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oceania·Multi-day tour·7 days

7-Day Best of the North Island in New Zealand Tour from Auckland【Max 20 Pax Small Group】: Raglan, Taupo & Wellington

★ 5.0· 5 reviewsDaily breakfastSelect Meals Included

What you'll experience

Highlights

• 6 breakfasts and 2 dinners included
• Surf world-famous waves
• Learn about Maori culture in a geothermal valley
• Get the adrenaline pumping in Rotorua
• Dance the night away in Wellington

7 days

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1 — Auckland

    Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
    【Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends】
    Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
    【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group】
    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Haka House Auckland City
  2. 2

    Day 2 — Auckland - Raglan

    Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights.
    Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You’ll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.
    【Private Vehicle】
    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
    【Sea Kayaking】
    Tour Raglan's secluded bays and unique coastline by kayak. Paddle the inner harbour to get up close to wildlife, fish, and (fingers crossed) orcas. Discover the pancake rocks on the harbour's northern side.

     

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge
  3. 3

    Day 3 — Raglan

    Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies.
    Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.
    【Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson】
    Learn how to catch a wave in this surf lesson. Start with instruction on dry land before heading into the surf. Take advantage of the large soft boards used in class (they help everyone stand up).
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge
  4. 4

    Day 4 — Raglan - Rotorua

    Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.
    【Private Vehicle】
    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
    【Te Puia Geyser by Night】
    See the famous Te Puia Geyser during this sensory cultural experience. Be guided by a local Maori guide on this 2 hour tour set in the Te Puia thermal valley and enjoy a delicious traditional kāinga waru pudding cooked in their natural hot spring.
    Waitomo Caves

    Waitomo Caves

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua
  5. 5

    Day 5 — Rotorua - Taupo

    Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake.
    【Huka Falls】
    Visit the mighty Huka falls. With more than 220,000 litres of water per second flowing over an 11 metre high waterfall, these impressive falls are an attraction not to be missed.
    【Free Time】
    Spend some time exploring the city.
    【Private Vehicle】
    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
    【Taupo Sailing】
    Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views from Lake Taupo. Listen to the experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails or take a step back and soak in the views. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent).
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Based by the Lake
  6. 6

    Day 6 — Taupo - Wellington

    Hit the road to the nation's capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.
    Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.
    Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.
    【Your Big Night Out Moment】
    Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Wellington on this night out with the group. Put those competitive hats on and play games at Blend Bar (may the best person win) and then put those dancing shoes to good use as you shimmy and shake the night away with your adventure buddies by your side. There's no one cooler than this travel crew right here!
    【Private Vehicle】
    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Cambridge Hotel
  7. 7

    Day 7 — Wellington - Home

    Depart at any time.
    Alas, your trip has come to an end. However, who says you have to go home? Why not add on another tour so you can keep exploring this stunning part of the world. After all, does anyone ever regret extending a vacation?
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Included

  • 6-night accommodations (Hostels (6 nts, multi-share with 4-6 people))
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
  • Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip (Lake Taupo)
  • Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
  • Surf lesson in Raglan
  • Maori cultural experience
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • 6 breakfasts and 2 dinners (Allow USD150-195 for meals not included)
  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Not included

  • Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
  • All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
  • Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
  • It is not customary in New Zealand or Australia to tip service providers, but if you do experience outstanding service it is good to do so.  Such service would only usually be in places like quality restaurants and it would be very rare that you would tip more than 10%.  Unless specifically asked to do so at the time (by your CEO) - do not tip your local guides. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, you may consider a small tip - but it certainly isn't expected.

Cancellation policy

When you cancelRefund
0–31 days before0%
32–61 days before50%
62+ days before90%
Read the full cancellation terms
• We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.

Important info

Special notes
  • Be prepared before you leave for your trip
    Please carefully read all of the info below as it's designed to help you have a smooth travel experience.
    * One of our core values is to lead with service. Our Global Connection Officers (or GCOs, the people who answer when you call us) and travel agent partners will do their very best to provide you with the latest information before your trip. There are, however, certain things that are the responsibility of the traveller.
    * All the travellers are responsible for arranging and obtaining the required entry documentation for the countries they intend to visit.
    * In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, entry requirements and restrictions dictated by foreign governments can change frequently and irrespective of your intended date of travel. These requirements and restrictions may depend on different factors such as your country of residence, passport nationality, destination and transit points, as well as previous travel history. Given these considerations, it is the traveller’s responsibility to research and to understand the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination which are most relevant to them at the time of travel and to the destination(s) they are planning to visit, as well as to keep themselves up to date.
  • Dossier Disclaimer
    * The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
    * VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
  • Itinerary Disclaimer
    * While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
    * Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
  • Important Notes
    * COMBO TRIP:
    This tour combines with other tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with other tour prior to Day one of your tour, and may change between individual tour sections. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another tour after your trip concludes.
    *  WIFI:
    Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in New Zealand as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.
    *  PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
    Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions.
    *  IMPORTANT NOTE: Bookings for the America's Cup are at either 11am, 1pm or 2pm - this is dependant on the season and availability. Please be sure to reconfirm your sailing 24 hours prior by phoning Explore (while in New Zealand): 0800 397 567 or International: +64 9 359 5987..
  • Group Leader Description
    * This group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and sometimes the driver - this person is knowledgeable in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
    * As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
    * We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
  • All included meals will be prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.
  • About our Transportation
    * Our vans are mini-coaches. Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13-seater vehicles. All mini-coaches tow a trailer for luggage. All groups have one CEO, who is also the driver.
    * The vehicles are factory built with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while riding in our vehicles.
  • About Accommodation
    * Please note that multi-share accommodation is very popular in New Zealand and is the way you will be spending most of your nights. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. It is also worth noting that all multi-share accommodation is generally split by gender in New Zealand. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.
    * Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken.
    * Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Towels and soap are not always provided at overnight stops, so it's best to bring your own for bathing. Bathroom and showering facilities are shared and are very rarely en-suite. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.
  • What to Take
    * You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
    * We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
    * New Zealand weather can be quite variable, even in summer, and layers are recommended throughout the year.
  • Please note that most 18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in New Zealand is multi-share.
  • Laundry can be done at least once a week while on tour. Some private campgrounds and most cities have laundromats where you can buy soap and wash your laundry in coin-operated machines. Your CEO will advise you along the trip where you will be able to do your laundry.
  • Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
  • Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of local currency (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's), traveller's cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is easy to find in New Zealand in the gateway cities and most banks do accommodate.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Price for Double applies when two people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Tour only for adults start from 18 to 39 years old, no children allowed.
* Maximum room capacity: 2 people.
 

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