5 Days in the North Island – Bay of Islands, Auckland & the Geothermal Heartland
North or south of Auckland? With five days, you don't have to choose. This itinerary pairs two of our 2-day tours, one heading north to the subtropical Bay of Islands and one heading south to the geothermal heartland, with a free day in Auckland to catch your breath in the middle.
Days 1–2: Bay of Islands & Paihia
Day one heads north via the Kauri Museum to Waipoua Forest, where you'll stand beneath Tāne Mahuta, Lord of the Forest. After lunch by the Hokianga Harbour at Opononi, we join a guided tour and cultural performance at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand's founding story began, then settle into seaside Paihia. Day two is a 4.5-hour cruise out to the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett (weather permitting), with a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for a swim or a stroll, before the guided drive back to Auckland. Choose the version with your hotel included, or book your own bed.
Day 3: Free Day in Auckland
The City of Sails is made for a day off. Catch a ferry to Waiheke Island for vineyards and beaches, or a shorter hop across to Devonport for coffee and a climb up Mt Victoria. Walk up Maungawhau Mt Eden for a 360-degree view across the volcanic field, or keep it easy around the Viaduct waterfront.
Days 4–5: Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupō & Hamilton Gardens
Two days, five highlights. Day one drifts beneath the glowworms of Waitomo, then walks the Shire on a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, before a drive past Rotorua's highlights and a night in a central hotel (included). Day two starts with the Lady Knox Geyser and steaming craters of Wai-O-Tapu, then heads to Lake Taupō, Huka Falls and the 18 themed gardens of Hamilton Gardens, arriving back in Auckland that evening. Prefer to choose your own Rotorua stay? There's a version excluding accommodation.
Why Let Us Drive?
Northland's roads wind through forest and along the coast, and the drive south to Rotorua and Taupō is a long day if you're behind the wheel. On our tours, all you have to do is look out the window.
- Everyone sees Tāne Mahuta, Huka Falls and the Hokianga. Not just the passengers.
- No car, no costs. No rental, fuel, insurance or Auckland parking, which is handy on your free day in the city too.
- We plan the day. Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the Bay of Islands cruise, Waitomo, Hobbiton and Wai-O-Tapu are included and timed for you. Your guide brings the history and the stories.
- Small groups, good company. Two-day tours are a great way to get to know your guide and fellow travellers over dinner, with more flexibility than a big coach tour.
From the Bay of Islands to Taupō, it's one team the whole way. We're the only small-group tour company covering this much of New Zealand, and our Hobbiton tours feature among Tripadvisor's top experiences in the South Pacific. Trust us with the must-dos, and with everything in between.
Good to Know
- Book your Auckland nights for the start, your free day, and the end of the trip.
- Travel light. On 2-day tours a small overnight bag is easiest. Ask us about leaving bigger luggage in Auckland.
- Want a slower pace? Our 7-day North Island itinerary adds a full free day in Rotorua and a day around Auckland.
See all our itineraries. Follow the kiwi, north and south.
