Auckland, Rotorua & Taupo - 7 days
Auckland, Rotorua & Taupo - 7 days
Auckland, Rotorua & Taupo - 7 days
7 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Cambridge, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Age range:
18-100
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through New Zealand's North Island, starting and ending in the vibrant city of Auckland. This small group tour takes you through the scenic landscapes of Tauranga, where you can hike the Karangahake Gorge and relax in Mount Maunganui. Discover the magic of the Hobbiton movie set in Rotorua, and explore the geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu. Experience the enchanting glowworm caves of Waitomo and the exquisite themed gardens of Hamilton. Enjoy the unique charm of Raglan and the stunning Bridal Veil Falls before returning to Auckland. With luxury transportation, expert local guidance, and comfortable 3-4 star accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, complete with included breakfasts and a memorable lunch at Shire's Rest Cafe. Optional activities and excursions are available to tailor your experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: hotel
Auckland - Waihi - Mount Maunganui / Tauranga. Get ready for a day full of adventure and breathtaking views as we leave Auckland at 09:00, and head towards Tauranga (detailed pick-up information is in the Trip Notes). Our journey will include a stop at the scenic Karangahake Gorge for a short hike, followed by free time for lunch in the quaint town of Waihi.
We continue along the beautiful coastline, arriving at the charming town of Mount Maunganui, on the outskirts of Tauranga. As evening approaches, we'll gather for a group dinner (not included) to share stories and savour the local cuisine. This scenic town has the ocean to each side and a now-green extinct volcano to the north!
Please note: This tour offers a great mix of included activities and a variety of optional excursions. Optional activities can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. A full list of the activities included in the cost of your tour is available in the 'Inclusions' section of the tour.
Day 2: Tauranga
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mount Maunganui / Tauranga - Hobbiton - Rotorua. Our journey today starts with an included visit to Hobbiton, the iconic movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. On our guided tour, we'll delve into the movie-making process, explore the intricate details of the set, and enjoy an included lunch at the charming Shire's Rest Cafe. Following this, we'll proceed to Rotorua, where you can relax or enjoy some of the optional activities on offer, including a hike to Mount Tarawera, a Polynesian Spa treatment or an e-bike tour.
Day 3: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to enjoy a wide range of activities in and around Rotorua. You can experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Kaituna River, go zorbing or explore the Redwoods Treewalk.
Day 4: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rotorua - Taupo. Today after breakfast, we'll travel to Huka Falls to observe its remarkable power, and then visit the geothermal marvels of Wai-O-Tapu. Entrance is included to this geothermal wonderland, sculpted by volcanic activity over millenia. We'll continue to Taupo, where in the evening, you have the option to go on a breathtaking sunset cruise. Enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Taupo and its surrounding scenery.
Day 5: Taupo
Location: Taupo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Taupo offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. You can spend the day leisurely discovering the town’s attractions or choose from a range of optional activities. For those craving excitement, the Tongariro Crossing or a thrilling jet boat ride are great choices. If you prefer a laid-back experience, you can try fishing, take a scenic flight, or unwind in the area's natural hot springs.
Day 6: Taupo
Location: Taupo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Taupo - Waitomo - Hamilton - Cambridge. Get ready for a day packed with adventure and discovery as we depart from Taupo and journey to Waitomo. Here, we'll enjoy an included guided tour to delve into Waitomo's enchanting underground caves, admire the captivating limestone formations, and see the glowworms that illuminate the caverns.
Following our cave exploration, we'll proceed to the beautiful Hamilton Gardens, known for its stunning themed gardens that each depict different civilizations, cultures, and historical periods. After our guided tour of the gardens, we proceed to the charming town of Cambridge, where we'll have the opportunity to stroll through the quaint streets and visit local shops and cafes.
Day 7: Cambridge
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cambridge - Raglan - Auckland. On your final day on the North Island, we'll visit the breathtaking coastal town of Raglan. You'll have the morning to soak in the town's unique charm, exploring local shops and cafes.
After a leisurely morning, we'll head to the impressive 55-metre Bridal Veil Falls. We'll then make our way back to Auckland, where you will be dropped off at the Auckland airport at around 16:00 (more information is in the Trip Notes).
What's Included
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6 breakfasts & 1 lunch
Enjoy 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch during your tour.
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6 nights 3-4 star hotels
Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 6 nights.
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Escorted by an expert local driver/guide
Travel with an expert local driver/guide who will escort you throughout the tour.
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Transportation in a luxury vehicle
Travel in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs.
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Hobbiton movie set tour and lunch
Experience a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set and enjoy lunch at Shire's Rest Cafe.
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Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland entrance
Entrance to the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland is included.
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Waitomo Glowworm cave tour
Participate in a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm caves.
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Visit to Hamilton Gardens
Enjoy a visit to the exquisite Hamilton Gardens.
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Visit the largest lake in New Zealand - Lake Taupo
Visit and explore Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand.
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Tour operated in conjunction with a trusted partner
This tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, and you will join travelers from different operators.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included in the tour package.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included and can be booked and paid for locally.
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Tip for your tour guide/driver
Tips for your tour guide/driver are not included.
It is recommended to allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveler.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with transportation in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system perfect for road trip singalongs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights in 3-4 star hotels, providing comfort and convenience throughout your journey in New Zealand. These accommodations offer a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration and adventure.
Age Policy
Min:18 / Max:100
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights in 3-4 star hotels.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an expert local driver/guide.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, leather seats, USB chargers, air-conditioning, and a sound system suitable for road trip singalongs.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch.
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What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are a Hobbiton movie set tour with lunch, entrance to Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, a Waitomo Glowworm cave tour, and a visit to Hamilton Gardens.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available such as a hike to Mount Tarawera, a Polynesian Spa treatment, an e-bike tour, white water rafting, zorbing, the Tongariro Crossing, a jet boat ride, fishing, a scenic flight, and visiting natural hot springs.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy for this tour is a minimum age of 18 and a maximum age of 100.
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Is tipping the tour guide mandatory?
Tipping the tour guide is not mandatory; it is an entirely personal gesture. However, it is recommended to allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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