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4-Day Wellington to Auckland via Rotorua Tour

Offered by Leisure Tours

From

$1,485.00 per person

4.4 (12 reviews)

Confirmation: MANUAL

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

96 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Four-day North Island journey from Wellington to Auckland via Rotorua, Hobbiton and Waitomo, with geothermal sites, Maori culture and city sightseeing.

Tour Overview

This four day independent journey links Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland by road, with time to take in some of the North Island’s best known geothermal, cultural and underground sights. Travelling north from Wellington, the route passes the Kapiti Coast, Palmerston North, the central plateau and Lake Taupo before reaching Rotorua in the late afternoon.

Rotorua is a key part of the experience, with included visits to Whakarewarewa geothermal reserve and the Maori Living Village. On a guided tour, you’ll see geysers and bubbling mud pools, followed by a Maori cultural performance. There is also free time in Rotorua, so you can explore the central township or lakeside at your own pace.

The tour also includes a fully guided visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, adding a very different side to the trip, before continuing to Waitomo for a guided cave tour. Here, a boat ride through the glowworm grotto reveals hundreds of tiny lights in the darkness.

The journey ends in Auckland, where you have central city accommodation and an included sightseeing tour on the final day. With hotel pick-ups and drop-offs for all listed transfers and activities, this tour offers a straightforward way to travel between major centres while experiencing geothermal landscapes, Maori culture and two of the country’s most recognised attractions.

What's Included

  • 2-nights accommodation in Rotorua; 1-night accommodation in Auckland
  • Commentary by local guides
  • Admission fees and all transport/tour fees listed in itinerary
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off for Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Not Included:

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities (optional)

What To Expect

Day 1 : Wellington – Lake Taupo – Rotorua

  1. 1

    Lake Taupo

    Travelling by road from Wellington to Rotorua via the Kapiti Coast, Palmerston North, the central plateau (home to several active volcanoes), Lake Taupo arriving in Rotorua Late afternoon.

    7 hours

  2. 2

    Rotorua

    Arrive Rotorua late afternoon and transferred to your central accommodation. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure.

    15 hours

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel or similar

Day 2 : Rotorua : Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve and Living Maori Village

  1. 1

    Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

    This morning collected from your accommodation and transferred to Whakarewarewa geothermal reserve and Maori Living Village. Here you will enjoy a guided tour and Maori Cultural performance.

    3 hours

    Admission: Included

  2. 2

    Rotorua

    Early afternoon transferred back to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore Rotorua, this thermal wonderland on your own. You may like to visit the Government Gardens, wander along the lake front, do some shopping in the central township or visit one of the many attractions the city has to offer, such as the Skyline Gondola, Agrodome or Canopy Ziplining.

    18 hours

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel or similar

Day 3 : Day Three: Rotorua – Waitomo – Hobbiton - Auckland

  1. 1

    Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    Travel from Rotorua to Auckland via the Waitomo Glowworm caves with a guided tour of the caves including a boat through the glowworm grotto. Arrive in Auckland mid-afternoon where you will be transferred to your central city accommodation.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  2. 2

    Hobbiton Movie Set

    head to the world famous location of Hobbiton: a farm that has been transformed for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie set. See fairytale landscapes of the Shire as well as 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, the party tree, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. Take a photo at the door of Bilbo’s house and learn about some interesting stories and trivia from enthusiastic guides.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  3. 3

    Auckland Central

    Arriving Central Auckland City late afternoon, where you will be transferred to your Auckland accommodation.

    12 hours

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Auckland or similar

Day 4 : Auckland

  1. 1

    Auckland

    Spend the morning doing a comprehensive city sights tour of Auckland, after which your 4 day tour will conclude.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

We pick up from most central locations in Wellington City. If you are based outside this area, then please advise and we provide a meeting location for pick-up.

Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Independent Touring - this is not a Group Tour - we use local suppliers and you will have a different coach & driver each day
  • The coach service from Wellington to Rotorua is an Intercity Coach, this is a full size tour coach, (door to door service provided) however, no commentary & maximum numbers likely to exceed 20

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.