Volcanology, geothermal valleys and astronomy: North Island, New Zealand

November 2026 - 8 days

Register now at tours@newscientist.com and we will contact you when we have confirmed the itinerary, dates and prices of this tour.

Discover the amazing and diverse landscapes of New Zealand's North Island. A land of striking geological diversity, featuring active volcanoes, geothermal regions, and unique cave systems that over millions of years have been shaped by forces deep within the earth and carved from above. 

Explore some of the most remarkable geological wonders, including the Rangitoto Island volcano, the mesmerising Waitomo Caves, the bubbling geothermal areas, and the dramatic Tongariro National Park. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into the powerful forces that have shaped our planet, providing an experience that is both educational and exhilarating.

Accompanied throughout by Dr. Finnigan Illsley-Kemp, a Senior Research Fellow at Victoria University of Wellington. Finn will offer a series of insightful talks and walking seminars covering topics relating to geochemistry, geodesy, numerical modelling, and structural geology. In addition to Finn, there will be a chance to meet local experts along the way who will offer insight into New Zealand's culture.

Enjoy the otherworldly scenery and welcoming hospitality of this bewildering country, travelling by luxury coach, boat and train. This tour offers you an in-depth look at the dynamic geological landscapes of New Zealand's North Island. Blending natural beauty with cultural richness when visiting the vibrant cities of Auckland and Wellington.

For anyone looking to extend their time in New Zealand, and explore the south island, please consider our Glaciology and geology: South Island, New Zealand tour, which connects with this north island tour itinerary, it operates after this tour departure. 

In partnership with Intrepid Travel.

DAY 1: ARRIVE INTO AUCKLAND AND VISIT THE STARDOME

Welcome to Auckland! Check in to the Grand Millennium Hotel in the heart of this cosmopolitan city, where you will stay for the next two nights. Auckland (also known as Tāmaki Makaurau) is spread over volcanic hills and is based around two harbours.

After meeting your fellow guests for dinner, you will enjoy a briefing from the tour leader.

After the welcome meeting, travel to the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium, for an evening with an astronomer exploring the southern hemisphere skies at this research and education facility. Marvel at star clusters, gas cloud nebulae and star patterns that can only be seen from this latitude.

DAY 2: RANGITOTO ISLAND VOLCANO AND THE AUCKLAND MUSEUM

After breakfast, you will take the scenic ferry to the volcanic Rangitoto Island. Once there, a gentle climb will take you through several lava fields and native forests to the top of this 600-year-old symmetrical shield volcano cone. Luckily, it’s dormant and there are lava caves and tunnels to explore on your way up (remember to bring a small torch). The return ferry journey gives you a magnificent view of the North Shore of Auckland.

In the afternoon you will visit the Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum which house exhibits on evolution and the natural world from both a western and Māori perspective, along with history, Māori treasures and New Zealand’s involvement in several conflicts.

DAY 3: WAITOMO CAVES

Today, you drive to Waitomo and visit its extensive glow-worm studded underground cave system by boat. Glide silently through this ancient world, 30 million years in the making, as you experience its serene ambience. Local Māori guides will bring the history of the caves to life for you whilst explaining its natural phenomena. The highlight is the vast Ruakuri cave which features waterfalls, limestone stalactites and stalagmites, fossilized seashells (as it was once a seabed) plus the opportunity to get up close with the glow-worms.

In the late afternoon, after arriving in Rotorua, you will check into the Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua for two nights. A lakeside town known for its geothermal activity and Māori culture.

DAY 4: GEOTHERMAL WONDERS OF WAIMANGU AND WAIOTAPU

In the morning, you will visit the Waimangu volcanic valley. Site of a major 1886 eruption that led to the world’s youngest geothermal valley. Here you will explore craters, hot water springs, beautiful geothermal features, unusual plant life, brilliantly coloured microbiology and a wide array of birds.  Finishing with a tranquil cruise around Lake Rotomahana to view the stunning pink and white terraces.

You will then travel a short distance to the surreal beauty of Waiotapu. A large sinter apron and highly active geothermal area covering 18 square miles with colourful hot springs and boiling sulphuric mud.

In the evening, you can relax or enjoy an optional evening visit to a Māori cultural performance held at a traditional marae meeting place. Here you will learn about the origins of the Māori, their journey to New Zealand and how these proud people have upheld the traditions of their ancestors. Experience Māori rituals, enjoy a concert and then the Hangi, an earth oven meal (optional extra approximately NZ$120).

DAY 5: THE WAIRAKEI GEOTHERMAL FIELD

This morning you will drive towards Tongariro National Park through the Wairakei geothermal field. It was the first geothermal field in New Zealand to be used for electrical generation and remains the largest in a country that derives over 18% of its electricity from geothermal (more than wind and solar combined). Here you will see stop at a lookout over the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station to observe its myriad of pipes surrounded by steam emanating from the ground.

This is followed by a visit to the Tokaanu Thermal Pools. These mineral waters have been used for generations by the Ngati Kurauia people for their restorative powers, cooking and the treatment of flax for weaving. Remember to bring your swimming costume for a relaxing dip in their no-frills pools. Afterwards, you can take a short walk around the thermal area and see steaming hot mineral pools and sputtering mud pots.

In the evening you will check-in to the Park Hotel Ruapehu which has stunning views of the nearby volcanoes.

DAY 6: TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK AND VOLCANIC MOUNT RUAPEHU

After breakfast, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Tongariro Park including Mount Ruapehu, the largest active volcano in New Zealand and the highest point on North Island with three peaks over 2,700 m high. You will enjoy a two-hour walk to the Taranaki Falls and enjoy fantastic views of Mount Ruapehu.

You will have an option to extend the walk by another 3 hours to the Tama Lakes, two volcanic explosion crater lakes between Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngāuruhoe (approximately NZ$120).

In the evening, dinner will be served at the Park Hotel Ruapehu.

DAY 7: MARTINBOROUGH WINERY AND WELLINGTON

Heading south towards Wellington you will stop at a Martinborough winery for tasting and lunch. Packed with old-world charm, Martinborough features over 20 wineries, within a short walking distance of the quaint village square. Some of New Zealand’s best pinot noir comes from the town’s predominately family-owned vineyards, so it’s not surprising it is a key stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.

Suitably relaxed, you will continue to Wellington, situated at the southern end of the North Island. Recently named "the coolest little capital in the world" by Lonely Planet and known as the culinary capital.

After checking in to the West Plaza Hotel, you will have time to explore the town before enjoying dinner together.

DAY 8: END OF 8 DAY TOUR OR CONTINUE ONTO SOUTH ISLAND

If you are finishing today, we will transfer you to Wellington Airport for your return journey. 

If you would like to extend your time in New Zealand and visit the South Island, we suggest our Glaciology and geology: The science of the South Island, New Zealand tour.

Please note: With all tours as exciting as this, we can be at the mercy of prevailing conditions, particularly the weather. So a degree of flexibility and an open-minded attitude are helpful. Should we make any changes, we will ensure you have an equally engaging and insightful experience.