Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo & Hamilton Gardens 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland

Day One 
1.      Auckland - Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.

2.      Waikato – Exiting Auckland we drive south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering stunning scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several farm animals along the way. After learning about some local history we stop in the idyllic little town of Pirongia for a quick coffee break. Continuing our adventure we pass through Otorohanga “The Kiwiana capital of New Zealand”. See all things Kiwi in this unique and charming town.

3.      Waitomo Caves – Arriving at our first feature attractions you will be guided through the ancient and amazing caves seeing many different cave formations, including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your Glowworm experience. Board your boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of Glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller.

4.      Big Bird – On our way to our next destination, Hobbiton Movie Set, we stop outside Big Bird to see and meet some of our local friendly animals. These guys know our guides well and even though we do not have time to go inside the park, the friendly animal will often come to the fences for a photo or two, thrilling guests.

5.      Hobbiton Movie Set – Arriving at our second feature attraction, Hobbiton, you will have time to buy lunch before boarding one of the big green Hobbiton buses. You then depart on a two and a half hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12 acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide, to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘The Green Dragon Inn’.

6.      Tirau – Continuing our adventure we depart for Rotorua and pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.

7.      Rotorua Highlights - To complete the formal part of the tours first day we arrive in Rotorua and do a quick guided driving tour, seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. We then drop you off at your hotel to check in for the night.

Day Two 
1.      Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland – Starting day two of with a bang, we head straight to Wai-O-Tapu to view the eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser before experiencing a fully guided tour of Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland. Considered one of the most surreal places on earth, here you will see the famous Champagne Lake, Devil's Bath, local mud-pools,geothermal craters and other geothermal wonders. The colours and activity will take your breath away.

2.      Taupo - Our journey south continues towards Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake that is not really a lake but a giant volcanic crater responsible for one of the largest eruptions ever recorded. Here you will have time to buy some lunch before receiving a Taupo highlights tour and learn local interesting facts. 

3.  Huka Falls – Beginning our journey north again we will stop at Huka Falls, one of New Zealand’s most popular and beautiful waterfalls.

4.  Hamilton Gardens - In the fastest growing city in New Zealand, Hamilton, explore the unexpected delights at Hamilton Gardens, where 18 Enclosed Gardens transport you through diverse cultures and times.

5.  Auckland – Sadly we must continue north towards your tour end point, but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.