Guided Group Tour New Zealand 2026/2027
9 Day Signature - North Island Tour

Discover the best of New Zealand’s North Island on a fully escorted 9-day group tour featuring Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Rotorua, Wellington, and world-renowned Māori cultural experiences.

Combining geothermal wonders, scenic coastlines, rich history, and premium accommodation, this tour offers an immersive introduction to the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand. Enjoy authentic experiences of New Zealand’s North Island while travelling Premium Economy Class on Wheels.

bay of islands with travelers on a small group tour or self drive journey watching dolphins on a cruise

Explore the Most Iconic Destinations of New Zealand’s North Island

From the Bay of Islands to Wellington

This carefully crafted itinerary showcases the North Island’s most celebrated attractions, combining spectacular coastal scenery, vibrant cities, and unique cultural experiences. Guests explore the subtropical beauty of the Bay of Islands, Hobbiton, the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, Art/Deco Napier wine regon, and the cultural and political heart of New Zealand in Wellington.

Experience Authentic Māori Culture and Rotoua

Discover the traditions and landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world

Gain meaningful insight into New Zealand’s indigenous culture through immersive Māori experiences, including cultural performances, traditional hospitality, and visits to significant historical sites. Highlights such as Te Puia and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds provide a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s heritage, identity, and history.

Rotorua is renowned for its bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, geothermal valleys, and deep cultural significance. Visitors experience the unique natural environment that has shaped the region while enjoying some of New Zealand’s most memorable cultural encounters.

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Coastal Scenery, Wildlife, and Hobbiton

Cruise Through the Beautiful Bay of Islands & Step Into the World of Middle-earth

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s premier destinations, known for its crystal-clear waters, marine wildlife, and important historical landmarks. Scenic cruising provides the perfect opportunity to experience this remarkable coastal region from a unique perspective.

One of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set offers visitors the opportunity to explore the authentic filming location. Wander through the picturesque Shire, visit iconic Hobbit Holes, and experience one of the country’s most sought-after visitor experiences.

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Exceptional Value with Signature Inclusions

The tour includes quality accommodation, guided sightseeing, Hobbiton™ Movie Set admission, cultural experiences, scenic cruising, airport transfers, and extraordinary nature. These carefully selected inclusions provide outstanding value while delivering a comprehensive North Island experience.

New Zealand Tourism Board certified Specialist Great Days New Zealand Tours
New Zealand Tourism Board certified specialist

This is one of the best New Zealand guided Group Tours available! To guarantee your preferred dates, we highly recommend planning your journey 8 to 15 months in advance. 

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New Zealand Tourism Board certified Specialist Great Days New Zealand Tours
New Zealand Tourism Board certified specialist

OVERVIEW & PRICES

p.P. in Double/Twin Share:

NZD 6,039

(was NZD 6.280)
 
  • Single Room NZD 7.739 (was NZD 7,950)
  • All prices in NZD (New Zealand Dollar)
  • incl. 15% GST (New Zealand Goods & Services Tax)
  • Currency converter
  • Duration: 9 Days
  • Starts: Auckland
  • Finishes: Wellington
  • Style: Signature Mid-Size Group Tours
  • Coach: 32 Premium Economy Comfort
  • Accommodation: 4 Star

Pre & Post Stays

  • Auckland – $245 pp, twin share, $470 single
  • Wellington – $215 pp, twin share, $410 single
Experience
  • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • Experienced Tour Leader
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • 32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a Signature full-size coach
  • 8 nights 4 star accommodation
  • 2 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 cruise
  • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
  • Extensive Optional Activities
  • Ultimate Documentation Pack
  • No hidden Extras

INCLUSIONS

Highlights:

Activities & Experiences:

  • 4-Star Hotel Accommodation: The hotels used are stylish, centrally located and offer deluxe service. These hotels have a large range of facilities available and many offer swimming pools, gyms and a choice of dining options. All the service standards are aimed towards looking after your every need.
  • 8 cooked breakfasts 
  • 6 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 2 specialty dinners: Māori Hāngi and Concert, Rotorua; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Wellington
  • 1 lunch: Hobbiton, Shire’s buffet 
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

Day 1: Dinner not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm. 

Premium Economy on Wheels: This tour is designed for travelers who want to experience New Zealand in depth without the challenges of self-driving or organizing a complex itinerary. Guests travel aboard a Premium Economy coach featuring spacious seating, panoramic viewing, onboard Wi-Fi, and a maximum group size of just 32 travelers.

  •  Fully Escorted Touring: An experienced Grand Pacific Tour Leader will accompany you throughout the tour. Not only will they make you feel welcome and relaxed, but they will also ensure you enjoy a memorable Kiwi experience.
  • Professional Coach Captain: Handpicked for their expert knowledge and extensive driving experience, the Coach Captain will be on hand to assist you with every aspect of the tour. Enjoy the professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and many laughs along the way.

Signature Benefits

Signature Group Touring itineraries are specifically tailored to provide a premium level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel in style and enjoy several unique extras.

Not included in the price::

TOUR DEPARTURE DATES

Red – sold out, Yellow – usually 1–2 places left, Green – available

2026 
  • 02-Sep-26 – 10-Sep-26
  • 18-Nov-26 – 26-Nov-26 – Sold Out
2027
  • 11-Mar-27 – 19-Mar-27
  • 10-May-27 – 18-May-27

ITINERARY

Your daily New Zealand tour details:

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (SL) Specialty Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner

Day 1: Arrive Auckland (D)

On arrival into Auckland, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

Hotel Grand Millennium Auckland

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Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands (B,D)

Depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe for a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty between the indigenous Māori tribes and the British Government in 1840.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights)

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Day 3: Bay of Islands (Free Day) (B)

Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Hobbiton movie set attaction on New Zealand self-drive tours

Day 4: Bay of Islands – Auckland (B)

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Return to Paihia and travel south via Whangarei to Auckland. This evening is free to explore the local eateries surrounding your hotel.

Hotel Grand Millennium Auckland

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Day 5: Auckland – Rotorua (B,L,D)

This morning, enjoy a city sights tour before departing Auckland. Journey through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. A guided tour of the 12-acre set, will take you past whimsical Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the Green Dragon Inn. You can now venture beyond the door and into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior for a fully immersive experience.

Hotel Pullman Rotorua (2 nights)

Rotorua Maori Culture welcome Te Puia with traveller on new zealand small group tour

Day 6: Rotorua (B,SD)

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening enjoy a Hāngi feast, prepared in the traditional way, over hot coals and buried in the ground. This is followed by an entertaining Māori cultural performance which features the graceful poi dance and ferocious haka.

Hotel Pullman Rotorua

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Day 7: Rotorua – Napier (B,D)

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Board the Hawke’s Bay Express and hear informative commentary on the city’s fascinating history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Te Pania

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Day 8: Napier – Wellington (B,SD)

his morning, travel south to Wellington. Enjoy a city tour of New Zealand’s capital, showcasing its rich history and vibrant culture. A highlight will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Hotel James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

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Day 9: Depart Wellington (B)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

COACH FEATURES

Premium Economy Comfort on Wheels

 

Maximum 32 Travellers
  • 32 Premium Economy Comfort leather and cloth reclining seats
  • 2 + 1 armchair seating configuration for better panoramic viewing
  • Adjustable arm and headrests and seat belts
  • Individual seat back tray table, cup holder and USB charging port
  • Multi-media entertainment systems with three screens
  • 2 door access, restroom, air conditioning and electrical sockets
  • Cold water storage available
  • Complimentary daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance
 
32 Seat Coach 2+1 Seating 
  • Travel in style on a full-size, premium coach with a maximum of 32 travellers and enjoy onboard features.
  • Seat Rotation Policy: The configuration of the coach seating is two seats on the left side of the aisle and an individual seat on the right side, all with panoramic viewing. All travellers will rotate and enjoy the variety of armchair comfort in the dual seats but also will experience the same Premium Economy Comfort on other days in a spacious individual window seat. For two people travelling together, the individual seats will flow in front and behind each other.
  • Coach Luggage Limit: 1 suitcase + Travel Bag per person
 
Professional Coach Captain 
  • Handpicked for their expert knowledge and extensive driving experience, the Coach Captain will be on hand to assist you with every aspect of the tour. Enjoy the professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and many laughs along the way.
 
Fully Escorted Touring
  • An experienced Grand Pacific Tour Leader will accompany you throughout the tour. Not only will they make you feel welcome and relaxed, but they will also ensure you enjoy a memorable Kiwi experience.

ENQUIRE HERE

Get in touch for your unforgettable New Zealand journey. Behind this website are real people who are at your disposal with expertise and passion for this extraordinary place in the world. We know where to go as we live here – and we are looking forward to sharing our hidden gems with you.

Enjoy the Holiday of a lifetime