New Zealand: North Island Encompassed

Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Leave your travel FOMO behind on this ten-day tour through New Zealand’s North Island. It'll take you from lit landscapes and 'gram-worthy backdrops with some fun oddities sprinkled in between. Stay overnight on a houseboat in the Bay of Islands, visit an eel (yes, eel!) farm, and witness how glow worms light up the caves of Waitomo. There’s much more, but we’ve gotta leave some surprises for you, right?

Day 1 Auckland
Arrive at any time.

It’s time to make some memories! Join your CEO and group for a night out in Auckland. Dinner, drinks, ice cream? You’ll mix and match these depending on the mood of the group to enjoy a wonderful evening. So what are you waiting for? You can choose to grab dinner somewhere tasty, or to head to Giapo ice cream parlour—contributor to Planeterra for a sweet snack, or to go check out craft beer bars downtown like Little Creatures and Habana Joe's. The options seem endless, but regardless of where the night takes you just make sure you snap loads of pictures because there’s no doubt you’ll want to remember this.

Day 2 Auckland/Bay of Islands
Get off the beaten path and travel north on backroads, stopping to see giant kauri trees (some of the largest trees in the world) along the way. Then hop in crystal clear waters for an included snorkelling activity at the Goat Island Marine Reserve. See what life under the sea is all about before boarding a large houseboat for an overnight trip through the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Day 3 Bay of Islands/Paihia
Make the most of your time on the boat with a free morning to do all of the things you didn’t get to do yesterday. Hop in the water for some kayaking or snorkelling. Visit the nearby islands to do some more exploring, or maybe try your hand at fishing. Then, it’s time to hop off the boat and give the town of Paihia some love. Do some hiking through the lush native forest, go chase some waterfalls, walk along the beach, or grab ice cream and cool off in town while people watching. Then find your group for dinner together in this backpacker haven.

Day 4 Paihia/Auckland
It’s always nice when you get some time to catch your breath! Take advantage of this free morning in Paihia to stroll the waterfront, check out the historic Waitangi Treaty grounds, lounge in the town centre with an ice cold drink, or go out on a whim and book a skydiving adventure. No matter what you decide you’re only real job today is to have some fun.

The group returns to Auckland in the early evening. Then everyone will head out for drinks together or to enjoy some delicious ice cream!

Day 5 Auckland/Raglan
Begin your journey along backroads to a remote eel farm (this might sound strange, but life’s more fun when you embrace the bizarre) where you will learn about sustainable aquaculture and the conservations farm’s methods regarding traditionally farmed marine life.

After, get on the water for some sea kayaking; exploring remote parts of the harbour before indulging in a picnic lunch. With full stomachs and a relaxed atmosphere the group will head to our lodge just a few minutes drive from the famous surf and arts town of Raglan for the night.

Day 6 Raglan
Wake up amid the adventurous in the picturesque North Island town of Raglan. This laid-back place may well be New Zealand’s perfect surf town and you’ll get to enjoy an included surf lesson to get you out in the waves.

The afternoon is yours for the taking; head on a hike around the Wainui Reserve, grab a kayak or stand up paddle board and traverse the harbour, or embrace the Indigenous art scene and shop from place to place finding the perfect memento for your trip. Your only job today is to get out, relax, and have fun!

Day 7 Raglan/Rotorua
Another day another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave’s ceiling just like stars in the night sky (sounds like a pretty unforgettable experience to us.)

Next stop is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity (think hot springs galore) and culture. Once the group arrives here you will visit a local village for an engaging cultural experience to help you better understand the Maori way of life.

Day 8 Rotorua/Taupo
Make the most of your morning in Rotorua. There's lots to see and do! Opt to go whitewater rafting or mountain biking for an adrenaline rush, try your hand at zorbing, or relax at a hot spring. Later, continue to Taupo.

Day 9 Taupo/Wellington
Hit the road to the nation’s capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.

Day 10 Wellington
Depart at any time.

Alas, your trip has come to an end. However, who says you have to go home? Why not add on another tour so you can keep exploring this stunning part of the world. After all, does anyone ever regret extending a vacation?