3 Day North Island Tour: Hobbiton, Rotorua & Geothermal Escapes

Auckland: Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori, is a city that effortlessly blends vibrant urban life with stunning natural beauty. Take a ferry to Waiheke Island for award-winning wineries, olive groves, and pristine beaches, or explore Devonport, a charming seaside suburb with historic streets and café culture. Climb One Tree Hill or the volcanic Mt Eden for panoramic views of the city and harbor. Shop and dine in Ponsonby's stylish boutiques and eateries, or experience the eclectic energy of K Road, once a red-light district and now the world’s sixth coolest street. Nature enthusiasts can wander the Auckland Botanic Gardens, hike the scenic Waitākere Ranges, or surf the rugged west coast beaches like Piha and Muriwai. Art lovers can visit the Auckland Art Gallery, while adventure seekers can sail the Waitematā Harbour or take in the city skyline from the iconic Sky Tower. With its mix of culture, cuisine, and outdoor escapes, Auckland promises unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

Included Activity: 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.

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 recognizing 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 center, 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.

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Eco Thermal Park Tour with Elite Adventures

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.

Included Activity: Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience (Dinner Included)

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.

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Mount Tarawera & Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer by Floatplane with Volcanic Air

From above Mount Tarawera's impressive views include vast volcanic rifts, distant national parks, and our treasured lakes. Flying south on a floatplane, you will gain an appreciation of what local Maori refer to as the ‘Sisters of Fire’. Here, volcanic activity has pierced the earth's surface across the fault line forming the reserves of Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu which, when viewed from above, dismay a spectacular palette of nature's most vibrant colors. Landing at Orakei Korako, ‘the Hidden Valley,’ is an amazing opportunity to experience hot springs, gushing geysers, and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland.

Optional Activity: Mountain Jade - Highlights Tour

This 30-minute highlights tour is a rare opportunity to spend time with New Zealand Jade artists. New Zealand Jade known as Greenstone but more commonly known in New Zealand as Pounamu, has a rich history within Maori culture. The expert guide will show you the intricate process of Pounamu carving firsthand in the Mountain Jade studio. The local artist will be there to personally demonstrate the carving process and share their stories and knowledge with you. To top off the tour, you will get to select your very own piece of Pounamu and learn to string it yourself so you can take it home.

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 kilometers. 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.

Taxi in Auckland - Own Arrangements

Please choose the best option that suits your needs. Here's a list of the main taxi companies in Auckland with their contact details:

Auckland Co-op Taxis (Blue Bubble Taxis):
Phone: +64 9 300 3000

Alert Taxis:
Phone: +64 9 309 2000

Corporate Cabs:
Phone: +64 9 377 0773

Cheap Cabs:
Phone: +64 9 621 0505

Important Considerations for Clients in Auckland:
Auckland Airport Pick-ups: Auckland Airport licenses specific taxi and shuttle companies to pick up from designated ranks. A small airport charge (around NZD $5.50 - $6.50) is typically added to fares for pick-ups and a slightly lower fee for drop-offs.
Booking Apps: Many companies have user-friendly apps that allow clients to book, track their ride, and often pay seamlessly. "YourRide" is also a popular app that aggregates many taxi companies across New Zealand.
Fixed vs. Metered Fares: While many companies operate on a meter, some, especially for airport transfers or pre-booked rides, may offer fixed prices. It's always a good idea to confirm the fare or get an estimate before the journey, especially for longer trips.
Peak Times: During peak commute hours or major events, it's always wise to pre-book a taxi to ensure timely pick-up.