Day One: Wellington – Lake Taupo – Rotorua

Travel by road from Wellington to Rotorua via the Kapiti Coast, Palmerston North, the Central Plateau (home to several active volcanoes), and Lake Taupo before arriving in Rotorua by late afternoon. Get checked in and spend the rest of your day in Rotorua at your leisure.

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel or similar

Day Two: Rotorua

This morning you’ll begin with an insight into New Zealand’s Maori culture at Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village. Discover Whakarewarewa's history and lineage with a guided tour – each guide adds a personal touch to inspire and help visitors truly connect with the experience. Explore a 60-hectare landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools. Feel the natural power of Pohutu Geyser– the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere! Enjoy an exhilarating cultural performance by one of our leading local Kapa Haka groups.

Afternoon at leisure

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel or similar

Day Three: Rotorua – Waitomo – Hobbiton - Auckland

Travel north from Rotorua to Auckland by road via the Waitomo Glowworm Caves: an incredible must-see guided tour of the caves by boat through the glowworm grotto. then on to Hobbiton, the famous Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film set at Matamata. An hour's scenic drive from Rotorua brings you to the sheep farm selected by Peter Jackson for his film masterpieces. A guided tour from enthusiastic guides will provide fascinating commentary and insider knowledge from filming at this picture-esque location. See 44 Hobbit holes, the Mill and Double Arch Bridge, the Party Tree, and visit the Green Dragon Pub where you’ll receive a complementary Hobbit Ale. Arrive in Auckland early evening around 7pm where you will be transferred to your central city accommodation.

Heritage Hotel Auckland or similar

Day Four: Auckland

This morning enjoy a comprehensive, half-day city sights tour of Auckland, which highlights the city's best landmarks. Your 4-day tour concludes at the end of this tour.