10 Day North Island Highlights Coach Tour Package

Experience the highlights with our coach tours of the North Island of New Zealand. Travel from Auckland, visiting the Coromandel, Hobbiton, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, and much more.

Our coach tours of the North Island of New Zealand include all coach transport or tours between destinations plus accommodation and activities.

Read on for the full details of the 10 Day North Island Highlights Coach Tour Package.

10 Day North Island Highlights Coach Tour Package | Coach Tours North Island New Zealand

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland – the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city, bordered by two stunning harbours. Make your way to your accommodation and explore the city (please enquire for transport options).

Relax and explore Auckland today. The Auckland Museum, Auckland Zoo, and Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium are all popular options, or you may even like to do a spot of shopping. Auckland is a shopaholic’s paradise, with everything from top-end designers to open air street markets. Discover the diverse range of cafés and restaurants offering cuisine from around the globe and check out the buzzing nightlife of the central city. Favourite spots include Wynyard Quarter, Viaduct Harbour, the Britomart precinct and City Works Depot.

Stay 3 nights in Auckland.

Day 2 Waiheke Island

Known as ‘New Zealand’s Island of Wine’, Waiheke has become home to a dedicated group of award-winning wine producers. With a unique micro-climate and the winemakers’ philosophy of “small is beautiful”, Waiheke has produced some of New Zealand’s most prestigious wines.

On this tour, you will visit three of Waiheke’s top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Along the way enjoy a commentated scenic drive, learning about the Island’s history, geography, people and culture from your knowledgeable local guide.

After your wine tasting experience sit back, relax and enjoy a lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer at Three Seven Two (Best Destination Restaurant, Metro Peugeot Restaurant of the Year Awards 2019) on Onetangi beach before heading back to the ferry.

Day 3 Coromandel Peninsula Day Tour

Experience the best of the Coromandel Peninsula on this small-group, fully-guided day trip from Auckland. Designed to give you ample time at each destination, this tour allows you to relax, explore, and soak in the beauty of this iconic region without feeling rushed.

As you make your way south, your guide will set the scene for your adventure today and point out some of Auckland city’s top highlights. Travel through the stunning Waikato countryside, where farmland meets mighty rivers. There are great photo opportunities to be had along the way.

Entering the Coromandel Peninsula, marvel its untouched beauty, from white sand beaches to sprawling native forests. Several scenic stops along the way allow time for short walks, fresh air, and stunning photo opportunities.

Relax at the famous Hot Water Beach. If tides allow, dig a hole in the sand to create your personal geothermal spa while ocean waves gently cool you off. Don’t forget swimwear and a change of clothes for this unique experience!

After a delicious lunch (own expense), visit Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural landmarks. Enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the stunning Coromandel coastline. Take in breathtaking views of Cathedral Cove and discover hidden beaches and sea caves along the way.

As the end of the day draws near you will head north again with a fully guided return trip to Auckland.

Day 4 Hobbiton + Waitomo Caves > Rotorua

Explore the central North Island on a day trip from Auckland to Rotorua, taking in guided tours of both the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves.

Start your journey in Auckland, where your guide will set the scene for the day as you head south into the stunning Waikato countryside. You’ll travel through the world’s most extensive farming region, enjoying views of mighty rivers and mountains, before pausing in the idyllic town of Pirongia for a coffee break and passing through Otorohanga, the charming “Kiwiana capital of New Zealand.”

Prepare to be amazed at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You will be guided through ancient limestone galleries featuring intricate stalactites and stalagmites before descending further to board a boat. Here, you will cruise silently along the grotto river, gazing up at thousands of sparkling glowworms—a phenomenon unique to New Zealand.

After a quick stop to meet some friendly local animals, you’ll arrive at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Here, you will step into the real Middle-earth™ on a fully guided two-hour tour. Explore the lush pastures of the Shire™, visit 44 Hobbit Holes™, and hear the secrets of filming before enjoying a complimentary beverage at the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn.

Your adventure concludes with a scenic drive to Rotorua, passing through the unique town of Tirau, known as the ‘Corrugated Iron Capital of the World.’ Upon arrival, enjoy a guided driving tour of Rotorua’s iconic highlights, including the Museum, Government Gardens, and Lake Rotorua, before being dropped off at your accommodation to settle in for the night.

Stay 3 nights in Rotorua.

Day 5 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. Includes shuttle pick-up and drop-off from central Rotorua.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Māori Cultural Experience including a Hāngī 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. Includes shuttle pick up and drop off from central Rotorua.

Day 6 Rotorua

Relax and explore Rotorua today, with the option to take a wander through Rotorua’s public Kuirau Park and discover the steaming, hissing and bubbling geothermal activity.

You also have the option to visit the Redwoods Treewalk, which features 23 suspension bridges through 115-year-old redwood trees, or explore the Government Gardens, located on the waterfront of Lake Rotorua (10-minute taxi ride from central Rotorua).

Hire a mountain bike and head over to Whakarewarewa Forest to experience expertly built trails crafted to suit everyone, from absolute beginners through to extreme downhill competitors. With a kids loop that is also great for working out any pre-ride wobbles this is a fun activity for all ages and fitness levels.

Day 7 Taupō

The journey from Rotorua to Taupō, which takes just over an hour, winds through the heart of New Zealand’s central North Island, showcasing lush farmland, rolling hills, native bush, and glimpses of volcanic landscapes. Along the way, you may catch views of steaming geothermal areas near Rotorua, and as you approach Taupō, the road opens up to reveal stunning vistas of Lake Taupō — New Zealand’s largest lake — with the distant peaks of Tongariro National Park often visible on a clear day.

Taupo is rich in natural beauty with attractions such as the Huka Falls. The Huka Falls is New Zealand’s most visited attraction, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second. Keeping with the water theme, Taupo is a great lake for trout fishing and scenic boat cruises. The Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make for a great boat trip.

Relax and enjoy your afternoon in Taupō.

Stay 3 nights in Taupō.

Day 8 Taupō

Today, visit the famous Māori Rock Carvings on Mine Bay with Sail Barbary, it is one of the must-do activities when you are in the Great Lake Taupō region. Cruise the sparkling waters of Lake Taupō on New Zealand’s only commercial electric yacht or our all-weather catamaran and discover its natural wonders and hidden mysteries. Take in the picturesque secluded bays of Lake Taupō and the spectacular snow-capped mountain peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. A full commentary is given on the volcanic history and Māori mythology surrounding Lake Taupō.

No noise no diesel fumes – it makes a real difference while you enjoy the Māori Rock Carvings.

Day 9 Taupō

In the morning, enjoy a Peek at the Lake Scenic Floatplane Flight – highlights include flying over Huka Falls and the Craters of the Moon.

This afternoon get ready for your jet boat ride! Hukafalls Jet is the only jet boat company permitted to take you to the base of the mighty Huka Falls. This half-hour adventure is packed with thrills, fun and excitement as you travel along a beautiful river environment lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff faces and hot water streams.

Hold on tight as you’ll be travelling in one of the state-of-the-art jet boats at an incredible 80 km/h! Along the way, their trademark 360 degree spins will leave you with a beaming smile and a heart pumping with adrenaline – and that’s even before reaching the spectacular Huka Falls! From your unique vantage point on the jet boat, you will have the best water-level view of Huka Falls – New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction.

Day 10 Auckland

Traveling by coach from Taupō to Auckland is a relaxing and scenic way to experience the diverse landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island. The journey takes around five hours and travels along the picturesque Thermal Explorer Highway, passing through rolling farmland, native forests, and geothermal regions. As you depart Taupō, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the lake before heading north through the heart of the Waikato countryside. Along the way, you might catch glimpses of distant volcanic peaks, lush green valleys, and the winding Waikato River.

Relax in Auckland for the afternoon or join the crew and enjoy an America’s Cup Sailing experience, a must-do experience where you get a chance to spend 2 hours out on the harbour on an actual America’s Cup yacht!

Day 11 Depart Auckland

Make your way to Auckland Airport and depart Auckland at your leisure.

Plan & Book Coach Tours of the North Island New Zealand

Our team at New Zealand Travel Organiser can help you plan an unforgettable New Zealand coach tour. In addition to this North Island coach tour package, we offer South Island coach tours and New Zealand coach tours.

Our coach tour packages are fully customisable, which means you can change the itinerary, add or swap out activities, and upgrade your accommodation if you wish.

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