YOUR DAY
Guided: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, a shuttle driver will be waiting for you as you clear customs. This driver will take you to your accommodation in the city. The day and night are free to spend at your leisure and your guide will meet you tomorrow morning.
Self Drive: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.
YOUR DAY
250km, 3.5 hours driving
Today you farewell the ‘City of Sails’ and head south to Rotorua; a hot spot for Māori culture and geothermal activity.
En route you will visit Hobbiton and The Shire’s Rest, the only remaining film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. You'll also enjoy a buffet style feast in the festive marquee next to the Green Dragon!
Arrive in Rotorua in the late afternoon and perhaps explore Kuirau Park mud pool reserve and view the stunning government gardens and lakefront.
This evening you will experience Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. Wai Ariki is uniquely built on the legacy of Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing practices and manaakitanga – the centuries-old and internationally-renowned Ngāti Whakaue concept of welcoming manuhiri (visitors). Nestled on the foreshore of the stunning Lake Rotorua and meaning ‘Chiefly Waters’ - Wai Ariki offers two architecturally stunning and culturally authentic areas for you to explore, unwind, rejuvenate and relax.
YOUR DAY
Your first stop for the day is Waimangu Volcanic Valley - a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. You will see the world's largest hot spring, sinter terraces and stunning hot and cold pools of many different colours. You'll also enjoy a cruise above the once famous Pink and White Terraces, buried by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886.
Today is free for leisure activities. Options include: Rotorua Gondola and Luge, zorbing, a trip to The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, ziplining through native forest, nature walks to local waterfalls, a hike up Mt Ngongotaha, a walk through Government Gardens or Kuirau Geothermal Park, Te Puia or a visit to the spectacular Redwoods Treewalk! (all activities listed are optional).
This evening you will enjoy an authentic cultural experience at Te Pā Tū (formerly Tamaki Māori Village).
In the summertime, Te Pā Tū offers their Summer Harvest Celebration experience, "Tū Te Rā." Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration, aligned with the maramataka – the Māori lunar calendar. This is a time when the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tū Te Rā celebrates the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine.
In the winter, Te Pā Tū offers their Winter Matariki Celebration experience, "Tū Te Ihi." Tū Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald. Tū Te Ihi celebrates a moment in the earth’s cycle when the stars of Matariki (Pleiades) draw attention. Matariki conjures ancestors as we recall their legacy, and reflect on the year that has been.
YOUR DAY
245 km, 3 hours driving
This morning you will drive to Waitomo, New Zealand’s most extensive underground caving network.
Here you will enjoy a long and gentle boat ride beneath a galaxy of glowworms, avoiding big crowds by joining a small group tour, in private caves. Spellbound are close by Waitomo Caves, and a little off the beaten track, visiting a rugged and scenic limestone studded farm.
Continue to Auckland following your cave tour.
YOUR DAY
Today you will transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you've had an excellent time in New Zealand and wish you safe travels to your next destination.
Onward flight is not included.