North Island Explorer

7 Day Accessible Tour of the North Island

A sample of what’s possible on a fully customised holiday exploring geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and alpine landscapes.

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Day 1 – Arrive in Auckland

Arrive in Auckland and check into your central city accommodation for an early rest and acclimatisation. Choose to visit Viaduct Harbour, the Sky Tower, or enjoy a boat cruise on the harbour.

Stay: Auckland (1 night)

One Tree Hill in Auckland, New Zealand, with a clear sky

Victoria Park in Auckland on an autumn day with colorful falling leaves

Auckland War Memorial Museum building under a blue sky

Day 2 – Auckland → Hobbiton → Rotorua

Meet your Ability Adventures guide and begin your journey south to the lush Waikato region. Visit the famous Hobbiton movie set near Matamata, then continue to Rotorua for an evening of geothermal sights and Māori culture.

Included Activities:
• Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
• Māori Cultural Experience & Hāngi Dinner

Stay: Rotorua (1 night)

Group of people standing in front of a Hobbiton house in New Zealand

Māori warrior performing a welcoming pōwhiri ceremony

Women watching geysers lit up at night in Rotorua

Day 3 – Rotorua → Taupō → Mt Ruapehu

Travel south with stops at the mighty Huka Falls and (optionally) Craters of the Moon. Take a scenic lake cruise to view the Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupō, then continue into Tongariro National Park, arriving at the base of Mt Ruapehu.

Stay: Ruapehu (1 night)

Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupō with calm water

The Ernest Kemp on Lake Taupo heading to Māori rock carvings

Snow-covered Mount Ruapehu under a clear sky

Day 4 – Mt Ruapehu → Waitomo → Ōtorohanga

Ride the Sky Waka gondola over ancient lava flows for panoramic alpine views and snow play. Then journey west to Waitomo to explore the glowworm-lit Ruakuri Cave. Optionally visit the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House in the late afternoon.

Included Activity:
• Ruakuri Cave Tour

Stay: Ōtorohanga (1 night)

Rock formations inside Waitomo Cave illuminated by natural light

Entrance to Waitomo Glowworm Cave ready for exploration

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House surrounded by native plants and a kiwi

Day 5 – Ōtorohanga → Hamilton → Auckland

After a typical "Kiwi" cafe breakfast, travel north through the Waikato, stopping at the award-winning Hamilton Gardens. Arrive back in Auckland by late afternoon.

Stay: Auckland (2 nights)

Drone shot showing the Waikato River winding through Hamilton city

Sheep grazing peacefully in a green meadow in Waikato New Zealand

Auckland cityscape at dusk with Sky Tower, boats, and harbour lights

Day 6 – Explore Auckland

Enjoy a free day in Auckland. Discover the city’s scenic highlights, from the bustling Viaduct to island cruises, or take in the views from volcanic lookouts.

Rangitoto Island volcanic cone near Auckland seen from the shore

Evening view of a lit-up boardwalk with Sky Tower visible in the background

Looking up at Sky Tower at night with stars shining in the sky

Day 7 – Depart Auckland

Haere rā! It’s time to say goodbye. We hope your time in New Zealand has been enriching and unforgettable. Mā te wā (See you again).

Ready to plan your North Island adventure?

Let us design an accessible North Island New Zealand holiday just for you. Whether you’re after something similar or completely unique, we’ll tailor every detail to suit your interests, travel style, and access needs.