24/7 support
No card fees

Excellent

North Island Youth Adventure

New Tour

9 days

GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 to 45): Travel from Auckland to Wellington on this 9-day escorted group tour of New Zealand's North Island. From Auckland, take in the glowworm caves of Waitomo and the legendary 'Lord of the Rings' film set at Hobbiton. Discover Maori culture and volcanic activity at Rotorua and sail across Lake Taupo at dusk. Take in majestic Huka Falls, enjoy free time for activities like skydiving and end in the New Zealand capital with guided sightseeing and a ride on the cable car.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

9 days

Starts

Auckland

Ends

Wellington

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour leader with local guides for sightseeing

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 18

Minimum age

18

Maximum age

45

Departs

Year-round

Hotel Rating

Hostels

Countries

New Zealand

Physical Rating

Easy

Tour Pace

Medium

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 4, Dinner: 2
Adults (18+)
Per Person From
CAD

$2,305.00

Deposit From
Final payment
CAD

$1,000.00

$3,610.00

Tour Highlights

Auckland - Begin your North Island adventure in New Zealand's largest city, with a welcome group dinner
Waitomo - Explore the famous glowworm caves on a boat cruise, where these tiny creatures will illuminate the way
Hobbiton - Visit the movie set from the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies and stop for a drink in the Green Dragon Inn
Rotorua - Discover the geothermal site of Wai-O-Tapu, experience a Maori welcome and spend free time zorbing or joining other activities
Lake Taupo - Admire spectacular Huka Falls and enjoy a sail at dusk on the lake, home to some of New Zealand's finest scenery
Wellington - End your adventure in New Zealand's capital, with guided sightseeing and free time

Included

4 breakfasts & 2 dinners
8 nights in mixed dorm accommodation in hostels
Escorted by a tour leader, with local guides for included sightseeing
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
All transportation in private vehicles, including buses & boats
Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour
Hobbiton film set tour
Kerosene Creek hot springs
Visit to Wai-o-Tapu in Rotorua
Maori experience in Rotorua
Lake Taupo sailing
Huka Falls
Wellington orientation tour
Your carbon emissions - offset! (Our partner accurately measures the CO2 emissions of your tour and 100% offset them through planting the required amount of trees)
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights & visas
Airport departure transfer
Optional activities
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Auckland

Kia ora! Upon arriving in New Zealand's largest city, we'll take you directly to our hostel. You'll have ample time to unwind after your flight before gathering with the group and heading out for an exciting first night in the city together. We'll get together with the group for a welcome dinner at around 19:00, so you can get to know everyone before our adventure begins tomorrow.

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 45. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Overnight: Auckland

Day 2 - Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton

Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua. Departing from Auckland, our first destination is Waitomo, renowned for its famous glowworm caves. We'll explore this extraordinary underground world by boat, taking in the glowworms that illuminate the darkness. Following this, we'll head to Hobbiton, the authentic movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After a guided tour through the magical village, we'll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before continuing on to our accommodation in Rotorua.

Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Exploring Rotorua

First on today's itinerary is Kerosene Creek, a natural hot spring perfect for a relaxing morning soak. Following that, we'll visit one of New Zealand's most spectacular geothermal sites - Wai-O-Tapu, which is renowned for its impressive geysers and bubbling mud pools. After our day of exploring, we head back to our hostel in Rotorua. Maybe we'll go for a drink or two tonight.

Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Dinner

Day 4 - Rotorua Free Time & Maori Village

This morning, take advantage of some free time to engage in thrilling activities such as zorbing or riding the skyline luge. In the evening, we'll visit the Mitai Maori village for an authentic introduction to Maori culture. We are spending a final night in Rotorua.

Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Rotorua to Taupo

Rotorua - Taupo. Prepare your cameras as we make our way to Taupo, a lakeside town located in the central part of the North Island. We have a special evening planned - a memorable sail across Lake Taupo. New Zealand is known for its spectacular scenery, and today promises some of the best. We're spending the night at a hostel back in town.

Overnight: Taupo
Meals: Dinner

Day 6 - Huka Falls & Taupo Free Time

This morning, we'll visit the spectacular Huka Falls, where you'll see icy, crystal clear water powerfully cascading down from the Waikato River. After experiencing this awe-inspiring natural wonder, you'll have some free time to choose an activity like skydiving or taking on the world's highest bungee jump!

Overnight: Taupo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Taupo to Wellington

Taupo - Wellington. Today, we're heading to Wellington, the vibrant capital of New Zealand! On arrival at our hostel, the rest of today is free for you to dive into the city's energetic atmosphere, taking in the sights, relaxing in its charming cafes or tucking into dinner at one of the top notch restaurants in town.

Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Wellington Sightseeing

Start today with a guided city orientation tour to discover the highlights of New Zealand's capital. Enjoy a ride on the iconic cable car for breathtaking panoramic views, and then explore the intriguing history and vibrant culture at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, renowned as one of the world's leading museums. In the evening, we'll gather for a night out on the town to toast the end of our adventure.

Overnight: Wellington

Day 9 - Wellington

Our tour comes to an end today. You can depart this morning, making your own way to the airport or your next destination. Although there is no departure transfer included, your tour leader will be available to help you plan your onward travel and is on hand to assist you. Safe travels!

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Auckland

Shared

$65per passenger

Double

$165per passenger

Twin

$165per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation Wellington - (Intro Travel)

Shared

$65per passenger

Double

$165per passenger

Twin

$165per passenger

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Haka House Auckland City
Auckland

Haka House Auckland City is a stylish and modern hostel offering a comfortable stay in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city. Designed for social and budget-conscious travellers, it features a mix of private rooms and dormitories, all with secure storage, free Wi-Fi, and contemporary decor. Guests can relax in the communal lounge, cook in the fully equipped kitchen, or explore the vibrant city right outside their door. Conveniently located near Sky Tower, bustling Karangahape Road, and the waterfront, Haka House Auckland City is the perfect base for discovering Auckland’s culture, nightlife, and iconic attractions.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Hostel
Haka House Rotorua
Rotorua

Haka House Rotorua offers affordable dormitory accommodation, ideal for budget group tours. The mixed dorms are modern and comfortable, with shared bathrooms and individual storage lockers for convenience. Guests can unwind in the spacious communal areas, including a fully equipped kitchen and a cozy lounge with Netflix and gaming consoles. Located in the heart of Rotorua, the hostel is within walking distance of major attractions like the Polynesian Spa, Government Gardens, and Rotorua Lake. Haka House also offers private rooms, free Wi-Fi, a BBQ area, and laundry facilities, providing all the essentials for a comfortable stay. The central location makes it easy to explore Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Maori cultural experiences.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Finlay Jack's Backpackers
Taupo

Finlay Jack's Backpackers in Taupo offers mixed dorm accommodation in a relaxed and social setting. The dorms are clean and comfortable, with shared bathroom facilities, individual power outlets, and storage lockers for each guest. The hostel features a fully equipped kitchen, a communal lounge with Netflix, and an outdoor area, perfect for mingling with fellow travelers. Located just a short walk from Taupo town centre, the hostel is close to shops, cafes, and the stunning Lake Taupo waterfront. Free Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and a tour desk are available to help guests make the most of their stay, whether exploring local geothermal parks, taking a dip in nearby hot springs, or venturing out on the Tongariro Crossing.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Haka House Wellington
Wellington

Haka House Wellington is a stylish and social hostel located in the heart of New Zealand’s capital. Designed for budget-conscious travellers, it offers a mix of private rooms and dormitories, all featuring comfortable beds, secure storage, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax in the cozy lounge, prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen, or explore the city’s vibrant cafes, bars, and cultural landmarks just steps away. Situated near Courtenay Place and Te Papa Museum, Haka House Wellington provides a welcoming and convenient base for experiencing the best of the city’s arts, history, and nightlife.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Hostel

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with other travellers. Please note that if paying the 'Shared' price, your accommodation will be in a multi-person dorm rooms.

2025
Single
Shared
24 Feb - 4 Mar
$3,245
$2,305
28 Feb - 8 Mar
$3,245
$2,305
5 Mar - 13 Mar
$3,245
$2,305
9 Mar - 17 Mar
$3,245
$2,305
20 Mar - 28 Mar
$3,245
$2,305
24 Mar - 1 Apr
$3,245
$2,305
30 Mar - 7 Apr
$3,245
$2,305
3 Apr - 11 Apr
$3,245
$2,305

Similar Tours

Explore more exciting tours in New Zealand to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

4.4 out of 5 based on 286 reviews