Day 1: Arrive in Auckland ✈️

Land in Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails! Head to your central hostel, settle in, and meet up with your group leader and crew in the evening for dinner, drinks, and welcome vibes.

Day 2: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton 🧙‍♂️

Head south to Waitomo to float along subterranean rivers lit by thousands of wild glowworms. Afterwards, step into movie magic with a guided tour through the real-life Hobbiton Movie Set, complete with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn before heading to Rotorua!

Day 3: Geothermal Wonders in Rotorua ♨️

Soak in the naturally heated thermal waters of Kerosene Creek and visit the dramatic Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonderland to witness bubbling mud pools and steaming volcanic geysers.

Day 4: Authentic Māori Cultural Experience 🌿

Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua for optional adrenaline activities like zorbing or the skyline luge! In the evening, visit a traditional Māori village to experience an authentic Powhiri welcome ceremony, Kapa Haka performances, and a traditional feast.

Day 5: Lake Taupō Sunset Sail ⛵

Travel to lakefront Taupō. Board an eco-friendly electric yacht to sail across Lake Taupō, soaking in panoramic mountain views and ancient Māori Rock Carvings.

Day 6: Huka Falls & Adrenaline Rush 🌊

Take a scenic walk to witness the roaring blue waters of Huka Falls. Spend the afternoon taking on optional adrenaline activities like skydiving or doing a bungy jump over the river!

Day 7: Travel to Capital City Wellington 🏙️

Travel south across the North Island to New Zealand’s creative capital, Wellington! Check into your hotel and dive into the city’s famous craft brewery and cafe culture with your crew.

Day 8: Explore Wellington 🚡

Take a city orientation tour, ride the iconic red Wellington Cable Car for sweeping harbor views, and explore interactive national history at the world-famous Te Papa Tongarewa Museum.

Day 9: Check Out & Onward Travel 🎒

Your 9-day North Island adventure finishes in Wellington. Head south across the Cook Strait to explore the South Island, or let your group leader assist with onward travel plans!

Yes! Over 80% of travelers join INTRO Travel trips completely solo. You will be paired up in shared hostel dorm rooms with other group members of the same gender, making instant friends without paying expensive single supplement fees.

Most Western passport holders (including UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia) need to apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before flying. It’s quick to complete on your phone and valid for up to 2 years!

You stay in top-rated, social backpacker hostels right in the heart of Auckland, Rotorua, Taupō, and Wellington. Facilities include clean shared dorms, Wi-Fi, kitchens, and central access to town hubs and nightlife.

All internal ground transport between destinations is fully included. You will travel comfortably aboard dedicated private transport and local connection coaches with your group leader and crew.

While 8 nights accommodation and main highlights (Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, Māori cultural feast, Lake Taupō sail) are pre-paid, you’ll need card/cash for non-included meals and drinks. A solid daily budget is $50–$70 AUD / $55–$75 NZD per day.

This North 9-Day covers Māori culture, Hobbiton, volcanic geysers, and Taupō. The South 9-Day focuses strictly on alpine landscapes, Mount Cook, Milford Sound, and Queenstown. The 17-Day combines both into one epic trip across both islands!