7 Days: Auckland, Waitomo, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington

Tour overview:

Arrive in the City of Sails, better known as Auckland, and travel to Waitomo for its famous Glowworm Caves, before arriving in the Thermal City of Rotorua, where you are bound to be amazed by the boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Depart for The East Coast via Lake Taupo and explore the art deco city of Napier. Travel through the Manawatu Gorge before ending your dream vacation in Wellington, NZ’s capital city.

Day 1 - ARRIVE AUCKLAND

On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, collect your rental vehicle and self drive to your accommodations.

Day 2 - AUCKLAND / WAITOMO / HOBBITON / ROTORUA

Journey through the rolling green hills of Waitomo and enjoy a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Continue to Matamata for a charming tour of unique, character Hobbit homes, gardens and the watering hole just as you see in the movies. Finishing off a visually fulfilling day, continue on to Rotorua, a bubbling and steaming destination like nowhere else. (B)

Day 3 - ROTORUA

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. Today you’ll visit one of the local geothermal attractions before a sensory evening display in the forest. (B)

Day 4 - ROTORUA / NAPIER

Travel the forested road from Rotorua to arrive in Taupo. Lake Taupo is roughly the size of Singapore and a popular holiday spot for New Zealanders. Continue over rugged mountain ranges and well cultivated farmland to arrive on the East Coast and the ‘Art Deco’ city of Napier. (B)

Day 5 - NAPIER

Following an earthquake in 1931, a rebuild saw Napier completely redesigned in the style of the times. Buildings were constructed in the Art Deco style with Maori motifs to give the city a unique New Zealand character. Today, the delightful seaside city of Napier has the extra-ordinary feeling of a time capsule with its seamless line of some of the world’s finest 1930’s architecture. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Napier’s unique history and architecture. Afternoon at leisure, perhaps visit one of the local wineries. (B)

Day 6 - NAPIER / WELLINGTON

Today’s travel south may be via the spectacular Manawatu Gorge or through the beautiful Tuki Tuki Valley and Wairarapa Wine region to reach Wellington. Set between a sparking harbour and rolling green hills the compact city of Wellington is best explored on foot. Great shopping, arts culture, cafes and restaurants are all within minutes of the city’s untouched nature spots. Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum offers FREE admission but you might like to include a guided tour for a greater insight into New Zealand’s rich history and culture. (B)

Day 7 - DEPART WELLINGTON

Return rental vehicle to the airport depot. (B)