10 Day North Island Guided Tour

Experience the best of the North Island on this 5* reviewed New Zealand guided vacation. We offer flexible New Zealand escorted tours with no date or itinerary restrictions.

Each New Zealand vacation package includes a personal tour guide/driver, private tour vehicle, quality accommodation, and a range of must-do activities. In addition, this North Island guided tour is fully customisable. We will work with you to ensure your New Zealand vacation matches exactly what you are looking for.

Read on for more details on the 10 Day North Island Guided Tour.

10 Day North Island Guided Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland

You’re guided New Zealand vacation begins in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. 

Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. World-class shopping and phenomenal dining is never too far from harbours, islands, native bush and black-sand beaches.

Explore Auckland with your guide. 

If you would like to get straight into nature; skipper an America’s Cup Yacht or experience Whale Watching. Or visit top attractions like the Sky Tower and Mt Eden’s volcanic crater.

In the evening the fairy lights of Federal Street will lure you into some of the finest restaurants in Auckland.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 2 Bay of Islands

Travel time Auckland to Bay of Islands – 4 hours 

Leave the city behind as your tour continues north to the Bay of Islands, a stunning stretch of coastline with secluded beaches and fantastic marine wildlife.

New Zealand’s newest Marine mammal sanctuary Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) boasts an abundance of marine life, which includes whales, dolphins, penguins, fur seals and a large variety of sea birds. For those that love nature, beaches and water activities, it’s paradise.

The bustling seaside town of Paihia has an extensive choice of activities, accommodation and delicious dining options. Paihia is the perfect base for discovering the coves and beaches of the Bay of Islands.

Stay 2 nights in Paihia.

Day 3 Bay of Islands + Discover the Bay Cruise + Russell or Waitangi

Today board your premium ‘Discover the Bay’ cruise and see the best of the Bay of Islands. Journey to the Hole in the Rock and if weather permits, sail through it. See marine wildlife including dolphins and stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to have a swim, go for a walk, have a bite to eat and relax.

In the afternoon, you might like your guide to take you to Russell. Russell is a significant place in New Zealand’s history, being New Zealand’s first European settlement and capital. Russell is also home to the Duke of Marlborough, New Zealand’s first licensed hotel and pub. The pub is located on the waterfront in Russell— the perfect spot for a drink.

Or experience Maori culture with your guide and visit the Waitangi treaty house, gardens, and national marae (meeting house). The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is where the signing of New Zealand’s founding document Te Tiriti o Waitangi took place on February 6th 1840. The Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and Te Rau Aroha Museum are located on the grounds along with the Treaty House and Te Whare Rūnanga (the House of Assembly), making this a fascinating place to explore.

Day 4 Hamilton

Travel time Bay of Islands to Hamilton – 5.5 hours 

Your tour will pass through the City of Sails once more as you continue south to Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city.

Explore attractions with your guide such as Raglan’s surf coast; relax at a beachside cafe and enjoy the scenery or get amongst it and learn to surf!

Soak in the natural, silky mineral water that has made Te Aroha Mineral Pools famous for over 100 years.

Meander through the Hamilton Gardens and discover paths delivering mysterious surprises.

Stay 1 night in Hamilton.

Day 5 Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour + Rotorua

Travel time Hamilton to Waitomo Caves – 1 hour 

Venture off the beaten track as your guide takes you on a scenic drive to the Waitomo Caves. The land is wilder around here, with limestone outcroppings emerging from farmland and densely forested hills rising all around, but the wildest landscape of all lies underground.

Witness the marvels of these vast caverns as you explore two fantastic caves – the Ruakuri Cave, home to a dizzying array of cave formations, and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you will be dazzled by a galaxy of glowworms overhead.

Travel time Waitomo Caves to Rotorua – 2 hours 

Enjoy the scenic drive to Rotorua. Tour the exciting geothermal attractions with your guide, visiting sulphur springs, mud pools, geysers, and sinter terraces.

Other options include visiting the Redwoods Treewalk, which features 23 suspension bridges through 115-year-old redwood trees.

Top recommendations for the evening include taking the Skyline Gondola with a delicious dinner atop the Skyline Complex.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 6 Rotorua Geothermal Reserve Tour & Spa + Māori Culture Evening Experience & Maori Hāngi Dinner

In the morning, stroll through Hell’s Gate, a steaming thermal reserve. See bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, mineral pools, learn about New Zealand’s history and culture, and even try Maori weaving and wood carving! After you have explored the thermal reserve, enjoy a relaxing sulphur spa overlooking the reserve.

In the evening, experience a unique insight into Māori culture. Be enthralled by Māori cultural performances as you get the opportunity to participlate in the graceful poi dance or ferocious haka. Taste an exquisite Māori feast prepared in the traditional Hangi style. You will be treated to New Zealand mussels, traditional rewana bread and dips, meats, chicken, lamb, vegetables and salads. Try a local drink made from kawakawa extract and manuka honey plus make sure you leave room for dessert.  After dinner you will be invited to board the motorised waka for a journey to Te Puia’s geothermal valley. You’ll disembark right in front of the Pohutu Geyser, illuminated in its full glory beneath a starry sky. Marvel at the sight of this glorious natural wonder, while your tour guide entertains you with traditional Māori mythology and stories.

Day 7 Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Tauranga

Travel time Rotorua to Matamata – 1 hour 

Experience the magic of Middle-earth as you tour the Hobbiton Movie Set, where the charming village from The Lord of the Rings has been brought to life. The set has been completely rebuilt and will remain as it was seen in the films. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm. You can relax and soak up the unique atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal in the Shire’s Rest Cafe.

Travel time Matamata to Tauranga – 1 hour 

Continue to the Bay of Plenty, one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in New Zealand, and explore the city with your guide.

Mount Maunganui, a short distance from Tauranga, has spectacular beaches which are a magnet for surfers all year round and voted New Zealand’s best beach by TripAdvisor. Surfing lessons are available at the ’Mount’ all year round for those looking to give it a try.

Stay 1 night in Tauranga.

Day 8 Coromandel Peninsula + Hot Water Beach

Travel time Tauranga to Coromandel Peninsula – 2.5 hours 

Renowned worldwide as a spectacular holiday destination, with warm white-sand beaches, misty rainforest and wilderness aplenty, the Coromandel is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

Whitianga is the main settlement of Mercury Bay, an attractive township with a deep-water harbour. Whitianga has an excellent selection of restaurants and cafes, and the thriving retail community provides an interesting collection of outlets.

Home to the world renowned Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, Mercury Bay is known for its variety of marine experiences both on and under the water. From kayaking and fishing in and around the Mercury Islands to scenic boat trips in the Te Whanganui-O-Hei Marine Reserve, Whitianga and Mercury Bay have it all. Experience the magic and relax in the unspoiled playground of Mercury Bay – a recreational haven just waiting for you.

Stay 2 nights in Whitianga, Coromandel.

Day 9 Cathedral Cove Glass Bottom Boat Tour + Hahei

Today, join the Glass Bottom Boat for a unique boat cruise. Depart from the Whitianga Wharf to explore the breathtaking volcanic coastline, including famous Cathedral Cove. See the stunning Champagne Bay. Plus a range of blow holes and sea caves, including Orua’s Sea Cave, the second largest sea cave in New Zealand! Choose your own level of fun, either sit back and enjoy the amazing marine life through the glass boat. Or take the plunge and snorkel amongst the fish. All equipment supplied and no experience necessary.

In the afternoon, your guide will show you some of the best hidden secrets of the Coromandel, including secluded golden-sand beaches.

Hahei is located 35 km or 30 minutes drive South East of Whitianga. Hahei is an attractive beach, fringed with pohutukawa trees and drifts of pink shells at the northern end. The offshore islands provide something of a breakwater, making this sheltered beach ideal for swimming, boating and snorkeling. Hahei also offers a number of cafes making it the perfect spot for lunch.

Day 10 Auckland

Travel time Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland – 3 hours 

As your tour draws to a close, return to Auckland and spend your final day touring around with your guide. Option to celebrate the end of a fantastic tour with a Auckland harbour dinner cruise.

Spend some time relaxing at one of the numerous local beaches. Mission Bay and St. Heliers urban beaches offer breathtaking views of Rangitoto Island. Or venture further afield to Piha Beach so you can see a stunning black sand surf beach.

This evening, if you would like to dine with a spectacular view, you might like to visit the Sky Tower. You are spoilt for choice with three restaurants and cafes up the Sky Tower, including the Orbit 360 degree dining revolving restaurant; The Sugar Club, which is superbly chic and elegant; or the Sky Café, where you can relax with a coffee, cheese board or ice cream. The perfect way to celebrate your private small group escorted tours New Ze

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 11 Depart Auckland

Your guide will deliver you to Auckland Airport for your departing flight.