Daniel Collins - Fine Travel


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Highlights and Great Nights of Rotorua

3 Days

Starts: Auckland
Finishes: Auckland

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Day 1

Redwoods Nightlights + Glowworms General Admission

Redwoods Nightlights is one of New Zealand's top design-led tourism experiences, featuring 30 exquisite lanterns designed by world-renowned designer and sustainability champion David Trubridge. Floating between 9 and 20 metres above the forest floor, this core eco-tourism walk is 700 metres long, spans across 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms, and takes about 40 minutes to complete. Then descend into a 70-metre eco-cave to witness the magic of over 5,000 native glowworms illuminating rock formations and a reflective water feature. The combined experience offers a total immersion into the forest's nocturnal beauty, both high in the canopy and deep within the earth.

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Rotorua

Discover the geothermal, adventure, and cultural wonderland of Rotorua. As you explore, you may see steam rising from cracks in the road, bubbling and hissing water in pools along the lake's edge, and the unmistakable smell of Sulfur. Rotorua is rich in Māori culture and history, with many Māori inhabitants recognising the great potential of the volcanic land. For an outdoor adventure, head to The Redwoods and experience the rainforest treetops from high up. There are a few accessible trails for disabled hikers and great biking trails as well. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of New Zealand's native birds, such as the Pīwakawaka (Fantail) and the Tūī. Alternatively, enjoy the Lake Tikitapu Blue Lake Walk or explore Kuirau Park, where you'll find bubbling mud pools and steaming lakes. Don't miss the private thermal reserves such as Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, where you can walk among bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Sulfur ponds. Just a few minutes from the town centre, the Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery offer an insight into nature. Rotorua's rich Māori culture is a must-see. Spend an evening with Te Pā Tū, complete with a traditional-style dinner or stroll along the lake edge to reach one of the country's oldest Māori villages at Ohinemutu. When hunger strikes, visit Eat Street in Rotorua CBD, a vibrant street lined with delicious eateries and restaurants to satisfy any craving. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without experiencing Rotorua's original tourist attraction - a relaxing spa treatment. This town boasts an array of wellness experiences to unwind in. Whether you are seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Rotorua offers an unforgettable experience.

Auckland to Rotorua Small Group Tour via Hobbiton with Bush and Beach

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.

Accommodation

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel is Rotorua's largest 4-star deluxe hotel. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city overlooking Lake Rotorua. Five levels of accommodation offer guests a wide variety of scenic views.

Meals included: Dinner


Day 2

Gondola and Buffet Dinner with Skyline Rotorua

Take the Skyline Scenic Gondola ride up the side of the dormant volcano Mount Ngongotaha (487 metres above sea level) where you can experience spectacular panoramic views of the city and lake. At the top you will find the Stratosfare Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring a stunning array of freshly prepared buffet dishes highlighting locally sourced seafood, meat and produce.

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Te Puia: Te Ra Guided Experience, Cultural Experience and Hangi Buffet Lunch

Embark on a guided tour through the heart of Māori craftsmanship and heritage at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute. Explore the renowned schools of greenstone carving, wood carving, and flax weaving, where master artisans and students bring ancient techniques to life. Your journey continues at Rotowhio Pā, a living Māori village, and the Kiwi Conservation Centre, where you'll get a rare glimpse of New Zealand's iconic and endangered Kiwi bird. As you delve into Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, marvel at the dramatic landscapes shaped by geothermal activity, including the awe-inspiring Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. After your explorations, indulge in Te Puia's world-famous hāngī buffet lunch, served in Pātaka Kai Restaurant, Bar & Café. Enjoy a delectable array of traditional Māori cuisine, though menus are subject to change to highlight seasonal specialties. The cultural highlight of your visit will take place in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a pōhiri (traditional welcome), followed by a captivating cultural performance featuring waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi, and the powerful haka. This immersive experience at Te Puia offers a deep connection to Māori culture, artistry, and the natural wonders of New Zealand.

Accommodation

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel is Rotorua's largest 4-star deluxe hotel. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city overlooking Lake Rotorua. Five levels of accommodation offer guests a wide variety of scenic views.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 3

Rotorua to Auckland by InterCity Coach

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.

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Private Transfer Rotorua Accommodation to Rotorua Intercity Depot with Xquizit

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Intercity Coach Depot.

Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa

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.