Waikato-Rotorua
2 Days
From Auckland (or Hamilton, or anywhere in Waikato): Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Rotorua, Mitai Maori Village, Huka Falls, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Redwood Forrest, Government Gardens
Highlights:
Visit the unique Waitomo caves for an unforgettable underground experience
Take a guided tour (English) of Hobbiton, including a complementary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. (Duration: 2.5 Hours)
Relax at Mitai Maori Village for an evening of Maori culture and buffet dinner (Duration: 3 Hours)
Enjoy a walk through the enchanting Redwoods Forest
Explore the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. (Duration: 2 Hours)
Visit the majestic Huka Falls (Duration: 1 Hour)
Travel through the beautiful Waikato Farming Region
Stop at surprise scenic spots
Includes
✔ All transport, hotel or airport pickup and drop-off
✔ Bottled Water
✔ Children Car Seats (Boosters)
Excludes
✗ Entry Tickets
✗ Meals
✗ Accommodation
Any unlisted activities can be added if time permits.
Itinerary Description:
Day1
Waitomo Caves
Discover the enchanting Waitomo Caves deep in the Waikato heartland . Delve into New Zealand's underground wonders as you marvel at the breath taking limestone formations and the luminescent glow worms that illuminate the caverns. Experienced guides will lead you through this natural wonder, sharing fascinating insights into the geology and history of the caves. Take a boat ride and immerse yourself in this otherworldly realm with ease. The tour takes around 1 hour to complete.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours
Immerse yourself in the Hobbiton Movie Set, in the heart of the Waikato region. Seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the only set that remains intact from the movie trilogies. Wander the rambling paths of The Shire and admire the Hobbit Holes in the rolling hillsides.
Follow your guide around the set and allow them to show you the most famous locations and explain how the movie magic was made. Walk around the 12-acre set, past Hobbit Hole and the Mill. Then, step into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn.
Mitai Maori Village
Enter a Maori village in a natural bush setting and learn about their customs during an immersive cultural experience. Following pickup from your Rotorua accommodation, if option booked, get a warm meet and greet from a beautiful Maori maidens. Learn the guidelines to enter the sacred site and select a chief from your group to represent those visiting the village.
See warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe down the Wai-o-whiro stream and marvel at glow worms in their natural habitat. Be captivated by the songs and dances of an entertaining concert, complete with the spine-tingling haka war dance. Watch as the hangi feast is removed from the earth-cooked oven, explore the art of ta moko (tattoo) and more.
Feast on a hot selection of succulent meats and poultry, vegetables and fresh salads, topped off with tempting desserts.
Day2
Redwood Forest
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the towering giants on our Redwood Forest Walk. Step into a world where ancient redwoods stand sentinel, their majestic presence creating a serene atmosphere that transports you to a place of wonder and tranquillity. Take you on a journey through this breath taking landscape, where you'll learn about the history, ecology, and significance of these magnificent trees.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the Redwood Forest Walk offers an unforgettable experience that connects you with the majesty of nature.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Discover Wai-O-Tapu, an active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Center, just north of the Reporoa caldera, in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone 27 km south of Rotorua. Wai-O-Tapu, meaning “sacred waters” in Maori, was the homeland of the Ngati Whaoa tribe who descended from those on the Arawa waka.
Admire the colorful hot springs, such as the Champagne Pool, Artist’s Palette, Primrose Terrace and the boiling mud pools. The striking appearance of these springs is due to dramatic geothermal conditions beneath the earth. Explore the 18 square kilometers geothermal area.
Arrive in the morning and the see the 10:30 am erupting of the Lady Knox Geyser. Marvel as hot water is shot sky-high from deep within the earth.
Huka Falls
This incredible waterfall is the most-visited natural attraction in New Zealand - it’s hard to tear your gaze away from the endless, mesmerizing torrent. At Huka Falls you can witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 liters of water per second barrelling over an 11 meter high waterfall.