Highlights
- Have a fully guided private tour in a Mercedes luxury vehicle
- Get picked up and dropped off in Auckland including the airport/cruise terminal
- Design your own itinerary to suit your interests and abilities, with local insight from your knowledgable guide
- Visit the amazing Waitomo Caves
- Explore Hobbiton, and the movie magic that was used in the films
Description
Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves, which are located about 2.5 hours south of Auckland, are one of New Zealand’s most famous attractions. On this private tours, plan the day according to your wishes and at Waitomo there are numerous activities to choose from as all guests’ interests and budgets vary. Travel via New Zealand’s famous Thermal Explorer Highway touring route, taking in the beautiful countryside of the Waikato and King Country. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will tell you about New Zealand and the extraordinary places you’ll see along the approximately 2.5 hour journey to and from Waitomo.
Waitomo is an amazing natural wonderland which offers a vast range of unique sights and experiences to suit all interests. Continue from Waitomo via the fertile farmlands of the Waikato and pass through the steep, densely forested Mamaku Ranges before reaching Rotorua. Winding down from this plateau, catch the first glimpses of Lake Rotorua, a volcanic caldera filled with this iconic lake featuring bush-clad Mokoia Island at its centre. Have a stop at Mamaku Blue, a very interesting blueberry farm, winery and café. Mamaku Blue is a fascinating place where you can learn about this very healthy little berry and its amazing journey.
After settling into your accommodation, in the evening one of the unique Maori cultural experiences in Rotorua, are highly recommended. Here you can enjoy a traditional Kai Maori (Maori food) cooked in a Hangi (earth oven) and enjoy a performance of song and dance in a traditional Maori village setting. Alternatively, you can just relax or explore more of Rotorua at your leisure.
Day 2: Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton Movie Set
Enjoy the Sights of Rotorua including the beautiful lakefront, Government Gardens and Rotorua Museum, housed in the stunning old Victorian bath house in the centre of the beautiful Government Gardens. Or go to Redwood Forest, widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful forests. Another excellent option is to visit Blue Lake and Lake Tarawera, with the latter being dominated by the peak of iconic Mount Tarawera towering above the lake. Mount Tarawera erupted violently in June 1886 and buried a Maori village called Te Wairoa. The Buried Village of Te Wairoa is an excellent attraction that can be incorporated into your sightseeing.
See the Wai-o-Tapu,Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Hells Gate if geology and volcanos interest you. Or have helicopter or floatplane flights to see both Rotorua and Lake Rotorua, as well as a huge amount of amazing volcanic sights, from above.
Please note that this private tour is flexible to all your interests and budgets, your guide will list many interesting things to see and do. This itinerary is a sample. Please inform your guide of particular preferences and abilities so they can recommend activities suited to you.
Includes
Fully guided Private Tour in Mercedes luxury vehicle
Pick-up/drop-off in Auckland including airport/cruise terminal
Tour times flexible to work in with your requirements
• Complimentary snacks and water
• All guide expenses (e.g. guide accommodation and meals)
• All tours support local eco-cultural initiative
Entrance fees
Accommodation
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
