2 days10 Day North Island Coasts & Culture (Auckland to Wellington)
Length
10 days
Itinerary
10 days planned
Group
Max 24
Guides
English
Overview
Interested in joining us on our epic 10-day New Zealand journey from Auckland to Wellington? Named after the Hihī, our rare native honeyeater, this tour takes you to the North Island’s unmissable destinations and hidden gems only locals know.
Kick off in Auckland, the buzzing City of Sails, with a welcome meeting and waterfront wander, then dig steaming pools at Hot Water Beach before kayaking Cathedral Cove's sea arches and refueling with a classic Kiwi BBQ.
Tour Hobbiton, trek Karangahake Gorge, soak in Rotorua's redwoods and geothermal geysers at Kuirau Park. Immerse in Māori culture at Lake Aniwhenua, gaze at the mighty Huka Falls, soak in Kerosene Creek's hidden hot springs, then conquer Tongariro Alpine Crossing's volcanic craters.
Wrap up your adventure in Wellington's creative culture: Te Papa Museum visits, Mt Victoria sunsets, Cuba Street cafes, and Courtenay Place buzz. All with an expert guide and like-minded adventurers.
Day by day itinerary
1Arrival Auckland⌄
Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) the land of the long white cloud. Make your way to your hostel and then go and explore the city, we recommend starting at the waterfront which is a downhill walk from your accommodation. Meet your Guide at 6pm for an introduction to your tour before heading out together for some dinner (own cost).
Overnight: Haka House Auckland City (5 Turner St, Auckland CBD) or similar
2Auckland to Hahei⌄
Today’s the day we say ‘haere rā’ (goodbye) to Auckland and ‘kia ora!’ (hello) to the trip of a lifetime! First stop, Hahei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. This gorgeous little place will capture your heart (and have you calculating how much it would cost to move to NZ’s coast eternally). When the tides are right, we’ll drive over to the nearby Hot Water Beach and dig ourselves an all-natural hot pool in the sand. Who said backpackers can’t do luxury? This evening we’ll enjoy a classic Kiwi BBQ group dinner together at the resort.
Meals: Breakfast · Dinner
Overnight: Hahei Beach Resort or similar
3Hahei FREE Day⌄
Today you have a full free day to explore Hahei. Take a sunrise kayak to Cathedral Cove, board a boat and cruise around exploring the sea caves, chill out on the beach or enjoy a beer in the local pub. This is your time to relax in paradise so get your R&R on!
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hahei Beach Resort or similar
4Hahei to Rotorua⌄
Rise and shine for an early start this morning as you walk to Hahei Beach to watch the sunrise. Then it’s straight back into the bus for our journey to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Before we get to Rotorua, we’ll stop for an incredibly scenic walk through the Karangahake Gorge and then we’ll head to the home of the Hobbit and enjoy a tour of the real movie set, which was created right here in Middle Earth! When we arrive in Rotorua, head for a walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and then explore the township. There are so many activities available in Rotorua - ask your guide for options!
Enjoy a tour of the real movie set, which was created right here in Middle Earth!
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Haka House Rotorua or similar
5Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua⌄
This morning, take your pick of epic Rotorua experiences: go ziplining, plunge over a 7m waterfall, soak in the Polynesian Spa’s hot pools, or wander through Kuirau Park with its bubbling mud pools. Whether you're chasing thrills or chill time, Rotorua delivers. In the afternoon, we head off the beaten path to Lake Aniwhenua. Here you'll be welcomed by the local Māori whānau at Kohutapu Lodge. Discover sacred rock carvings, try traditional stick games, and watch a ground-cooked hangi come to life—before digging in. Trust us, it might just be the best meal you’ll have in New Zealand (or ever). Exclusive experience includes: 1 night’s accommodation at the serene lakeside Kohutapu Lodge Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert Continental breakfast Guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history and challenges
Meals: Breakfast · Dinner: Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert
Overnight: Serene lakeside Kohutapu Lodge
6Lake Aniwhenua to Lake Taupo⌄
Rise and shine! Enjoy your buffet breakfast and get ready for a day of jam-packed adventure. Keep your togs (swimwear) handy, because our first stop is Kerosene Creek – a naturally hot river and the perfect place for a morning soak. Then it’s on to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the mighty Huka Falls, grab lunch and take a walk to explore or simply relax at your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Haka House Taupo or similar
7Lake Taupo to Tongariro National Park⌄
Today we’re up bright and early as we leave Taupō and head deep into Tongariro National Park — home to what’s often described as the best one-day walk in the world: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This iconic 19 km trail leads us through an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape of steaming vents, crater lakes, and rugged alpine ridges. The Crossing is open year-round, and when there’s snow or ice on the route, a qualified alpine guide and specialised equipment are required for safety (additional cost). These alpine conditions — most common from June to October, but possible at any time — can make the scenery even more dramatic and unforgettable. As always, safety is our priority and the plan is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable for the full Crossing, your guide will have a choice of other incredible hiking options in Tongariro National Park ready to go.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Alpine Chalets or similar
8Tongariro National Park to Wellington⌄
Onwards to Wellington, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with great restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Fill your afternoon by browsing through the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum (at your own cost), grab a craft beer at a brewery, climb to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views or take a stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Oh and, most importantly for the coffee lovers, you’ll be glad to know that Wellington’s coffee culture and cafe scene is considered one of the best in NZ.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Cambridge Hotel or similar
9Wellington FREE Day⌄
Today is a free day to spend exploring Wellington, our capital city and home to New Zealand’s parliament and the iconic Beehive government building. Also known as the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ thanks to Lonely Planet, Wellington is a great place to check out the lively arts, craft beer and café culture scenes or do some shopping. The afternoon is yours to explore the sights - we recommend wandering down Oriental Parade or viewing the excellent exhibits on display at Te Papa National Museum.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Cambridge Hotel or similar
10Depart Wellington⌄
Today your adventure comes to an end. We hope you had a blast! If you have some time at the end of your trip, why not stay a few extra days in Wellington and explore the capital city.
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- ✓Dinner
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicle
- ✓Breakfast
- ✓Guided tour of sacred Maori rock carvings, hangi cooking demonstration, 1 cooked feast and 1 continental breakfast
- ✓Walk to the iconic and very beautiful Cathedral Cove beach
- ✓Experienced Stray Guide
- ✓9-Night accommodation and transfers
- ✓Free time in Wellington to visit the impressive National Museum - Te Papa
Not included
- ✕Food and drinks, other than the meals specified under inclusions
- ✕Extra optional activities which can be booked directly with your Driver (pay as you go)
Good to know
Cancellation: If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 18 years
- Tour pricing is based on quad share (except at Whakahoro which is 6 share). Twin or Single tour packages are available, however these upgrades do not apply to Hahei where accommodation is quad share.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Travel Insurance: Not included with this tour. It is strongly recommend that passengers have their own insurance to cover against illness, injury, loss/damage to personal belongings and inability to travel on the confirmed departure date
- Luggage is limited to one bag or suitcase per person (maximum weight of 15kgs), plus one day pack to carry onboard with your valuables. The carriage of any excess of oversized luggage is at Stray's discretion and must be approved prior to travel.
- Itinerary Disclaimer: Itineraries are correct at the time of printing, however the operator retains the right to alter the route or itinerary if required. On occasion changes are made to improve the product or due to changes made by partners / suppliers. If a product, service or activity detailed in our itinerary is changed, a suitable alternative will be offered where possible. Components of our trip are weather dependent and the Operator cannot be held liable if some components are not available on the day of travel.
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