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New Zealand: North Island Cultural Adventure

Discover the North Island on our signature gay New Zealand tour that includes Hobbiton.

Beginning in Auckland, this all-gay New Zealand tour will leisurely guide you around the North Island. Together we’ll walk in the footsteps of the Māori, appreciating their sacred groves, kauri forests and geothermal pools. Over a traditional hāngi meal, we’ll break bread with a village elder and learn the traditional haka dance. We’ll visit Hobbiton and wander around the Shire where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began, and stroll suspension bridges dangling from ancient redwoods. If you’re feeling brave, optional skydiving and bungee jumping activities are available, but then so are massage treatments and spa packages… By the end of this tour, you’ll have earned a deep appreciation for this small but vibrant country.

If you’re looking to extend your stay in the wop wop (middle of nowhere), this tour is meant to be paired with our New Zealand: Active South Island Expedition.


Quick Facts


HIGHLIGHTS

  • Discover the Māori way of life on multiple excursions through sacred forests, rivers and villages
  • Let your nerd flag fly at Hobbiton, aka the real movie set used in The Lord of the Rings
  • Visit the illuminating glowworm caves of Waitomo
  • Slip into the healing and therapeutic waters of Wairakei Terraces (Optional)
  • Photograph one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the South Pacific, The Bay of Islands
  • Enjoy the best of Kiwi hospitality over top notch dinners, including traditional hāngi—a smoky dish cooked in the ground of geothermal fields
  • Get a taste of modern New Zealand during a private walking tour of Auckland
  • Cannonball into the largest freshwater lake in Australasia during a sailing trip
  • Enjoy either an extreme optional activity such as skydiving and bungee jumping, or something more relaxed such as a spa treatment
  • Spot The Bay Of Islands’ legendary Hole in the Rock on a Dolphin Seeker cruise

DATES AND PRICES

2025
Jan. 31 - Feb. 8, 2025 (From $6,495 USD)
OPEN
  • Tour Prices - All tour prices are in USD and based on double/twin occupancy
    • Tour Price: $6,495.00 per person
  • Single Supplement (Optional) - All single supplement prices are in USD and additional to the tour price
    • Single Supplement - 7 nights only - see important info page - on request: $1,300.00 per person
  • Payment Terms: $750 Deposit - Balance Due 90 Days before trip
  • Guides and Hosts for this trip: Frano Novljan
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Tour Map

ITINERARY

Day 1 Auckland

Kia Ora! Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand. This afternoon we have a group meeting at 3PM where we’ll get acquainted with each other. Afterwards, our guide will take us on a short walking tour before our official Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 Hobbiton & Rotorua

This morning we head out on the road to Hobbiton. Wander around the Shire, and take a look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. We’ll make a stop for an optional lunch, then it is on to nauseas Rotorua, an important Māori region characterized by the sulphur pools and bubbling mud pots. Later this evening we’ll enjoy Māori-fusion feast along with traditional stories and entertainment. This amazing interactive & educational experience will provide a deeper understanding and connection with the Māori people, history & culture.

Day 3 Murupara

Good morning, Gentlemen! Today we head to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara—a Māori village—where you will experience a tribal tour by a village elder. The tribe will also give you a chance to learn the world-famous haka dance, and weave your own dinner plate using flax (a type of plant). Tonight’s dinner is a traditional hāngi meal. Buried underground, the dish braises in its own juices and becomes infused with a smoky, earthy fragrance—it will fill your puku (belly) right up!

Please note: Tonight’s accommodation is a 5-bedroom home. Single supplements will not apply to this evening’s accommodation as all rooms and facilities will be shared. Also, there is no Wi-Fi available at today’s accommodation—perhaps this is a good chance to unplug. Please see ‘Accommodation Examples’ further down for photos.

Day 4 Lake Taupō

This morning we’re off to nearby Taupō. Have your togs, er, swimwear ready to dip into one of the natural hot springs along the way. Taupō is a gorgeous town that sits right on the country’s largest lake—in fact, it’s roughly the same size as Singapore. If there are any adrenaline junkies among us, this is the perfect destination to take a leap of faith with a tandem skydive, heartstopping bungee jump or swing. Your guide can book these as optional extras. For the faint of heart, perhaps a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront? Feel free to grab lunch on your own. This evening you can choose to take a soak in the healing and therapeutics waters of Wairakei Terraces. After a busy day, we’ll enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake and later an included dinner. 

Day 5 Waitomo & Karioitahi Beach

After a scenic breakfast at our hotel we have a short drive to the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo. We’ll enter the vast caverns and witness the glow of the local critters. Our guide will also regale us with a unique cultural story relevant to the area. After this we head North to Auckland’s wild west, a short 2-hour drive away. Renowned for its rugged beauty; this where the Tasman Sea’s mighty surf crashes onto vast black-sand beaches. We should have some time to enjoy the resort’s breathtaking beach before gathering for a group dinner.

Day 6 Bay of Islands

Today we continue north. It’s a long drive but our guide will make stops along the way to stretch our legs and grab a late optional lunch. We’ll stop at Waipoua Forest, home of the kauri, one of the world’s mightiest trees. The largest kauri reach 50m/165f  and have trunk girths of 16m/53f. Some saplings took root over 2,000 years ago. Our Footprints Waipoua tour will take its first steps in the early evening, guiding us through the important Māori forest. Afterwards, a free night awaits.

Day 7 Bay of Islands

Today is our local guide’s government-mandated day off. While they’ll certainly be missed, we have a busy morning ahead on our Hole in the Rock Dolphin Seeker Cruise. This special excursion will take us to a unique rock formation with a hole that, according to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave ceiling were a good omen. Beyond this formation, keep your eyes on the sea for marine wildlife. Afterwards enjoy a group lunch overlooking the harbour before relaxing with free time this afternoon to do as much or as little as you want.

Day 8 Auckland

After a leisurely breakfast we make our way back to Auckland, stopping off at some quaint beach towns and pristine beaches along the way. Tonight we’ll have our glorious Farewell Dinner and revel in all the memories we’ve made.

Day 9 Departure

As the final day of our tour, there are no activities planned. Whether you’re continuing on to our gay New Zealand: Active South Island Expedition or heading home, an airport transfer has been arranged. Safe travels!


GUIDES AND HOSTS

HOST

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • 1 Group Leader and 1 Out Adventures Host from beginning to end of tour
  • Arrival & departure transfers to/from Out Adventures’ joining/finishing point hotel
  • Private air-conditioned transportation
  • Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 6 Dinners
  • All included activities and experiences mentioned in the itinerary
  • All park fees and rental equipment for included activities
  • A $50 USD Rainbow Railroad donation to help resettle LGBTQ+ refugees. Read more here.

WHAT ISN’T INCLUDED?

  • International airfare
  • Domestic airfare if continuing on to our New Zealand: Active South Island Expedition
  • Entry visa costs
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all travellers. Click here for more details.
  • Gratuities for your Host & Local Group Leader (budget approximately $100 – 120 USD)
  • Meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Water on transportation—please bring a reusable water bottle as New Zealand’s tap water is crisp, clean and refreshing
  • All optional activities mentioned/suggested
  • Alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner, unless otherwise indicated
  • COVID-19 rapid tests, or any expenses related to a guest contracting COVID-19. Click here for more details

LGBT INFO FOR New Zealand

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

What to bring, visa information, required
vaccinations, travel insurance and more.
TELL ME EVERYTHING!

EXAMPLES OF ACCOMMODATIONS

Auckland
M Social Auckland
Terrace
Auckland
M Social Auckland
Bar
Auckland
M Social Auckland
Social View King
Auckland
M Social Auckland
Social View Twins
Rotorua
Regent of Rotorua
Pool
Rotorua
Regent of Rotorua
Dining
Rotorua
Regent of Rotorua
Superior Double
Murapara
Kohutapu Lodge
Double
Murapara
Kohutapu Lodge
Bunks
Murapara
Kohutapu Lodge
Dining Room
Murapara
Kohutapu Lodge
Outdoor Bathtubs
Lake Taupo
Millenium Taupo
Exterior
Lake Taupo
Millenium Taupo
Pool
Lake Taupo
Millenium Taupo
Lakeview Studio Room
West Coast
Castaways Resort
Exterior
West Coast
Castaways Resort
Exterior
West Coast
Castaways Resort
Standard Studio
Bay of Islands
Copthorne Paihia
Pool
Bay of Islands
Copthorne Paihia
Exterior
Bay of Islands
Copthorne Paihia
Standard Twin
Bay of Islands
Copthorne Paihia
Standard Double


Reviews

Some from our travellers

Kieran F & Mark H

Fun, inclusive, and safe
New Zealand: North Island Cultural Adventure
Rating:

This trip was exactly as advertised and had all the advantages of organized group travel. It was fun, inclusive, and safe, and we made good local connections. Also, great customer service from Out Adventures.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
See All Reviews


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CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

From $6,495 USD
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We can’t wait to help you plan an awesome adventure, but due to a high level of fake inquiries we now record your IP address when you submit an inquiry. This helps local authorities identify and prevent harassment against Out Adventures, or any intended recipients.

Who's it for?

While these trips typically attract gay men, all genders are welcome, and we encourage friends and family to join the fun as well.

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Accommodations

All accommodations on Out Adventures tours include breakfast and are located in areas central to our activities. All amenities are examples only, and may differ from hotel to hotel.

4-Star Hotels: Smart New Zealand designs with plush rooms and most amenities such as a restaurant, bar and breakfast area. Some featuring spas and special treatments. Customer service is excellent.

5-bedroom house: A 220 sqm2 building with polished floors, a full working kitchen with a large island, ducted heating, 3 full bathrooms and 2 additional washrooms (all facilities are shared). Single supplements will NOT apply for this one night.

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Learn More

This trip is fully booked but cancellations occur. If you’d like to be contacted if space opens up, please click “Book Now”, select the appropriate departure and you will be prompted to provide limited information.

If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Shared/Twin Room when booking this tour.

If you are a solo traveller interested in booking a private room, please select single supplement when booking this tour (based on availability). If you are willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Solo Shared.

This departure is closed and a wait list is not available.

This departure is almost sold out. Book now to guarantee your spot!

This departure is open for booking!

This trip is available but we are close to departure and will need to confirm services such as hotels and activities before confirming you on the trip. The process can take up to 5 business days. If you are seriously interested in this trip, please complete the On Request Booking form and one of our team members will get back to you with next steps.

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