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 1-40 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”. Auckland 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.

This afternoon, explore Auckland with your guide. Auckland Museum offers a great introduction to New Zealand. With internationally significant Māori and Pacific collections to explore, the Auckland Museum is a must-see place to experience our rich culture.

If you would like to get straight into nature; skipper an America’s Cup Yacht, experience Whale Watching or hike an Ancient Volcanic Cone. You also have the option to visit top attractions such as the Sky Tower and Mt Eden’s Volcanic Crater.

Stay 1 night in Auckland City.

Day 2 Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour > Taupō

Travel time Auckland to Waitomo Caves – 3 hours

Today, enjoy your the journey through the Waikato district to Waitomo. The land is wilder around here, with limestone outcroppings emerging from farmland and densely forested hills rising all around.

Enjoy the world-famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history. Marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you’ll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.​​

Travel time Waitomo Caves to Taupō – 2 hours

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

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. Visit this stunning natural attraction with your guide.

Stay 1 night in Taupō.

Day 3 Scenic Floatplane Flight Taupō + Māori Cultural Experience Rotorua

In the morning, enjoy the Peek at the Lake Scenic Floatplane Flight as you take off from Taupō 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 Taupō to land on the lakefront.

Travel time Taupō to Rotorua – 1 hour

Enjoy the scenic journey to Rotorua, distinguished by Māori culture and geothermal activity. This diverse city will put on a display as you encounter dramatic geysers, bubbling mud pools, crystal-clear streams, magical forests and 18 beautiful fresh water lakes.

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.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 4 National Kiwi Hatchery + Hell’s Gate Geothermal Experience

Learn all about New Zealand’s national icon at the world’s leading kiwi hatchery and discover how they have successfully hatched over 2,100 kiwi chicks. Watch genuine ‘Conservation in Action’ in the purpose-built incubation facility and if you’re lucky see a newly hatched kiwi chick! After your 45-minute guided experience, take more time to learn in the interactive kiwi burrow – where you can stand in a human sized kiwi burrow or sit in a giant kiwi egg. See adult kiwi roam and forage in the purpose-built Nocturnal house.

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. This afternoon, 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. Relax and take in the surreal surroundings of the wondrous geothermal landscape.

Day 5 Hobbiton Movie Set Tour > Coromandel Peninsula

Travel time Rotorua to Matamata – 1 hour

Make your way to Matamata to discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in a fascinating two-hour guided tour. The set has been completely rebuilt and will remain as it was seen in The Lord of the Rings films. 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

Renowned worldwide as a spectacular holiday destination, with warm white sandy beaches, misty rainforests and wilderness a-plenty, the Coromandel is the ideal place to relax and unwind. Relax on the coastline, exploring beaches, volcanic reefs and the world famous Cathedral Cove!

Whitianga is the main settlement of Mercury Bay, an attractive township with a deep-water harbour. Now a vibrant coastal town, Whitianga is evolving into a delightful place to visit. Whitianga has an excellent selection of restaurants and cafés, and the thriving retail community provides an interesting collection of outlets.

Stay 2 nights in Whitianga, Coromandel.

Day 6 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.

Day 7 Auckland

Travel time Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland – 3 hours

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

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.