07 Day Scenic North Island Private Guided Tour

Explore the North Island with a private guided tour of New Zealand personalised to suit your group. Our private tours are hosted by one of New Zealand’s leading tour guides. Your guide will meet your group at the airport. After that, your guide will 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 1-20 people.

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

Read on for more information on the 7 Day Scenic North Island Private Guided Tour.

7 Day Scenic North Island Private Guided Tour New Zealand

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland – the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city and is bordered by two stunning harbours. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your Auckland City accommodation. In the afternoon explore Auckland City with your tour guide or relax in your accommodation.

Stay 1 night in Auckland City.

Day 2 Bay of Islands + Discover the Bay Cruise

Travel time Auckland to Bay of Islands – 3 hours

Travel to the Bay of Islands, renowned for its 144 islands and surreal maritime park. Here, an abundance of marine life includes whales, penguins and dolphins.

Today, 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, Bay of Islands.

Day 3 Bay of Islands

You choose what you would like to do today.

Relax and enjoy your day in the Bay of Islands. For a great day trip, hop on the ferries from Paihia (passenger ferry) or Opua (vehicle ferry) to Russell. Russell is a significant place in New Zealand’s history, being New Zealand’s first European settlement and sea port, while Okiato, near Russell was New Zealand’s first capital. Russell is also home to the Duke of Marlborough, New Zealand’s first licensed hotel and pub, which has been refreshing rascals and reprobates since 1827! The pub is located on the waterfront in Russell – why not sit back and relax on the verandah overlooking the bay.

Visit the top of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and venture to Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach. This full day trip takes you to one of the most northern points of New Zealand where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide.

On the way to Cape Reinga you could visit Gumdiggers park where ancient Kauri forest was buried thousands of years ago. A giant 100,000 year old Kauri tree has been exposed for viewing and is part of a vast forest buried beneath Gumdiggers Park.

To finish your day, you could visit the world famous Mangonui Fish Shop and grab the freshest fish and chips as the sea washes gently beneath your feet.

Day 4 Coromandel Peninsula + Glass Bottom Boat

Travel time Bay of Islands to Coromandel Peninsula – 6 hours

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.

Stay 1 night in Whitianga, Coromandel.

Day 5 Rotorua + Hell’s Gate + Maori Cultural Evening

Travel time Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua – 3 hours

Rotorua is distinguished by Maori culture and geothermal activity!

The Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park is Rotorua’s most active geothermal area featuring 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, as 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.

Stay 1 night in Rotorua.

Day 6 Taupo + Scenic Floatplane Flight

Travel time Rotorua to Taupo – 1 hour

Enjoy the short drive south to Taupo, rich in natural beauty with attractions such as the Huka Falls and boat cruises.

In the afternoon enjoy the Peek at the Lake Scenic Floatplane Flight as you take off from Taupo Bay, past Acacia Bay to Rangatira Point, viewing the crystal clear waters of Whakaipo Bay. Climb up through Mapara Valley, view red scoria quarries, then discover the headwaters of the Waikato River. Fly over the Craters of the Moon and over the Borefields of the Wairakei Power Station, followed by a circuit of the Huka Falls, over Taupo to land on the lakefront.

Stay 1 night in Taupo.

Day 7 Auckland

Travel time Taupo to Auckland – 3.5 hours

Travel back to Auckland at your leisure. Relax in Auckland for the afternoon or add a must do Auckland activity.

Stay 1 night in Auckland City.

Day 8 Depart Auckland

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

Book a Private Tour of New Zealand

This privately guided tour package is fully customisable and open-dated. Your travel consultant will help tailor the itinerary to suit your interests and preferences.

Perfect for couples, families, and groups, this itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of the North Island. Travel in a luxury vehicle or bus (depending on group size) and learn about the fascinating history and stories of New Zealand.

As you begin planning our private tour of New Zealand, you may wish to explore our New Zealand Guided Tours brand for further inspiration.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to plan the tour of a lifetime.