Small Group Tour
Small Group Tour
Northern Secrets
Start: Wellington
Finish: Auckland
8 DAYS
Start the Northern Secrets by exploring the coolest little capital, Wellington. Nestled between green hills and a sparkling harbour, Wellington is full of secrets waiting to be discovered. We have packed hidden gems and secrets into this seven-day North Island extravaganza. Discover the wonders of Weta Workshops, become a beekeeper, stroll wineries, hike Te Mata Peak, embrace traditional Māori culture at Kohutapu Lodge, and dig yourself a personal beach spa at Hot Water Beach.
Highlights:
- Visit the vibrant capital of Wellington
- Marvel at Movie Magic at Weta Workshop in Wellington
- Immerse yourself in the Māori culture at Kotutapu Lodge
- Dig yourself a natural spa at Hot Water Beach
- Become a Beekeeper at Greytown Honey
- Stroll Marine Parade in Napier
- Soak in thermal mud pools at Hell's Gate
- Spot marine wildlife at the National Aquarium in Napier
- Hike the summit of Mount Maunganui
- Explore the stunning beaches of the Coromandel
And more! View the full itinerary below.
What's included:
Read more about our Booking Guarantee here
Tour Dates
2025
17 February - 24 February BOOK NOW
17 March - 24 March BOOK NOW
10 APRIL - 17 April BOOK NOW
8 May - 15 May BOOK NOW
5 June - 12 June BOOK NOW
For tours between June and August 2025, please view our 'Chilled Kiwi' tour here, or Little Kiwi' tour here.
09 - 16 September 25 Book Now
07 - 14 October 25 Book now
18 - 25 November 25 Book Now
16 - 23 December 25 Book Now
2026
16 - 23 January 26 Book Now
30 January - 6 February 26 Book now
13 - 20 February 26 Book Now
27 February - 6 March 26 Book Now
13 - 20 March 26 Book Now
27 March - 3 April 26 Book Now
10 - 17 April 26 Book Now
08 - 15 May 26 Book now
12 - 19 June 26 Book Now
Day 1Welcome to Wellington Arrival
Kia Ora (Hello) & Welcome to Wellington! You're about to discover the Northern Secrets.
Get ready to dive headfirst into the heart of New Zealand’s coolest capital city! Wellington is where creativity meets adventure, and your Northern Secrets tour kicks off.
If you're arriving in Wellington today, make your way to Haka House. If you’re already in Wellington, start your day with a caffeine hit and explore the city’s vibrant culture. From quirky boutiques to world-class museums, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the iconic Te Papa Museum—a must-see for any visitor.
As the sun sets, connect with fellow travellers at our Welcome Evening.
The centrally located Haka House is your home base. Check-in is from 2 p.m., and get ready to discover the magic of Wellington!
Accommodation
Haka House Wellington (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Welcome evening - Meet your Small Group Tour driver guide and fellow travellers (included experience)
Day 2Wellington Activities Day
Unleash Your Inner Film Buff and Explorer in Wellington
Get ready to be amazed at Weta Workshop! Step behind the scenes of your favourite movies like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, and District 9. Witness the magic come to life as you explore mind-blowing props, costumes, and creature designs. You might even glimpse an artist bringing a character to life!
Fuel your afternoon with excitement! Rent an e-bike (optional paid activity) and cruise along Wellington's stunning waterfront with Switched on Bikes, or immerse yourself in nature at Zealandia, a haven for native wildlife (optional paid activity). Discover the hidden gems of this vibrant city and let your adventurous spirit soar.
This evening, discover the hidden bars of Wellington. Here is a link to find them.
Accommodation
- Haka Lodge (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Weta Workshop Tour (including transfers to & from the experience) ( included experience)
- Rent an e-bike (optional paid experience)
- Zealandia (optional paid experience)
- Te Papa National Museum (optional paid experience)
Day 3Wellington to Martinborough
Let's bid farewell to Wellington as we journey to the enchanting Kaitoke Regional Park, the real-life inspiration behind the ethereal Rivendell from The Lord of the Rings. Wander through ancient forests, breathe in the fresh air, and keep an eye out for native birds like the elusive New Zealand falcon.
This afternoon, we will Step Back in time and discover the charm of historic Greytown, known for its beautifully restored Victorian buildings. Explore quaint shops, savour delicious coffee, and immerse yourself in the town's rich history at Papawai Marae, the site of the first Māori Parliament.
We will end our day in the heart of New Zealand's wine country, Martinborough. Indulge in delectable cuisine and world-class wines at one of the many vineyard cafes. For the adventurous, rent a bike and explore the picturesque countryside at your own pace.
Accommodation
- The Claremont Hotel (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Kaitoke Regional Park (included experience)
- Remutaka Lookout (included experience)
- Martinborough Town Tour (included experience)
- E-Bike hire & wine tasting (optional paid experience)
Day 4Martinborough to Napier
Breakfast included this morning at Claremont
Are you Buzzing with Excitement? Today's adventure kicks off with an unforgettable experience: becoming a beekeeper! We're heading to Greytown Honey to put on a beekeeping suit and get up close with the hive. Learn the secrets of honey production and taste the sweet rewards of the bees' hard work.
After our beekeeping adventure, we're hitting the road to Napier; New Zealand's Art Deco capital. Get ready to be amazed by the city's unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere! Before our arrival, will stop to stretch our legs and soak up stunning views at Te Mata Peak, the perfect spot for epic photos.
Please Note: You must wear closed shoes and shorts/pants for your Beekeeping experience
Accommodation
- Kennedy Park (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Greytown Honey Beekeeper Experience (included experience)
- Te Mata Peak Viewpoint (free)
Day 5Napier to Kohutapu Lodge
Enjoy breakfast at Kennedy Park before visiting the National Aquarium of New Zealand. If you have time, stroll along Marine Parade, the jewel in the Hawkes Bay crown, before departing Hawkes Bay and onto Taupo for lunch.
This afternoon, we will drive to Kohutapu Lodge, an immersive Māori cultural experience on the outskirts of Murupara. Here, you’ll learn the history of the Ngati Manawa people, walk in native forest, learn about traditional Māori medicinal plants like Kawakawa, feast on a traditional Hangi, participate in traditional Māori games, and meet and learn from the local community.
Accommodation
- Kohutapu Lodge (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- National Aquarium of New Zealand (included experience)
- Kohutapu immersive Māori Cultural Experience (included experience)
- Laying down of the Hangi at Kohutapu Lodge (included experience)
Day 6Kohutapu Lodge to Tauranga
Kickstart your day with breakfast at Kohutapu Lodge, immersing yourself in Māori culture with a traditional Powhiri (welcome ceremony). Explore the carved meeting house and enjoy morning tea and conversation with the community elders.
Bidding Haere rā (goodbye), we journey to where the centre of the earth meets the sky: Hell’s Gate Rotorua. Hell’s Gate offers one of New Zealand's most unique geothermal experiences. It is where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above. Don't forget your swimsuit for a rejuvenating dip in the nutrient-rich thermal pools, including a full-body mud bath experience.
This afternoon we head to the vibrant beach town of Mount Maunganui, also known as "The Mount." Soak up the sun, stroll along the picturesque coastline, or challenge yourself with a hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views. Tonight, we will stay across the bridge in Tauranga, with water views and is within walking distance of great bars and restaurants.
Accommodation
- Wanderlust (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Marae Visit (included experience)
- Powhiri & morning tea (included experience)
- Tour of the Carved Meeting Houses (included experience)
- Hells Gate Geothermal Experience & Mud Bath (included experinece)
Day 7Tauranga to Coromandel
Fuel Up and enjoy breakfast at one of the many local cafes before we hit the road and head up the coast towards the picturesque Coromandel region, with a lunch stop to discover the charm of Whangamata, a popular Kiwi getaway known for its pristine beaches and native forests.
A stop along the way will allow us to stretch our legs and head out to discover the hidden gems of the Karangahake Gorge. Enjoy a hike through historic mining tunnels and admire the lush native forests.
This afternoon, experience the breathtaking natural rock formation at Cathedral Cove. Go on a short walk to explore the cove by foot or embark on an ocean adventure and get the best of both worlds. Hop aboard the Hahei Explorer and explore the area by boat OR if you feel like putting some effort in, Cathedral Cove Kayaks is the perfect option too. This evening depending on the tides, we will head to Hot Water Beach to dig a personal natural spa and relax in the hot geothermal water on the beach. Hahei is a gorgeous beach town famed for its spectacular, pink sandy beach. Go for a sunset swim or grab a bite to eat before winding down for the night.
Accommodation
- Hahei Beach Resort (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Karangahake Gorge Walk (free)
- Cathedral Cove Kayaking (optional paid experience)
- Hahei Explorer (optional paid experience)
- Dig a spa pool at Hot Water Beach and experience the magic of the earth as the water is naturally heated deep within the earth (this experience is tide dependant)
Day 8Coromandel to Auckland
Leave the Coromandel behind and venture into the heart of the Kaimai Ranges. Discover the hidden gems of the Karangahake Gorge, where we will enjoy a hike through historic mining tunnels and admire the lush native forests. Our Northern Secrets Tour concludes in the bustling metropolis of Auckland, also known as the "City of Sails." If you have the time, explore the city's iconic waterfront, stroll through the vibrant Wynyard Quarter, or immerse yourself in the arts scene at one of the many museums and galleries.
As your Kiwi Experience adventure draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the incredible memories and friendships you've made along the way. Farewell to your fellow travellers and Kiwi Driver Guide. Ka kite anō! (See you again!)
Accommodation
- Not Included - The Northern Secerts will conclude at Lylo Auckland
Optional Extras
Our Small Group Tours offer a fixed itinerary with a few bucket list items included. There are plenty of additional activities you can add on 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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What visas do I need?
Luckily, many nationalities are able to visit New Zealand for less than 3 months without a visa. However, if you are not from one of these countries, obtaining your own visa is your own responsibility. We ask that you check out the Immigration New Zealand website before booking your Kiwi Experience trip.
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Do I need travel insurance?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended and should be taken out when travelling with us. As well as making sure your expensive stuff is covered, you should also get comprehensive travel insurance (covering all medical expenses you could incur while travelling).
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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.
