Auckland to Wellington via Rotorua & Taupo

• Begin your journey with a pickup in Auckland, heading south through the lush Waikato region, renowned for its fertile farmland.
• First Stop: Waitomo Caves. Witness the enchanting glowworm display that lights up the caves like a starry night.
  • Choose Your Adventure:
    • Opt for a guided walk and boat ride to experience the caves peacefully.
    • Or, for an adrenaline rush, try abseiling, cave tubing, and jumping in the glowworm paradise.
• Next Stop: Hobbiton Movie Set. Step into the magical world of “Middle Earth” and explore iconic locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
  • Walk past Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Party Tree, and uncover stories about the making of these famous films.
  • Visit Bag End and enjoy a relaxing drink at the Green Dragon Inn to cap off your Hobbiton experience.
• Final Destination: Rotorua
  • Explore this city known for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture.
  • Choose from a range of activities to suit your preferences—whether seeking thrills or relaxation, Rotorua has something special in store.

Accommodation: Rotorua

• Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders:
  • Explore thermal parks featuring bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and hot springs.
  • Choose from several parks, each with unique geothermal features—let us help you find the perfect one.
• Immerse in Māori Culture: Experience a traditional Māori performance and savour a Hangi feast, cooked underground with hot stones.
• Historic Sights:
  • Wander through the Government Gardens, rich with heritage, or dive into Rotorua’s past at the Rotorua Museum, which details its cultural, volcanic, and historical journey.
  • Relax afterwards at the Polynesian Spa, known for its therapeutic mineral baths and luxury treatments.
• Adventure & Scenic Views:
  • Take the Skyline Rotorua gondola for panoramic views and thrill-seek on three luge tracks in a Redwood forest setting.
  • Alternatively, zipline through the forest canopy for an adrenaline-filled adventure.
• Water Sports: Enjoy jet boating, white-water rafting, kayaking, and trophy trout fishing in Rotorua’s rivers and lakes.
• Outdoor Activities:
  • Explore mountain biking trails or hike through the Redwood Forest.
  • For a unique perspective, try a helicopter or floatplane tour with an optional landing on Mount Tarawera.
• Farm Life Experience: Visit the Agrodome for live farm shows, offering a peek into New Zealand’s farming life.
• Your Day in Rotorua: Tailor your day with these diverse activities, crafting unforgettable memories in this geothermal wonderland!

Accommodation: Rotorua

• Journey to Taupo:
  • Leave Rotorua and head toward Taupo, passing through landscapes rich in geothermal wonders.
  • Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Orakei Korako, or Craters of the Moon—each highlighting the region’s volcanic past.
• Natural Highlights:
  • Be captivated by Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most popular natural attraction, where water cascades with impressive force.
  • Enjoy Lake Taupo, a vast crater lake offering an array of activities and scenic views.
• Māori Rock Carvings: View the famous Māori Rock Carvings by taking a scenic cruise, kayaking, or sailing, offering insight into Māori art and culture alongside panoramic lake views.
• Relaxation & Recreation: Unwind in a thermal hot pool after your adventures or head to the Wairakei Golf Course, just north of Taupo, for a world-class golfing experience.
• Your Day in Taupo: Discover an array of activities in Taupo, making this day full of memorable experiences.

Accommodation: Taupo

• Fishing & Outdoor Delights: Lake Taupo offers exceptional fishing opportunities, with charters for Trout and fly fishing in the Taupo and Turangi regions.
• Culinary & Shopping Experiences:
  • Enjoy Taupo’s culinary scene with local delicacies, fine wines, and boutique shopping.
  • Visit Huka Prawn Park to savour prawn dishes and uncover the story behind this unique attraction.
• Adventure & Scenic Views:
  • For thrill-seekers, try mountain biking, bungy jumping, skydiving, or quad biking.
  • Explore Taupo’s beauty from above with a scenic helicopter or floatplane flight, showcasing stunning aerial views.
• Golfing Excellence: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy courses around Taupo, including the renowned Wairakei, a top New Zealand course.
• A Day of Diverse Experiences: Taupo caters to all interests, promising a day packed with memorable adventures and relaxation.

Accommodation: Taupo

• Scenic Route to Wellington via Tongariro National Park:
  • Depart Taupo for Wellington, passing through the breathtaking landscapes of Tongariro National Park, home to the iconic volcanoes Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe (known as “Mount Doom” from The Lord of the Rings), and Tongariro.
  • This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its striking natural beauty and cultural significance.
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing & Outdoor Activities:
  • Explore the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered one of New Zealand’s finest one-day hikes, with views of craters, lava flows, and emerald lakes. Transfers for this hike can be arranged as part of a full day in Taupo.
  • For a lighter adventure, try shorter walks to waterfalls, a scenic flight over the park’s mineral lakes, or winter skiing on Mount Ruapehu.
• Arrival in Wellington:
  • Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, renowned for its arts, culture, and natural beauty, with plenty to experience along the way.

Accommodation: Wellington

• Start with Panoramic Views: Begin the day at the summit of Mount Victoria, where 360° views reveal Wellington, the Cook Strait, and glimpses of the South Island.
• Wellington Waterfront: Explore the waterfront your way—cycling, roller skating, or strolling by unique shops and artwork. Enjoy a meal or drink at one of the many cafes, restaurants, or bars.
• Te Papa Museum: Discover New Zealand’s heritage at Te Papa with interactive exhibits on history, art, and indigenous culture. Water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding in the harbour are also available.
• Cuba Street & Cable Car: Stroll down Cuba Street, known for its bohemian atmosphere and quirky shops, then take the Wellington Cable Car for views of the city and a visit to the Botanic Garden.
• Parliament & Historic Sites: Visit Parliament’s Beehive building to learn about New Zealand’s government, and admire the Gothic Revival architecture of Old St Paul’s Cathedral.
• Weta Workshop for Film Fans: Experience behind-the-scenes magic at Weta Workshop, where props, armour, and weapons for iconic films were created.
• Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary: End the day at Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary preserving some of New Zealand’s rarest species around a scenic reservoir.
• A Day in Wellington: Dive into Wellington’s charm with this packed agenda, offering unique experiences from panoramic views to wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Wellington

• Farewell in Wellington: Say “Ka Kite Ano” (see you again soon) as you depart Wellington, with drop-off options at Wellington Airport or the Interislander Ferry.
• Guide’s Return Journey: While you head to your next destination, our guide will begin the scenic 10-hour drive back to Auckland, concluding an unforgettable adventure.
• Option to Return to Auckland: For those returning to Auckland, join the guide for a comfortable drive back, reflecting on a week of incredible exploration across New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes.
• Safe Travels: Wishing you safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on another journey soon!