Explore the highlights of the central North Island from the comfort of an escorted mini-bus. Take a tour through the Waitomo Caves followed a cultural introduction at Te Puia. Continue on to Rotorua where you will enjoy your evening indulging in New Zealand's most awarded cultural attraction, Te Pā Tū. No North Island trip would be complete without exploring Middle Earth, where you get to set foot on the movie sets of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbiton.
Departs every day - flexible independent travel
This suggested tour costs from NZD$1,540 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Auckland, finishes in Auckland
2 days/1 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
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Travel from Auckland and visit Waitomo Caves on the way to Rotorua. This tour covers the most iconic destinations in the Northern island. You will visit Rotorua which is famous both for its thermal activity and its rich Maori Heritage. In addition, you will enjoy guided tour in the world renowned Waitomo Glow worm Caves and geothermal wonderland Te Puia. Your tour will finish in Rotorua.
New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.
Your accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa
Silver Fern Suites & Spa is located just minutes from Rotorua's city centre and is close to popular thermal attractions, cafes, restaurants and golf courses. Suites have a private spa pool or double spa bath for you to unwind and relax.Departing from Rotorua in the morning, this is a wonderful way to get to Auckland and include a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films. On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. You will get to see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, the party tree and visit the Green Dragon Inn (where a complimentary beer, cider or ginger ale is included). At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo's house, Bag End and look out over the whole of Hobbiton to the hills in the distance.
Following the Hobbiton tour, enjoy lunch at either Shire's Rest or in the marquee beside the Green Dragon Inn. After lunch, there is time for some shopping before you leave to drive north through lush Waikato dairy farms and over the Bombay Hills arriving in Auckland where you will be transferred to your inner-city accommodation.