Waitomo, Taupo & Bay of Plenty Tour

• Start in Auckland: Pick-up from hotel, airport, cruise terminal, or a location of your choice. Travel in a luxury Mercedes vehicle.
• Drive south along the Waikato River: Scenic 2 ½ hour drive through the Waikato region and King Country. Pass fertile, rolling landscapes and historic river towns.
• Highlights along the way
• Ngaruawahia: See the renowned Turangawaewae Marae, an essential cultural center for Māori and home to New Zealand’s Māori King.
• Mount Pirongia: Enjoy views of this iconic mountain.
• Arrive at Waitomo Caves: Discover New Zealand’s natural wonder filled with unique experiences.
• Optional Stop: Otorohanga Kiwi House
  • Encounter the Kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird.
  • Explore native plants and animals of New Zealand.
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour: Various tour options to experience glowworms in total darkness. Marvel at the magical luminescence these caves are known for.

Accommodation: Waitomo Region

• Morning Drive to Piopio: Short drive south of Waitomo Caves. Visit the “Hairy Feet” Scenic Film location, a prominent filming site for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” Opportunities to:
  • Re-enact scenes from the movie.
  • Stand in Gandalf’s footprints.
  • Wield a replica of Bilbo’s sword.
  • Scenic highlights include limestone cliffs, large rock formations, and ancient forests, representing Staddle Farm and Trollshaw Forest from the film.
• Journey to the Central Volcanic Plateau: Travel through New Zealand’s North Island volcanic region. See Lake Taupo: New Zealand’s largest lake, situated in a massive volcanic caldera.
• Tongariro National Park: Explore this iconic park, featured in “The Lord of the Rings” films.
• Arrive in Taupo. Option to relax or engage in evening activities:
  • Dine at local restaurants.
  • Enjoy a swim in Taupo’s thermal pools.
  • Indulge in a luxurious spa experience.
  • Customize the afternoon based on your choice of staying overnight in Tongariro National Park or Taupo.

Accommodation: Tongariro National Park or Taupo

• Morning in Taupo: Explore local craft and fashion stores, or relax along the lakefront. Options for additional activities include:
  • Scenic Lake Taupo Cruise: Visit the famous Māori rock carvings.
  • Trout Fishing: World-class fly fishing or boat fishing around Lake Taupo.
  • Jet Boat Ride on the Waikato River: Reach the majestic Huka Falls.
  • Huka Prawn Park Visit: Option for a prawn-based lunch.
  • Golf at Wairakei Golf Course: Recognized among the world’s top 100 golf courses.
• Drive to Rotorua
  • Stop at Huka Falls Viewpoint: Take in views of the powerful Waikato River.
  • Aratiatia Rapids: Witness the river lock opening, a scene featured in “The Hobbit” trilogy.
• Explore Rotorua’s Thermal Areas (optional stops en route)
  • Choose from Wai-o-Tapu, Orakei Korako, or Waimangu Volcanic Valley to experience Rotorua’s volcanic landscapes.
• Arrival in Rotorua
  • Enjoy the view of Lake Rotorua with bush-clad Mokoia Island.
  • Check into your accommodation.
• Evening in Rotorua
  • Experience Māori Culture: Enjoy traditional Kai cooked in a Hangi, with a Māori song, dance, and Haka performance.
  • Alternative Option: Relax or explore Rotorua on foot at your leisure.

Accommodation: Rotorua

• Morning in Rotorua
  • Rotorua City Tour: Highlights include the Government Gardens and Rotorua Museum, located in a Victorian-era bathhouse.
  • Rotorua Lake Front: Scenic views across to Mokoia Island.
  • Redwood Forest Exploration: Experience the beauty of one of the world’s most stunning forests, along with visits to the serene Blue Lake and Lake Tarawera.
• Optional Additional Experiences (at extra cost)
  • Helicopter or Floatplane Flight: Take in aerial views of Lake Rotorua and volcanic landscapes, with the option for a helicopter landing on Mount Tarawera.
  • Te Puia Visit: Discover geysers, mud pools, Māori arts, and see New Zealand’s national bird, the Kiwi.
  • Skyline Gondola Ride: Ascend Mount Ngongotaha for breathtaking views, plus the thrill of riding down the Luge.
  • Polynesian Spa Visit: Indulge in a luxurious spa experience in the historic bathhouses of Government Gardens (can also be an evening activity on day 3).
  • Agrodome Tour: Explore New Zealand’s farming culture through agricultural shows and displays.
• Afternoon Drive to Eastern Bay of Plenty
  • Relax and enjoy the scenic Whakatane/Ohope Beach area.

Accommodation: Whakatane

• Optional Stop at Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
  • Walk to the summit or around the base of this extinct volcano.
  • Enjoy white sandy surf beaches and a scenic inner harbour beach.
  • Experience one of New Zealand’s most popular summer destinations.
• Continue via Waihi and Karangahake Gorge
  • Pass through Waihi, a historic goldmining town.
  • Take in the scenic Karangahake Gorge, carved by the Ohinemuti River.
• Optional Stop on the Seabird Coast
  • Opportunity for a swim at one of the beautiful beaches along the coast between the Coromandel and Auckland.
• Return to Auckland
  • Transfer back to your Auckland accommodation or Auckland Airport for onward travel arrangements.