Itinerary
Day 1: Waitomo Triple Cave Experience - Glowworm Cave, Aranui Cave, Rukauri Cave & Overnight Stay in Rotorua
Stop At: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943 New Zealand
Discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Experience the serene ambience as you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world.
Our guided tour will take you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery commencing with the impressive Cathedral. Many of our current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable history of the area.
Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms
Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave famous for its acoustics
Enjoy listening to stories about Maori culture from our local guides
Guided since the late 1880s, this is the original iconic New Zealand attraction.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo Caves 3977 New Zealand
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable glowworm experience, then our most popular combo is for you! Go with the glow and visit both the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, as well as enchanting Ruakuri Cave. Discover thousands of illuminating glowworms as you explore these glittering underground worlds on two walking tours.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: Admission to BBQ buffet lunch at Waitomo Homestead
Accommodation included: 4 Star Hotel Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis including Breakfast.
Day 2: Rotorua City Highlights, Te Puia Geothermal Valley & Overnight Stay in Rotorua
Stop At: Government Gardens, Queens Dr 9 Queens Dr, Rotorua New Zealand
his day we start our morning exploring the geothermal city highlights by visiting the stunning locations in the heart of Rotorua. Explore historic gardens that surround a Tudor-style spa bath house and an ornate Mediterranean-style public swimming pool. Peer through the steam into ancient bubbling geothermal pools.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Te Puia, Hemo Road, Rotorua New Zealand
Situated five minutes from central Rotorua, Te Puia is an iconic destination for visitors featuring the world famous Pohutu Geyser, Māori cultural performances, live Kiwi, boiling mud pools, native bush and the National Schools of Wood Carving and Weaving. Feel the warm welcome of Māori guides from the moment you walk into Te Puia past the twelve monumental carvings – Te Heketanga a Rangi reaching skywards.Explore Te Puia’s unique Whakarewarewa geothermal valley home to the world famous Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to twenty times a day, and up to thirty metres high into the air.
The rest of the day you can Wander through vibrant Rotorua or you can choose to experience additional tour options of your choice.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: Admission to delicious Hangi buffet lunch at Te Puia
Accommodation included: 4 Star Hotel Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis including Breakfast.
Day 3: Middle Earth Experience - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and return to Auckland
Stop At: Hobbiton Movie Set, 501 Buckland Road Matamata, Hinuera 3472 New Zealand
Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is where Peter Jackson filmed his famous Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Once we arrive, you spend 30-45 mins shopping in the official Hobbiton Gift Shop and grabbing a drink or a bite in the famous Shire’s Rest Cafe.
Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.
You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.
After you finish your amazing golden triangle experience, we make our way through the scenic roads of Waikato back to Auckland city.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: Admission to BBQ buffet lunch at Hobbiton's Green Dragon Inn
No accommodation included on this day.