Day 1 - Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua

"Haere Mai" - Welcome to Auckland, Aotearoa (New Zealand)! Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping – you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland. Auckland’s blend of islands, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Departing the ‘City of Sails’ we travel south via the mighty Waikato, NZ’s largest and richest dairy farming province. Travel on to the world-famous Waitomo Caves if you desire.

Onwards to Rotorua! Our journey meanders through fertile countryside, up over the forested Mamaku Ranges and into the Rotorua basin, an area of natural beauty and rich in cultural heritage. Get ready for a night of lively entertainment and feasting!  We enjoy a Māori Cultural Show, Concert and Hangi (traditional feast), and the New Zealand Māori Haka, a true New Zealand cultural experience.

Today’s Options:
Waitomo Glow-worm caves - an underground wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms.  After a guided walk through the enormous underground limestone caverns we take an enchanted boat ride through flooded chambers and a sparkling glow-worm grotto. You may choose to sing in the underground Natural cathedral to experience the caves acoustics.

Day 2 - Rotorua Sightseeing and Leisure

Today Rotorua is your playground!

Today’s Options
Agrodome Farm Show – The unique New Zealand Farm Experience with animal interaction and wool demonstrations, an introduction into the sheep and dairy industries
Rainbow Springs Nature Park – Set among the native trees and beautiful forests of Rotorua get up close with the wonderful bird, bugs, fish etc; see a real live Kiwi bird, and learn about the flora and fauna.
The OGO - a playground for thrill-seekers. Roll down hills and courses in clear giant inflatable balls; an iconic adventure experience that will have you laughing uncontrollably.
Redwoods Tree Walk – Stroll high among giants in the majestic 100 year old Redwood forest either by day or night on this short eco-tourism walk, or if you suffer from vertigo, stroll on the ground under the trees. Many customers say “This is one of the best experiences of my life!” Don’t forget your camera!
Geothermal Spas and Natural Hot Springs - The intense geothermal activity in Rotorua means there is no lack of thermal pools. The natural hot springs merge with cold streams or rivers making the ideal temperature to swim or bathe in. Plus, you can even bathe comfortably on a cold day, which makes Rotorua a great spot to check out during New Zealand’s winter.

Day 3 - Rotorua - Taupo - Palmerston North

After breakfast check out of accommodation and farewell Rotorua. We board our coach and journey further south to view the Dam gates opening at the Aratiatia Rapids at 10.00am. Tens of thousands of litres of rushing water create a spectacle popular with all visitors. A unique display of man versus nature. The water is released from the Aratiatia Dam down through the Aratiatia Rapids. This Dam has been generating Hydro power since 1964. The hydro-electricity is solely provided by the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river. The rapids created by the dam opening were used in the filming of ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’.
Continue our journey to Huka Falls where you can view from the bridge or take a jetboat ride.
 
From there onwards to Taupo, a tourist town near the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, distinguished by its Lakefront setting. Onwards towards New Zealand's oldest national park, Tongariro. with its World Heritage status. A place of extremes and surprises, a place to explore and remember, from herb fields to forests, tranquil lakes to desert-like plateau and active volcanoes - Tongariro has them all. No surprise is it, that Peter Jackson chose Tongariro as a major filming site for the shooting of the Lord of the Rings. Mt Doom is here in all its fearful glory, in the shape of Mt Ngauruhoe. Onwards along the majestic desert plateau with a great view of the mountain trio, we wind south into the university city of Palmerston North where the horizon is dotted with windmills for power generation. This wind farm is the largest in the Pacific region. Check into our accommodation.

Today’s Options:
Hukafalls Jet Boat Rides – a unique combination of thrills, excitement and natural beauty have been thrilling customers since 1990. Nobody gets you closer to the Huka Falls.

Day 4 - Palmerston North

This morning we take in the sights of the lagoon, the Esplanade and the Wind Farm prior to returning to our accommodation and having an afternoon at leisure.

Day 5 - Palmerston North - Wellington

This morning we depart for our capital city, Wellington. Wellington is compact, cultured, full of character and rich in political history. On arriving in New Zealand’s capital city, we visit key points of interest including Parliament Buildings, Mount Victoria and the Botanical Gardens. We will also pay a visit to Te Papa, our National Museum..

Tonight, enjoy the urban culture of Wellington, a city known for relaxed people and excellent restaurants, funky shops and exciting galleries - all within easy walking distance.

Today’s Options:
Weta Workshops – where you can see the special effects that were created for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.
Guided tour of Parliament – where you are shown around inside our Parliament

3 DAY TOUR:
Bay of Islands Spectacular

The beautiful Bay of Islands is the perfect place to rest and recuperate from your flight

4 DAY TOUR:
Bay of Islands Discovery

If 3 days in the beautiful Bay of Islands just isn’t enough…we can extend your stay in Northland so you can truly experience this incredible and unique part of New Zealand.