Experience Iconic North Island Landscapes and Māori Culture
Travel from Auckland to Rotorua, discovering some of the North Island’s most iconic attractions along the way. Visit the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate an underground world as you glide silently through limestone caverns. The day concludes in Rotorua, a destination renowned for its geothermal activity and deep Māori cultural roots.
Enjoy an immersive cultural evening experience, including a traditional hāngī feast and live performance that brings Māori history and storytelling to life. The following day offers a unique perspective of Rotorua’s lakes and landscapes, along with time to explore at your own pace. From there, travel south past Lake Taupō and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park before arriving in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital .
Inclusions
Accommodation for 2 nights staying in Hotel 4 star
Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course
Auckland to Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Tour
Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included
Rotorua Duck Tours City & Lakes Tour
Private Transfer - Rotorua Accommodation to Rotorua Intercity Bus Stop
Rotorua to Wellington by InterCity Coach
2 breakfasts
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua
Depart Auckland and journey south through rolling countryside to one of New Zealand’s most fascinating natural attractions. Along the way, experience a blend of scenic landscapes and cultural highlights before arriving in Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity and Māori heritage.
Included: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Glowworm Caves Travel through the heart of the North Island and visit the remarkable Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the underground caverns. Glide silently by boat through this magical grotto, creating an unforgettable and uniquely New Zealand experience.
Included: Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included Enjoy an immersive cultural evening featuring storytelling, performance and a traditional hāngī feast prepared using time-honoured methods. Set within a forest village setting, this award-winning experience offers a deep connection to Māori traditions and seasonal customs .
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Located in the heart of Rotorua overlooking the lake, this hotel offers comfort and convenience with easy access to local attractions. Its spacious rooms and facilities provide a relaxing retreat after a day of travel and cultural discovery.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Rotorua City & Lakes Exploration
Wake up in Rotorua and prepare to discover the region’s unique landscapes from a different perspective. Today blends guided sightseeing with free time to explore this geothermal hub at your own pace.
Included: Rotorua Duck Tours City & Lakes Tour Experience Rotorua on land and water aboard a WWII amphibious vehicle, offering a fun and informative way to see the city. Visit scenic lakes including Tikitapu and Ōkāreka while learning about the region’s history, geology and culture from your guide.
Rotorua Afternoon at Leisure Spend the afternoon exploring Rotorua’s geothermal parks, lakefront or native forests at your own pace. Optional experiences include visiting volcanic valleys, taking a scenic flight, or enjoying outdoor adventures such as forest walks or cycling.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Rotorua to Wellington
Begin your day with a seamless transfer before travelling south through some of the North Island’s most striking landscapes. This scenic journey connects geothermal regions with volcanic terrain and coastal beauty.
Included: Private Transfer - Rotorua Accommodation to InterCity Bus Stop Enjoy a convenient transfer from your hotel to the coach terminal, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your journey. This short transfer allows you to relax and prepare for the scenic drive ahead.
Included: Rotorua to Wellington by InterCity Coach Travel past Lake Taupō and through the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, home to volcanic peaks and World Heritage scenery. Continue through rural towns and along the Kapiti Coast before arriving in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city .