07 Day North Island Family Guided Tour

Your guided holiday adventure 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. The Auckland Museum is well worth a visit with internationally significant Māori and Pacific collections to explore.

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 or head down to The Viaduct, a food and drinks hub in central Auckland.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Travel time Auckland to Waitomo – 3 hours

Venture off the beaten track as your guide takes you on a scenic drive to Waitomo. 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 ancient caverns as you embark on a private guided Footwhistle Tour with Cave World, where you will be captivated
by the enchanting glow of thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness above.

Driving time Waitomo to Cambridge, 1 hour

Nestled in the heart of the Waikato region, Cambridge is a charming, historic town known for its picturesque streets lined with heritage buildings, vibrant gardens, and a rich equine culture. Often referred to as the “Town of Trees and Champions,” Cambridge offers a welcoming atmosphere with easy access to outdoor activities, including cycling, walking trails, and nearby lakes. A visit here provides a perfect blend of small-town charm, rich history, and natural beauty, making it a must-see destination in New Zealand.

Stay 1 night in Cambridge.

Driving time Cambridge to Rotorua, 1 hour

Enjoy the scenic drive to Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland.

This diverse city will put on a display as you encounter dramatic geysers, bubbling mud pools, crystal-clear streams, magical forests and 18 beautiful fresh water lakes. Rotorua sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of this town’s past and present. Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland and is the tribal home of the Te Arawa people, who settled in its lakeside geothermal area more than 600 years ago.

Enjoy a fun-filled adventure for all ages with the Skyline Gondola and Luge in Rotorua. Glide to the top of Mount Ngongotahā in an eight-seater gondola, taking in panoramic views of Lake Rotorua, the city, and its geothermal landscape. At the summit, jump into a gravity-fuelled Luge cart and race down a choice of scenic, intermediate, or advanced tracks- each offering twists, turns, and breathtaking forest views. Whether you are seeking family fun or a touch of friendly competition, this is a must-do Rotorua experience where one ride is never enough.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Learn all about New Zealand’s national icon at the world’s leading kiwi hatchery and discover how they have successfully hatched over 2,100 kiwi chicks. Watch genuine ‘Conservation in Action’ in the purpose-built incubation facility and if you’re lucky see a newly hatched kiwi chick! After your 45-minute guided experience, take more time to learn in the interactive kiwi burrow – where you can stand in a human sized kiwi burrow or sit in a giant kiwi egg. See adult kiwi roam and forage in the purpose-built Nocturnal house.

In the evening, experience a unique insight into Māori culture. Be enthralled by Māori cultural performances as you get the opportunity to participate 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.

Travel time Rotorua to Matamata – 1 hour 

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you will step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did. Your guide will then escort you around the set, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made

You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn. You will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.

Driving time Matamata to Coromandel Peninsula , 2.5 hours

Embark on a scenic tour of the Coromandel Peninsula and take in views of the lush rainforest and idyllic beaches. If the tide is right, visit Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pools, on your way to Whitianga.

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.

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.

Stay 2 nights in Whitianga, Coromandel.

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! See what lies above and below the surface in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve and be amazed by all the marine life to be seen. 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. Blue penguins are a common sight year-round.

In the afternoon, your guide will show you some of the best hidden secrets of the Coromandel, including lush forest walks and secluded golden-sand beaches. The ideal afternoon for your small group escorted tours New Zealand.

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.

Travel time Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland – 3 hours 

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

If you have time add a tour to Waiheke Island. You’ll find beautiful galleries and craft boutiques and the island also boasts more than a dozen high-quality vineyards, many with relaxed restaurants onsite. Enjoy local wine while looking out over vine-covered valleys to the blue sea beyond.

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, 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.

Departure Day – Depart Auckland

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