Flying Kiwi Northern Light Auckland to Wellington

From: $1,041.08

  • Explore Auckland’s vibrant culture and iconic harbors.
  • Experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Māori traditions.
  • Visit the magical Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata.
  • Discover the mesmerizing glowworm caves in Waitomo.
  • Immerse yourself in the North Island’s diverse landscapes and culture.
  • A seamless journey showcasing the best of the North Island.

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Description


Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s North Island with the Northern Light tour. This carefully curated experience highlights the island’s most iconic destinations, from vibrant cities and geothermal wonders to cultural treasures and stunning natural landscapes. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, Northern Light offers a seamless exploration of the North Island’s diverse beauty.

Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where you’ll explore its bustling harbors, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. From there, travel to Rotorua, the heart of Māori culture and geothermal activity. Witness bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and immerse yourself in traditional Māori performances and cuisine.

Next, visit the magical Hobbiton Movie Set, a must-see for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Step into the enchanting world of Middle-earth and explore the charming hobbit holes and lush green landscapes. The tour also includes a visit to Waitomo, where you’ll discover the mesmerizing glowworm caves, a natural wonder that will leave you in awe.

With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a thoughtfully designed itinerary, Northern Light ensures you experience the very best of the North Island. Whether you’re marveling at geothermal wonders, exploring cinematic landscapes, or connecting with Māori culture, this tour promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Departures

  • Departs Auckland
  • Finishes Wellington

Highlights

  • NZ cycle trail
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing
  • Rotorua |Wellington
  • Kayaking
  • White water rafting
  • Te Papa Museum
  • Excellent bike rides
  • Thermal pools
  • Accommodation by coasts, mountains & lakes

Inclusions

  • This trip takes in many of the best activity options available in the North plus some excellent free options. We have carefully constructed each tour so you can pick and choose the things you love to fill your day. Options include passive sightseeing to adrenaline junkie adventures – but always know that there’s never any pressure to participate so whether you enjoy mud pools & museums or bungy & skydive you are guaranteed to enjoy some once in a lifetime experiences. Here are just a few of the things that you will find included in your Northern Light Tour:
  • Accommodation: Your accommodation in our carefully selected campsites is included in a shared tent, two people per tent. If you want your own space you can upgrade to a single tent for a small additional cost.
  • Food: Tasty healthy meals are all part of the package; see which meals are included on the day to day itinerary. If you have a specific dietary requirement, no problem we cater for most diets.
  • Hikes: We offer daily walk options including Redwoods Forest and the roaring Huka Falls but the most stand out is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, heralded as the best one-day trek available in New Zealand, while others say it ranks among the top ten single-day treks in the world.
  • Bike Rides: From mountain bike trails to scenic riverside tracks, if you have hired one of our bikes you won’t be disappointed as you cycle your way through the most scenic regions of the trip.
  • While there are always optional activities for you to do if you choose there are also heaps of free options. We take in many of these on the Northern Light tour including access to Tongariro National Park, Te Papa museum, Wellington Botanical Gardens, heaps of free hikes, amazing sunrises and sunsets and more.

Your Travel Itinerary

Pickup location: 31 Wellesley Street West, 7:45am

Welcome to the first day of your Flying Kiwi adventure! We’ll leave Auckland at 8am and drive south towards the Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel is a popular holiday spot for us Kiwi’s and it’s not hard to see why. With stunning white sandy beaches, dense fern forests and a rich history of both Maori and European settlement, the Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect place to start your trip!

We’ll arrive at our Hot Water Beach campsite, where we’ll spend the next two nights. Go for a walk along the beach once we’ve set up camp, and this evening we’ll enjoy our very first group dinner together.

Meals included: Dinner Walks: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific Bike Rides: 8km scenic road cycling from Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach camp

Today you have a full free day to spend relaxing or exploring. We’ll head to Hahei Beach where you can go for a walk along the shoreline or take a boat or kayak to see the iconic Cathedral Cove. Later, we’ll head back to Hot Water Beach, so-named because there is a unique geothermal reservoir of hot water under the sand. At low tide, we’ll grab our shovels and head down to dig our very own hot pools in the sand – the cheapest spa day ever!

Meals included: Breakfast Walks: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific Bike rides: 8km scenic road cycling from Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach camp Optional Activities: Sea kayaking, Hahei Explorer

This morning after breakfast, we’ll make our way down to the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula where we’ll stop at the historic Karangahake Gorge which offers great biking and hiking options through old mining relics. This stunning region combines the natural beauty of the area with some NZ history and is a must-see on the North Island.

Afterwards we’ll continue on to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity, adventure activities and cultural experiences. This evening we’ll set up camp and enjoy a group meal together.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Walks: Stroll through Karangahake Gorge & unique thermal landscapes in Rotorua Bike rides: Karangahake Gorge Optional Activities: Polynesian Spa, Te Puia

Today you have a full day to enjoy everything that Rotorua has to offer. There are heaps of optional activities in Rotorua and something for everyone. If you’re interested in adventure, we recommend the award winning Canopy Tours eco zipline tour, or go white water rafting down the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. If you’d prefer to relax, opt for a healing soak at the Polynesian spa, or if you’d like to explore the natural geothermal features of the area, there’s plenty of walks where you can see the activity for free. This evening, we recommend heading to the incredible Te Puia where you’ll learn about Maori culture, experience the breathtaking Haka and feast on a traditional Hangi meal.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Walks: Walk through Kuirau Park or the Whakarewarewa Forest to see the towering redwoods Bike rides: Whakarewarewa Forest Loop (33 km) Optional Activities: Zipline Canopy Tour, Rotorua Rafting

We begin the day with a drive to visit Wai-o-Tapu bubbling mud, a unique experience not to be missed. Next we’ll stop at the mighty Huka Falls, an impressive waterfall found along the Waikato river. This is also our drop off point for those wanting to go skydiving! If you’re not going skydiving there’s a great bike ride to Spa Park along the river’s edge – be sure to stop off at the natural hot spring along the way or get an adrenaline buzz from the Taupo bungy which is conveniently located on your way into town. You’ll have some time in Taupo to grab some lunch and check out New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, before we make our way to Tongariro National Park, where we’ll be spending the night.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Walks: Walks of various distances past dramatic waterfalls and around Lake Taupo
Bike rides: Huka Falls to Spa Park Optional Activities: Skydiving, bungy, giant swing

Voted one of the best day hikes in the world, today’s 19.4km walk takes in some of New Zealand’s most impressive and diverse landscapes. The challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike covers a small section of the country’s oldest national park and dual UNESCO world heritage area, the Tongariro National Park. On a fine day you’ll be able to see Mt Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest peak which stands at a towering 2797 metres. You’ll also be able to see Mt Ngauruhoe, which featured in the Lord of the Rings movies as Mount Doom. If you’d prefer not to do this hike, your Guide will take you to see some lesser known but equally stunning views and offer up some cycle options for our bikers. When everyone is back together after the hike we’ll make our way to our camp, situated on the beach.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Walks: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Bike rides: Marton Sash & Door (if not doing the Tongariro Crossing) Included Activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing (transfers only)

This morning we’ll drive down to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand! We’ll arrive early, giving you most of the morning to explore. We recommend checking out the exhibits at the famous Te Papa Museum, getting to some Lord of the Rings locations on Mt Victoria or taking the iconic red cable car up to the Botanical Gardens. The capital also boasts a thriving café culture, as Wellington is renowned for serving NZ’s best cup of coffee.

Meals included: Breakfast Optional Activities: Te Papa National Museum of NZ (free), Cable car

Important info before travel

  • Camera
  • Hiking Clothes
  • Smile

Flying Kiwi Standard Terms and Conditions

Over the years we have carefully refined our tour processes to ensure a safe, stress-free New Zealand tour. Please take time to read our Standard Terms and Conditions to ensure you understand how our trips work. You will find information on our Future Tour Credit and Re-Scheduling tour details further down the page.

  • Disruptions or variations to your tour while travelling: In respect of the flexible style of our product we cannot guarantee that any activity or amenity, especially those we have no direct control over and including those marked optional in our brochure will be available. Failure to participate in, or disputes over any such activity or amenity can in no way be held the responsibility of Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions Ltd. (Flying Kiwi). Inability to visit a location, partake in an event or continue the trip as outlined in our brochure because of an unforeseeable event, including but not exclusive to; natural disasters, terrorism, weather, road conditions or other inhibiting factors can in no way be held to be the responsibility of Flying Kiwi. We reserve the right to make changes to our itineraries, without notice if necessary.
  • If for any reason it is necessary for us to cancel your booking prior to departure, of which a payment has been made, you may choose between an alternative trip or a full refund. If an alternative trip is chosen and is of lesser value you will be refunded the price difference, if alternative trip is of a higher value then payment of the price difference will be required prior to travel. Flying Kiwi is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of the cancellation such flights or visa costs.
  • Bookings through a third party: Please be aware that if you have booked through a third party like a travel agent, their cancellation policy and terms and conditions may differ to our own. Be sure to check their particular terms and conditions, including cancellation policy, as they will apply should your circumstances change.
  • Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend passengers take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Your insurance should provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability as well as any adventure activities not covered under a standard insurance policy. Flying Kiwi are not liable for any lack of insurance on your behalf. We recommend getting a travel insurance quote from World Nomads.
  • Mental/physical condition: Passengers should be of reasonable health and fitness and carry all required medication. Flying Kiwi must be advised of any prior medical conditions at time of booking. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on tour whilst their mental/physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of Flying Kiwi, may render them incapable of safe conduct, or they become objectionable to other passengers, or a hazard to themselves or other passengers. Flying Kiwi will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour.
  • Behaviour: Our staff are entitled to a safe working environment, and our passengers to a great experience. Any threats to safety, being physical or verbal, or inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the trip. If a Guide requires a passenger to leave the trip no refunds will be given and the passenger in question will be responsible for their own travel costs from that point. Flying Kiwi can refuse to carry a person whose behaviour is detrimental to the enjoyment of the group. Any loss or damage to our equipment through your neglect must be covered by you. By travelling with Flying Kiwi, you agree to accept the authority of the Guides.
  • Third party operator services: All optional activities offered during the tour are operated by independent companies and are an additional cost to the tour price (unless stated otherwise in itinerary).  We carefully select well established, professional companies who assume all responsibility for their safety and satisfactory delivery.  Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. All excursions are supplied by third party suppliers and are subject to their own terms and conditions. For any excursion or activity that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator, however we will endeavour to seek a fair outcome for all parties on your behalf.
  • Images and video: On occasion, Flying Kiwi conducts photo and video projects for the purposes of promoting its products and services. Passengers on these trips will be given the option to opt out of any such activities. Passengers are to advise their Guide should they wish to be excluded. If you do not opt out you are consenting to Flying Kiwi using the images taken whilst on your Flying Kiwi trip for advertising and promotional purposes worldwide, royalty-free in any medium.
  • Personal Risk: Passengers accept that there are degrees of risk involved on tour activities such as hiking, swimming, cycling and ball games. There are options to be involved in swimming or water-based activities during your trip. It is the passenger’s sole responsibility to determine if he or she is qualified and capable of participating in any water activity, and he or she chooses to participate at their own discretion.
  • Activity or Accommodation Cancellations: If you choose to cancel a pre-booked activity or accommodation booking, along with any relevant cancellation fees payable there will be a credit card fee charge of 2.38%.
  • Bus Rules & Campsite Etiquette: Smoking or the drinking of alcohol is not allowed on board the bus. Keep strong smelling fragrances until you are outside of the bus as these may have an adverse effect on other travellers. When at camp please be considerate to those around you and smoke away from the campsite. Please wear your seatbelts at all times when travelling.

 

Booking & Payment Options

Pay in full at the time of booking OR Confirm your seat with a $200 NZD deposit.

Full payment is required 31 days prior to departure. If the full payment is not received in the designated time frame, Flying Kiwi reserves the right to cancel the booking. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. When you pay by deposit, you have committed to paying the price advertised at the time of booking, regardless of any price changes or alternative promotions that become available.

*All tours are subject to minimum numbers.

 

Cancellation Policy

If for any reason it is necessary to cancel a reservation, or you do not show for your tour departure the following will apply:

a) If you cancel your tour booking 31 days or more before your confirmed departure date:

  • If you’ve booked direct with us and made full payment, the cancellation is free of charge and you will be refunded in full (less any applicable credit card fees).
  • If you’ve booked direct with us and paid the $200 deposit, you will be refunded in full minus the non-refundable $200 deposit.
  • If you’ve booked with an agent, you will need to go back to your agent to find out their cancellation terms.

b) If you cancel your tour booking 30 days or less before your confirmed departure date:

  • If you cancel or do not show up, 100% of the tour price (full payment) is non-refundable or transferable.

Cancellations should be made with your original booking agent who may charge an additional fee and/or have their own refund/credit policies.

 

Disputes

Should you wish to raise any issues regarding your trip, it is your responsibility to notify Flying Kiwi as soon as possible so that we have every reasonable opportunity to resolve the issue.

  • If you are currently travelling: Advise your Driver or Guide of your concern immediately so that steps can be taken to address the matter. If you would prefer to contact Flying Kiwi directly.
  • If you have finished travelling: You must email us within 28 days of the dispute in question. We will not consider claims that are submitted 28 days after the dispute in question. Please provide a valid email address so we can provide a written response.

We will not consider claims that are submitted 28 days after the dispute in question. Please provide a valid email address so we can provide a written response.

 

Accident Compensation Commission (ACC)

If you are injured whilst in New Zealand ACC may be able to help with the cost of treatment whilst you’re in New Zealand. However, it is important to note that you cannot sue for personal injury – ACC replaces that right. In addition, ACC only covers treatment/rehabilitation costs whilst in NZ and is not a replacement for travel insurance.

 

Website, brochures, and advertising

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the advertising, brochure and website information and prices at the time of printing, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check the price and all other details of your chosen arrangements with us at the time of booking. The information and prices shown on our website and in our brochures may have changed by the time you come to book your arrangements.