Trees for Days
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 7
Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. New Zealand’s North Island may be the smaller of the two, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure. Over this seven-day tour, you'll hop in a sea kayak to explore a secluded harbour, learn about Maori culture from the source, and learn to surf on an iconic break. There's no better way to live, breathe, and paddle the New Zealand experience.
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Small group experience; Max 20, avg 16
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements toolIn a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 7
Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.
Ripple Score for this trip: 99
Please note that most 18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in New Zealand is multi-share. For more info, see our Trip Details.
Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan. After, get on the water for some sea kayaking and a boat trip; exploring remote parts of the harbour before, enjoy some fish & chips. With full stomachs and a relaxed atmosphere the group will head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights.
Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies.
Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.
Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to Rainbow Mountain Reserve for a short walk to a volcano. Then, continue on for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls. These impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, home to New Zealand's largest lake and the world's biggest crater lake in the evening.
Hit the road to the nation’s capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.
Depart at any time.
Alas, your trip has come to an end. However, who says you have to go home? Why not add on another tour so you can keep exploring this stunning part of the world. After all, does anyone ever regret extending a vacation?
Hostels (6 nts, multi-share with 4-6 people)
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Allow USD155-205 for meals not included.
Private vehicle, boat, kayak, walking
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
As part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours.
Why stop at the North Island? Consider adding on this trip that explores the South Island.
Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.