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Budget North Island Adventure

New Tour

7 days

BUDGET TOUR: Get ready for an unparalleled road trip to experience the highlights of New Zealand's North Island from Auckland. Discover the geological formations of Rotorua, uncover cinematic wonders at Hobbiton, delve into the glowworm caves of Waitomo, and catch some waves in the laid back surf town of Raglan. Staying in dorm rooms & hostels, recommended for travellers aged 18-39.

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

Tour Overview

Duration

7 days

Starts

Auckland

Ends

Auckland

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driver

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 18

Minimum age

18

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

Hostels & dorm rooms

Countries

New Zealand

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 6, Dinner: 1

Physical Rating

Easy

Tour Pace

Medium
Per Person From
NZD$3,085.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$5,170.00

Tour Highlights

Auckland - Start and end your journey in the largest city of New Zealand's North Island
Rotorua - Spend two nights in this land of geological and volcanic formations, with optional activities and the chance to visit Hobbiton
Taupo - See the Huka Falls and enjoy scenic hiking around Lake Taupo, with plenty of possibilities for optional sailing
Waitomo - Explore the cavernous networks of caves and tunnels with optional excursions
Raglan - Relax on the beach or catch some waves at one of New Zealand's top surfing destinations

Included

6 breakfasts & 1 dinner
6 nights dorm accommodation in well-equipped hostels (mixed-sex)
Escorted by an expert local driver/guide
Transportation in a luxury vehicle with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs
Exploration of Waitomo (activities optional)
Huka Falls Walking Loop
Entry into Wai O Tapu
Hot Water Beach
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 and visas
Tip for your tour guide / driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.
Optional activities and experiences (book locally - approximate pricing is in the Trip Notes)
Airport transfers

Itinerary

Day 1 - Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula

Auckland - Hahei. You will be collected from our pick up spot in Auckland (detail in Trip Notes) before we make the beautiful drive to the Coromandel Peninsula. After making several picturesque stops along the way, we reach the coastal town of Hahei. Here, you can explore Cathedral Cove, famously known as the Gateway to Narnia. Spend the afternoon kayaking or swimming in the clear, turquoise waters, and then enjoy the sunset from the natural hot pools at Hot Water Beach.

Please Note: This tour offers a variety of optional excursions throughout the tour that can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. Sightseeing and activities are generally not included on tour, this gives you the flexibility to shape your own adventure!

Overnight: Hahei

Days 2-3 - Wai-O-Tapu & Rotorua

Hahei - Rotorua. Farewell to the Coromandel as we journey to Rotorua, New Zealand's geothermal heart. On the way, we make a stop at Wai-O-Tapu, where you can see a range of geothermal features and activity in action. In Rotorua, you can enjoy luging, zorbing, white water rafting, cultural performances, or simply admire the distinctive geothermal scenery. There's a wealth of activities to choose from!

Our second day in Rotorua can be spent unwinding in the natural thermal hot springs, observing the bubbling mud pools of this unique area, or hiking the stunning volcanic crater of Mount Tarawera.

Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 4 - Optional Hobbiton & Taupo

Rotorua - Taupo. Next, our journey takes us to Taupo, known as the adventure hub of the North Island. On the way, we'll visit the iconic Hobbiton, where you can opt to explore the famed movie set from The Lord of the Rings. Afterward, you'll witness the roaring Huka Falls and the area's trout-rich rivers before we relax with a sunset drink by the beautiful shores of Lake Taupo. As night falls, you can either enjoy a scenic sailing cruise on the lake or dine at one of the excellent local restaurants.

Overnight: Taupo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Taupo at leisure

Experience the magnificent lake in Taupo through thrilling jetboating, serene sailing, or even from a breathtaking 15,000 feet above. If hiking is more your style, dedicate a day to conquering Mount Tauhara or the Tongariro Crossing, renowned as one of the best one-day walks in the world. No matter what you choose, Taupo offers an abundance of exceptional options!

Overnight: Taupo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Waitomo & Raglan

Taupo - Raglan. We have an early start this morning to get on the road and leave the Great Lake behind as we head to Raglan. Before reaching the surf town, we’ll navigate through the underground caving town of Waitomo, where you’ll have 3.5 hours to enjoy some adventure. Whether you prefer wet or dry activities, we’ve got you covered! Your guide will be available to help you plan your time in Waitomo. Afterward, we’ll continue to Raglan and settle in for the night at a cosy, welcoming accommodation. Raglan boasts the world’s longest left-hand break, making it a great spot to enjoy your final night on tour.

Please note: There is one included group dinner on this tour. This will take place at a favourite spot of your guide, and the day on which it takes place varies by tour and guide!

Overnight: Raglan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Return to Auckland

Raglan - Auckland. Raglan is the ultimate laid-back surf town in New Zealand, famous for its world-class left-hand break. You’ll get to explore the dramatic coastal scenery, stroll along the unique black sand beach, and maybe even catch a wave or two. At around 1pm, we begin our return drive to Auckland, ensuring we make several photo stops along the way. We might even visit New Zealand's favourite ice cream spot! We expect to arrive at the airport around 4 pm, where we'll bid farewell to some of you. If you're staying in the city, we can provide a drop-off in town (detail in Trip Notes).

Meals: Breakfast

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.
Top10 Holiday Park
Hahei

Located a short drive outside of Hahei, Top10 Holiday Park at Hot Water Beach offers budget-friendly dormitory accommodation, ideal for group tours seeking a laid-back atmosphere. The mixed dorms are simple yet comfortable, equipped with shared bathroom facilities. Guests can enjoy the communal kitchen and lounge, perfect for socializing with fellow travellers. The park boasts excellent amenities, including a BBQ area, laundry, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site shop for essentials. Its standout feature is the proximity to Hot Water Beach, just a short walk away, where guests can dig their own hot pools in the sand during low tide. The location also provides easy access to nearby attractions like Cathedral Cove, making it a great base for exploring the Coromandel Peninsula.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Haka House
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
Raglan Backpackers
Raglan

This laid-back, budget-friendly hostel offers clean and simple dorms, with shared bathroom facilities and individual storage for guests. The communal areas are spacious, featuring a well-equipped kitchen, cozy lounge, and an outdoor garden with hammocks and a hot tub for relaxing after a day of adventure. Located in the heart of Raglan, the hostel is just a short walk from the town's surf beaches, cafes, and shops. Raglan Backpackers also offers free use of kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles, making it easy for guests to explore the surrounding area. Surf lessons, yoga classes, and access to nearby hiking trails are all available, making it a great base for those looking to experience the best of Raglan's outdoor lifestyle.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Dorm' prices shown are based on mixed dormitory rooms (PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DORM PRICES)! There is also a 'Twin/Double' room upgrade and a 'Single' room upgrade for solo travellers. 'Twin/Double' room upgrades are based on two people travelling together and are subject to availability.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
14 Dec - 20 Dec
$3,155
$3,685
21 Dec - 27 Dec
$3,155
$3,685
28 Dec - 3 Jan
$3,155
$3,685
2025
Twin/Double
Single
4 Jan - 10 Jan
$3,085
$3,625
11 Jan - 17 Jan
$3,085
$3,625
18 Jan - 24 Jan
$3,085
$3,625
25 Jan - 31 Jan
$3,085
$3,625
1 Feb - 7 Feb
$3,085
$3,625
8 Feb - 14 Feb
$3,085
$3,625
15 Feb - 21 Feb
Sold Out
Sold Out
22 Feb - 28 Feb
$3,085
$3,625
2026
Twin/Double
Single
3 Jan - 9 Jan
$3,125
$3,705
10 Jan - 16 Jan
$3,125
$3,705
17 Jan - 23 Jan
$3,125
$3,705
24 Jan - 30 Jan
$3,125
$3,705
31 Jan - 6 Feb
$3,125
$3,705
7 Feb - 13 Feb
$3,125
$3,705
14 Feb - 20 Feb
$3,125
$3,705
21 Feb - 27 Feb
$3,125
$3,705

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