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Spectacular snow-capped Mount Ngauruhoe in the distance behind rugged hills and vast countryside dotted with trees, New Zealand

Central North Island Holidays


new zealand & the pacific
New Zealand holidays in the breathtaking Central North Island offer stunning sights and a diverse range of activities. From the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park and Mount Taranaki to the fascinating Maori history of Rotorua and fabulous wine region of Hawke's Bay, this beautiful part of the country boasts many highlights.

Trailfinders offers a range of Central North Island holidays and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore New Zealand on a fly drive holiday, a sociable guided group tour, or are looking for advice on how to combine New Zealand with Australia or the Pacific – they are the perfect people to ask.
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OUR HOLIDAYS IN CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

Nobody offers more ways to explore New Zealand than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular Central North Island holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
Best of New Zealand
New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
21 days / 20 nights

Covering both North and South Island highlights, this journey showcases the best of what this magnificent country has to offer.

Guide Price: €4,669 pp

Guide Price: £3,899 pp

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North Island Highlights
New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
15 days / 14 nights

This varied journey encompasses the main highlights of the beautiful North Island: from exciting Auckland, via beautiful coastal towns and fabulous vineyards, to the cultured capital of Wellington, accompanied by stunning scenery along the way.

Guide Price: €3,889 pp

Guide Price: £3,255 pp

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North Island Less Travelled
New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
8 days / 7 nights

Ideal for second time visitors and intrepid explorers, the scenic north west coast is a haven for nature lovers and rewards those who travel here with stunning rural scenery.

Guide Price: €1,935 pp

Guide Price: £1,609 pp

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Great Walks of New Zealand
New Zealand
Multi Centre Holiday
21 days / 20 nights

Explore the magical outdoors of New Zealand while experiencing the sublime beauty of the landscape on some of the country’s most scenic tracks.

Guide Price: €8,279 pp

Guide Price: £6,975 pp

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Kia Ora New Zealand
New Zealand
Motorhome
19 days / 18 nights

A motorhome holiday is a wonderful way to explore the contrasting landscapes of New Zealand.

Guide Price: €2,175 pp

Guide Price: £1,845 pp

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Unique & Boutique New Zealand
New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
24 days / 23 nights

This exceptional holiday brings together a collection of New Zealand’s finest lodges and hotels.

Guide Price: €8,389 pp

Guide Price: £7,045 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

Each area of the Central North Island boasts its own attractions and each merits a visit in its own right. Explore the bubbling geothermal pools of Rotorua, hike the active volcanoes of Tongariro National Park and sample some produce in the pretty wine region of Hawke’s Bay and Napier.

Click on the tiles below the Central North Island map for more details on each area. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants?
Central North Island map
Rotorua
Rotorua
Experience the bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers of iconic Rotorua, relax in geothermal hot springs and learn about the fascinating Maori culture of the region at traditional villages, where you can witness the ‘Haka’ war dance and warrior training.
Taupo
Taupo
Explore the vast and beautiful Lake Taupo, home to the thundering Huka Falls and a wealth of waterside activities including fishing and scenic cruises.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park
With three active volcanoes within its perimeter, Tongariro National Park is a fantastic hiking destination with countless walking trails to discover including the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
The West Coast
The West Coast
Marvel at the spectacular volcanic peak of Mount Taranaki and discover paths less trodden in Whanganui NP, with its lush lowland forests and mighty Whanganui River winding through its centre.
Waitomo
Waitomo
Beneath the rolling green hills of Waitomo lies an extensive underground cave network, lit by thousands of glittering glowworms.
Hawke's Bay & Napier
Hawke's Bay & Napier
The Hawke’s Bay region is blessed with a sunny, temperate climate which ensures optimum conditions for wine production.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

We feature a great range of accommodation in New Zealand’s Central North Island, with something to suit all budgets. Whether you opt for a historic chateau or a lakeside lodge, you’re guaranteed a unique stay.

What you won’t find here are thousands of New Zealand hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua
5 star

Central North Island

For those looking for a peaceful setting that’s guaranteed to provide the ’wow factor’, look no further than luxurious Solitaire Lodge.
Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupo
4 star

Central North Island

This Mediterranean-style resort offers fabulous views of the surrounding lake and mountains.
On the Point Rotorua
4 plus star

Central North Island

A former 1930s mansion, this unique hotel retains its distinct charm and lavish design.
River Birches, Turangi
5 star

Central North Island

Poised on the banks of the mighty Tongariro River and close to the Tongariro Crossing, this intimate lodge offers understated elegance, tranquility and a standout architectural design.
Breckenridge Lodge, Hawkes Bay
4 plus star

Central North Island

This welcoming lodge is situated in the picturesque Omarunui Valley in Hawke’s Bay, perfect for spending lazy days meandering through pretty vineyards and the beautiful lodge grounds.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania
3 plus star

Central North Island

With a prime waterfront location, this great value hotel is only around the corner from the Art Deco delights of Napier and is an ideal base from which to explore the Hawke’s Bay wine region.

WHAT TO DO IN CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, New Zealand’s Central North Island is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique insight into the culture and a way to experience the area’s natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

One day you might be enjoying a traditional Maori hangi feast, the next visiting Hobbiton on a movie set tour or exploring the geothermal Te Puia Reserve. Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your New Zealand holiday to life.
Maori Experience & Dinner
3.5 hours
  • Learn about traditional Maori culture
  • See the famous 'haka' dance
  • Enjoy a hangi feast
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Shire's Rest
3 hours
  • Admire the lush Shire
  • See The Hobbit Holes
  • Enjoy a drink at The Green Dragon Inn
Te Puia Thermal Reserve
1.5 hours
  • Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley
  • Ancient Maori arts and crafts
  • Maori Village
Tongariro Crossing Guided Hike
7-9 hours
  • New Zealand's best day hike
  • Stunning volcanic scenery
  • Expert guide
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Admission
45 mins
  • Incredible limestone caves
  • Famous glowworm grotto

Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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