Welcome to Auckland, known in Māori as Tāmaki Makaurau. Auckland is New Zealand's vibrant "City of Sails," and the country's largest metropolitan area. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Surrounded by native bush, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, Auckland is a haven for both adventurers and urban explorers. Wander through world-class museums and galleries in the city centre or enjoy a peaceful retreat at the Auckland Gardens, where stunning landscapes showcase New Zealand's diverse flora. Stroll along the lively waterfront to savour fresh seafood and international cuisine at Viaduct restaurants. For an unforgettable perspective, ascend the iconic SkyTower, New Zealand's tallest structure, and take in panoramic views of the city and its picturesque islands.
You will be met at the Auckland airport by the driver and transferred to your Auckland accommodation.
Jump on board the Auckland Explorer Bus and then hop on and off where you want. Your route covers downtown, central Auckland and waterfront. It includes the Sky Tower, Auckland Gallery, Newmarket, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell Village and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium.
This unique on-water sailing and dining experience is not to be missed while you're in Auckland. Enjoy smooth sailing on the Waitemata Harbour - then watch this photogenic city come alive with twinkling lights. Enjoy your meal as you sail around the beautiful Auckland Harbour taking in the view as the sun slowly sets. You'll be treated to canapes and a drink as you set off towards Westhaven Marina. To finish the evening off, savour your dessert course as you leisurely sail back to Auckland's vibrant Viaduct Harbour.
Departing from Auckland, this is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-Earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Journey through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. On arrival at Shire's Rest, you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour where you will see 44 Hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, the party tree and visit the Green Dragon Inn. At this stunning location, you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo's house in Bag End, looking out over the whole of Hobbiton to the hills in the distance. At the end of your Hobbiton movie set tour, you will travel onwards to Rotorua.
Meals included: Breakfast
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.
Experience it all on the ultimate volcanic and geothermal Rotorua tour. Discover vibrant hot springs, erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, majestic volcanoes, and lush native forests on this fully guided half-day adventure. Journey through scenic forestry and farmland to Wai-O-Tapu, home to New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and a series of dazzling hot springs. Witness the dramatic eruption of the Lady Knox geyser before heading to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Here, your guide will share the fascinating story of the Mt Tarawera eruption that shaped this spectacular geothermal wonderland.
Rotorua's Polynesian Spa offers a unique thermal spa experience on the shore of Lake Rotorua. Enjoy tranquil bathing and lake views in four shallow alkaline rock pools, each with different temperatures (36˚C to 42˚C). Surrounded by revitalising native New Zealand flora, natural rocks, the sound of two waterfalls and a grotto. The pools are filled with soothing alkaline mineral water leaving your skin soft and supple. Unwind in either the indoor or outdoor relaxation area overlooking the four hot mineral pools and Lake Rotorua, here you can further decompress on the five geothermally heated recliners set in the stunning backdrop of New Zealand's lush and natural greenery. The Lake Spa is a unique thermal pool environment, where the atmosphere changes from day to night, and from winter steam to summer sparkle.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
The drive from Rotorua to Auckland takes you through the heart of the Waikato and its rich agricultural land. Along New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato. A little further than Hamilton is Auckland City, New Zealand's largest, spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. From the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found in Ponsonby and Parnell to the breathtaking native bush and beaches of the West Coast, Auckland is full of life and the opportunities to explore are endless.
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Intercity Coach Depot.
Embark on a three-hour adventure through the native New Zealand forest. Journey through the beautiful forest canopy via an incredible network of trails, tree platforms, Ziplines and swing bridges. See breathtaking views of the woodland valleys and hills as you fly through tight openings in the trees. In between the thrill of the ziplines and suspended tree bridges, your guides will share their passion and knowledge for the forest and the conservation challenges to preserve it.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.
Meals included: Breakfast
You will be met at your Auckland accommodation by the driver and transferred to the airport.