Overview

The North Island brims with extraordinary diversity, and this 8 Day Volcanic Centre Self Drive tour takes you through the centre of it. Find out what makes Rotorua New Zealand’s cultural centre, and marvel at its volcanic history with a helicopter trip to the White Island volcano smouldering with thick white plume.

Enjoy the sights of New Zealand’s largest lake, Taupo, then take a walk in the otherworldly landscape of Tongariro National Park, North Island’s world heritage area. Round out the tour with a tour of the magnificent Aranui Caves and the enchanting Glow Worm Caves in Waitomo before returning to Auckland.

Itineraries

All itineraries can be amended or combined with other itineraries. Flights can be included from Australia if required. Please advise amendments when requesting a quote.

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Auckland - Rotorua - Taupo - Tongariro National Park - Waitomo - Auckland

Day 1, Welcome to Auckland

On arrival you will be met by one of our team and driven to your Auckland accommodation.

Once you touch down in New Zealand your detailed tour pack will be hand delivered by one of our trusted representatives.

Welcome to Auckland City

Auckland, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed ‘City of Sails’ is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or take a drive through one of over 800 regional National Parks to see deserted beaches, waterfalls and native forest.

Day 2, Auckland to Rotorua

Travel Time: 2 hrs 40 mins

Distance: 220 kms

Collect your car rental.

The drive south from Auckland takes you past the Bombay Hills and into the rolling farmland and rich dairy pastures of the Waikato. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of greater Auckland area and it's here you turn inland to central Waikato. You’ll soon go through the town of Matamata where you can visit the fully intact Hobbiton film set used in the shooting of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Continuing on, you’ll pass several small farming communities before telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity signal your arrival into Rotorua.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Te Pā Tū Evening Maori Cultural Experience
New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Day 3, Explore Rotorua

Explore Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland with hot springs, mud pools, and rich Maori culture. Enjoy adrenaline-filled activities at Velocity Valley or take in stunning views from the Rotorua Gondola. Don't miss the nearby Hobbiton movie set or a visit to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

Mount Tarawera & Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer by Helicopter

Experience a helicopter tour of Mount Tarawera and Orakei Korako, with breathtaking views of crater lakes, geothermal reserves, and a guided tour of the hidden valley’s geysers and hot springs.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Day 4, Rotorua to Taupo

Travel Time: 1 hr

Distance: 75 kms

Today drive through the heart of the Central North Island volcanic plateau. Visit the geothermal regions Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley, before arriving into the town of Taupo, which sits on New Zealand's largest lake - Lake Taupo. Just north of the town are the Huka Falls and a short detour to view is highly recommended, as is a visit to the nearby Craters of the Moon geothermal reserve.

Included: Huka Jet boat ride
The Huka Jet is 30 minutes of pure fun and exhilaration, skimming close to cliffs, sliding past trees, feeling the adrenalin of our full 360 degree spins.

Day 5, Taupo to Whakapapa Village via The Desert Road

Travel Time: 2 hrs 20 mins

Distance: 187 kms

Taupo to tongariro National Park via The Desert Road

Following State Highway 32 around Lake Taupo leads to Pureora Forest Park, offering a variety of walks showcasing historical logging relics. Walks range from easy 15-minute strolls to multi-day hikes, including the Timber Trail cycleway. Continuing on to Tongariro National Park reveals stunning views of Mt. Ruapehu and the iconic Mt. Ngauruhoe, famously featured as Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Private Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Adrift

Day 6, Whakapapa Village to Waitomo

Travel Time: 2 hrs

Distance: 151 kms

Head through National Park and across rich rolling farmland to the limestone regions of Waitomo and the famous Waitomo Caves complex.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Forgotten World Ten Tunnel Rail Cart Tour

Begin the adventure in Taumarunu. Set off down the line along 40km of the Forgotten World Railway, travelling through 10 tunnels, including the longest tunnel (1.5km), and marvel at the beautiful hand-built brick tunnels, cruising through stunning hill country farms and native bush. On the return journey, visit Lauren's Lavender Farm. Here you can breathe in the relaxing aromas of the lavender fields next to the Whanganui River and browse the gift shop with all the wonderful lavender products.

Day 7, Waitomo to Auckland City

Travel Time: 2 hrs 10 mins

Distance: 178 kms

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a 30-million-year-old limestone labyrinth, offer a magical experience as you glide under thousands of glowworms in a quiet, star-like setting. The Aranui Cave, located nearby in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, is a dry cave known for its stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and unique flowstones, with a small colony of cave wetas near the entrance.

Waitomo to Auckland City

The lush farmland of the Waikato and the limestone hills of the Waitomo region provide some great scenery as you head north. Visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House en route for a great look at some of New Zealand's native birds in particular our famous flightless namesake.

Day 8, Depart Auckland

Explore more of vibrant Auckland city before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Additional Information

Pricing

Cost per Person

	Twin/Double
4-Star Accommodation	from NZ$4,186 per person
3-Star Accommodation	from NZ$4,051 per person
Motel Accommodation	from NZ$3,791 per person

* PLEASE NOTE*

Price is based on two adults sharing a rental car and accommodation (twin/double-share).

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

Payment

Deposit: 25% of the package cost or NZ$250 per person (whichever is the greater) at time of booking
Full Payment: 75 Days before travel
Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full at the time of booking

Cancellation Charges

Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking

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Includes

Inclusions are based on Standard Accommodation package

7 nights accommodation

1 Night Auckland
2 Nights Rotorua
1 Night Taupo
1 Night Tongariro National Park
1 Night Waitomo
1 Night Auckland

7 days car hire

Rental car insurance included: Fully inclusive with variable excess/deductible.
Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kms,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Other INclusions

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to Auckland accommodation with Tourcorp
Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
Included activity: Te Pā Tū Evening Maori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included
Included activity: Mount Tarawera & Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer by Helicopter
Included activity: Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride
Included activity: Waitomo and Aranui Caves tour Combo
7 breakfasts, 1 special dinner

Options

Travel Insurance

If you are going overseas, then travel insurance is a necessity.

Accommodation

There is a choice of accommodation available on all packages, which depending on locations, includes motels, 3 star hotels, 4 star hotels, boutique lodges & hotels and luxury lodges and hotels. We are happy to quote on alternate accommodation requests.

Airfares

International flights can be included from Australia for all Australian resident

Optional Extras

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Become immersed in The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set. Located just outside of Matamata - in the heart the lush Waikato farming region, your two hour tour will begin with a drive through a picturesque sheep farm. You'll then be taken through Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and the Party Tree while your guide shares behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films.

Forgotten World Ten Tunnel Rail Cart Tour

Begin the adventure in Taumarunu. Set off down the line along 40km of the Forgotten World Railway, travelling through 10 tunnels, including the longest tunnel (1.5km), and marvel at the beautiful hand-built brick tunnels, cruising through stunning hill country farms and native bush.
On the return journey, visit Lauren's Lavender Farm. Here you can breathe in the relaxing aromas of the lavender fields next to the Whanganui River and browse the gift shop with all the wonderful lavender products.

Highlights

Huka Jet boat ride, Taupo

The Huka Jet is 30 minutes of pure fun and exhilaration, skimming close to cliffs, sliding past trees, feeling the adrenalin of our full 360 degree spins. The excitement continues right up to the base of the foaming Huka Falls, where you get a spectacular water level view to New Zealand's most visited natural attraction. Nothing compares to watching 220,000 litres per second tumbling over the cliff face towards you.

The water from the mighty Huka Falls runs down the Waikato River through a series of Hydro Power Stations. You'll get a view of the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station in the comfort of our powerful Chevrolet V8 jet boats. This unique Geothermal Power Station uses underground geothermal activity to produce hot steamy water. The Waikato Rivers beautiful environment is varied and unique and is New Zealand's longest river flowing north from our largest lake - Lake Taupo.

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and Aranui Cave tour

For over 100 years Waitomo Glow-worm Caves have attracted people from all over the world to this subterranean wonderland. An ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos, and amazing stalactites and stalagmites.

Waitomo Glow-worm Caves

Formed over 30 million years ago there are two levels to the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves which are 16 metres apart. The upper level is dry and includes the entrance to the cave, the Catacombs and the Organ Loft. The lower level consists of stream passages and the Cathedral. As you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glow-worms, it is only the gentle sound of dripping water that reminds you that you are deep underground and not beneath a star filled sky.

Aranui Cave, Waitomo

Located in Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, Aranui is a dry cave. There is only one entrance to Aranui and without a river flowing through, it houses very little life past the entrance. However, just inside the entrance is a colony of cave wetas. Aranui is famous for its beautiful arrays of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and unusual formations.

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8 Day Volcanic Centre Self Drive

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Additional Extras

Additional Items

Auckland - America's Cup Sailing Experience

Auckland - Fullers Ferry to Rangitoto Island return trip

Auckland - Harbour Sailing Cruise with Explore

Matamata - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Rotorua - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Taumarunu - Forgotten World Ten Tunnel Rail Cart Tour

Tongariro - Private Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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Self Drive Holidays 8 Day Volcanic Centre Self Drive

Overview

Itineraries

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8