Fully guided Private Tour in...
Fully guided Private Tour in Mercedes luxury vehicle.
Pick-up/drop-off in Auckland incl airport/cruise...
Pick-up/drop-off in Auckland incl airport/cruise terminal.
Tour times flexible to work...
Tour times flexible to work in with your requirements.
Complimentary snacks & water.
Complimentary snacks & water.
All guide expenses (e.g. guide...
All guide expenses (e.g. guide accommodation & meals).
All tours support local eco-cultural...
All tours support local eco-cultural initiatives.
Not included:
Entry fees
Entry fees
Guest accommodation and meals.
Guest accommodation and meals.
Anything not specifically mentioned in...
Anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Entry/Admission - SkyTower
Entry/Admission - SkyTower
Entry/Admission - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Entry/Admission - Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Entry/Admission - Rotorua i-SITE Visitor...
Entry/Admission - Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Entry/Admission - Whakatane River Walk
Entry/Admission - Whakatane River Walk
Start planning your experience
ยAbout experience
Day 1: Auckland to Waitomo Caves
Stop At: SkyTower, Victoria Street Corner Federal Streets, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand
Start your tour with us in Auckland where we pick you up in one of our beautiful Mercedes luxury vehicles at your hotel, Auckland airport, Auckland cruise terminal or from your preferred location at 9am, or whatever time suits you, to start our journey to the Waitomo Caves.
On the 2 ยฝ hour drive south we follow the mighty Waikato River through the rich, rolling farmland of the Waikato region and the King Country. We pass through a string of small, historic river towns, including Ngaruawahia, site of the famous Turangawaewae Marae (traditional Maori meeting place) and seat of Aotearoaโs (New Zealand's) Maori King. We also pass by the impressive volcano Mount Pirongia along the way.
Waitomo Caves is an amazing natural wonderland which offers a vast range of unique sights and experiences. As part of your Private Auckland to Waitomo, Taupo, Rotorua and Bay of Plenty 5 Day Tour, you can also choose to see a Kiwi, our national bird and emblem, as well as many of our native flora and fauna at the Otorohanga Kiwi House. When arriving at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you have a choice of several amazing options to marvel at an extraordinary Glowworm cave in total darkness. Each tour option brings you close to the beautiful Glowworms in Waitomo.
Accommodation at or near Waitomo Caves.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: Waitomo to Piopio & on to Tongariro National Park
Stop At: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943 New Zealand
After a short drive to Piopio just south of Waitomo Caves, you have the option to visit the โHairy Feetโ Scenic Film location, where a substantial portion of โThe Hobbit: an Unexpected Journeyโ was filmed. You can simulate movie scenes, step in Gandalfโs footprints and even hold a replica of Bilboโs sword! On the tour you will also see towering limestone cliffs, massive rock formations and a primeval forest on the farm that was chosen as the location for Staddle Farm and Trollshaw Forest from โThe Hobbit: an Unexpected Journeyโ.
We then set off for the Central Volcanic Plateau of New Zealandโs North Island with the huge volcanic caldera Lake Taupo, New Zealandโs largest lake, as its centerpiece. When we arrive in Taupo, you can just relax or have a range of activity options in the evening, including some very nice restaurants. You can also have a swim in Taupoโs thermal pools and/or enjoy a wonderful spa experience.
Accommodation in Taupo.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: Taupo to Rotoura (1 hour)
Stop At: Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 30 Tongariro Street, Taupo 3330 New Zealand
In Taupo you can browse in the townโs mix of local craft and fashion shops, or relax and swim along its beautiful lakefront. For this morning, we can either
book from a range of additional tour options for you, or we can show you around this stunning area as part of our tour. Additional tour options are:
A scenic cruise on beautiful lake Taupo to Maori rock carvings.
Trout fishing - Fly Fishing or from a boat - in various locations in or around Lake Taupo, which is reputed to be one of the worldโs best Trout fishing spots.
Jet boating along the Waikato River and right up to Huka Falls, one of New Zealandโs most famous attractions.
Huka Prawn Park, where we can also stop for lunch if you like Prawns.
An afternoon of golf at the fabulous Wairakei Golf Course, voted one of the world's finest 100 golf courses.
On the way to Rorotua, we stop at a viewpoint for a spectacular view of Huka Falls on the mighty Waikato River. We can also show you the impressive Aratiatia Rapids, an amazing spectacle when a lock in the Waikato River is lifted and the river is allowed to roar through at amazing force and speed a few times per day. The Aratiatia Rapids were used for an extensive scene in Peter Jacksonโs movie trilogy โThe Hobbitโ.
We continue north towards Rotorua, the famous region which is home to several of New Zealandโs most impressive thermal areas. We suggest visiting at least one of Wai-o-Tapu, Orakei Korako or Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where you can experience the full might and majesty of this unique and spectacular volcanic landscape for which Rotorua and Taupo are world-renowned.
We continue on to Rotorua itself, where we catch our first glimpses of the shimmering blue lake with bush-clad Mokoia Island at its centre.
After settling into your accommodation, in the evening we recommend a unique Maori cultural experience in Rotorua. Here you can enjoy a traditional Kai Maori (Maori food) cooked in a Hangi (earth oven) and enjoy a performance of song and dance in a traditional Maori village setting, including the Haka, the Maori war dance made famous by our national Rugby Team, the โAll Blacksโ. Alternatively, you can just relax, or have the opportunity to explore more of Rotorua on foot at your leisure.
Accommodation in Rotorua.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 4: Rotorua to Whakatane
Stop At: Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3007 New Zealand
The next morning on day 4 and as part of your Private Auckland to Waitomo, Taupo, Rotorua & Bay of Plenty 5 Day Tour with us, we can show you (all part of our tour):
Rotorua City with the Government Gardens featuring Rotorua Museum, which is also housed in the stunning old Victorian bath house in the centre of Rotoruaโs beautiful Government Gardens.
Rotorua Lake Front with view across to the magical Mokoia Island.
Redwood Forest (widely regarded as one of the worldโs most beautiful forests), Blue Lake and Lake Tarawera.
We can also arrange extra tour options (at your cost) to cater for your particular preferences and abilities. They include but are not limited to:
Helicopter or floatplane flights to see Lake Rotorua, as well as many amazing volcanic sights from above. This can include a helicopter tour and landing on White Island, New Zealandโs most active volcano.
Te Puia, Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, to see iconic geysers, mud pools, Maori carving and weaving plus our national bird, the Kiwi.
Skyline Gondola, which will swing you up to the top of Mount Ngongotaha for a spectacular view and the Luge, on which you can race downhill having lots of fun!
The Polynesian Spa, on the site of one of Rotoruaโs historic bath houses in the lovely Government Gardens, is also home to one of the worldโs best spas. Here you can steep yourself in luxury and well-being as well as history. This is also a great option on the evening of day 2 if you prefer this to the Maori cultural evening.
The Agrodome, where you can experience all the magic of New Zealand farming, with a fascinating range of agricultural shows and displays.
After an exciting morning in Rotorua we drive to the Eastern Bay of Plenty region in the afternoon and give you enough time to relax in or around the Whakatane/Ohope Beach area.
Accommodation in Whakatane or nearby Ohope Beach
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 5: Whakatane to Auckland
Stop At: Whakatane River Walk, The Strand, Whakatane New Zealand
Along our journey back to Auckland, we offer you the option to stop at Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty region for a walk to the summit or around its base. With its white sandy surf beaches on the ocean and a great inner harbour beach, Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealandโs favourite summer holiday destinations. Mount Maunganui is also the name of the extinct volcano which rises above the town.
We continue via the goldmining town of Waihi and the beautiful Karangahake Gorge, which has been carved by the Ohinemuti River, on our journey back to Auckland. Along the Seabird Coast between the Coromandel and Auckland, you can choose to incorporate a swim at one of the gorgeous beaches here. Your guide will then transfer you back to your Auckland accommodation, or even Auckland Airport.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Tour leaving from Auckland
Auckland is a city in the North Island of New Zealand. You can find the largest Polynesian population in the world in this city. Its diverse, multicultural and cosmopolitan features make it a popular place to visit and live in.
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