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

things to do in auckland — Things to do in 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 + Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Travel time Auckland to Bay of Islands – 3.5 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.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Cultural Performance

In the afternoon, discover the heart of Aotearoa at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of the nation. Walk through New Zealand’s most important historic site with full access to heritage buildings, museums, and iconic landmarks.

Stand before the world’s largest ceremonial waka, explore the interactive Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and the moving Te Rau Aroha – Museum of the Price of Citizenship, then deepen your understanding on a 50-minute guided tour. Complete your visit with a powerful Māori cultural performance, bringing tradition, history, and storytelling to life.

A meaningful and unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Stay 3 nights in Paihia.

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

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.

Day 4 Bay of Islands

Visit the top of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and venture to Cape Reinga. This full day trip takes you to one of the most northern points of New Zealand where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide.

On the way to Cape Reinga you could visit Gumdiggers park where ancient Kauri forest was buried thousands of years ago. A giant 100,000 year old Kauri tree has been exposed for viewing and is part of a vast forest buried beneath Gumdiggers Park. Information spots and an audio visual show describe the cataclysmic events which could have caused this destruction. Studies by international scientists on the kauri timber are described, depicting past and future global weather patterns. The site includes an authentic preserved 100 year old gum field and a recreated gum diggers village with huts made in the traditional way from jute sacks. Original equipment can be found along the discovery trail as well as a gecko house with rare Northland Geckos.

You could visit the world famous Mangonui Fish Shop for lunch and grab the freshest fish and chips as the sea washes gently beneath your feet.

If time permits visit Waipoua Forest. As the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland, Waipoua is an ancient green world of towering trees and rare birds. This forest is the home of Tāne Mahuta, the country’s largest kauri tree, which is approximately 2,000 years old and still growing. Nearly 18 metres to the first branch and 4.4 metres in diameter, Tāne Mahuta is rightly called ‘The Lord of the Forest’. Another significant tree in Waipoua Forest is Te Matua Ngahere – ‘Father of the Forest’ – is estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old.

Day 5 Hamilton

Travel time Bay of Islands to Hamilton – 5 hours

Journey to Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city, situated on the banks of the Waikato River. Hamilton’s warm and welcoming spirit, rich history and contrasting splendours ensure visitors are spoilt for choice for places to relax and enjoy. From magnificent parks and gardens to a thriving cultural precinct, the city offers a vibrant combination of fine dining, leisure and activity choices.

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; step from a peaceful Sung Dynasty Chinese Scholar’s garden into an Italian Renaissance Garden, before being enthralled by the grandeur of the Indian Char Bagh ‘four quartered’ Garden.

Stay 1 night in Hamilton.

Day 6 Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour & Ruakuri Cave Tour + Rotorua

Travel time Hamilton to Waitomo Caves – 1 hour

waitomo caves new zealand vacation — Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

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 7 Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa + Te Pā Tū – Evening Cultural Experience & Hangi Dinner

In the morning, step into Wai Ariki, a place where Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing traditions, and warm hospitality converge. Nestled by the captivating Lake Rotorua, its name, ‘Chiefly Waters,’ reflects the majesty it holds. Owned and curated by the local iwi, you’ll discover the Wai Whakaora, a path to restoration, and the exclusive sanctuary, Āhuru Mōwai, both deeply rooted in Māori values. Experience a world of uniqueness that transcends borders and touches hearts. Wai Ariki awaits to embrace you with its magic.

This evening, immerse yourself in Māori culture with the Te Pā Tū Evening Cultural Experience & Hāngi Dinner. Enjoy traditional storytelling, song, and dance before sharing a delicious seasonal hāngi feast cooked in an earth oven. This unforgettable evening celebrates Māori heritage, connection, and hospitality in a truly authentic setting.

Day 8 Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Coromandel Peninsula

Travel time Rotorua to Matamata – 1 hour

hobbiton new zealand vacation — Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

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 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

glass bottom boat new zealand vacation — Cathedral Cove Glass Bottom Boat Tour

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.

cruises from auckland — Things to do in Auckland

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 afternoon, head up the Sky Tower for panoramic views of Auckland City. Soaring 328 metres above the city, it offers breathtaking 360-degree vistas across the skyline, harbours, and beyond. You are spoilt for choice with a restaurant and a café up the Sky Tower, including the Orbit 360 degree dining revolving restaurant and 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 tour in New Zealand.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.