Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island 2024-25

10 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
91%
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premier
Cancellation Policy
Group Tour
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...
26%
$2,489
From$1,844
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Visit Whangarei Falls
    • Visit Waitangi Treaty Ground
    • Orientation walk around Pahia with Trip Leader
    • Visit Waitomo Caves
    • Orientation walk around Rotorua with Trip Leader
    • Orientation tour, marae visit, workshops and hangi dinner at Kohutapu Lodge
    • Visit Wai-O-Tapu thermal pools
    • Visit Lake Taupo and Huka Falls
    • Orientation walk of Tongariro National Park with Trip Leader
    • Orientation walk around Wellington with Trip Leader

What's this trip about?

    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.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range18 to 35 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAuckland
End CityWellington

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Rotorua
  • Tongariro National Park
  • Waitomo

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • Air-conditioned minicoach

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Auckland (North Island, New Zealand)

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!

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Auckland – Whangarei Falls – Paihia (Bay of Islands)

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 surrounde...

Day 3: Paihia

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 – ac...

Day 4: Paihia – Matakana – Waitomo

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:...

Day 5: Waitomo – Rotorua

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...

Day 6: Rotorua – Kohutapu

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 ...

Day 7: Kohutapu – Tongariro National Park

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 Huk...

Day 8: Tongariro National Park

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....

Day 9: Tongariro National Park – Wellington

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 on an orientation tour before we head to Mt Victoria for 360-degree views over the harbour. This evening, we’ll give...

Day 10: Wellington

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...

Meals: Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,844
Price per day$184
Last Updated: 5/10/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Per Person
Single
Twin Per Person
Availability
02 Jul 2024
11 Jul 2024
$1,845
$2,304
$1,845
14 spots left
10 Sep 2024
19 Sep 2024
$2,149
$2,669
$2,149
16 spots left
29 Oct 2024
07 Nov 2024
$2,149
$2,679
$2,149
18 spots left
19 Nov 2024
28 Nov 2024
$2,149
$2,679
$2,149
19 spots left
03 Dec 2024
12 Dec 2024
$2,149
$2,679
$2,149
18 spots left
07 Jan 2025
16 Jan 2025
$2,149
$2,669
$2,149
16 spots left
28 Jan 2025
06 Feb 2025
$2,149
$2,669
$2,149
20 spots left
25 Feb 2025
06 Mar 2025
$2,149
$2,669
$2,149
20 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Topdeck.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Topdeck Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
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Terrible
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Other Topdeck Reviews

A

Alexander

Dec 2022

Provided byTopdeck

Best Tour Guide every so helpful an always switched on, best part was enjoying Long Drinks on the ferry Keep up the great work

Best Tour Guide every so helpful an always switched on, best pa...

R

Riley

Dec 2022

Provided byTopdeck

Really great tour overall, got pretty lucky with some of the activities cause they can be weather dependent.

Really great tour overall, got pretty lucky with some of the activities cause they can be weather dependent. Was not able to do black water and white water rafting o...

R

Rory Gunn

Jul 2023

Written on

They will do whatever they can to not…

They will do whatever they can to not honor their obligations

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Tour Operator

Topdeck

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So, who the hell are Topdeck?

Short answer: we’re the travel-enthusiast fairy godmother you never had. We’re your hassle-free ticket to discovering more destinations. Your exit from the daily grind into life changing experiences. A chance to uncover extraordinary with a bunch of curious, like-minded people – with the freedom to delve deeper and just be you.

Aged 18 to 30-something? We’re devoted to making your travel dreams a reality. And after years in the group travel biz we know what you want – and we aren’t scared of over-delivering. Forget forking out for the logistics, we’ll sort it for you. Accommodation, experiences, transport... we've got you.

Then? There’s all that free time to just. do. you. Be spontaneous. Do your thing. ‘Cause this is what you came for. And if you need local tips, we’ve got your back. Our Trip Leaders are the experts who don’t just lead; who inspire. Who will make your world come alive, and were born to do it.

A Topdeck trip is an alternate reality. A realer real, away from home, work, the usual. Your chance to be the best version of yourself. To be an insider, not a bystander. To share incredible moments with people who are 100% different, but 100% the same. To strip it all back and find the real you.

Trust us, if you go it alone, it sure as hell won’t be the same

Why we love this operator
Their trips perfectly balance epic experiences and free time for exploring in the most popular backpacking destinations.
What they’re known for
Group tours for 18-30 year olds looking to travel internationally on a budget and make new friends along the way.

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Logistics

Accommodation

- 8 nights in hotel-style accommodation (twin or double), 1 night in a lodge (multi-share),

Transportation & Flights

Air-conditioned minicoach,

Transportation & flights

Air-conditioned minicoach
Cancellation policy
If you cancel more than 60 days prior to departure you may request in writing that we provide you with a rolling deposit voucher for a future trip. The voucher must be redeemed within two years from the date of first cancellation. The voucher can be transferred to a friend but cannot be transferred a second time. One voucher can be redeemed per person per trip. If you cancel within 60 days of departure you will need to pay our applicable cancellation fee based on the cancellation policy at time of booking. The balance of your trip must be paid no later than 60 days prior to your trip departure date. If you do not pay within this period we may cancel your booking and your deposit will be forfeited. Full payment is required if you make a booking within 60 days of the departure date; if you then wish to cancel, standard cancellation terms apply. If your booking is a special offer we may require full payment (including any pre- and post-accommodation and sundry service charges) by such earlier time as specified in the offer.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

Breakfasts: 9

Lunches: 0

Dinners: 3

Age Requirements
18 to 35 years
Optional Activities
  • FYI: these are optional activities available locally. Things might change – prices are here to give you a rough idea.
  • Tour of Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach: from $170
  • Bay of Islands sundown cruise: from $90
  • Hole in the Rock cruise: from $150
  • Visit Ruakuri Cave: from $70
  • Blackwater rafting at Waitomo Caves: from $179
  • Visit the Hobbiton movie set: from $150
  • Ziplining canopy tour: from $179
  • Whitewater rafting in Rotorua: from $139
  • Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a local guide (October to April): from $395
  • Quad biking in Tongariro National Park: from $155
Additional Information
Trip ID
topdeck-TGKAW4

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