Thursday, January 1, 2015

2-Day Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua Tour from Auckland


Immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of New Zealand's North Island on a two-day escape from Auckland. From Rotorua's famous geysers and the glowing Waitomo Caves to the re-creation of Middle-earth at Hobbiton, you'll discover scenic beauty and natural wonders, ancient Maori traditions and movie-making magic on this fascinating two-day tour.


Day 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua (L, D)
Leaving Auckland, you'll be driven south to visit the world-famous limestone formations of Waitomo Caves. Enter the subterranean labyrinth of caves to admire a magical world of stalactites and stalagmites, eerily lit by the luminescent gleam of tiny glowworms.

After your tour of the Waitomo Caves, a picnic lunch is served on board the coach as you are driven east across the North Island to Rotorua. There's free time to explore Rotorua before boarding an amphibious ‘duck' vehicle for a tour of Rotorua's lovely lakes. In the evening, discover Rotorua's rich Maori heritage during a night of ritual, ceremony and cultural performances, including a traditional Maori 'hangi' feast featuring meat and vegetables cooked in an earth oven.

Overnight: Accommodation at your chosen category in Rotorua

Day 2: Rotorua - Hobbiton - Auckland (B)
After breakfast, get ready to see mud pools, spouting geysers and other geothermal displays at Te Puia, where you'll also enjoy Maori cultural performances. Next, meet New Zealand's signature kiwi birds at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and see sheepdogs and sheep-shearing in action at the Agrodome.

Your tour continues with a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to the farm near Matamata that was transformed into Hobbiton for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie set. Here you'll see the fairytale landscapes of the Shire, including the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn and Mill.

Following your memorable visit to Hobbiton, your tour concludes in the early evening, with the option to be dropped off in Auckland or Rotorua.

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