Auckland To Wellington Via Rotorua And Taupo 7 Day Private Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua

Stop At: SkyTower, Victoria Street Corner Federal Streets, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand
We pick you up in Auckland and drive south through some of our rich farmland through the Waikato region to the famous Waitomo Caves, where can experience the natural beauty of these caves and admire the Glowworms that light them up like stars. Either take a guided tour where you walk through these magnificent caves and then float gently along on a small boat, or how about jumping, abseiling, climbing and cave tubing through this Glowworm wonderland?

We continue on to a Lord of the Rings fan’s dream location - the Hobbiton Movie Set - for your very own “Middle Earth” adventure. Learn about the movie scenes that were filmed here from both “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. See Hobbit Holes and visit the Mill, the Party Tree and plenty of other structures built for the movies. Marvel at inside views of “Hobbiton” village including Hobbit Holes, Bag End, The Green Dragon Inn and astonishing facts about the filmmaking and landscape all around. At the end of the tour you can relax at the Green Dragon Inn with a drink.

We then continue to Rotorua, which is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. The city offers a range of different attractions for everyone from adrenaline junkies to those just looking to relax. We can advise you on many activities that best suit your interests.

Accommodation in Rotorua

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: Rotorua

Stop At: Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3007 New Zealand
Choose what you would like to see and do from the range of wonderful options that allow you to enjoy the best of what

Rotorua has to offer. While you are here we recommend you visit one of Rotorua’s thermal parks so you can experience the unique landscapes and volcanic activity. From bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam and natural hot springs you can relax in, you won’t be disappointed.

There are a number of options, all with their own unique features and we can help suggest which one may suit you best. We also recommend a Maori cultural experience by visiting a living Maori village and witnessing a cultural performance and enjoy a Hangi – a mouth-watering feast cooked underground on hot rocks.

We can visit the Government Gardens where you can explore the historic gardens and take in the views of all there is to offer. While here you have the option of visiting the Rotorua museum if you want to discover Rotorua’s rich culture, volatile landscape and dramatic history. After this you might want to unwind and relax at the Polynesian Spa, a world-leading, natural hot mineral bathing and luxury spa retreat.

You can take a leisurely uphill gondola ride at Skyline Rotorua to marvel at the beautiful views of Rotorua

including the surrounding lakes and geothermal areas. At the top there is plenty for you to enjoy. From having a meal at the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar or the Market Kitchen Café to mountain biking or walking tracks that take advantage of the great views, there is something for everyone.

You can even come up here in the evening to experience a stargazing experience. Enjoy the three luge tracks with differing skill levels as you speed downhill, twisting and turning with the stunning backdrop of a Redwood forest. Or you can zoom through the forest on a zipline.

There are plenty of stunning rivers and lakes to explore which could be done either by jet boating, white water rafting, kayaking, parasailing and even stand up paddle boarding. The region is a fisherman’s dream if you’re after catching some trophy trout. We can visit the Agrodome which provides a truly unique New Zealand farming experience with a display of interesting live farm shows.

If you’re interested in mountain biking or hiking there are several trails you can enjoy, including through the mighty Redwoods Forest. You can take a helicopter or floatplane for spectacular views of Rotorua including its stunning lakes, geothermal reserves and remarkable volcanoes. You even have the option of landing on White Island, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. This tour can combine landing on both White Island and also magnificent Mount Tarawera, Rotorua’s iconic volcano that last erupted in 1886.

Accommodation in Rotorua

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: Rotorua to Taupo

Stop At: Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3007 New Zealand
We depart Rotorua and head south to arrive in the town of Taupo which sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake. Along the way, we can visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Waitapu Thermal Wonderland, Orakei Korako or Craters of the Moon, all of which are stunning thermal areas created by the strong volcanic activity in this region.

Further south and close to Taupo, you can view Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited and photographed natural attraction. Lake Taupo, one of the largest crater lakes in the world, has plenty of enjoyable activities on offer. One of Taupo’s many wonders are the Maori Rock Carvings that you can see by taking a scenic cruise, a kayak tour or sailing, while getting to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the lake.

If you want to relax after a busy day exploring Taupo, you can visit a thermal hot pool, where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you unwind. Or how about a round of Golf at internationally-acclaimed Wairakei Golf Course just north of Taupo? In any case, there are plenty of things for you to choose from to really enjoy this day.

Accommodation in Taupo

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: Taupo

Stop At: Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 30 Tongariro Street, Taupo 3330 New Zealand
You can spend today exploring the best of Taupo and there are many options for you to choose from. You can enjoy a fishing charter around Lake Taupo or experience the very best that New Zealand Trout and fly fishing has to offer in the Taupo and Turangi regions. Taupo offers plenty of delicious wine and cuisine as well as boutique shopping if you are looking for a more relaxed afternoon. We can visit the Huka Prawn Park if you’d like some mouth-watering prawn dishes for lunch, as well as learn all about how this facinating restaurant and tourist attraction came to be.

There are some world-class mountain biking tracks you could spend the day exploring or for the adventurous, there is also bungy jumping, skydiving, and quad biking. You can take a scenic flight on a helicopter or floatplane for a spectacular viewing experience. For Golf players there are a range of courses for you to play on, such as Wairakei, one of the most popular golfing destinations in New Zealand.

Accommodation in Taupo

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Taupo to Wellington

Stop At: Lake Taupo, Taupo Marina New Zealand
We depart Taupo and make our way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Along the way, we can visit Tongariro National Park, which incorporates three active volcanoes Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe (since “The Lord of the Rings” also known as “Mount Doom”) and Tongariro. Tongariro NP has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a dual World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural values.

Tongariro NP is home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best one-day walks in New Zealand. This walk features volcanic scenery, where you will walk across a landscape of craters, lava flows, active volcanoes, mountain springs and emerald lakes and in good weather marvel at the stunning views of Lake Taupo and Mt Taranaki. If you choose this option, best would be for us to incorporate into your itinerary for the previous full day in Taupo and we can arrange a transfer to the start and end of this amazing walk.

The park also offers shorter walks to waterfalls and stunning volcanic features which may be more suitable. You can also take a scenic flight over Tongariro National Park that will allow you to see breathtaking views of the national park's dramatic landscape including coloured mineral lakes that are situated in the mountains. During the winter months you also have the option of skiing or snowboarding at any of the ski fields that Mount Ruapehu has to offer.

We then continue on to Wellington, which is known for its arts, culture, heritage and natural beauty. There’s plenty to see along the way in addition to when we arrive in Wellington itself.

Accommodation in Wellington
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: Wellington

Stop At: Wellington i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 111 Wakefield Street, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
Today you will have the opportunity to explore the very best Wellington has to offer. We can drive to the summit of Mount Victoria for you to enjoy the spectacular 360° views of Wellington, Cook Strait and across to the South Island.

We can explore the waterfront a number of ways including by bike, roller skate or simply have a wander and explore the many unique shops, and take your pick from a range of cafes, restaurants and bars for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. Keep your eyes peeled for inspiring artworks dotted along the waterfront.

We can also visit Te Papa, our innovative national museum where you can enjoy the interactive displays showcasing New Zealand’s fascinating history, art, and indigenous people. If you want to get out and paddle around in the harbour instead, you can hire a kayak, stand up paddle board or even a pedal boat.

There is plenty of time for us to visit New Zealand’s ‘coolest street’ - Cuba Street which provides an inner city slice of Bohemia with plenty of culinary and creative soul and provides a unique place to shop or dine.

We can take a ride up the iconic and historic Wellington Cable Car which climbs from the city centre to the Botanic Garden and provides incredible views of the city and harbour. If you are interested we can explore key parts of Parliament's buildings including the Beehive and learn about New Zealand’s parliamentary processes. You’ll also be able to see New Zealand’s largest and grandest wooden building, the beautiful Old St Paul’s. This is an 1866 wooden cathedral which is one of New Zealand’s greatest heritage buildings and is one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the world.

A must visit for Lord of the Rings fans is Weta Workshop for a unique behind the scenes look at how they help craft some of the world’s molst well-known movies. You can get up close to props, vehicles, armour and weapons that were crafted for movies like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia and more. We can also visit Zealandia, home to some of New Zealand’s most rare and extraordinary wildlife and is thriving in a protected sanctuary set around a picturesque reservoir.

Accommodation in Wellington

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 7: Wellington

Stop At: Wellington i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 111 Wakefield Street, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
This morning we say our “Ka Kite Ano” (see you again soon) in Wellington. We can also drop you off at Wellington Airport or the Interislander Ferry before our guide starts the long 10 hour journey back to Auckland.

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.