Best of the Upper North 7 Days
North Island
With white-sand beaches, volcanoes, hot springs, boiling geysers, and inspiring Maori culture, the 7-Day Best of the Upper North Tour is a superb introduction to the North Island.
Travel Style: Private driver I Self-drive I Independent Coach
Accommodation Style: Motel I Hotel I Boutique Lodges
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Day 1: Auckland
Suggested activities for Auckland
Explore: Auckland
New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails" is the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests, and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Central museums and galleries can be explored on foot.
Nature: Boat Cruise to Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island is the largest and youngest of the many volcanoes that make up the Auckland volcanic field. It erupted around 600 years ago but is extinct now and safe to explore. During your cruise to and from the island enjoy fantastic views of Rangitoto Island and Auckland's cityscape. On reaching the island you can walk to the summit (1 hour direct) for great views of the Hauraki Gulf and over Waitemata Harbour, looking back towards Auckland.
Day 2: Auckland to The Bay of Islands
Starting in Auckland, travel north to the Bay of Islands. After arriving in Paihia, visit nearby Waitangi for a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds where in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Māori and the British Crown.
Day 3: The Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga
A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the very top of the North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Māori culture and tradition. Your driver guide also doubles as a story teller, sharing the stories of this significant site where, according to Māori legend, spirits depart on their journey home to Hawaiki. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic light house, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean come crashing together. Take a thrilling tour along 90 mile beach, with its golden sand dunes and rich marine life.
Day 4: Paihia to Rotorua
Your journey will take you past scenic native forests and sub-tropical bush, before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge to arrive back into downtown Auckland. Continue south into the rich farmland of the Waikato and onto the cultural heart of the North Island and Rotorua city.
Suggested activities for Rotorua
Culture and Food: Tamaki Maori Village Cultural Tour and Hangi Dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Māori way. Discover the Māori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths, and legends and browse throughout the largest after-hours tribal marketplace in Rotorua. Includes a hangi buffet feast that has cooked slowly underground.
Day 5: Rotorua
Suggested activities for Rotorua
Explore: Rotorua
Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the world’s most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Māori tribes, a visit to one of the Māori Villages should be high on your agenda, as should an excursion to the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs. Alternatively, head up the Rotorua Gondola for soaring lake views, and ride the luge at night for an extra thrill.
Adventure: Volcanic Air Mount Tarawera & Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer by Helicopter
Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of Rotorua's stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls, and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves.
Leaving Wai-O-Tapu, descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers, and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland.
Nature: Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Experience stunning scenery above and below ground on a sightseeing day tour from Rotorua to the fascinating Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Take a 45-minute guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Caves, which were discovered in 1887 and are now one of New Zealand's most popular tourist attractions. See vaulted caverns, stalactites and stalagmites, and hear how these limestone formations were created over millions of years. Your tour ends with a boat ride through the Glow Worm Grotto, a subterranean cavern illuminated by the lights of thousands of tiny glowworms.
Day 6: Rotorua to Auckland
Suggested Activities
World Famous: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
In the heart of New Zealand, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Hobbiton is located just outside Matamata – in the midst of the lush Waikato farming region. Here you can visit such iconic Hobbit locations as Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, and the Party Tree with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films.
Day 7: Auckland
It’s time to leave or journey onto the South Island for the second part of your New Zealand vacation.