New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound) -10 Days

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Auckland

Welcome to Aotearoa! Meet your group at 6pm for your welcome meeting. Spend the afternoon exploring Mission Bay, the waterfront, or Auckland’s nightlife.
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals: –

Day 2 – Auckland → Coromandel Peninsula

Travel to the beautiful Coromandel – home to rainforest, golden beaches, and turquoise waters. Visit Hot Water Beach (dig your own natural hot pool when tides allow) and stroll to world-famous Cathedral Cove.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove
Optional: Cathedral Cove Kayaking (NZD155)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Coromandel Peninsula (Beaches & Scenery)

Enjoy a scenic coastal drive and visit more of the region’s best beaches. Stop in Kuaotunu for its famous ice cream and explore Coromandel Township.
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Hobbiton → Rotorua

Journey through Karangahake Gorge before stepping into Middle Earth at Hobbiton. Continue to Rotorua for a breathtaking Redwood Forest Canopy Walk among towering trees.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Redwood Canopy Walk
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Rotorua (Geothermal & Māori Culture)

Discover Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools, geysers and lakes. Optional ziplining, rafting or gondola ride. This evening, experience a powerful cultural performance, followed by a traditional hangi dinner.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Pohutu Geyser, Hangi Dinner & Haka
Optional: Ziplining (from NZD189), ZORB (from NZD45), Gondola (NZD43), Whitewater Rafting (NZD139)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Rotorua → Taupo

Free morning to relax in Polynesian Spa or explore Kuirau Park’s geothermal pathways. Stop at the mighty Huka Falls on the way to Taupo.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Huka Falls
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Taupo / Tongariro Region (Free Day)

A full day to enjoy Taupo’s volcanic region. Walk geothermal valleys or choose to tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – New Zealand’s most iconic day hike.
Accommodation: Hostel
Optional: Tongariro Crossing Transport (from NZD130)
Meals: BreakfasT

Day 8 – Taupo → Māori Marae → Wellington

Visit a local marae in Taumarunui for a traditional pōwhiri welcome, conversation (korero) with iwi members, and shared food (kai). Continue to Wellington and explore with your leader.
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Wellington (Wildlife & Film Magic)

Visit Zealandia – a world-leading eco-sanctuary home to rare native birdlife. Optional visit to Weta Workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at movie effects from Lord of the Rings. Free afternoon for Te Papa Museum or the waterfront.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
Optional: Te Papa Tour (NZD35), Weta Workshop (NZD55)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 – Wellington (Departure)

Your adventure ends after breakfast. Extra nights available on request.
Meals: Breakfast

Included

• Local leader throughout

• 9 nights hostel accommodation (multi-share)

• 9 breakfasts, 1 dinner

• Comfortable private transport

• Included activities:

  • Hot Water Beach

  • Cathedral Cove

  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

  • Redwood Forest Canopy Walk

  • Pohutu Geyser

  • Hangi Dinner & Haka

  • Huka Falls

  • Pōwhiri & marae visit

  • Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

    Not Included

• Optional activities

• Meals not listed

• Airport transfers

• Personal expenses

  What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Warm layers (North Island nights can be cool)

• Waterproof jacket

• Swimwear & towel

• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

• Daypack

• Reusable water bottle

• Camera

• Travel toiletries