Auckland to Waitomo, Taupo and Bay of Plenty 5 Day Private Tour

Piopio

After a short drive to Piopio just south of Waitomo Caves, you have the option to visit the “Hairy Feet” Scenic Film location where about 22 minutes of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” was filmed. You can simulate movie scenes, step in Gandalf’s footprints and even hold Bilbo’s sword! On the tour you will also see towering limestone cliffs, massive rock formations and a primeval forest on the farm that was chosen as the location for Staddle Farm and Trollshaw Forest from “The Hobbit - an Unexpected Journey”.

Taupo

We then set off for the Central Volcanic Plateau of New Zealand’s North Island with the huge volcanic caldera Lake Taupo as its centerpiece and New Zealand’s largest lake. When we arrive in Taupo, you can just relax or have a range of activity options in the evening, including some very nice restaurants. You can also have a swim in Taupo’s thermal pools and/or enjoy a wonderful spa experience.

Taupo

Browse in the town’s mix of local shops, or picnic along the lakefront. We can book from a range of additional tour options (own cost), or we can show you around this stunning area as part of our tour. Additional tour options are:

• A scenic cruise on beautiful lake Taupo to Maori rock carvings.
• Trout fishing - Fly Fishing or from a boat - in various locations in or around Lake Taupo, which is reputed to be one of the world’s best Trout fishing spots.
• Jet boating along the Waikato River and right up to Huka Falls
• Huka Prawn Park, where we can also stop for lunch if you like Prawns.
• An afternoon of golf at Wairakei Golf Course, voted one of the world's finest 100 golf courses

Huka Falls

On the way to Rotorua, we stop at a viewpoint for a spectacular view of Huka Falls on the mighty Waikato River.

We can also show you the impressive Aratiatia Rapids, an amazing spectacle when a lock in the Waikato River is lifted and the river is allowed to roar through at amazing force and speed a few times per day. The Aratiatia Rapids were used for an extensive scene in Peter Jackson’s famous movie trilogy “The Hobbit”.

Rotorua

We then head north towards Rotorua, the famous region which is home to several of New Zealand’s most impressive thermal areas. We suggest visiting at least one of Wai-o-Tapu, Orakei Korako or Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where you can experience the full might and majesty of this unique and spectacular volcanic landscape, for which Rotorua and Taupo are world-renowned.

Stay in Rotorua

After settling into your accommodation at our specially chosen hotel (we have a range of hotel and accommodation options for you, depending on your preferences and budget), in the evening we highly recommend a unique Maori cultural experience in Rotorua. Here you can enjoy a traditional Kai Maori (Maori food) cooked in a Hangi (earth oven) and enjoy a performance of song and dance in a traditional Maori village setting, including the Haka, the Maori war dance made famous by our national Rugby Team, the “All Blacks”.

Rotorua

As part of your Private Tour with us, we can show you (all part of our tour):

• Rotorua City or Government Gardens
• Rotorua Lake Front with view across the to magical Mokoia Island
• Time-permitting, Redwood Forest (widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful forests)
• Stunning lakes such as Blue Lake or Green Lake
• Lake Tarawera with the peak of Mount Tarawera towering above the lake.

Rotorua

We can also arrange extra tour options (at your cost) including:

• Helicopter or floatplane flights to see both Rotorua and Lake Rotorua, as well as a huge amount of amazing volcanic sights from above. This can include a landing and tour on a currently active volcano, or flight to the most isolated (and one of the most beautiful) thermal areas
• The Skyline Gondola, which will swing you up to the top of Mount Ngongotaha for a spectacular view and the Luge, which will spin you back down.
• The Polynesian Spa, on the site of one of Rotorua’s historic bath houses in the lovely Government Gardens, is also home to one of the world’s best spas. This is also a great option on the evening of day 2 if you prefer this to the Maori cultural evening.
• White water rafting, on one six scenic and challenging local river courses.
• Entry into Rotorua Museum;
• Fly Fishing or Boat Fishing on some of the world's best Trout fishing waters;
• The Agrodome, where you can experience all the magic of New Zealand farming, with a fascinating range of agricultural shows and displays.

After an exciting morning in Rotorua we drive to the Eastern Bay of Plenty region in the afternoon and give you enough time to relax in or around the Whakatane/Ohope Beach area. Accommodation in Whakatane or Ohope Beach.

Whakatane

After an exciting morning in Rotorua we drive to the Eastern Bay of Plenty region in the afternoon and give you enough time to relax in or around the Whakatane/Ohope Beach area. Accommodation in Whakatane or Ohope Beach.

Bay of Plenty

In this area, we also offer you different options:

• A Mount Maunganui walking tour to hear the history of this extinct volcano while enjoying stunning views over the ocean and untamed wildlife on your way up to the summit.
• A fun tour through abundant landscape on which you will hear lots of information about the Kiwifruit Industry and of course a tasting at the end.
• A dolphin safari where you will see the amazing wildlife in the Bay of Plenty region and have the unique chance to swim with wild dolphins.
• A stop at Comvita to learn about our Manuka Honey and many other natural skin care products that New Zealand is famous for.
• Further on towards Auckland, a Karangahake Gorge Walking Tour that will lead through dark miner’s tunnels and over swing bridges crossing the Ohinemuri River and on the way back you view a working mine, sculptures and mural art.

After a day full of adventures in the Bay of Plenty region we drive back to Auckland in the afternoon. You can just relax in our luxury vehicle and enjoy New Zealand’s stunning scenery on the way back to your accommodation, Auckland airport, cruise ship or other location.