NZ INTRO NORTH
Days:
9
Starts:
AUCKLAND
Finishes:
WELLINGTON
Meals:
4B, 2D
From:
$1274
Days:
9
Starts:
AUCKLAND
Finishes:
WELLINGTON
Meals:
4B, 2D
From:
$1274
From the volcanic marvels of Rotorua to the lush charm of real-life Hobbiton, New Zealand’s North Island is full of wilderness and wonder. We’ll show you all the highlights of the North Island along with some off-the-beaten- path adventures. Wander the famous Hobbiton film set, experience traditional Māori culture, soak in thermal hot springs, explore underground caves, sail the stunning Lake Taupo, discover fascinating Wellington and so much more! And, with this NZ Intro North work add-on, we will also help you sort all your essentials and help you find work in NZ. Oh, and did we mention you’ll be doing all this with a knowledgeable group leader and a new crew of mates? There’s no better way to kick off your adventure in New Zealand!
NZ Intro North is our comprehensive work and travel package and the ultimate way to get started, including exclusive access to our own ‘NZ Jobs’ Program.
Check it out hereImmerse yourself in Maori culture, sail across Lake Taupo, explore the real life Hobbiton & more!
See the full listYou will spend 8 nights staying in hostels in the heart of NZ's most vibrant cities.
You'll get an awesome group leader to provide 24/7 support during & after your trip, alongside knowledgeable local guides.
4 Breakfasts & 2 Dinners.
We accurately measure the CO2 emissions of your tour and 100% offset them through planting the required amount of trees.
AUCKLAND
Kia ora! Touching down in New Zealand’s largest city, we’ll meet you at our centrally located hostel to settle in. This evening you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and excited for all the adventures to come in Aotearoa.
ROTORUA
First up we’re stopping at Waitomo, home of the world-famous glowworm caves. We’ll take a guided tour and explore this labyrinth of underground rivers and watch the resident glowworms do their thing. This afternoon we tick off another highlight as we head to Hobbiton to wander the real-life lush pastures of the Shire as featured in The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After exploring the set and learning all about movie magic, we’ll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before departing for Rotorua.
ROTORUA
Waking up to the whiff of sulphur, today you’ll definitely know you’re in Rotorua! We’ll visit the naturally heated waters of Kerosene Creek where you’ll get to take a dip, as well one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – Wai o Tapu, featuring dramatic geysers & bubbling mud.
ROTORUA
This morning you’ll have some free time to try some zorbing or the skyline luge. Later that day, our team will help make sure you’ve got everything sorted for living and working in NZ, and get you signed up to our NZ Jobs Program. In the evening we’ll go to the Mitai Māori village for an introduction to Māori culture. It doesn’t get more authentic than this!
TAUPO
Have your cameras ready as we travel to Taupo, a lakefront town in the heart of the North Island. This afternoon we’ll treat you to something special - a sailing trip across the lake. Swoon over spectacular, no-filter-needed scenery and the volcanic landscape.
TAUPO
This morning we’re off on a scenic walk to check out Huka Falls, a goose-bump inducing torrent of crystal water thundering down the Waikato River that you will hear before you see. After witnessing the raw power of Mother Nature, you’ll then have some free time when you can do a skydive or a bungee jump!
WELLINGTON
Today we’ll head to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington! Dive into the city's energy by exploring its charming cafes, indulging in delicious bites at top-notch restaurants or kicking back and soaking up the laid-back vibes of the evening.
WELLINGTON
Get ready to explore the best of Wellington with a city orientation tour! Hop aboard the iconic cable cars for stunning views, then dive into the rich history and vibrant culture at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum—ranked among the world’s best museums. Tonight we’ll get together for our farewell dinner!
WELLINGTON
This morning your Northern Kiwi adventure comes to an end, but this is just the beginning of your time in New Zealand! Prepped and ready for the next leg along with the new friends you’ve made, we’ll be there for support every step of the way.
Making a positive difference to the amazing destinations we travel is at the core of what we do. Small Change is our own socially conscious initiative aimed at making the world that little bit better place to explore!
Check out the #SmallChange you'll be part of while doing this tour. Click here
The country’s rugged beauty and varied landscapes means it’s always a good time to go backpacking in New Zealand! The summer months (December to March) bring long, sunny days perfect for spending outdoors, the winter months (June to September) bring snow to the South Island and parts of the North, and the shoulder seasons bring milder weather and fewer visitors.
This is a backpacker style trip, aimed at those happy to stay at nice budget accommodation in multi-share rooms from 4 - 10 beds.
This trip covers a large part of New Zealand, which means some long travel days, including potential delays due to traffic. We use private transport along with some public buses on this tour.
When should I arrive for my tour?
It’s best to arrive on the actual start date, as that’s when most people get in. While there are no activities on the first day, the group usually meets up for dinner around 7PM. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins. Our INTRO Travel App has all the important information about arriving into the country, airport transfer options and where to meet when you arrive. Please download it here for iPhone or Google
Where can I update my arrival information for my tour?
Once you have booked your flights please log into the Manage My Booking area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details. If you plan to arrive early and need extra nights accommodation, please let us know ASAP so we can book this for you. The cost and availability of extra nights will vary depending on which tour you have booked.
Which airport do I need to fly into?
You can find information on which airport to fly into and out of in the 'Arrival Info’ and ‘After Your Trip’ sections of our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
Can I book pre-tour accommodation with you?
If you are arriving before the tour start date and would like pre-nights accommodation please contact us ASAP.
Can I book post-tour accommodation with you?
Your group leader will book post-tour accommodation for you when you are on tour. Just need to let them know when you arrive.
How do I organise my airport transfer?
New Zealand does not include an airport transfer. Please refer to the INTRO Travel app (which you can download here for iPhone or Google) to see our recommended transfer options to your accommodation. Once you have booked your flights, please log into the Manage My Booking Area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details so we know when you will be arriving at the accommodation.
A return transfer (after the tour) is not included, however your group leader can help arrange this for you, along with any other onward travel you need.
Are flights included in the price?
Flights to and from NZ are not included in the price of the tour and will need to be booked separately. You can get a quote on a flight to your destination here.
When should I book my flight to arrive?
It’s best to arrive on the actual start date. This is when most people arrive. There are no activities on the first day but the group gets together in the evening for a welcome dinner at around 7pm. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
Do I need a visa and can you arrange it for me?
Visa requirements vary depending on the country you are travelling to and your nationality. It’s your responsibility to check the visa and entry requirements for the country/s you will be travelling to. There is some information about visas in our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
IMPORTANT: We cannot apply for your visa for you and strongly recommend that you check on the relevant embassy or consulate website for the country/s you’ll be travelling to well in advance of your departure, as requirements can change and some countries require you to apply for a visa before you travel.
How much spending money will I need?
All your activities, transport, accommodation and some meals are included in the tour, so you will mainly just need money for extra meals, drinks, shopping and onward travel. If you’d like to book some optional activities during your tour, like a skydive, we suggest bringing some extra money to make the most of these experiences.
The amount of money you’ll need depends on the tour you are doing. There’s information about how much money you’ll need for each tour in our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
What’s the best way to access my money?
We recommend getting a Wise travel card, which will allow you to pay for things in local currency and avoid getting charged high foreign exchange fees by your bank.
Getting a Wise travel card is easy! You can get a Wise travel card here.
If you’re going to be working in Australia or New Zealand you will need to apply for a Wise travel card. When you are applying for the card simply choose to open an Australian or NZ bank account, that way you'll be able to get paid when you're working in Oz or NZ.
What should I pack for my tour?
Whether you have a backpack or a suitcase the main thing to keep in mind is not to bring too much stuff! We strongly recommend that you bring less than 20 kgs of stuff with you.
If you haven’t got a backpack yet, try and get one that zips open along the side. There will be places on the tour where you can do laundry, so you don’t need to bring 16 pairs of shorts with you.
You can view a packing checklist on our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
How many people will be in my group?
Our groups usually have around 12-16 people on them, usually aged between 18 to early 40's. We get people from all over the world on our tours, so you’ll get to bond with a wide range of travellers who all share that same passion for adventure! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy bonding with people of all backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly!
How can I get in touch with my group?
You can reach out to your fellow travellers in our designated Facebook groups. We have a Facebook group for all our destinations, if you go to our INTRO Travel Community Facebook page you will be able to find the relevant group for your destination.
How can I get in touch with my group leader?
You will receive a ‘welcome email’ from your group leader approx. 2 weeks before your tour begins.
What if I'm travelling solo?
If you're struggling to convince your friends to join you on an adventure, you're not alone!
Travelling solo on a group tour can be one of the most exciting ways to experience a new destination, and you won't have to wait around for your mates to be ready. You leave yourself open to meeting amazing people, making new friends, and can keep yourself and your onward travel plans flexible.
The majority of our group members are solo travellers, so joining one of our group tours is a great way to meet people and make friends. Before your trip starts we'll put you in touch with the rest of your group so you can start chatting and get to know each other. And after the trip a lot of people continue travelling with the new friends they've made!
What if I'm travelling with a friend/s or partner?
Once you’ve made a booking just let us know who you’re travelling with and we can make a note that you are travelling together, and can put you in the same room.
A big part of the INTRO Travel difference is our after-trip support. Your group leader will spend enough time as needed to ensure you are totally comfortable and confident with where you’re going next. And can help organise and book whatever you need, including any transport, accommodation or trips you may want. We'll also provide 24/7 support and advice after your trip, and will always be there to help when you need it.
$400
NZ Intro North is our comprehensive work and travel package and the ultimate way to get started, including exclusive access to our own ‘NZ Jobs’ Program.
Check it out hereImmerse yourself in Maori culture, sail across Lake Taupo, explore the real life Hobbiton & more!
See the full listYou will spend 8 nights staying in hostels in the heart of NZ's most vibrant cities.
You'll get an awesome group leader to provide 24/7 support during & after your trip, alongside knowledgeable local guides.
4 Breakfasts & 2 Dinners.
We accurately measure the CO2 emissions of your tour and 100% offset them through planting the required amount of trees.
Kia ora! Touching down in New Zealand’s largest city, we’ll meet you at our centrally located hostel to settle in. This evening you’ll meet up with the rest of your travel crew and excited for all the adventures to come in Aotearoa.
First up we’re stopping at Waitomo, home of the world-famous glowworm caves. We’ll take a guided tour and explore this labyrinth of underground rivers and watch the resident glowworms do their thing. This afternoon we tick off another highlight as we head to Hobbiton to wander the real-life lush pastures of the Shire as featured in The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After exploring the set and learning all about movie magic, we’ll enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before departing for Rotorua.
Waking up to the whiff of sulphur, today you’ll definitely know you’re in Rotorua! We’ll visit the naturally heated waters of Kerosene Creek where you’ll get to take a dip, as well one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – Wai o Tapu, featuring dramatic geysers & bubbling mud.
This morning you’ll have some free time to try some zorbing or the skyline luge. Later that day, our team will help make sure you’ve got everything sorted for living and working in NZ, and get you signed up to our NZ Jobs Program. In the evening we’ll go to the Mitai Māori village for an introduction to Māori culture. It doesn’t get more authentic than this!
Have your cameras ready as we travel to Taupo, a lakefront town in the heart of the North Island. This afternoon we’ll treat you to something special - a sailing trip across the lake. Swoon over spectacular, no-filter-needed scenery and the volcanic landscape.
This morning we’re off on a scenic walk to check out Huka Falls, a goose-bump inducing torrent of crystal water thundering down the Waikato River that you will hear before you see. After witnessing the raw power of Mother Nature, you’ll then have some free time when you can do a skydive or a bungee jump!
Today we’ll head to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington! Dive into the city's energy by exploring its charming cafes, indulging in delicious bites at top-notch restaurants or kicking back and soaking up the laid-back vibes of the evening.
Get ready to explore the best of Wellington with a city orientation tour! Hop aboard the iconic cable cars for stunning views, then dive into the rich history and vibrant culture at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum—ranked among the world’s best museums. Tonight we’ll get together for our farewell dinner!
This morning your Northern Kiwi adventure comes to an end, but this is just the beginning of your time in New Zealand! Prepped and ready for the next leg along with the new friends you’ve made, we’ll be there for support every step of the way.
Making a positive difference to the amazing destinations we travel is at the core of what we do. Small Change is our own socially conscious initiative aimed at making the world that little bit better place to explore!
Check out the #SmallChange you'll be part of while doing this tour. Click here
The country’s rugged beauty and varied landscapes means it’s always a good time to go backpacking in New Zealand! The summer months (December to March) bring long, sunny days perfect for spending outdoors, the winter months (June to September) bring snow to the South Island and parts of the North, and the shoulder seasons bring milder weather and fewer visitors.
This is a backpacker style trip, aimed at those happy to stay at nice budget accommodation in multi-share rooms from 4 - 10 beds.
This trip covers a large part of New Zealand, which means some long travel days, including potential delays due to traffic. We use private transport along with some public buses on this tour.
When should I arrive for my tour?
It’s best to arrive on the actual start date, as that’s when most people get in. While there are no activities on the first day, the group usually meets up for dinner around 7PM. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins. Our INTRO Travel App has all the important information about arriving into the country, airport transfer options and where to meet when you arrive. Please download it here for iPhone or Google
Where can I update my arrival information for my tour?
Once you have booked your flights please log into the Manage My Booking area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details. If you plan to arrive early and need extra nights accommodation, please let us know ASAP so we can book this for you. The cost and availability of extra nights will vary depending on which tour you have booked.
Which airport do I need to fly into?
You can find information on which airport to fly into and out of in the 'Arrival Info’ and ‘After Your Trip’ sections of our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
Can I book pre-tour accommodation with you?
If you are arriving before the tour start date and would like pre-nights accommodation please contact us ASAP.
Can I book post-tour accommodation with you?
Your group leader will book post-tour accommodation for you when you are on tour. Just need to let them know when you arrive.
How do I organise my airport transfer?
New Zealand does not include an airport transfer. Please refer to the INTRO Travel app (which you can download here for iPhone or Google) to see our recommended transfer options to your accommodation. Once you have booked your flights, please log into the Manage My Booking Area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details so we know when you will be arriving at the accommodation.
A return transfer (after the tour) is not included, however your group leader can help arrange this for you, along with any other onward travel you need.
Are flights included in the price?
Flights to and from NZ are not included in the price of the tour and will need to be booked separately. You can get a quote on a flight to your destination here.
When should I book my flight to arrive?
It’s best to arrive on the actual start date. This is when most people arrive. There are no activities on the first day but the group gets together in the evening for a welcome dinner at around 7pm. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
Do I need a visa and can you arrange it for me?
Visa requirements vary depending on the country you are travelling to and your nationality. It’s your responsibility to check the visa and entry requirements for the country/s you will be travelling to. There is some information about visas in our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
IMPORTANT: We cannot apply for your visa for you and strongly recommend that you check on the relevant embassy or consulate website for the country/s you’ll be travelling to well in advance of your departure, as requirements can change and some countries require you to apply for a visa before you travel.
How much spending money will I need?
All your activities, transport, accommodation and some meals are included in the tour, so you will mainly just need money for extra meals, drinks, shopping and onward travel. If you’d like to book some optional activities during your tour, like a skydive, we suggest bringing some extra money to make the most of these experiences.
The amount of money you’ll need depends on the tour you are doing. There’s information about how much money you’ll need for each tour in our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
What’s the best way to access my money?
We recommend getting a Wise travel card, which will allow you to pay for things in local currency and avoid getting charged high foreign exchange fees by your bank.
Getting a Wise travel card is easy! You can get a Wise travel card here.
If you’re going to be working in Australia or New Zealand you will need to apply for a Wise travel card. When you are applying for the card simply choose to open an Australian or NZ bank account, that way you'll be able to get paid when you're working in Oz or NZ.
What should I pack for my tour?
Whether you have a backpack or a suitcase the main thing to keep in mind is not to bring too much stuff! We strongly recommend that you bring less than 20 kgs of stuff with you.
If you haven’t got a backpack yet, try and get one that zips open along the side. There will be places on the tour where you can do laundry, so you don’t need to bring 16 pairs of shorts with you.
You can view a packing checklist on our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
How many people will be in my group?
Our groups usually have around 12-16 people on them, usually aged between 18 to early 40's. We get people from all over the world on our tours, so you’ll get to bond with a wide range of travellers who all share that same passion for adventure! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy bonding with people of all backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly!
How can I get in touch with my group?
You can reach out to your fellow travellers in our designated Facebook groups. We have a Facebook group for all our destinations, if you go to our INTRO Travel Community Facebook page you will be able to find the relevant group for your destination.
How can I get in touch with my group leader?
You will receive a ‘welcome email’ from your group leader approx. 2 weeks before your tour begins.
What if I'm travelling solo?
If you're struggling to convince your friends to join you on an adventure, you're not alone!
Travelling solo on a group tour can be one of the most exciting ways to experience a new destination, and you won't have to wait around for your mates to be ready. You leave yourself open to meeting amazing people, making new friends, and can keep yourself and your onward travel plans flexible.
The majority of our group members are solo travellers, so joining one of our group tours is a great way to meet people and make friends. Before your trip starts we'll put you in touch with the rest of your group so you can start chatting and get to know each other. And after the trip a lot of people continue travelling with the new friends they've made!
What if I'm travelling with a friend/s or partner?
Once you’ve made a booking just let us know who you’re travelling with and we can make a note that you are travelling together, and can put you in the same room.
A big part of the INTRO Travel difference is our after-trip support. Your group leader will spend enough time as needed to ensure you are totally comfortable and confident with where you’re going next. And can help organise and book whatever you need, including any transport, accommodation or trips you may want. We'll also provide 24/7 support and advice after your trip, and will always be there to help when you need it.
$400
We’ll help sort all the important things you’ll need before you start working in New Zealand. We’ll assist you with opening up a local bank account with Wise, along with a SIM card and IRD Number.
You’ll get exclusive access to our INTRO Jobs website, where we post lots of great job opportunities every day from our NZ wide network of employers as part of our NZ Jobs Program.
Your group leader will give you a comprehensive ‘Work in NZ’ presentation, as well as one on one advice and support on CV building, job finding, training courses, interview skills and anything else you may need!
To make our tours as eco-friendly as possible we partnered with Path Net Zero to accurately measure our tours emissions, and Veritree to plant trees to offset those emissions. We are very proud to say that every INTRO tour is 100% carbon neutral.
Single use plastic is the largest contributor of waste ruining beautiful places around the world. We have refillable water stations at all of our overnight stops, so you can grab an INTRO bottle and keep your waste down!
The Tiaki Promise offers a profound cultural exchange by inviting travelers to embrace New Zealand’s values of guardianship and respect for the land, sea, and culture. Rooted in Māori traditions, it fosters a deeper connection to Aotearoa by sharing the stories and significance behind its landscapes. Contributing to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this extraordinary place, creating a meaningful and enriching experience.
A visit to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves is more than a natural wonder, it's a meaningful cultural exchange and a way to support the local Māori community. Co-managed by the Ruapuha Uekaha Hapu Trust, profits from the caves fund vital community programs, including education, youth development, and elder care. Visiting helps preserve Māori traditions and contributes directly to the well-being of the Iwi.
Experience an authentic cultural exchange at Mitai Māori Village, where a traditional Powhiri ceremony and captivating Kapa Haka performances welcome you into Te Ao Māori. Learn about Māori history and traditions in an interactive, immersive setting. Each visit directly supports the community, helping preserve and celebrate Māori culture for future generations.
Visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and explore its vibrant geothermal wonders while connecting with its sacred Māori heritage. Now under Iwi ownership, the site embodies Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), with profits supporting community development, social initiatives, and cultural preservation. Visiting helps sustain Māori traditions and supports local communities.
Sail the pristine waters of Lake Taupo aboard New Zealand’s only 100% electric commercial yacht, a sustainable choice that minimizes carbon emissions. Enjoy breathtaking views, including the iconic Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, while supporting efforts to protect and preserve New Zealand’s natural beauty for future generations.
Travel responsibly with Cheeky Kiwi Transport, an eco-certified operator dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment. Their initiatives include trapping invasive pests in Dusky Sound and supporting efforts to protect endangered Kea populations in Fiordland. By partnering with Cheeky Kiwi, we contribute to conservation projects that prioritize animal welfare and sustainability.
To make our tours as eco-friendly as possible we partnered with Path Net Zero to accurately measure our tours emissions, and Veritree to plant trees to offset those emissions. We are very proud to say that every INTRO tour is 100% carbon neutral.
Single use plastic is the largest contributor of waste ruining beautiful places around the world. We have refillable water stations at all of our overnight stops, so you can grab an INTRO bottle and keep your waste down!
The Tiaki Promise offers a profound cultural exchange by inviting travelers to embrace New Zealand’s values of guardianship and respect for the land, sea, and culture. Rooted in Māori traditions, it fosters a deeper connection to Aotearoa by sharing the stories and significance behind its landscapes. Contributing to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this extraordinary place, creating a meaningful and enriching experience.
A visit to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves is more than a natural wonder, it's a meaningful cultural exchange and a way to support the local Māori community. Co-managed by the Ruapuha Uekaha Hapu Trust, profits from the caves fund vital community programs, including education, youth development, and elder care. Visiting helps preserve Māori traditions and contributes directly to the well-being of the Iwi.
Experience an authentic cultural exchange at Mitai Māori Village, where a traditional Powhiri ceremony and captivating Kapa Haka performances welcome you into Te Ao Māori. Learn about Māori history and traditions in an interactive, immersive setting. Each visit directly supports the community, helping preserve and celebrate Māori culture for future generations.
Visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and explore its vibrant geothermal wonders while connecting with its sacred Māori heritage. Now under Iwi ownership, the site embodies Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), with profits supporting community development, social initiatives, and cultural preservation. Visiting helps sustain Māori traditions and supports local communities.
Sail the pristine waters of Lake Taupo aboard New Zealand’s only 100% electric commercial yacht, a sustainable choice that minimizes carbon emissions. Enjoy breathtaking views, including the iconic Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, while supporting efforts to protect and preserve New Zealand’s natural beauty for future generations.
Travel responsibly with Cheeky Kiwi Transport, an eco-certified operator dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment. Their initiatives include trapping invasive pests in Dusky Sound and supporting efforts to protect endangered Kea populations in Fiordland. By partnering with Cheeky Kiwi, we contribute to conservation projects that prioritize animal welfare and sustainability.
