10 Day North Island Discovery Private Guided Tour

Explore the North Island with a private guided tour of New Zealand personalised to suit your group. Our private guided tours are hosted by one of New Zealand’s leading tour guides. Your guide will meet your group at the airport and chauffeur your group to explore the destinations and activities included in your personalised tour package. They will tend to your needs and share valuable local knowledge with your group to enhance your holiday experience. We can cater for groups between 1-40 people.

Our private guided tour packages are flexible and are booked to suit your group’s travel dates and interests.

Read on for full details on the 10 Day North Island Discovery Private Guided Tour of New Zealand.

10 Day North Island Discovery Private Guided Tour New Zealand

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Your fantastic guided holiday begins in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. Home to a quarter of New Zealand’s population and bordered by two stunning harbours, Auckland is a thriving, diverse city surrounded by natural wonders.

Explore Auckland with your guide, visiting top attractions such as the Sky Tower, Mt Eden’s volcanic crater, Waiheke Island, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, or Piha Beach.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 2 Bay of Islands + Discover the Bay Cruise

Travel time Auckland to Bay of Islands – 3 hours

Leave the city behind as your tour continues north to the Bay of Islands. This stunning stretch of coastline boasts secluded beaches, forested hills, and fantastic marine wildlife.

In the afternoon, board the premium Discover the Bay Cruise and see the best of the Bay of Islands. Journey to the Hole in the Rock and if weather permits, sail through it. See marine wildlife including dolphins and stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to have a swim, go for a walk and relax.

Stay 2 nights in Paihia.

Day 3 Northland + Ninety Mile Beach

Discover the wild northern reaches of New Zealand today with your guide. Venture past forests and farmland and windswept beaches on the journey to Cape Reinga, where a lighthouse marks the northernmost tip of New Zealand.

On the way, take in the vast expanse of 90 Mile Beach and visit an ancient Kauri grove hidden within lush native bush.

Day 4 Hamilton

Travel time Bay of Islands to Hamilton – 5.5 hours

Your tour will pass through Auckland once more as you continue south to Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city.

In the afternoon, visit the chocolate and candy factory with your guide and relax in the city.

Stay 1 night in Hamilton.

Day 5 Waitomo Glowworm Caves + Rotorua

Travel time Hamilton to Waitomo Caves – 1 hour

Venture off the beaten track as your guide takes you on a scenic drive to the Waitomo Caves. The land is wilder around here, with limestone outcroppings emerging from farmland and densely forested hills rising all around. But the wildest landscape of all lies underground.

Witness the marvels of these vast caverns as you explore two fantastic caves – the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you will be dazzled by a galaxy of glowworms overhead and the Ruakuri Cave, home to a dizzying array of cave formations.

Travel time Waitomo Caves to Rotorua – 2 hours

Enjoy the scenic drive to Rotorua. Tour the exciting geothermal attractions with your guide, visiting sulphur springs, mud pools, geysers, and sinter terraces.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 6 Geothermal Wonders + Maori Evening Experience

The Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park is Rotorua’s most active geothermal area. Hell’s Gate features a walkway lined with unique geothermal wonders and interactive opportunities. Experience the geothermal features with a self-guided map to show you around or join a guided tour of the reserve to learn more about the history, features and uniqueness of the geothermal area.

See bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, mineral pools, learn about New Zealand’s history and culture, and even try Maori weaving and wood carving! After this, the geothermal waters of the Hell’s Gate Sulphur Spa will rejuvenate and refresh you. Relax and take in the surreal surroundings of the wondrous geothermal landscape.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Maori Cultural Experience including a Hangi Dinner. Hear stories and learn how Maori traditions live on today. Experience an authentic Maori welcome. Watch a challenge by the Maori warriors, a karanga (call) from the Maori women welcoming you onto the marae, and a whaikorero (welcome speech). Relax and enjoy the beautiful waiata (songs), the world renowned haka (challenge), and the elegant poi dance. Learn Maori customs including Maori musical instruments, haka and poi. The dining experience is a culinary opportunity like no other. Following dessert, you will be transported down into the valley to conclude your evening beside the awe-inspiring Pohutu geyser.

Day 7 Hobbiton + Tauranga

Travel time Rotorua to Matamata – 1 hour

Travel to Matamata today to discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy in a fascinating two-hour guided tour. The set has been rebuilt and will remain as it was seen in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm. You can relax and soak up the unique atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal in The Shires Rest Café.

Travel time Matamata to Tauranga – 1 hour

Continue to the Bay of Plenty, one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in New Zealand. Explore the city with your guide.

Stay 1 night in Tauranga.

Day 8 Coromandel Peninsula

Travel time Tauranga to Coromandel Peninsula – 2.5 hours

Embark on a scenic tour of the Coromandel Peninsula, taking in views of the lush rainforest and idyllic beaches. If the tide is right, visit Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pools in the sand.

Stay 2 nights in Whitianga, Coromandel.

Day 9 Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Today, join the Glass Bottom Boat for a unique boat cruise. Depart from the Whitianga Wharf to explore the breathtaking volcanic coastline, including the famous Cathedral Cove. See the stunning Champagne Bay, plus a range of blow holes and sea caves, including Orua’s Sea Cave, the second largest sea cave in New Zealand! See what lies above and below the surface in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve and be amazed by all the marine life to be seen. You can choose your own level of fun. Either sit back and enjoy the amazing marine life through the glass boat, or take the plunge and snorkel amongst the fish. All equipment supplied and no experience necessary. Blue penguins are a common sight year-round.

In the afternoon, your guide will show you some of the best hidden secrets of the Coromandel, including lush forest walks and secluded golden-sand beaches.

Day 10 Auckland

Travel time Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland – 3 hours

As your holiday draws to a close, return to Auckland with your tour guide and spend your final evening shopping, touring around top attractions with your guide, or celebrating the end of a fantastic holiday with a harbour dinner cruise.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 11 Depart Auckland

Your guide will deliver you to Auckland Airport for your departing flight.

Plan a Guided Tour of New Zealand

This privately guided tour packages is fully customisable and open-dated. As you begin planning your New Zealand tour, your personal travel consultant will work with you to ensure the itinerary matches exactly what you are looking for.

Suited for couples, families, and groups, each escorted tour package is all-inclusive for maximum convenience. 

We also offer a range of alternative tour packages through our New Zealand Guided Tours brand.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your tour.