Description
Discover the North Island’s top highlights with the Northern Round Up. Visit the stunning beaches of the Coromandel, experience the surreal geysers of Rotorua, and explore the Central Volcanic Plateau, home to the iconic Mt. Doom. Journey through the lush farmlands of Horowhenua and add thrilling activities like black water rafting, a marae visit, or even skydiving for an extra dose of adventure. This trip promises an unforgettable experience!
**We will contact you for availability dates after purchase.
Departures
- Departs Anywhere
- Finishes Anywhere
- Please put in additional notes at checkout your starting date and city
How Does the bus pass work ?
- Minimum of 7 days travel
- Cheap Az Travel will customize your travel itinerary for you
- Simply tell us your departure dates and ending dates and we will plan your adventure
- This is a jump on jump off adventure so take as long as you want over 7 days
Bay & Cape Inclusions
- Start anywhere, finish anywhere.
- Minimum of 7 days travel
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Pre-Book and pay for accommodation online via the Trip Planner (by 7am 2days before any overnight stop)
- Pre-Book and pay for activities online via the Trip Planner
- Best Price Guarantee on activities
- Flexible, easy, stress-free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
Not Included
- Accommodation
- Meals
The Northern Round Up tour with Kiwi Experience takes you on an unforgettable adventure across New Zealand’s North Island. Starting from anywhere, you’ll journey through iconic spots like the pristine beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua’s mesmerizing geysers, and the dramatic landscapes of the Central Volcanic Plateau, home to the famous Mt. Doom. Along the way, immerse yourself in thrilling activities such as black water rafting through Waitomo’s glowworm caves, skydiving over Lake Taupo, or experiencing the rich Māori culture with a marae visit in Rotorua.
This flexible, stress-free tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re exploring geothermal wonders, taking in stunning coastal views, or soaking up the local history, the Northern Round Up ensures a memorable experience for travelers of all kinds.
Important info before travel
AUCKLAND TO HOT WATER BEACH
Say goodbye to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) as you embark on a journey south-east to the pristine beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula. This breathtaking coastal region offers an array of experiences, including the option to kayak along its stunning shores to the world-famous Cathedral Cove, and the chance to visit Hot Water Beach; a unique beach where you can create your own personal spa pool by digging a hole in the sand, benefiting from the naturally heated water if timed right. Indulge in a Kiwi classic and grab some fish and chips for dinner and chill out with your new friends, or if you prefer a more relaxing evening, opt for a quiet night in to recharge your energy for the upcoming adventure-packed days (you’re going to need it!).
Accommodation
- Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Hot Water Beach (free)
- Cathedral Cove Kayaking (optional extra)
HOT WATER BEACH TO WAITOMO
Leaving the gorgeous Coromandel behind we’ll venture into the enchanting Karangahake Gorge nestled among the Kaimai Ranges, for a hike amongst the walkways and old mining tunnels. Next, we’ll be heading over to Waitomo (‘wai’ meaning water, ‘tomo’ meaning hole) to visit the magical glow-worm caves. World-famous for their abundance of glow worms, extensive underground river system and stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, a trip to the caves is a trip to another world. However, Waitomo is more than caves and glowworms; it’s a cultural hub rich in Māori history, myths and legends. Some of the cave guides are descendants of Chief Tāne Tinorau, the original explorer of the caves. Upon our arrival, we’ll stop for a refreshing walk through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve where you can see the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, native forest and small caves. For those feeling adventurous, this afternoon you will have the opportunity to experience a Black Water Rafting trip (optional extra). Brave the underground rapids as you raft in tubes, leap off waterfalls, and float beneath a dazzling sky of glow worms.
Accommodation
- Waitomo Homestead Cabins (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Karangahake Gorge Walk (free)
- Ruakuri Scenic Walk (free)
- Waitomo Glowworm cave tour (optional extra)
- Black Water Rafting – Labyrinth (optional extra)
- Ruakuri Cave Tour (optional extra)
WAITOMO TO ROTORUA
It’s time to bid farewell to the glowing little critters. For those who wish to live out their Lord of the Rings fantasies, we will stop off at the enchanting village of Hobbiton, where the magic of the movies comes to life (optional extra). Next, we’ll roll on to Rotorua, a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers and natural hot springs. You won’t get bored here; plenty of optional activities keep you busy. Take your pick from exhilarating White Water Rafting, thrilling experiences like Zip Lining across the top of the canopy, or exploring the area’s unique geothermal activity and natural hot springs. You can embrace our history and culture this evening with a 3-hour experience at the Mitai Māori Village (optional extra). Witness captivating stories unfold, be enchanted by performers, and satisfy your hunger with a traditional Māori feast.
Accommodation
- Rock Solid Backpackers (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Ruakuri Bushwalk (free)
- Hobbiton (optional extra)
- White Water Rafting (optional extra)
- Mitai Māori Village evening experience (optional extra)
- Zip Lining (optional extra)
ROTORUA TO TAUPO
If you haven’t had a chance yet to explore the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, we will check it out this morning before heading onto Lake Taupō, taking a walk to the pounding Huka Falls (included) first. In Taupō there is lots to do, just tell us what you’re in the mood for and we’ll get you there. The lake itself (actually an extinct volcano crater) is a sight to behold from the shoreline, but the more adventurous might want to take the opportunity to experience optional activities such as sailing across the lake on a yacht to the Māori rock carvings, or even get a birds-eye view by skydiving above it.
Accommodation
- Based By The Lake (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Te Puia Geothermal wonderland (optional extra)
- Huka Falls (free)
- Skydive Taupo (optional extra)
- Taupo Sailing Adventure (optional extra)
- Tongariro Crossing hike (optional extra)
TAUPO FREE DAY
Taupō’s central location means it’s a hop, skip, and a jump away from other world-class activities which we give you the option to experience on this free day. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (extra activity); a dramatic landscape of stunning contrasts created by extinguished lava flows and emerald lakes, or chill out by the Lake and get some much-needed r&r.
Accommodation
- Based By The Lake (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Tongariro Crossing shuttle bus (optional extra) Not available in winter (May-Oct)
- Skydive Taupo (optional extra)
TAUPO TO WELLINGTON
We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we travel to New Zealand’s capital city Wellington. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion, and nightlife. Here you can experience Mount Victoria (free), or get amongst the thriving craft beer scene and Wellington nightlife.
Accommodation
- Haka House or Nomads Backpackers (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Tongariro National Park
- Mount Victoria lookout (free)
- Te Papa Museum
- Cuba street nightlife (free)
WELLINGTON TO TAUPO
With an early start from windy Wellington, we head north through Taihape, the gumboot capital of New Zealand and the Central Plateau, home of the Tongariro National Park. Then it’s through to Taupō, driving alongside New Zealand’s biggest lake. If the weather suits, it’s time to skydive.
Accommodation
- Based by the Lake (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Taupō Skydive (optional extra)
- Taupō Sailing Adventure (optional extra)
TAUPO TO AUCKLAND (VIA ROTORUA)
Today we head for Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), via Rotorua*. Rotorua is renowned for its Maori heritage and thermal activity, jump off the bus here if you haven’t had a chance to explore it yet, or continue onwards through the rolling countryside to Auckland, also known as the ‘City of Sails’.
*Please note this bus is an express service to Auckland, but you can jump off the bus in Rotorua
Accommodation
- LyLo Auckland (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Auckland Skytower
- Auckland nightlife
- Walk up Mt Eden
- Explore Mission Bay
- Jump on a ferry to Rangitoto Island, or Waiheke Island
To allow for ultimate flexibility, accommodation is not included in the price of your bus pass. The Trip Planner makes it simple to pre-book and pay for your accommodation while travelling on the bus. You must book your accommodation by 7am two days before arrival at each overnight location. Book your accommodation directly with the hostel if you’re staying longer at a destination than on the bus. You always have the option to book your own accommodation outside of Kiwi Experience. Please note that the Kiwi Experience bus will only pick up and drop off from the accommodation on the trip planner. Your are always guaranteed a bed spot on the first night.
You also add your bus sectors on the trip planner if Cheap Az Travel is not doing it for you.
Once you’ve decided on your itinerary and accommodation, Cheap Az Travel can add your activities for you as well at a great price.. From whale watching to bungy jumping, surfing to skydiving.
The pass is valid for 12 months so you can buy now and use later. Each pass has a min time of travel for instance the Kea is 12 days +. We suggest spreading it out and allowing you extra time to take in New Zealand.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Terms & Conditions
- Kiwi Experience travel passes (Travel Passes) are valid for travel in one direction for the route stated on the Travel Pass, repeating sections is not possible.
- Travel using the Travel Pass must commence within 12 months of the date of purchase unless otherwise stated. Travel Passes are valid for 12 months from the first date of travel, or until you have travelled once over all sections of the Travel Pass, whichever occurs first.
- Travel agent vouchers or website E-Tickets are not valid Travel Passes and must be exchanged for a valid Travel Pass (your welcome email will do) before you can travel on a Kiwi Experience service.
- Travel Passes that have expired may be extended on the following terms. A Travel Pass can expire either because you did not use it within 12 months of purchase (or such lesser period if stated in the specific terms of purchase) or you have not finished your travels within 12 months from the first date of travel. Extensions must be requested and paid for before the expiry date of the Travel Pass. A charge of NZD$50 per month (period) of extension applies to all extensions. Further, if you wish to extend your Travel Pass before your first date of travel and the current Travel Pass price is higher at the time of extension than the price you paid for your Travel Pass, the difference must also be paid. There are no refunds if the Travel Pass price at the time of extension is less than the price you paid for your Travel Pass.
- Kiwi Experience Travel Passes are non-transferable. Unlimited Travel applies only to The Whole Kit & Caboodle and the Funky Chicken pass. To qualify for unlimited travel, an entire route circuit must be completed. Backtracking isn’t permitted, and point-to-point journeys can not be repeated without completing the entire circuit. Only the first return inter-island ferry crossing is included in the pass. Any additional crossings are at the pass holders’ expense. These can be purchased via the Kiwi Experience bus planner. No limits are imposed on completing entire route circuits. All other T&Cs still apply.
- All national passes include Inter-Island ferry crossings in line with the itinerary of the pass i.e. (one-way or return). Inter-Island ferry tickets are for walk-on passengers only and do not include food and beverage, lounge access or excess luggage. These are at the expense of the traveller. Kiwi Experience reserves to right to use multiple provides on this crossing.
- Cancellation policy for Travel Passes: In the event you have purchased a Travel Pass and subsequently wish to cancel it, Kiwi Experience may refund your Travel Pass at its sole discretion, in which event you will be required to pay a cancellation fee as follows: a. where the purchase price of the Travel Pass is less than NZD$200, the cancellation fee shall be equivalent to the price paid for the Travel Pass; b. where the purchase price of the Travel Pass is greater than NZD$200, the cancellation fee is NZD$200. No Travel Pass may be cancelled following the first date of travel. The Milford Explorer and Cape Reinga add-on passes are 100% non-refundable.
- Travel reservations are recommended on Kiwi Experience services and should be made at least 14 days before departure to give you the best chance of a seat in the summer period (1 January to 30 April), and 7 days before departure to ensure a seat at other times. Changes to reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to departure and are subject to availability. All reservations and changes must be made by contacting our reservations department:
Ph: +64 (9) 336 4286 or email: travel@kiwiex.co.nz - No Shows: Should you fail to show for any booked and confirmed departure your Travel Pass will become invalid unless and until an NZD$50 fee is paid to reinstate the Travel Pass. This does not include the Milford Explorer and Cape Reinga add-on passes, which are 100% non-refundable and require full payment to reinstate the booking if a no-show occurs.
- Kiwi Experience reserves the right to vary any fares, routes, overnight stops, pricing, inclusions, accommodation operators, departure dates, times and locations without notice. Kiwi Experience reserves the right to substitute other vehicles in place of our own. Kiwi Experience product inclusions and advertised accommodation operators are not guaranteed and will be provided where possible.
- Kiwi Experience will endeavour to adhere to stated departure and arrival times but will not be liable for any failure to meet those times or for any cancellation or delay of Kiwi Experience services.
- Kiwi Experience shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind, including indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising directly or indirectly out of a cancellation or abandonment of, or delay to, any trip, however caused.
- Kiwi Experience has preferred agreements with accommodation providers however we cannot always guarantee your first choice of accommodation.
- Luggage is limited to one piece at 23 kilograms. For additional luggage, charges may apply.
- Kiwi Experience reserves the right to refuse to carry any passenger, luggage or goods at its sole discretion.
- Kiwi Experience will not be liable for the sickness of, injury to, or death of, any passenger, or the loss of, or damage to, any personal effects, whether caused by Kiwi Experience’s negligence or otherwise. There is no travel insurance cover included in the price of a Travel Pass and Kiwi Experience recommends that you obtain travel insurance to cover any sickness, injury, or loss that may occur while you are travelling with Kiwi Experience.
- You agree to indemnify Kiwi Experience against any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by Kiwi Experience, its officers, employees, agents or related companies as a result of any claim by any third party whose claim arises from your use of your Travel Pass or your acts or omissions while travelling on any Kiwi Experience service.
- Where the services of another operator are provided as part of the Travel Pass it is agreed and understood that Kiwi Experience has no responsibility whatsoever for any default of that operator.
- Passengers must be 18 years old at the time of travel. Proof of identification and age may be requested, and failure to provide such proof may invalidate your Travel Pass.
- Kiwi Experience does not offer the Waitomo sector on routes heading North. No Kiwi Experience Travel Pass that includes the Waitomo sector can exchange the Waitomo sector going Southbound for a trip operated by the Waitomo Wanderer going Northbound.
- These terms and conditions are governed by the law of New Zealand and you and Kiwi Experience agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand in any dispute. Nothing in these terms and conditions affects your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
- Kiwi Experience may, at any time and without notice, vary any of these terms and conditions.
- Kiwi Experience will not be liable for breach of, or any failure to perform its obligations under, these terms and conditions where such breach or failure is caused by anything beyond Kiwi Experience’s reasonable control including, but not limited to, war, civil commotion, hostility, act of terrorism, strike, lockout, other industrial act, weather phenomena or other act of God, or governmental regulation or direction.
- If any part of these terms and conditions is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, they will be deemed to be amended by the addition or deletion of wording necessary to remove the invalid, unenforceable or illegal part, but otherwise to remain unchanged to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law.