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NZ Adventure North, 9 Days Auckland to Wellington

Glowworm caves, the real Hobbiton and steaming Rotorua. The North Island in nine days.

Glowworm caves, the real Hobbiton, Rotorua's geothermal wonderland and a Māori village experience, then sailing on Lake Taupo and Wellington's craft-beer laneways, the North Island's icons in nine days.

⭑ 4.9 575 Trustpilot reviews 📍 New Zealand ⏱ 9 days · 8 nights · Auckland → Wellington 👥 Group tour with leader 🔥 Chill 🎂 Ages 18 to 45

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4.9 from 575 Trustpilot reviews

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Why you'll love it

  1. 1

    Waitomo glowworm caves boat tour

  2. 2

    The real Hobbiton film set

  3. 3

    Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park + Kerosene Creek

  4. 4

    Māori village cultural experience

  5. 5

    Sailing on Lake Taupo + Huka Falls

  6. 6

    Wellington cable car & Te Papa

On the ground

Real moments from the trip, tap any clip to play with sound.

Day-by-day itinerary

Auckland Day 1 Waitomo Day 2 Hobbiton Day 2 Rotorua Days 3–4 Lake Taupo Days 5–6 Wellington Days 7–9
Your route, day by day
1 Day 1 · Arrive in Auckland

Arrive in Auckland and meet your group and your tour leader, settle in before your first night out together as the adventure begins.

2 Day 2 · Glowworm caves and Hobbiton

First up you're stopping at Waitomo, home of the world-famous glowworm caves. You'll take a guided tour and explore this labyrinth of underground rivers and watch the resident glowworms do their thing. This afternoon you tick off another highlight as you head to Hobbiton to wander the real-life lush pastures of the Shire as featured in The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After exploring the set and learning all about movie magic, you'll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before departing for Rotorua.

3 Day 3 · Explore Rotorua

You'll also check out one of New Zealand's most magnificent geothermal wonderlands - Wai o Tapu, featuring dramatic geysers & bubbling mud.

4 Day 4 · Māori cultural experience

This morning you'll have some free time to maybe try some zorbing or the skyline luge. In the evening you'll go to the Mitai Māori village for an introduction to Māori culture. It doesn't get more authentic than this!

5 Day 5 · Taupo sailing

Have your cameras ready as you travel to Taupo, a lakefront town in the heart of the North Island. This afternoon brings something special, a sailing trip across the lake. Swoon over no-filter-needed scenery and Māori rock carvings.

6 Day 6 · Waterfalls and adrenaline

After witnessing the raw power of Mother Nature, you'll then have some free time when you can do a skydive or a bungee jump!

7 Day 7 · Travel to Wellington

Your tour leader shares the detail and the best local options on the day.

8 Day 8 · Explore Wellington

Get ready to explore the best of Wellington with a city orientation tour!

9 Day 9 · Check out and onward travel

Your adventure comes to an end today. Your tour leader will help with onward travel, or you can extend your stay with the new friends you've made.

What's included

✓ What's included

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • 6 meals
  • Awesome group leader
  • Waitomo glowworm caves boat tour
  • Hobbiton film set tour
  • Kerosene creek
  • Wai o Tapu geothermal wonderland
  • Māori village experience
  • Lake Taupo sailing
  • Huka falls
  • Wellington city orientation
  • Wellington cable car
  • Te Papa Tongarewa museum
  • All transportation costs

✕ Not included

  • ✕Flights
  • ✕Travel insurance
  • ✕Most meals
  • ✕Optional adrenaline add-ons

Accommodation

Curated stays along the route, a mix of characterful hotels, traditional lodgings and social hostels, all with the essentials sorted.

Auckland hostel, accommodation on NZ Adventure North, 9 Days Auckland to Wellington

Auckland hostel

1 night in a modern hostel in a great location. Multi-share rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, kitchen & dining area.

Rotorua hostel, accommodation on NZ Adventure North, 9 Days Auckland to Wellington

Rotorua hostel

3 nights in a stylish centrally located hostel! Multi-share rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, kitchen & dining area.

Wellington hostel, accommodation on NZ Adventure North, 9 Days Auckland to Wellington

Wellington hostel

2 nights right in the heart of the city. Multi-share rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, kitchen & dining area.

Taupo hostel, accommodation on NZ Adventure North, 9 Days Auckland to Wellington

Taupo hostel

2 nights in a laid-back, homely hostel. Multi-share rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry, kitchen & dining area.

Rooming is typically same-gender multi-share unless a private/twin upgrade is noted, ask us if you'd like a private room.

Common questions about this trip

  • Can I combine North + South?
    Yes, that's the 17-day NZ Adventure, with the inter-island flight included. Cheaper than booking both legs separately.

  • What's the cancellation policy?
    Dates or tours can be changed free up to 30 days before departure, and changes inside 30 days may incur a fee. If you cancel 30 or more days out, you can keep 100% of your payment as credit, or take a refund of 75% of the tour value. Inside 30 days the operator retains the full amount. Wanderlust handles the refund for you, refunds mirror the operator's terms 1:1 (including if the operator cancels) and we chase it on your behalf.

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What travellers say

Real reviews

4.9 from 575Trustpilot reviews

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