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7 DAY TOUR: NORTH ISLAND ESCAPE

Welcome to the Heart of New Zealand 

This tour can include all that the 4 day Hobbiton tour includes and after departing Rotorua heads to Napier, the Art Deco capital of the world. The atmosphere of this city is one lost in time! Vintage clothes, antique shops, vintage transport and buildings are aplenty as are the fruit growing areas and vineyards, both of which Napier is so renowned for.

Wellington our capital city: famous for a vibrant creative culture fuelled by great food, coffee, arts, events and our National interactive Museum, Te Papa, Wellington is a cosmopolitan city with an energetic personality.

Why not try out Wellington’s hospitality and maybe join this tour with a flight to Christchurch to join a South Island tour.

 
 
 

Day 1 - Auckland - Hobbiton - Rotorua              

Our tour starts by departing Auckland, the ‘City of Sails.’ Today is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-earth. Travel south over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Our journey takes us through undulating green hills reminding us that we are approaching the Shire.

Before embarking on our Hobbiton tour, we visit the Matamata i-Site to refresh.

On arrival at Shire’s Rest we embark on our Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. We see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location we can take photos at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End., looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance.

The Hobbiton tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn before continuing to Rotorua. Check in to our accommodation.

This evening we partake in a Māori Hangi (feast) where the Māori perform a traditional Māori Concert, a true cultural experience and you get to see the world famous Haka.

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Day 2 - Rotorua                                                                                                                                                         

Today your time is devoted to exploring the natural wonders of Rotorua. We visit Te Puia where we will be surrounded by boiling mud pools and gushing geysers.

This afternoon is at leisure for rest, relaxation or more exploration.

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.
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.

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Day 3 - Rotorua

Another day at leisure in glorious and thrilling Rotorua.

Today’s Options
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. Ride with water or without water in the ball – the choice is yours.
Redwoods Tree Walk – For those who want a slower pace, 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!
Velocity Valley – an adventure playground for thrill seekers. Try a bungee jump, the Schweeb - pedal powered pods, Swings like you’ve never seen before
Skyline Gondola – ride to the top of Mount Ngongotaha, the most spectacular way to take in 180 degree views of Rotorua city, Lake Rotorua and geothermal areas.
Luge Rides: The luge is a world’s first. With three different track options and over 5kms of track to ride, once is certainly never enough! Riders have full control, over the 3 wheel, gravity-based luge cart. All this happens from the top of the Gondola and those not wanting to partake in luging, can watch the excitement whilst drinking coffee/tea in café at the top.
Skyline Restaurant: You may wish to enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with wonderful views this evening.

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Day 4 - Rotorua - Taupo - Napier

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’. We then 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. Continue our journey to Napier. the Art Deco Capital of the World. This evening is yours to relax, wine, dine and take in the golden atmosphere of this unique city, lost in time.

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.

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Day 5 - Napier

Far from the world's great population centres and from the European and American cities where 20th Century design evolved lies a small city that is unique. Napier was rebuilt in the early 1930s following a massive Richter 7.8 Earthquake. Subsequent fires destroyed most of its commercial heart. By the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the style of the 1930s, Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century. Enhanced by palms and the angular Norfolk Island pines which are its trademark, and bounded by fertile fruit and grape growing plains, dramatic hills and the shores of the South Pacific, beautiful Napier is the centre of the Hawke's Bay region.
In Napier, you can enjoy the legacy of its brave rebuilding. Napier city is sited in the midst of New Zealand's oldest wine growing region. Only a stone's throw from the city, savour the experience of an extensive array of award-winning wines. All roads lead outward to the region's wineries and from each taste bursts the flavours, the colours, the aromas and character of Hawke's Bay Wine Country. we make our way into Napier central city and the evening is yours to relax, wine, dine and take in the golden atmosphere of this unique city, lost in time.

Today’s Options:
An Art Deco Guided Walk
- Savour the spirit of the optimistic Art Deco era.
Antique Shops aplenty – Browse on your own

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Day 6 - Napier - Palmerston North - Wellington

Today we farewell Napier and continue on through the antique collectors’ heaven of Woodville, before entering into the mighty Manawatu Gorge to Palmerston North for lunch. Palmerston North is a vibrant youthful city with the active student population, nearby Linton Military Camp, and several knowledge organisations. Since 1930 the establishment of Educational and New Research Institutes has broadened the City’s economic base. The city hosts an impressive range of educational institutions. The home campus of Massey University provides an enormous number of courses and supports research in many fields. Close by is an important research facility belonging to the world-renowned dairy company, Fonterra.

This afternoon we travel through lush dairy farmlands and the Kapiti coast to Wellington, a picture perfect city. It is set between a magnificent harbour and rolling green hills. It is also a compact city where funky shops, exciting galleries and great restaurants are within easy walking distance.  Wellington is also known as the Arts Centre of New Zealand and is the home of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Royal Ballet.

On arriving in New Zealand’s capital city, we visit key points of interest including Parliament Buildings, Mount Victoria, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens and the Botanical Gardens. Tonight, enjoy the urban culture of Wellington, a city known for relaxed people and excellent restaurants.


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Day 7 - Wellington

After breakfast you have a day at leisure to explore!

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
Our National Museum - Te Papa – An interactive museum which is very educational
The options are endless - just ask your Tour Time experiences director. 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.


Or view some of our other tempting tour options

With the whole of New Zealand at your feet we can tailor the perfect package to suit your group. You can combine Short Tours or create an all new bespoke itinerary, you can add in destinations along the way or keep it as a relaxing visit to our beautiful country…really the choice is yours…contact us to start making your dream come alive and we will help you create true #momentsthatmatter.

 
 
 
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3 DAY TOUR:
Bay of Islands Spectacular

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

 
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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.

 
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4 DAY TOUR:
A Taste of Middle Earth

Heading south of Auckland you can trek through our beautiful countryside to incredible Rotorua. On the way south you will visit Hobbiton, the set for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Movies!

 
 

 
 
 
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7 DAY TOUR:
North Island Natural Wonders

New Zealand has an incredible natural history, get a taste of the truly unique nature of New Zealand on the way south to our capital city!

 
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7 DAY TOUR:
South Island Sensations

The spectacular South Island truly is a winter wonderland. You will experience southern hospitality at its best and see the very best the deep south has to offer.

 
 

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