Experience the mighty Waikato region over three days on this five-star, self drive luxury escape from Auckland.
You'll travel south through lush green rural farmland, enjoying the rich lands of the Waikato region to the city of Cambridge. You'll embark on exciting experiences like guided glowworm cave tours and you'll have the opportunity to see the national animal, Kiwi, in a sanctuary.
Of course, you can't visit the North Island on this New Zealand itinerary and not experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of the Waikato region. You'll step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
En route back to Auckland, you can stop to spend some time in the beautiful inland city of Hamilton where you'll stroll through the gardens home to Te Parapara - New Zealand's first traditional Maori garden. You'll also have high tea at the Zealong Tea Estate to appreciate the award-winning tea before continuing on to Auckland.Experience the mighty Waikato region over three days on this five-star, self drive luxury escape from Auckland.
You'll travel south through lush green rural farmland, enjoying the rich lands of the Waikato region to the city of Cambridge. You'll embark on exciting experiences like guided glowworm cave tours and you'll have the opportunity to see the national animal, Kiwi, in a sanctuary.
Of course, you can't visit the North Island on this New Zealand itinerary and not experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of the Waikato region. You'll step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
En route back to Auckland, you can stop to spend some time in the beautiful inland city of Hamilton where you'll stroll through the gardens home to Te Parapara - New Zealand's first traditional Maori garden. You'll also have high tea at the Zealong Tea Estate to appreciate the award-winning tea before continuing on to Auckland.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Auckland to Cambridge & Glowworm Cave Tour
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Collect your rental car in Auckland and travel south through the lush green rural farmland of the Waikato region to Waitomo. The rich and fertile pastoral land of the Waikato is one of New Zealand’s major dairy producing and horse breeding areas, and host to incalculable stands of exotic timber. Upon arrival, you'll visit the Kiwi House and Native Bird Park to see the native animal in their element. You'll then embark on a glowworm cave tour and have the option for a private kayaking experience.
Accommodation
Henley Hotel - Venue, Accommodation & Restaurant★5 star
Activities
Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park
Caveworld Glowworm Cave Tour
CambridgeOptional Activity
The Boat Shed Kayaks - Private Glowworm Kayak ExperienceOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Auckland to Waitomo
Meals
Dinner
Destinations
Cambridge
Otorohanga
Waitomo
Arapuni
Day 2
Hobbiton Move Set Tour & Te Waihou Walkway or Maungatautari Mountain
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Today on your New Zealand itinerary, you'll experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. In the afternoon, you can take the scenic walkway to Te Waihou Springs if you want.
Accommodation
Henley Hotel - Venue, Accommodation & Restaurant★5 star
Activities
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Maungatautari MountainOptional Activity
Te Waihou WalkwayOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Cambridge
Matamata
Tapapa
Maungatautari
Day 3
Cambridge to Auckland via Hamilton & Zealong Tea Estate
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Today, you'll travel back to Auckland with a few stops along the way in the beautiful inland city of Hamilton, nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River and known for its walks, gardens, cafes and nightlife. You'll pay a visit to Hamilton Gardens, one of the region's most visited attractions, home to Te Parapara - New Zealand's first traditional Maori garden. You'll also have high tea at the Zealong Tea Estate to appreciate the award-winning tea before continuing on to Auckland.
Activities
Hamilton GardensOptional Activity
Waikato River ExplorerOptional Activity
High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate
AucklandOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Cambridge to Auckland
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Cambridge
Hamilton
Gordonton
Auckland
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What’s included?
2 nights accommodation
4 activities
2 breakfasts and 1 dinner
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
Airport transfer
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 1,417/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
New Zealand in 3 days
5-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
