New Zealand North Island Gay Cultural Adventure Tour - Happy Gay Travel

New Zealand North Island
Cultural Gay Adventure Tour

Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Murupara, Lake Taupo, Waitomo, Bay of Islands, and more!

9 Days from/to Auckland, New Zealand

January 31 – February 08, 2025

Australia & New Zealand Holidays at Titan Travel

Discover New Zealand’s scenic North Island with a group of like-minded gay men. 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 Maori, appreciating their sacred groves, kauri forests and geothermal pools. Over a traditional hangi meal, we’ll break bread with a village elder and learn the traditional haka dance. We’ll paddle a 12m/40ft Waka Taua (war canoe) 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 Gay Tour.

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New Zealand gay tour Maori

• Discover the Maori 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)

Gay North New Zealand tour

• 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 hangi—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

Auckland New Zealand gay tour

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland, New Zealand
Kia Ora! Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand. A transfer will drive you to our joining point hotel. Upon arrival you’re welcome to unpack and relax after (likely) a very long journey.

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.

Hotel: M Social Auckland Hotel, Auckland

Hobbiton New Zealand gay tour

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 Maori region characterized by the sulphur pools and bubbling mud pots.

Later this evening we’ll enjoy Maori-fusion feast along with traditional stories and entertainment. This amazing interactive & educational experience will provide a deeper understanding and connection with the Maori people, history & culture.

Hotel: Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel, Rotorua

Murupara New Zealand gay tour

Day 3 - Murupara
Good morning, Gentlemen! Today we head to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara—a Maori 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 hangi 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.

Accommodation: Kohutapu Lodge, Murupara

New Zealand gay tour - Lake Taupo

Day 4 - Lake Taupo
This morning we’re off to nearby Taupo. Have your togs, er, swimwear ready to dip into one of the natural hot springs along the way.

Taupo 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.

Hotel: Millennium Manuels Taupo Hotel and Resort, Lake Taupo

New Zealand gay tour glowworm caves

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.

Hotel: Castaways Resort, West Coast

New Zealand gay tour - Waipoua Forest

Day 6 - Waipoua / 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 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 Maori forest.

Afterwards, a free night awaits.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands

New Zealand gay tour - Dolphin Seeker Cruise

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 Maori 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.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands

New Zealand gay tour - Bay of Islands

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.

Hotel: M Social Auckland Hotel, Auckland

Gay Auckland tour

Day 9 - Auckland 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, a private airport transfer has been arranged. Safe travels!

• Group Leader and gay group host from beginning to end of tour

• Arrival & departure transfers to/from the Joining/Finishing Point Hotels

• 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.

Auckland gay tour

• International airfare

• Domestic airfare if continuing on to our New Zealand Active South Island Expedition Gay Tour

• Entry visa costs

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.

• 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

New Zealand Visa
Most travellers from Australia, Canada, The United Kingdom and The United States do not require a visa, however they do require an NZeTA to enter New Zealand for up to 90 days. You must apply before entering New Zealand, and it may take up to 48 hours. Exceptions may apply and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller. For more information, click here.

Culture Shock
New Zealand is a highly-developed Western Nation. Crime rates are very low and the nation is generally safe. Still, it’s recommended you leave valuables at home or in your hotel room.

Local LGBT Scene
New Zealand is a progressive leaning country with an even more progressive leaning Prime Minister—at the time of being elected, Jacinda Ardern was the youngest serving female head of state in the world. So it should come as no surprise that LGBT laws are heavily in our favour. But acceptance in New Zealand goes beyond laws and regulations. Opinion polls show wide-spread acceptance of LGBT rights and same-sex marriage. While pockets of prejudice still exist in some rural regions, you’ll feel more than welcome in this small nation.

New Zealand gay tour - Waipoua Forest

Weather
While New Zealand weather tends to fluctuate quickly, February in the North Island is usually quite sunny with comfortable breezes and light rain (depending on where you are, of course). The chance of rain increases along the west coast. The temperature does drop in the evening and you’ll likely be happy to have a sweater or light jacket handy. Please note: New Zealand’s sun is extremely strong and all travellers should wear at least 50+ SPF and hats even during cloudy days.

Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. We cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Electricity
In New Zealand the power plugs and sockets are of type I. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Hobbiton gay tour

Connectivity
We should have reliable Wi-Fi in our hotels, however the connection the yacht in Milford Sound does not have Wi-Fi—think of it as an excellent opportunity to unplug. Feel free to tweet, pin, post and share your experience with your friends and family at home.

Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 7 dinners are included on this trip.

Kiwi gay tour

Money
New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Debit and credit cards should be accepted and work throughout the country. We recommend bringing about $400 USD in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Tipping
No gratuities are included on this tour as New Zealand does not have a tipping culture. However if you are happy with your local guide’s services, a small gift would be warmly received.

What to bring
Please keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb to avoid costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller to carry a water bottle, your camera and souvenirs on day trips. Our packing list is a guideline, not gospel, but we are happy to answer any specific questions about how much (or little) to bring.

Optional Activities
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

New Zealand North gay tour

How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a small gift would be the most appropriate way to show your appreciation—tipping is not really a custom in New Zealand.

Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Starting/Finishing Point Hotel
M Social Auckland Hotel, Auckland
A contemporary hotel for the curious, the explorers and those who thrive on new experiences. Functionally chic, this contemporary hotel features 190 rooms and suites designed for all travellers, overlooking the vibrant Princes Wharf that is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.

M Social Auckland Hotel room

Treat yourself to some of the best cuisine from around the world at ‘Beast & Butterflies’ - M Social’s signature restaurant. Alternatively, catch up with friends – both old and new – over a drink at the Beast & Butterflies bar. Stay social with our distinctive hospitality. Everyone enjoys complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel!

Gay New Zealand holidays