3 Days, Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton & Rotorua Tour: from Auckland

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves & Te Puia⌄

   Leaving Auckland, you’ll travel 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.

   Arriving at your second feature destination, Te Puia, you will receive a fully guided tour to best experience the geothermal and cultural wonders including Pōhutu Geyser, Māori Architecture, The National Māori Arts School, geothermal craters, geothermal events, and even the chance to view a Kiwi bird in the Kiwi viewing house.

   Continue your adventure with another fully guided journey south to Rotorua, with many more attractions to see along the way, including hydro dams, rivers, and lots more animals. Once in Rotorua, you will be guided past many of its famous and historical sites, including Lake Rotorua, The Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Thermal Springs, and Polynesian Spa. Staying in Rotorua Rotorua's compact city centre is ideal to stroll and enjoy the cuisine and hospitality. Rotorua sits on top of one of the world's most active volcanic regions. Below the surface, the earth's crust grinds and moves to produce heat and molten rock. Throughout the city and its surrounds, the evidence of this is surprisingly common. Steam rising from cracks in the road, bubbling and hissing water in pools along the lakes edge and the strong smell of sulphur.

   Just for adults, this relaxing spa offers seven hot mineral pools with stunning views of Lake Rotorua. Three cascading marble-lined pools (38–39°C) feature alkaline water, perfect for a soothing soak, while a large deeper pool (38°C) is ideal for gentle stretching or floating. The three Priest Spa pools (38–41°C) use acidic Radium spring water, famed for its therapeutic benefits. Spacious changing rooms, lockers, and storage make it easy to enjoy a serene, rejuvenating experience in comfort.

   Meals: Lunch: Buffet lunch at Te Puia

   Overnight: You have the choice of a 3-Star Hotel or a 4-Star Hotel

2. 2Rotorua Geothermal & Māori Cultural Experience⌄

   Experience it all on the ultimate volcanic and geothermal Rotorua tour. Discover vibrant hot springs, erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, majestic volcanoes, and lush native forests on this fully guided half-day adventure. Journey through scenic forestry and farmland to Wai-O-Tapu, home to New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and a series of dazzling hot springs and witness the dramatic eruption of the Lady Knox geyser.

   Head to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Here, your guide will share the fascinating story of the Mt Tarawera eruption that shaped this spectacular geothermal wonderland.

   Experience Māori culture, history, and cuisine at Te Pā Tū, a unique seasonal feast and celebration. This immersive event, set in a stunning forest village, changes with the Māori lunar calendar (Maramataka). Enjoy a lavish four-course feast featuring both traditional and modern Māori delicacies, from hāngī to lesser-known ingredients like kawakawa and pāua. This isn't just a meal, it's a celebration of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Dress for the weather as part of the event is outdoors.

   Meals: Dinner: Traditional Hangi dinner

   Overnight: You have the choice of a 3-Star Hotel or a 4-Star Hotel

3. 3Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton Movie Set⌄

   Become immersed in The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set. Located just outside of the town of Matamata - in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region. You'll be taken through Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, and the Party Tree with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes tales and fascinating insight into the making of the films.

   Return to Auckland.