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Ariel shot of colourful pools of geothermal activity, vivid greens and oranges bubble together to create steam, Rotorua, New Zealand

New Zealand's North Island Holidays


new zealand & the pacific
New Zealand’s North Island holidays offer diverse landscapes, Maori culture, cosmopolitan cities, volcanic scenery and some of the country’s most picturesque coastlines.

Marvel at geothermal Rotorua or Waitomo’s magical glow worm caves, explore the cultural hub of Wellington and take to the water in Auckland, the 'City of Sails'. The North Island also makes the perfect spot for some rest and relaxation in the popular holiday spots of the Bay of Islands and Coromandel Peninsula. Or if wine is your thing, Hawke's Bay is not to be missed!

Whether you’re planning an in-depth exploration of the North Island’s vibrant cities and spectacular scenery or combining your journey with the highlights of the South Island, this remarkable region promises unforgettable experiences and a warm Kiwi welcome.

Trailfinders is the UK's No.1 Leisure Tour Operator for New Zealand holidays*

and our expert travel consultants are mine of information about what to do in the North Island, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore New Zealand on a fly drive holiday, a sociable guided group tour, or are looking for advice on how to combine New Zealand with Australia or the Pacific – they are the perfect people to ask.

*by volume of clients to New Zealand as confirmed by the national tourist board, Tourism New Zealand, in September 2025.
Speak to a New Zealand Holidays Expert
01 881 4986
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OUR HOLIDAYS TO NEW ZEALAND'S NORTH ISLAND

Nobody offers more ways to explore New Zealand than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular New Zealand’s North Island holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
North Island Less Travelled
Fly Drive Holiday
8 days / 7 nights

Ideal for second time visitors and intrepid explorers, the scenic north west coast is a haven for nature lovers and rewards those who travel here with stunning rural scenery.

Guide Price: €1,879 £1,599 pp

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Best of New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
24 days / 23 nights

Covering both North and South Island highlights, this journey showcases the best of what this magnificent country has to offer.

Guide Price: €7,179 £5,599 pp

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North Island Highlights
Fly Drive Holiday
18 days / 17 nights

This varied journey encompasses the main highlights of the beautiful North Island: from exciting Auckland, via beautiful coastal towns and fabulous vineyards, to the cultured capital of Wellington, accompanied by stunning scenery along the way.

Guide Price: €5,549 £4,229 pp

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Absolute Luxury New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
20 days / 19 nights

This exceptional holiday brings together a collection of New Zealand’s finest lodges and hotels.

Guide Price: €11,529 £9,699 pp

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New Zealand Getaway
Guided Group Journey
15 days / 14 nights

See all the highlights of the North and South islands.

Guide Price: €5,655 £4,695 pp

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Ultimate New Zealand - Intrepid
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
24 days / 23 nights

Between old forest landscapes, mountainscapes and glacial hikes, you’ll journey through New Zealand’s diverse natural beauty on this 24-day adventure.

Guide Price: €7960 £7060 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN THE NORTH ISLAND

Each region of New Zealand’s North Island boasts its own attractions and each merits a visit in its own right. Whether it’s a spot of culture in Wellington, exploring the geothermal geysers of Rotorua, wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay or pure relaxation further north in the Bay of Islands or the Coromandel Peninsula, there truly is something for everyone.

Click on the tiles below the North Island map for more details on each region. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Auckland & Waiheke Island
Find amazing history, scenery, and a melting pot of cultures in New Zealand’s largest city. Then, a short ferry away, discover an entirely different world in Waiheke with delicious wines and sprawling sandy beaches.
Bay of Islands & Northland
Discover Northland’s untouched wildernesses across a variety of terrains. Sand dunes, rugged island coves and towering forests await visitors to this lesser visited region.
The Coromandel Peninsula
What used to be a well kept local secret is now one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand and it is easy to see why.
Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth
The New Zealand of your imagination is present in these popular regions with volcanic scenery, Hobbiton, unforgettable day walks and shimmering glow worm caves.
Taupo, Tongariro & Hawke's Bay
See the best of New Zealand, whether you are on the water, enjoying a Great Walk or sampling the wine!
Wellington, Martinborough & The Kapiti Coast
The southern part of New Zealand’s North Island is replete with hidden gems. Wellington’s world class museums and Kapiti’s endemic birdlife await you.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN THE NORTH ISLAND

We feature a great range of accommodation in New Zealand’s North Island, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a quaint guesthouse by the coast, or perhaps a boutique hotel in the centre of town?

What you won’t find here are thousands of New Zealand hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua
5 star

Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth

Blessed with a spectacular location alongside stunning Lake Tarawera, providing panoramic views through its floor to ceiling windows that bring the glorious outdoors into every room.
Art Deco Masonic Hotel
4 star

Taupo, Tongariro & Hawke's Bay

Stay in an Art Deco gem in the Art Deco capital of New Zealand.
M Social
4 plus star

Auckland & Waiheke Island

Funky and ultra-modern, the M Social is ideally located on the bustling Auckland waterfront with the entire city at your fingertips.
Koura Lodge, Rotorua
4 star

Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth

In an idyllic location on the banks of Lake Rotorua, this homely lodge is a wonderful choice for those seeking a peaceful lakefront stay.
Beachfront Resort, Whitianga
4 star

The Coromandel Peninsula

Boasting a prime position overlooking Buffalo Beach in Whitianga, this charming boutique property offers guests a peaceful, relaxed stay within easy reach of Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove.
Paihia Beach Resort & Spa
3 star

Bay Of Islands & Northland

This resort is the perfect place to relax.

WHAT TO DO IN THE NORTH ISLAND

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, New Zealand’s North Island is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a way to experience the area’s natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

One day you might be soaring over Auckland & Rangitoto on a scenic flight or having your first kiwi encounter, the next exploring Hobbiton on the iconic movie tour set. Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your New Zealand holiday to life.
Coromandel Peninsula Tour
12 hours
Departs: Auckland

Aucklanders flock to the Coromandel for their own holidays, it’s not hard to see why! Ride a ...

Kiwi Encounter
Attraction Ticket
Departs: Rotorua

As most chicks in the wild don’t reach maturity, Rotorua’s National Kiwi Hatchery plays an ...

Hobbiton Movie Signature Set Tour from Shire's Rest
3 hours
Departs: Matamata

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato ...

Taste of Waiheke
7 hours
Departs: Auckland

Known for golden beaches and award winning wines, Waiheke Island is a little slice of paradise just ...

Maori Cultural Experience & Dinner
3½ hours
Departs: Rotorua

Journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions at this immersive Maori cultural ...

Bay of Islands Catamaran Cruise
6 hours
Departs: Paihia

Hop aboard the only yacht licensed to view the resident dolphins of this subtropical island ...

North Island Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Edd Kealy -  expert
Edd Kealy

Wellington is my favourite city that I've visited in New Zealand. It has a lot more going on in terms of dining, nightlife and culture than anywhere else. The Te Papa museum is a must do, some brilliant exhibits of which the Gallipoli one featuring some incredible work from Weta Workshop was a particularly moving highlight.

Siobhan Blest -  expert
Siobhan Blest

Auckland is definitely not just a gateway to head south in New Zealand, just a few hours drive north gets you to the Bay of Islands which is one of NZ many gems and should not be missed. My suggestion is to drive up the west coast (Kauri coast), cross over to Paihia and then drive down the east coast (Hibiscus coast), the two are complete contrasts.

Ben Reddiough -  expert
Ben Reddiough

Waiheke Island is now a must for any New Zealand itinerary. The secluded nature of the island makes it a perfect getaway if coming from major cities. A great way to start or end your New Zealand experience.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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