North Island course · monthly departures
North Island local —
two nights in a beach house
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
- Length
- 8 days, 7 nights (6 nights in NZ)
- Departures
- Monthly · dates confirmed on enquiry
- Flights
- Korean Air direct return
- Getting around
- Two vans driven by guides
- Pace
- Relaxed
- Price
- Confirmed once flights are set
The course on a map
A slow loop of the upper North Island. One leg at a time, just 2–3 hours by car.
By roadBy air
- 1
Auckland · Muriwai
Muriwai Beach gannet colonyOne Tree HillMission BayLocal supermarket shop
- 2
Rotorua
Redwood forestKerosene Creek hot springHamurana Springs
- 3
Coromandel
Hot Water BeachCathedral CoveWharf fishing2 nights in a bach
On the course
What you'll see on this course.
Every one is on the itinerary. A trip where you stand right where the photo was taken.
This trip
Land in Auckland and head straight for the west coast, walk among the redwoods, and soak in a hot stream in the forest. In Coromandel we rent a whole bach by the sea for two nights. ‘Bach’ is what New Zealanders call their simple holiday homes by the beach.
We move just one leg a day, and spend the last two days in a house in Auckland, living like locals.
Great for
- First-timers to New Zealand who’d rather avoid long drives
- Those who love hands-on fun like the sea, hot springs and fishing
- Families travelling with parents who want an easy pace
A different course may suit you
If you really want to see the South Island’s snowy peaks and Milford Sound, North & Southis a better fit.
Itinerary Example · based on a February 2027 departure
The order may change with local weather and tides. Travel times are approximate.
-
Departures
Mon 2/22
Departs Incheon 18:25
Depart on an overnight flight and sleep on board.
On board
-
Day 1
Tue 2/23
Arrive Auckland · Muriwai Beach
Arrive 09:55, pick up the van and head to Muriwai on the west coast. Groceries on the way back.
Auckland
-
Day 2
Wed 2/24
Rotorua · redwood forest · Kerosene Creek
About 3 hours’ drive. Walk among tall redwoods and dip your feet in a free natural hot stream in the forest.
Rotorua
-
Day 3
Thu 2/25
Hamurana Springs · Hot Water Beach
A forest walk by the clear springs, then on to Coromandel (about 3 hours). At Hot Water Beach, dig the sand at low tide and warm water bubbles up.
Coromandel bach
-
Day 4
Fri 2/26
Wharf fishing · Cathedral Cove · barbecue
Morning fishing off the wharf, Cathedral Cove with its famous rock arch, and a barbecue of the day’s catch in the evening.
Coromandel bach
-
Day 5
Sat 2/27
Beach morning · to Auckland
A slow morning on the beach, then to Auckland (about 2 h 30 min) for shopping.
Auckland house
-
Day 6
Sun 2/28
Morning rest · free afternoon
Attend a local JW meeting, then free time. Walks at One Tree Hill and Mission Bay.
Auckland house
-
Day 7
Mon 3/1
Fly home
Depart Auckland 11:45, arrive Incheon 19:40.
—
How it changes with the seasons
Courses depart every month. We adjust the itinerary and packing list to your month.
Spring · Sep–Nov
Very changeable weather. The season of lambs in the fields.
Summer · Dec–Feb
Best for swimming, Hot Water Beach and wharf fishing. Baches book up fast.
Autumn · Mar–May
The sea is still warm and the sights are quiet.
Winter · Jun–Aug
Frequent rain, but the best season for forest hot springs. We swap the sea for hot springs and forest walks.
Accommodation and transport
Accommodation in Auckland and Rotorua, 2 nights in a Coromandel bach, and a final 2 nights in an Auckland house.
Locally, two guides each drive a van. You don’t need to drive.
[Accommodation standard · room allocation to be confirmed]
Included · not included
Draft based on cost planning — to be confirmed before sale
- Return international flights
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- 2 vans · fuel · parking
- Meals (mainly barbecues and groceries)
- Hot Water Beach spades · fishing gear
- NZeTA · visitor levy (IVL) · travel insurance
Not included: [personal expenses · optional activities, to be confirmed]
Price and payment
[Final price]
- A KRW 300,000 deposit secures your place
- 60–90 days before departure: 50% of the trip cost
- Balance of 50% by 30 days before departure
FAQ
No licence is needed for sea fishing in New Zealand. There are minimum sizes and catch limits per species, which we’ll explain in the group chat before departure.
You can only dig for hot water for about two hours either side of low tide, so we fit the day’s plan to the tides.
Local safety rule: don’t put your head under geothermal water. Your guide will remind you on site.
Korean passport holders on a short holiday need an NZeTA and the visitor levy (IVL) instead of a visa. We’ll guide you through the application.
Curious about this trip?
Tell us a few things and your guide will reply personally.