Small Group Tour
Small Group Tour
Northern Crossing
Start: Auckland
Finish: Wellington
7 DAYS
Unleash Your Kiwi Spirit on the Epic Northern Crossing: 7 Days of Adventure Awaits!
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of New Zealand's North Island with our Northern Crossing 7-day Small Group Tour! Marvel at the Underground World 30 million years in the making in Waitomo. Immerse yourself in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, including an overnight traditional Māori experience. Sail the majestic fresh waters of Lake Taupo. Find tranquillity at River Valley. Uncover the buzz of the best little capital in the world, Wellington.
Highlights:
- Explore the beaches of Raglan
- Marvel at the Glowworms in Waitomo
- Immerse yourself in the Māori culture in Rotorua
- Admire the turquoise waters of Lake Taupo
- Experience the tranquillity of River Valley
- Explore the coolest little capital, Wellington
And more! View the full itinerary below.
What's Included
Read more about our Booking Guarantee here
Tour Dates
2025
11 February - 17 February 25 Book Now
11 March - 17 March 25 Book Now
04 April - 10 April 25 Book Now
02 May - 08 May 25 Book Now
30 May - 05 June 25 Book Now
For tours between June and August 2025, please view our 'Chilled Kiwi' tour here, or Little Kiwi' tour here.
03 - 09 September 25 Book Now
01 - 07 October 25 Book Now
12 - 18 November 25 Book Now
10 - 16 December 25 Book Now
2026
10 - 16 January 26 Book Now
24 - 30 January 26 Book Now
07 - 13 February 26 Book Now
21 - 27 February 26 Book Now
07 - 13 March 26 Book Now
21 - 27 March 26 Book Now
04 - 10 April 26 Book Now
02 - 08 May 26 Book Now
06 - 12 June 26 Book Now
Day 1Auckland Arrival
Kia Ora (Hello) & Welcome to Auckland!
The Northern Crossing adventure begins in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland – New Zealand's largest city and the "City of Sails." Nestled between two stunning harbours, Auckland offers a vibrant blend of urban buzz and natural beauty with stunning views across the Waitemata Harbour. Stroll along the iconic Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, catch a ferry, and enjoy a hike to the top of Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano, or sail further to Waiheke Island.
Tonight's the Night!
Connect with your fellow travellers and legendary Kiwi Experience Driver Guide at the Welcome Evening, starting at 7 p.m. You'll be staying at the centrally located Lylo Auckland—check-in from at 2 p.m.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Accommodation
- Lylo Auckland (or similar)
Included Experiences
- Welcome Evening Lylo (included experience)
Day 2Auckland to Waitomo
Fuel Up & Farewell Auckland: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Miss Lucy's, a local favourite. Enjoy your coffee and bid farewell to the vibrant city of Auckland as we head south for an action-packed day. First stop, Raglan, with her rugged beauty and unique charm - a haven for surfers and adventure seekers. Spend time exploring the local town as well as the many shops & cafes of this sleepy seaside haven. Fuel up ready to hit the road for our next epic adventure.
Next stop, Waitomo, venture underground with a 90-minute walking tour of Ruakuri Cave. Marvel at the awe-inspiring limestone formations and be mesmerised by glowworms up close. Uncover the rich tapestry of Māori history, myths, and legends. Feeling like a little more adventure? Perhaps something to get your blood pumping? UPGRADE from the Ruakuri Cave Tour to one of the Legendary Black Water Rafting Experiences and choose from either the Black Labyrinth OR Black Abyss underground adventure. Jump off underground waterfalls and be mesmerised by the millions of glowworms lighting the way.
Accommodation
- Waitomo Chalets (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Raglan (sightseeing)
- Bridal Veil Falls Wallk (free)
- Ruakuri Cave Tour (included experience)
- Legendary Black Water Rafting, Black Labyrinth OR Black Abyss experience. (both of these options are paid UPGRADE experiences)
Day 3Waitomo to Rotorua
Fuel up with breakfast at Waitomo Chalets. Then, enjoy a morning hike through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve to get the blood pumping. Witness breathtaking views of the Waitomo landscape, keep your eyes peeled for native fantails and wood pigeons, and breathe in the crisp morning Waitomo air.
Our first journey of the day takes us to the enchanting Shire of Hobbiton. Explore the meticulously crafted hobbit holes, wander through lush gardens, and relive iconic scenes from The Lord of the Rings saga. Conclude your magical experience with a refreshing beverage at The Green Dragon pub.
Our final destination today is Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland with adventure and relaxation. On arrival into Rotorua we will head to the National Kiwi Hatchery. Learn about the local Kiwi bird and their natural environment PLUS delve into darkness and look out for this unique bird in their purpose-built nocturnal homes.
Accommodation
- Haka House (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Ruakuri Scenic Rserve (free walk)
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (included experience)
- National Kiwi Hatchery (included experiece)
Day 4Rotorua Activities Day
Rotorua offers plenty of experiences to keep you busy on your free day here. For the adventurous, explore the treetops on a network of ziplines with Rotorua Canopy Tours, roll downhill on a giant inflatable ball with Zorb, or go luging at the Rotorua Skyline. After a bit of calm? check out the many areas of Rotorua beaming with geothermal activity.
This afternoon will immerse you in the traditions and cultural values of the Māori people as we overnight at Te Pā Tū Māori Village, embracing Kaitiakitanga (interaction with the natural world) and Manaakitanga (hospitality and so much more). Learn about Māori history and culture through performances and enjoy traditional seasonal kai (meal). Afterwards, gather around a blazing bonfire where you will enjoy Māori myths and legends before retiring for the night in a traditional sleeping house..
Accommodation
- Te Pā Tū Māori Village (this is a traditional experience with everyone sleeping in the same room)
Experiences & Highlights
- Rotorua Canopy Tours (optional paid experience)
- Zorb (optional paid experience)
- Redwoods Treetop Walk (optional paid experience)
- Jade Carving (optional paid experience)
- Immerse yourself in the history and culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Village (included experience)
Day 5Rotorua to Taupo
Savour a delicious breakfast at Te Pa Tu. We hope you leave with a deeper understanding of Māori culture, history, and traditions and feel enriched by this unique experience.
Let's continue the journey southward to Taupo, a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Witness the power of nature at Huka Falls, one of the largest by volume in the world, where you can capture stunning photos and enjoy a short walk. As the sun dips below the horizon, board a scenic sunset cruise across the vast Lake Taupo, formed by a volcanic eruption. Savour a delicious pizza onboard while cruising towards the Māori Rock Carvings. Feel free to bring your own drinks for an even more enjoyable experience. Pack your swimsuit and towel to take a refreshing dip during the cruise!
Accommodation
- Lake Front Lodge (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Huka Falls (free sightseeing)
- Lake Taupo Sunset Sailing (Included)
- Taupo Skydiving (optional paid experience)
- AJ Hackett Swing (optional paid experience)
- AJ Hackett Bungy (optional paid experience)
- AJ Hackett Combo - Swing & Bungy (optional paid experience)
Day 6Taupo to River Valley
Let's hit the road towards River Valley Lodge, the perfect setting to immerse ourselves in nature. Located beside the Rangitiki River in the central North Island, River Valley is where you can seek adventure, choose to whitewater raft on the Rangitikei River, experience horse trekking and learn natural horsemanship techniques * horse riding experience required), explore by e-bike, or embrace solitude and blissfully disconnect.
This evening, we will enjoy a Farm-To-Table meal prepared freshly by the River Valley Chef. The team is passionate not just about food but also about where the food comes from. They strongly believe in sourcing ethical, local, and sustainable food and serving wholesome and healthy food.
Accommodation
- River Valley Lodge (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Farm to table dinner included
- River Valley White Water Rafting (optional paid experience)
- River Valley E-Bike (optional paid experience)
- River Valley Horse Riding (optional paid experience)
Day 7River Valley to Wellington
Today, we leave the relaxation of River Valley and travel towards the best little capital, Wellington. As a city, Wellington is compact but surrounded by nature and fuelled by creative energy.
If you have time, explore Wellington, wander through hidden laneways, discover street art and follow the sculpture walk along Wellington's waterfront. We will visit Mount Victoria to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the city, then learn the stories of Aotearoa, New Zealand, in the world-class museum of Te Papa located on Wellington Harbour. This evening seeks out the hidden bars of Wellington. Treat your tastebuds to one of the many world-class cafés and restaurants this city offers.
It's time to say Ka kite anō or see you later as we bid farewell and raised a glass to the Northern Crossing.
Accommodation
- The Tour will conclude at Haka House Wellington (Please note tonights accommodation is not Included)
Experiences & Highlights
- Victoria Point View
Optional Extras
Our Small Group Tours offer a fixed itinerary with a few bucket list items included. You can add plenty of additional activities to your experience as you travel.
Faq's
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I’m a solo traveller... will I meet other solo travellers?
Absolutely! The majority of our passengers are travelling solo. Kiwi Experience is a social experience guaranteed to leave with new friends from across the globe.
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Am I too old/young for Kiwi Experience?
We welcome the young, and the young at heart aboard our buses, there is no upper limit! There is however a lower limit; you’ll need to be 18 at the time of travel.
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How much luggage am I allowed to bring?
Passengers are allowed one 23kg suitcase/backpack and one day bag, as there are strict weight restrictions on our buses.
