8-Day Custom North Island & Taranaki Private Tour
Experience the best of New Zealand’s North Island on a fully flexible, luxury private tour. From gold-sand beaches and geothermal wonders to the majestic peak of Mt Taranaki and underground glowworm caves, this 8-day adventure offers the ultimate blend of iconic destinations and off-the-beaten-path scenery.
Day 1: Auckland to The Coromandel (Cathedral Cove & Hahei)
Morning: Leave Auckland behind in your private vehicle and head east across the Hauraki Plains to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Afternoon: Arrive at Hahei. Take a coastal scenic walk or local water taxi to Cathedral Cove to admire its famous natural limestone archway.
Evening: Relax with fresh seafood by the coast or dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach (tide dependent).
Day 2: Coromandel to Hobbiton & Rotorua
Morning: Travel south through rolling Waikato farmland to Matamata.
Afternoon: Enjoy an immersive private or small-group tour of the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, complete with a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn.
Evening: Arrive in Rotorua, the cultural and geothermal heartland. Unwind with an evening soak in the Polynesian Spa overlooking Lake Rotorua.
Day 3: Rotorua Geothermal & Māori Culture
Morning: Witness boiling mud pools, steaming vents, and the famous Pōhutu Geyser at Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Afternoon: Walk among giant California Redwoods on the Treetops Walkway or enjoy a scenic gondola ride up Mt Ngongotahā.
Evening: Experience an authentic Māori Cultural Evening, featuring traditional performing arts, storytelling, and a delicious hāngī feast.
Day 4: Rotorua via Lake Taupō to Taranaki (New Plymouth)
Morning: Drive south to Lake Taupō and witness the roaring power of Huka Falls.
Afternoon: Journey west toward the coast, taking in shifting scenery as the majestic, perfectly symmetrical peak of Mt Taranaki comes into view.
Evening: Arrive in New Plymouth. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a oceanfront restaurant along the coastal walkway.
Day 5: Discover Majestic Taranaki
Morning: Head into Egmont National Park. Take a guided walk to key vantage points (like the Pouakai Reflection Tarns or Dawson Falls) for breathtaking views of Mt Taranaki.
Afternoon: Explore New Plymouth’s vibrant arts precinct, including the famous Len Lye Centre / Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and a stroll across the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.
Evening: Relax in town with time to sample Taranaki’s thriving local craft beer and culinary scene.
Day 6: Taranaki to Waitomo via the West Coast
Morning: Depart New Plymouth along the rugged West Coast highway, stopping at the dramatic Three Sisters and Elephant Rock formations at low tide.
Afternoon: Drive through the historic Awakino Gorge into the King Country region, arriving at the rolling hills of Waitomo.
Evening: Enjoy a peaceful evening at a countryside lodge in Waitomo.
Day 7: Waitomo Caves Experience to Raglan
Morning: Choose your Waitomo adventure: an exhilarating Black Water Rafting trip through subterranean rivers, or a serene boat ride through the illuminated Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Afternoon: Head north to the relaxed surf town of Raglan. Watch surf breaks at Manu Bay or take a short walk to the stunning 55-meter Bridal Veil Falls.
Evening: Spend your final tour evening soaking in Raglan's bohemian vibe and sunset views over the harbor.
Day 8: Raglan / Waikato to Auckland
Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Raglan before beginning the scenic journey back north toward Auckland.
Afternoon: Stop at scenic lookout points across the Waikato River basin before returning to Auckland for airport drop-off or hotel check-in.
What’s Included on Your Custom Tour:
Dedicated Local Guide & Private Vehicle: Complete freedom to stop, adjust the pace, and explore as you wish.
Customized Itinerary: Choose from over 100+ activities (add zip-lining, helicopter flights, or extra hiking days).
Door-to-Door Transfers: Seamless pickups and drop-offs throughout your journey.