Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland - Arrival
Stop At: Auckland Central, Auckland Central, North Island
Meet and Greet at Auckland International Airport and transfer to your Auckland central city hotel. You'll have the remainder of your day and evening to explore at your leisure.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at an Auckland City Hotel - Airedale Suites or similar
Day 2: Hobbiton & Waitomo
Pass By: Auckland Central, Auckland Central, North Island
After leaving Auckland you will travel south over the Bombay Hills as you get elevated panoramic views of the Waikato Region and travel across the scenic Hauraki Plains to Matamata, the home of Hobbiton Movie Set.
Stop At: Hobbiton Movie Set, 501 Buckland Road Matamata, Hinuera 3472 New Zealand
Begin with a tour through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the 10 acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into the Shire from Middle-earth. Complimentary specially brewed beverages are available at the Green Dragon Inn as you complete your tour
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943 New Zealand
will then travel to the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guide on this 45-minute tour will likely be a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the Caves and can share with you the remarkable history of the area.
Duration: 3 hours
Pass By: Waikato Region, Waikato Region, North Island
Your return trip to Auckland will then take you initially through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful countryside before following northwards the majestic Waikato River, the longest river in New Zealand, part of the way back to Auckland. You will pass Ngaruawahia, the home of the Maori King; Taupiri with its very sacred Maori burial ground. To complete that day, you will be taken back to your hotel in the Auckland CBD.
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight at an Auckland City Hotel - Airedale Suites or similar
Day 3: Auckland
Stop At: Auckland Central, Auckland Central, North Island
This Auckland city tour showcases the highlights of the city of Auckland and takes you on a journey to explore the history and sights as well as to see how Aucklanders live and play. Our small group tour gives an insight into the Māori history of the area and the legends and stories behind some of the place names.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges, 300 Scenic Drive, Nihotupu, Piha, Auckland 0604 New Zealand
Your afternoon eco tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the rainforest.
Travel to a lookout centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. From here you get breathtaking panoramic views across the rainforest to Auckland’s two harbours. The centre is also home to some traditional Māori carvings which you will learn about them and their significance for the area.
Continue on to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns.
Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. The black sand of Piha* beach one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer.
* A cyclone in February severely damaged roads & walking tracks in Piha – Until the Piha tracks reopen we include a
Karamatura bush walk – an ancient forest with amazing bird life, silver ferns and Kauri trees.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at an Auckland City Hotel - Airedale Suites or similar
Day 4: Auckland
Pass By: Auckland Central, Auckland Central, North Island
Tour concludes at Checkout
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.