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Thrifty Tours

Northern Best Bits Tour

This 6 day tour is a great option for people with limited time who wish to experience as much as they can around the Auckland area. Learn about New Zealand's history, explore Bay of Islands, travel to Rotorua via the famous Waitomo glow worm caves and experience New Zealand's geothermal capital before returning to Auckland.

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Quick Itinerary Details

New Zealand Independent Tour

This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,765 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Auckland, finishes in Auckland

6 days/5 nights

Hotel 3 star

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 247 times in the last 7 days

This tour also includes
- Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp
- Private transfer Auckland Inner City (x 3)
- Rotorua Intercity Depot to Rotorua Accommodation - Private Transfer
- Private Transfer Rotorua Accommodation to Rotorua Intercity Depot (Xquizit)
- Private Transfer Auckland accommodation to Auckland Airport
Meals included: 5 breakfasts
price pp from

NZD$2,765

twin share/double
Tour full itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Northern Best Bits Tour - Day 1
Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp

You will be met at the Auckland airport by the driver and transferred to your Auckland accommodation.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise with Explore

This unique on-water sailing and dining experience is not to be missed while you're in Auckland. Enjoy smooth sailing on the Waitemata Harbour - then watch this photogenic city come alive with twinkling lights. Enjoy your meal as you sail around the beautiful Auckland Harbour taking in the view as the sun slowly sets. You'll be treated to canapes and a drink as you set off towards Westhaven Marina. To finish the evening off, savour your dessert course as you leisurely sail back to Auckland's vibrant Viaduct Harbour.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Wētā Workshop Unleashed

Explore worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy in the making. An exciting, realistic, and authentic experience, with three fully developed and original film concepts: A nail-biting horror Fauna, a fantasy epic Age of the Ever-Clan, and the mind-bending sci-fi Origins.
A 90-minute guided experience through fully themed environments, including immersive horror, fantasy, and sci-fi story worlds. Be immersed by a specially-created unique sweeping cinematic soundtrack, animatronic creatures, physical and digital interactives, hyper-realistic sculpted giants and characters, a horror house experience, and much more.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - All Blacks Experience

See what it takes to make, shape and be an All Black. Experience first-hand the excitement and emotion of game day. Discover the stories behind some of world rugby’s most famous players, moments, and matches.
This guided experience introduces you to the game of rugby including state-of-the-art displays combining sound, images, interactive technology, and hands-on activities. Discover New Zealand’s deep passion for our national sport, experience the full force of the All Blacks haka, and tackle interactive zones where you can try out your kicking, catching, line-out, and accuracy skills against legendary All Blacks.

Your accommodation: Grand Millennium Auckland

Located in the heart of the city, a stay at Grand Millennium Auckland places you within walking distance of some of the city's finest dining, shopping and entertainment venues.

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Northern Best Bits Tour - Day 2
Auckland to Paihia, Bay of Islands by InterCity Coach

Leave Auckland and head North to the Bay of Islands. Taking you along the coast road past the seaside villages of Orewa and Waiwera. Then it's on to the township of Puhoi, New Zealand's only Bohemian settlement, then Warkworth and the harbourside city of Whangarei and the unique township of Kawakawa. Arriving into the subtropical Bay of Islands you are greeted with bush-clad hillsides dropping to golden sand beaches. Paihia is the main centre of the bay and has a great beachside atmosphere.

Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers GreatSights

Board your cruise and take in the stunning views as you glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over and Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known as the Hole in the Rock. According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space. Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales, and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get up close to the action. Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island where you have time to relax, take a walk, have a swim, or enjoy a bite to eat and drink from the on-site fully licensed café. The purpose-built catamaran is licensed by DOC (the Department of Conservation) for dolphin viewing and the crew has years of experience locating dolphins in these waters. 

Your accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia

The Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia is located on the waterfront only 100 metres from Paihia wharf and township. All rooms are air-conditioned and hotel facilities include restaurant and spa pool
Meals included: Breakfast

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Northern Best Bits Tour - Day 3
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour and Cultural Performance - Shuttle Included

Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between 43 Māori chiefs and the British Government. This two-day pass allows you access to the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds and includes admission to the Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum and a Māori Cultural performance. During your guided tour, you'll learn about the history of the treaty and discover the stories and events that shaped New Zealand. The cultural performance inside the carved meeting house includes waiata (singing), poi, a display of Māori weaponry and the haka - a war dance New Zealand is well known for.

Paihia, Bay of Islands to Auckland with InterCity Coach

Leaving the magical Bay of Islands behind you head south on State Highway 1 back towards Auckland, the "City of Sails". The route takes you through Kawakawa, affectionately known as 'train town'. The farming regions of Wellsford and Warkworth accompany you the rest of the journey before passing through the suburbs of the North Shore and crossing the harbour bridge and into the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland City.

Private transfer Auckland Inner City with Corporate Cabs

You will be met by a representative of Corporate Cabs and transferred to your destination.

Your accommodation: Grand Millennium Auckland

Located in the heart of the city, a stay at Grand Millennium Auckland places you within walking distance of some of the city's finest dining, shopping and entertainment venues.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Northern Best Bits Tour - Day 4
Private transfer Auckland Inner City with Corporate Cabs

You will be met by a representative of Corporate Cabs and transferred to your destination.

Auckland to Rotorua including Hobbiton and Te Puia with Gray Line

Take a journey into the heart of the Central North Island, Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day sightseeing tour. Setting off from Auckland, travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Take a guided tour of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located inside a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep and beef farm near Matamata. Here, the village of Hobbiton 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.
Gain an insight into New Zealand's Māori culture at Te Puia. You'll see Te Puia's woodcarving and weaving schools and see how these ancient Māori art forms are being passed on to a new generation of master artists. Afterwards, continue to Rotorua, arriving in the early evening.

Rotorua Intercity Depot to Rotorua Accommodation

You will be collected from Rotorua Intercity Coach Depot and transferred to your accommodation.

Your accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua boasts a location that is second-to-none, right on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua. Adjacent to the world-famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Northern Best Bits Tour - Day 5
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Original Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours

Embark on a three-hour adventure through the native New Zealand forest. Journey through the beautiful forest canopy via an incredible network of trails, tree platforms, Ziplines and swing bridges. See breathtaking views of the woodland valleys and hills as you fly through tight openings in the trees. In between the thrill of the ziplines and suspended tree bridges, your guides will share their passion and knowledge for the forest and the conservation challenges to preserve it. 

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa

Rotorua's Polynesian Spa offers a unique thermal spa experience on the shore of Lake Rotorua. Enjoy tranquil bathing and lake views in four shallow alkaline rock pools, each with different temperatures (36˚C to 42˚C). Surrounded by revitalising native New Zealand flora, natural rocks, the sound of two waterfalls and a grotto. The pools are filled with soothing alkaline mineral water leaving your skin soft and supple. Unwind in either the indoor or outdoor relaxation area overlooking the four hot mineral pools and Lake Rotorua, here you can further decompress on the five geothermally heated recliners set in the stunning backdrop of New Zealand's lush and natural greenery. The Lake Spa is a unique thermal pool environment, where the atmosphere changes from day to night, and from winter steam to summer sparkle.

Private Transfer Rotorua Accommodation to Rotorua Intercity Depot with Xquizit

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Intercity Coach Depot.

Rotorua to Auckland by InterCity Coach

The drive from Rotorua to Auckland takes you through the heart of the Waikato and its rich agricultural land. Along New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato. A little further than Hamilton is Auckland City, New Zealand's largest, spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. From the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found in Ponsonby and Parnell to the breathtaking native bush and beaches of the West Coast, Auckland is full of life and the opportunities to explore are endless.

Private transfer Auckland Inner City with Corporate Cabs

You will be met by a representative of Corporate Cabs and transferred to your destination.

Your accommodation: Grand Millennium Auckland

Located in the heart of the city, a stay at Grand Millennium Auckland places you within walking distance of some of the city's finest dining, shopping and entertainment venues.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Northern Best Bits Tour - Day 6
Private Transfer Auckland accommodation to Auckland Airport with Tourcorp

You will be met at your Auckland accommodation by the driver and transferred to the airport.

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