Breadcrumb
New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Thrifty Tours

Heart of the North Island

Experience the very best of New Zealand’s legendary landscapes, from the glowing underground grottoes of Waitomo to the meticulously crafted hills of the Hobbiton Movie Set. You will spend your days witnessing the force of the Pōhutu Geyser and wandering through the vibrant geothermal springs of Wai-O-Tapu, all while enjoying the depth of local cultural stories. 

Tour map
Travellers in Waitomo glow worm caves, New Zealand
Lady Knox Geyser steaming near Rotorua, New Zealand
Currency selector
Select your currency to view indicative pricing
Tour summary and feature

Quick Itinerary Details

New Zealand Independent Tour

This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,700 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Auckland, finishes in Auckland

4 days/3 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 194 times in the last 7 days

price pp from

NZD$2,700

twin share/double
Tour full itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Heart of the North Island - Day 1
Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour + Te Puia with Cheeky Kiwi

Experience the ultimate North Island road trip on this fully guided, small-group journey from Auckland to Rotorua. Leave the city behind as you travel through the lush Waikato countryside to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you’ll marvel at thousands of tiny lights during a magical underground boat ride. The adventure continues to Rotorua’s Te Puia, the home of Māori culture and geothermal wonders. Witness the powerful Pōhutu Geyser, see live Kiwi birds, and watch master carvers at work. With passionate guides and premium Mercedes transport, this is the most comfortable and exciting way to reach Rotorua.

Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel is Rotorua's largest 4-star deluxe hotel. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city overlooking Lake Rotorua. Five levels of accommodation offer guests a wide variety of scenic views.
Meals included: Lunch

Back to top

Heart of the North Island - Day 2
Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with Gray Line / GreatSights - Lunch Included

Take a journey from Rotorua to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located inside a picturesque 1,250-acre sheep and beef farm near Matamata. Here, take a guided tour of the village of Hobbiton, which was carefully created in amazing detail as a film location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies. During your guided tour of this amazing location, you’ll see sights like Hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, enjoy a tasty lunch in the Party Marquee and then return to Rotorua.

Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel is Rotorua's largest 4-star deluxe hotel. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city overlooking Lake Rotorua. Five levels of accommodation offer guests a wide variety of scenic views.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Back to top

Heart of the North Island - Day 3
Crater Lakes Flight & Hot Pools by Floatplane with Volcanic Air

Soar beyond the crater’s rim on a spectacular floatplane adventure. After taking in the breathtaking aerial views of Rotorua’s hidden lakes district and distant volcanoes, you will experience the thrill of a water landing on the crystal-clear shores of Lake Rotoiti. Here, you’ll discover a secluded paradise only accessible by water: natural geothermal hot pools tucked away in a quiet bay. Spend 90 minutes soaking in serenity or cooling off with a lakeside swim before your pilot whisks you back to reality. 

Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel is Rotorua's largest 4-star deluxe hotel. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city overlooking Lake Rotorua. Five levels of accommodation offer guests a wide variety of scenic views.
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

Back to top

Heart of the North Island - Day 4
Rotorua to Auckland via Taupo & Hamilton with Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Jumpstart your adventure at Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, where you'll witness the spectacular eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser and explore a landscape brimming with vibrant geothermal features like the Champagne Lake and bubbling mud-pools. Continue south to Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and a giant volcanic crater, for lunch and a highlights tour. Your journey north stops at Huka Falls, a breathtaking display of New Zealand's natural beauty. In Hamilton, discover the unexpected charm of Hamilton Gardens, boasting 18 unique enclosed gardens that transport you through various cultures and times. Finally, enjoy a fully guided return trip to Auckland, with secret stops making your return just as exciting as the rest of your adventure.

Back to top

Contact form
Enquire about this tour

Complete the form and one of our New Zealand travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Tour departure list
Departure dates & prices
See all dates & prices for: Heart of the North Island
This tour has 197 departure dates.
All prices are in
Go to dates in
Starts Status   Twin/Double Single occupancy You save  
Mar 18, 2026
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 19, 2026
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 20, 2026
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 21, 2026
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 22, 2026
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 23, 2026
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 24, 2026
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 25, 2026
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 26, 2026
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 27, 2026
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 28, 2026
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 29, 2026
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 30, 2026
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Mar 31, 2026
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 1, 2026
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 2, 2026
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 3, 2026
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 4, 2026
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 5, 2026
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 6, 2026
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 7, 2026
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 8, 2026
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 9, 2026
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 10, 2026
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 11, 2026
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 12, 2026
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 13, 2026
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 14, 2026
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 15, 2026
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 16, 2026
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
Apr 17, 2026
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$2,700 NZD$3,300 Enquire Book
All prices are in
Go to dates in
Tour quick quote rework
Get an Instant Quote or Book this Tour
Heart of the North Island
Step 1: Select a date
Step 2: Select number of passengers and room configuration

Enter email address to receive your instant quote

By sharing your details, you're agreeing to hear from us about this quote and other relevant travel offers. You can unsubscribe anytime.
No pricing loaded - please choose another date or contact us
Your quote for this tour:
Start date:
End date:
Guests:
Rooms:
Total cost for ALL guests on this tour package is:
NZD$0
or
This quote is based on vehicles to accommodate your party in the vehicle type. We suggest changing the car type or contacting us for the best options.
The package cost above excludes rental vehicle hire as you are requesting a price for a vehicle outside of our designated season. Please reach out direct for rental vehicle rates.

NOTE: Quotes are subject to availability of specific accommodation and other inclusions. Our NZ touring experts will be in touch with you regarding this. Costs quoted in currencies other than New Zealand dollars (NZ$) are based on todays exchange rate and is subject to change.Terms and Conditions apply

Remember - we can create this itinerary with any style of accommodation or customise to suit your interests and timeframe. Just contact us here.

Why book with New Zealand Coach Tours?

At NZ Coach Tours we choose only the best coach tours out there. We have up to date knowledge and experience, so we can give you the best advice on which tour is right for you. We can combine tours, maybe one tour that offers the best in the North Island and one that offers something different for the South Island. Our range of independent tours depart daily and can be custom designed to suit you perfectly. We have loads of accommodation options, activity ideas, and sell a beautiful destination that is guaranteed to blow you away!
Put simply - we have something for everyone and we are confident you will not be left disappointed.

In summary

  • We specialise in New Zealand. Nothing else. 100% New Zealand.
  • You get the best price for your tour and we guarantee it.
  • Our experienced team is based right here in New Zealand, and we're ready to help you with every step of your personalised journey.
  • We have the first-hand experience of the tours we sell.
  • We have quality, long standing relationships with many touring partners, accommodation and activity suppliers
  • Legendary dedication to service excellence.
  • Secure payment options for your peace of mind.
  • Operating since 2004 and our guests love us.
  • Because your visit to New Zealand deserves to be the best.
  • We represent only the best-escorted coach touring brands — Grand Pacific Tours, Grand Pacific Ultimate Small Group Tours, Intrepid Travel and AAT Kings.
  • Talk to one of our team today to find and book the New Zealand coach tour that's right for you.