Private Tour [4 Days]: Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Hells Gate & Wai-O-Tapu

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Auckland to enjoy Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. Overnight Stay in Rotorua

Stop At: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943 New Zealand
Glowworm caves in New Zealand offer visitors the chance to explore dark caves that are lit up by thousands of tiny glowworms, who shine bright as a way to attract their prey. Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above as you glide silently by boat in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The enchanting Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms. Your guided Waitomo Caves tour will be an unforgettable sightseeing experience as you walk through majestic caverns, explore limestone shafts, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a boat ride through a grotto lit by thousands of tiny native glowworms.
Duration: 1 hour

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. Walk into the real-world landscape of Middle Earth on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit.’ Pause at the Green Dragon™ Inn to for a draft of Hobbit™ Southfarthing™, see the remarkable detailing that brought Hobbiton™ to life on screen, and visit the places where key scenes were created. Take a look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Get lost among the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and the Party Tree. Listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be. Your guide will escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 4 Star Hotel Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis including Breakfast.

Day 2: Rotorua Highlights, Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village and Hell’s Gate Excite Experience. Overnight Stay in Rotorua

Stop At: Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village, 17 Tryon Street Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand
Explore an authentic living Māori village where people live on a daily basis, using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have for centuries. Discover the vibrancy of Māori culture and the fascinating traditions of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who shaped tourism in New Zealand. View the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley up close, including the world-famous Pōhutu geyser, boiling mud-pools, steam vents and bubbling pools. Enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration – watch our residents prepare Hāngi meals in our in-ground steam boxes, and cook corn in the bubbling water of our geothermal hot pools – as they have for generations. Learn what it’s like to live in the challenging environment of the Whakarewarewa Valley, where daily life includes cooking in the bubbling pools and steam vents, and bathing in the refreshing therapeutic waters.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa, 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere 3074 New Zealand
Enjoy this thermal wonder land with our interactive guided or self-guided tour before relaxing in the geothermal mud and sulphur waters. Get down and dirty in a mud bath or unwind in a Sulphur spa overlooking a spectacular geothermal landscape, before cooling off in a beautiful spring-fed waterfall and plunge pool. Featuring hot-water lakes, New Zealand’s largest mud volcano and the largest hot water waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere, the Hell's Gate Valley is the place to be for an indulgent experience that is almost sinful. With the only geothermal mud baths in New Zealand, the Hell’s Gate Spa is a highly therapeutic experience. You can slather yourself in the warm geothermal mud before jumping in the sulphur pool – with minerals that help to clear and detoxify. You have an option to choose any add on activity to extend and enhance your experience or you can choose to relax and explore as you wish. We stay overnight at Rotorua.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 4 Star Hotel Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis including Breakfast.

Day 3: Full day at leisure to explore the options of your choice. Overnight Stay in Rotorua

Stop At: Government Gardens, Queens Dr 9 Queens Dr, Rotorua New Zealand
This 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

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 4 Star Hotel Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis including Breakfast.

Day 4: Travel to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Huka Falls, Lake Taupō and return back to Auckland

Stop At: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, 201 Waiotapu Loop Road Rd 3, Rotorua 3073 New Zealand
This day we start our morning, driving down to the south of Rotorua, will bring you to the colourful natural volcanic park, which is one of New Zealand's most diverse geothermal attractions. Explore spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colourful natural volcanic park. Walks through this unique geothermal area take between 30 and 75 minutes and provide a wide range of amazing photo opportunities at unique features including the world famous Champagne Pool, naturally coloured hot and cold springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The natural bush setting, the Lady Knox Geyser erupting daily at 10.15 am and the nearby ever active "Mud Pool" add other dimensions to the experience, the distinct sulphur smell, similar to that of rotting eggs will accompany you throughout your visit to this fascinating natural wonder.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Huka Falls Rd, Taupo, Hinuera New Zealand
Marvel at the breath-taking geothermal scenery, stunning waterfalls and World Heritage-listed forest reserves, as you drive from the south of Rotorua and located in the centre of New Zealand’s north island, lies the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. You will be amazed by the majestic Huka falls - an incredible waterfall that thunders 11 metres into the Waikato River below and boast the title of being New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Lake Taupo, Taupo Marina, Taupo New Zealand
Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Taupō waterfront by stretching your legs along one of many lakesides walking trails. Take a step away and enjoy the complete peace and quiet of water's edge picnic spots and elevated viewing areas. Excite the senses, be tempted by an amazing array of 100% pure New Zealand honey, mead, natural health and wellbeing products and unique gift ideas. A unique taste experience with free honey, mead & liqueur tastings. Live beehive viewings and fascinating interactive displays. Discover health & wellness products, divine honey-based skincare products. Complete your experience by relaxing in lounge or gardens with a coffee or delicious honey ice-cream.

From the vibrant history we drive to trendy fashion and cuisine, the breath-taking native bush and beaches of Auckland is full of life and the opportunities to explore are endless.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

• Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
• Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
• Complimentary refreshments and water on board
• A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey
• Hand-picked accommodation included in our platinum and gold packages
• Luxurious temperature controlled transportation
• Experience best of North Island's top destinations in an all-encompassing tour
• Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the visit to iconic Glow-worm Caves
• Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
• Join the official guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set
• Remarkable 360-degree views of the rolling Kaimai Range
• Chance to step into a real The Lord of the Rings film set
• Embrace nature’s sanctuary and slip into five mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua
• Sightseeing historical government gardens, thermal springs and Polynesian spa
• Chance to see the towering water jets of Pōhutu Geyser
• A captivating experience of the Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village
• Explore the walking track to see the beautiful lakes, boiling mud-pools, steam vents & bubbling pool
• Be entertained by the cultural performance group by way of song and dance
• Experience the magical qualities of the nutrient rich mud pool at Hell’s Gate
• Relax and rejuvenate yourself in the sulphur spa and cool plunge pool
• Visit the thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu and witness its unique volcanic features
• Explore the incredible Lady Knox geyser eruption with heights of 10 to 20 metres
• Walk through the surreal lunar-like environment to witness the volcanic wonders
• Carry on past the Champagne Pool, a bubbling hot spring famed for its brilliant orange rim
• Enjoy the largest freshwater lake in NZ, one of the main attractions
• Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Taupō by stretching your legs along the lakeside
• Enjoy the best water-level viewing of the majestic Huka Falls
• Admission to fully guided 45 minutes experience at Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
• Admission to 2 hour fully guided experience at Hobbiton Movie Set
• Complimentary Hobbiton beverages - Ale, cider, ginger beer or an English dark beer
• Admission to Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village & Cultural Experience
• Admission to Hell's Gate Excite Experience including geothermal walk & Māori carving
• Admission to Lady Knox Geyser & self-guided walk at Wai-O–Tapu Thermal wonderland
• 4 Star Hotel Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis including Breakfast.
• Accommodation included: 3 nights
• Entry/Admission - Hobbiton Movie Set
• Entry/Admission - Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
• Entry/Admission - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
• Entry/Admission - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Entry/Admission - Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa

• Lunch and Dinner
• Child safety car seat rental NZD $50.00 plus booking fees payable directly...

• Infant seats available
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Near public transportation
• Stroller accessible
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate
• Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat. Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
• Souvenir photos are available for purchase after your tour.
• The caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, as there are good handrails and paths. There is no wheelchair access.
• Caves average at a temperature of 16-17 degrees Celsius year round.
• Boat tour capacity is up to 23 people.
• We stay dry – the tour does not involve using a wet suit or abseiling or river rapids, it’s very easy.
• Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
• We are able to accommodate a stroller or a pram, provided it is fully collapsible and can fit in the luggage compartment of our buses.
• Hell’s Gate have swimwear for both males and females for sale, subject to availability.
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
• Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, sun protection, jacket/warm layer & essential personal items.
• You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
• No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on this boat tour.
• For the bathing experience, guests can choose to bring their own bathing attire and towels or hire these items from Hell’s Gate at a small cost.
• The mud bath experience is controlled to a maximum of 20 minutes on the basis of safety.
• Guests are advised to shower before entering the pools in order to remove any makeup, sunscreen or other products applied to the skin as we cannot confirm what is in each product and therefore if a reaction with the Sulphur will occur.
• Both children and adults need to comfortable with the heat, and Hell’s Gate recommends taking regular breaks to ensure overheating does not occur.
• The list of medical conditions below highlight some of the main medical conditions where the geothermal pools may not be advised: Pregnancy, Low or High Blood Pressure, Mobility Problems, Active or Under Active Thyroid, Verruca/Warts, Heart Conditions, Epilepsy, Skin diseases/disorders, Diabetes, Metal Pins/ Plates, Claustrophobia, Ear Infections, Cancer, Recent Surgery, or Sulphur Allergies.
• If the guest has had or is suffering from any of the medical conditions, we strongly advise that they seek advice from their doctor prior to using the geothermal pools.
• It is important that children (as well as adults) drink water while bathing to keep hydrated.
• Please remove all jewellery before entering the pools as Hell’s Gate accepts no responsibility for tarnished jewellery.
• You must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Traveler pickup is offered

Airports

• Auckland Intl Airport, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand

• Princes Wharf, 137-147 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
• Fullers360 Self Service Ticket Kiosks, 107 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

06:30 AM

Returns to original departure point

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

4 days