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 Mt Eden’s volcanic crater, Waiheke Island, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, or Piha Beach.

In the evening the fairy lights of Federal Street will lure you into some of the finest restaurants in Auckland or head down to The Viaduct, a food and drinks hub in central Auckland. The Viaduct area is a mecca for excellent restaurants and roof top bars with a relaxing outlook of the harbour.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 2 Bay of Islands

Travel time Auckland to Bay of Islands – 3.5 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.

The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region made up of 144 islands known for its stunning beauty & history.

New Zealand’s newest Marine mammal sanctuary Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) boasts an abundance of marine life, which includes whales, dolphins, penguins, fur seals and a large variety of sea birds. For those that love nature, beaches and water activities, it is paradise.

The bustling seaside town of Paihia has an extensive choice of activities, accommodation and delicious dining options. Paihia is the perfect base for discovering the coves and beaches of the Bay of Islands, with cruises departing from Paihia wharf.

Stay 2 nights in Paihia.

Day 3 Discover the Bay Cruise + Bay of Islands

This morning, 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.

In the afternoon, you might like your guide to take you 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?

Day 4 Hamilton

Travel time Bay of Islands to Hamilton – 5 hours

Journey to Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city, situated on the banks of the Waikato River. Hamilton’s warm and welcoming spirit, rich history and contrasting splendours ensure visitors are spoilt for choice for places to relax and enjoy. From magnificent parks and gardens to a thriving cultural precinct, the city offers a vibrant combination of fine dining, leisure and activity choices.

Explore attractions with your guide such as Raglan’s surf coast; relax at a beachside café and enjoy the scenery or get amongst it and learn to surf! Soak in the natural, silky mineral water that has made Te Aroha Mineral Pools famous for over 100 years. Meander through the Hamilton Gardens and discover paths delivering mysterious surprises; step from a peaceful Sung Dynasty Chinese Scholar’s garden into an Italian Renaissance Garden, before being enthralled by the grandeur of the Indian Char Bagh ‘four quartered’ Garden.

Stay 1 night in Hamilton.

Day 5 Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Ruakuri Cave Combo > 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 Hell’s Gate + Māori Cultural Experience Rotorua

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 Māori 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 Māori Cultural Experience including a Hangi Dinner. Hear stories and learn how Māori traditions live on today. Experience an authentic Māori welcome. Watch a challenge by the Māori warriors, a karanga (call) from the Māori 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 Māori customs including Māori 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 Movie Set Tour > Coromandel Peninsula

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 Coromandel Peninsula – 2.5 hours

Embark on a scenic tour of the Coromandel Peninsula. Renowned worldwide as a spectacular holiday destination, with warm white-sand beaches, misty rainforest and wilderness aplenty, the Coromandel is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

Whitianga is the main settlement of Mercury Bay, an attractive township with a deep-water harbour. Whitianga has an excellent selection of restaurants and cafés, and the thriving retail community provides an interesting collection of outlets.

Stay 3 nights in Whitianga, Coromandel.

Day 8 Glass Bottom Boat Tour + Coromandel Peninsula

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.

This afternoon you might like to enjoy a day trip with your guide to one of the nearby towns, such as Coromandel Town, known for its charming mix of Victorian architecture, beaches and forests. While in the area, you could ride the Driving Creek Railway, New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway journey, which climbs through regenerating native Kauri forest. Unique pottery sculptures and tile murals line the track, with spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf from the ‘Eyefull Tower’.

Day 9 Coromandel Peninsula

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

Hahei is located 35 km or 30 minutes drive South East of Whitianga. Hahei is an attractive beach, fringed with pohutukawa trees and drifts of pink shells at the northern end. The offshore islands provide something of a breakwater, making this sheltered beach ideal for swimming, boating and snorkeling. Hahei also offers a number of cafés making it the perfect spot for lunch.

Hot Water Beach is a must-visit location in the area and is only 8km from Hahei. Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth to emerge through golden sand at the appropriately named Hot Water Beach. To find the hot water area, head towards the rocks at the southern end of the beach and here you can dig your own spa pool in the sand. Be sure to visit when it’s two hours either side of low tide, as that’s when the tide is low enough to expose the area of sand with the hot water underneath. Don’t forget to bring along your swimming gear and a spade or shovel – and if you don’t have a spade or shovel, you can hire one from the local cafés. It’s certainly a unique experience to be lying in a pool of hot water just metres from the refreshing ocean.

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.

This evening, if you would like to dine with a spectacular view, you might like to visit the Sky Tower. You are spoilt for choice with three restaurants and cafés up the Sky Tower, including the Orbit 360-degree dining revolving restaurant; The Sugar Club, which is superbly chic and elegant; or the Sky Café, where you can relax with a coffee, cheese board or ice cream. You will have the opportunity to view the city from 328 metres high above street level and take in the beautiful views, up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Spot the key landmarks, including a number of volcanoes and historical locations within the greater Auckland area.

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.