2-Day Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupō & Hamilton Tour

Auckland – Departure & City Sights
Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. As we leave the city behind, your guide will introduce the day’s itinerary while highlighting key landmarks along the way.

Waikato – Scenic Drive & Coffee Stop
Heading south, enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling farmland of the Waikato, the most productive agricultural region in the country. Along the way, we’ll share stories of local history and make a brief stop for coffee in the charming town of Pirongia. We’ll also pass through Otorohanga, affectionately known as the ‘Kiwiana Capital of New Zealand’—a quirky tribute to all things uniquely Kiwi.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves – Underground Wonder
Our first major stop is the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Join a guided tour through limestone chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites before gliding silently by boat beneath thousands of glowing blue lights. These native glowworms have been enchanting visitors for over a century—an unmissable New Zealand experience.

Big Bird Reserve – Friendly Faces on the Road
As we make our way toward Hobbiton, we’ll pause at the roadside near Big Bird wildlife park. While we don’t enter the park, the animals often come to the fence to greet us—perfect for a few photos and a bit of fun.

Hobbiton Movie Set – Middle-earth Magic
Next, arrive at the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set, where you’ll have time to purchase lunch before your guided tour. Board the Hobbiton bus and explore the lush pastures of the Shire on a two-hour walking tour. Visit hobbit holes, lush gardens, and the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary drink—all brought to life with behind-the-scenes stories and film trivia.

Tirau – Quirky Kiwi Charm
On the road to Rotorua, we pass through Tirau, known for its playful corrugated iron sculptures and buildings. Your guide will point out the town’s amusing highlights before we continue on.

Rotorua – City Highlights & Optional Evening Experience
Arriving in Rotorua, we’ll take a short driving tour to orient you with key city sights, including Lake Rotorua, Government Gardens, the Rotorua Museum, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring), and the iconic Blue Baths. Afterward, you’ll be dropped off at your central hotel to check in. For an unforgettable evening, we recommend adding the optional Māori Cultural Performance and Traditional Hāngi Buffet Dinner at Te Puia (transport not included).

Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland – Surreal Landscapes
Start your second day with a spectacular visit to Wai-O-Tapu. Witness the eruption of Lady Knox Geyser, then explore a wonderland of steaming craters, bubbling mud pools, and vividly coloured geothermal formations like Champagne Pool and Devil’s Bath. This surreal geothermal park is often described as one of the world’s most colourful and bizarre natural landscapes.

Taupō – Crater Lake & Local Highlights
Travel south to Taupō, home to New Zealand’s largest lake—formed by a supervolcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Enjoy some free time to buy lunch, followed by a guided highlights tour that uncovers some of the fascinating stories behind this dramatic landscape.

Huka Falls – Nature’s Power on Display
On our journey north, we stop at Huka Falls to witness the sheer force of water thundering through a narrow gorge—a must-see natural attraction and one of New Zealand’s most photographed waterfalls.

Hamilton Gardens – A World of Design
Explore one of New Zealand’s most creative and unexpected attractions: the award-winning Hamilton Gardens. Here, you’ll journey through a series of beautifully themed garden spaces, each designed to reflect different cultures and historical periods.

Return to Auckland – Scenic Wrap-Up
As we make our way back to Auckland, your guide will ensure the final stretch is just as enjoyable with a few surprise stops and final reflections on your two-day journey through the heart of the North Island.