amphibious WWII-era Duck. The decision is yours. Tonight, dive deep into Indigenous culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Hear about Māori history, traditions, and future aspirations across four hours of celebration and feasting. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (summer season canape) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a seasonal three-course dinner.
Day 5: Wellington, Capital Of Cool
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Rydges
Accommodation Name: Rydges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venture out of Rotorua this morning through pine forests and farmland, to the rushing rapids of Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours into a pool 11 meters below. Then you’re on your way to the heart of the North Island and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. Have a look strolling the shoreline and basking in the gorgeous freshwater lake that’s home to geothermal valleys with hot springs, alpine deserts, and world-class trout fishing. Journey south over the volcanic Central Plateau to the town of Taihape. This quirky little town is known for its yearly gumboot throwing competition, proudly celebrated since 1985. Get in the spirit and take a photo in front of the massive metal boot before joining in a friendly gumboot throwing game on the lawn with the group. After a full day of sightseeing and plenty of fun, you’ll arrive in Wellington with time to explore its laneways, street art, and music or one of its many eclectic restaurants.
Day 6: See The Sights Of Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Rydges
Accommodation Name: Rydges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your day in Wellington should – must – begin with a coffee. The city is known for its uber-cool cafés and with coffee in hand you will head out on city sights tour to take in highlights such as its iconic cable car, parliament, and Mt. Victoria. This afternoon is yours to discover Wellington. Perhaps visit Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand, tour the Wairarapa wine region or the first urban completely fenced ecosanctuary of Zealandia, where the biodiversity of 225 hectares of forest is being restored. Tonight, there are so many restaurants and bars to choose from, you'll need a guidebook. Ask us for recommendations or explore at your leisure. Because every NZ holiday needs a little down time.
Day 7: Farewell Wellington
Location: Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s been a week of epic sights and adventures in the North Island, but sadly all good things must come to an end. Enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates before your transfer to the Wellington airport.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
-
Porterage where hotels provide this service
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
-
All land transport shown. All transfers shown
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
-
Optional Experiences and free time
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
All land transport shown. All transfers shown. Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 Jun
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 Jun
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026 Jan
2027 Feb
2027 Mar
2027
Tuesday - Monday
Nov 05, 2024 - Nov 11, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Nov 19, 2024 - Nov 25, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Dec 17, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 13, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 10, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Feb 18, 2025 - Feb 24, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Mar 25, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Dec 16, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 12, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 26, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Feb 03, 2026 - Feb 09, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Feb 17, 2026 - Feb 23, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 16, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Mar 24, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Apr 07, 2026 - Apr 13, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Apr 21, 2026 - Apr 27, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 08, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Jun 23, 2026 - Jun 29, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Sep 01, 2026 - Sep 07, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Sep 08, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Sep 15, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 05, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Oct 06, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Oct 13, 2026 - Oct 19, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Oct 20, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Oct 27, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Nov 03, 2026 - Nov 09, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Nov 10, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Nov 17, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Nov 24, 2026 - Nov 30, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 07, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Dec 08, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Dec 15, 2026 - Dec 21, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Dec 22, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026Tuesday - Monday
Dec 29, 2026 - Jan 04, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Jan 05, 2027 - Jan 11, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Jan 12, 2027 - Jan 18, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Jan 19, 2027 - Jan 25, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Jan 26, 2027 - Feb 01, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Feb 02, 2027 - Feb 08, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Feb 09, 2027 - Feb 15, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Feb 16, 2027 - Feb 22, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Feb 23, 2027 - Mar 01, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Mar 02, 2027 - Mar 08, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Mar 09, 2027 - Mar 15, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Mar 16, 2027 - Mar 22, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Mar 23, 2027 - Mar 29, 2027Tuesday - Monday
Mar 30, 2027 - Apr 05, 2027What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."