5-Day Bay of Islands, Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua & Waitomo Tour

Day 1 Auckland – Bay of Islands

1. 1

   Paihia Harbour

   Depart Auckland travelling north via the Hibiscus Coast, and Whangarei, arriving in the beautiful township of Paihia, Bay of Islands.

2. 2

   Russell

   1 hour 30 min

   By ferry you will be transported from Paihia to Russell a beautiful township immediately across the bay from Paihia. Russell being the original capital of New Zealand.
   In Russell a tour of the township has been arranged for your enjoyment.

3. 3

   Bay of Islands

   3 hours

   From Russell you will join a three hour nature cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock, weather and sea conditions permitting you will sail through the hole. On the cruise you will often site dolphins and numerous sea birds.

4. 4

   Paihia

   14 hours

   The hole in the rock cruise will return you to the dock at Paihia.
   The remainder of the afternoon evening is at leisure to explore the township.

Day 2 Bay of Islands – Auckland

1. 1

   Waitangi Treaty Grounds

   3 hours Admission ticket included

   This morning transferred from your accommodation to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds,Tour the Waitangi Treaty Grounds the site of the historic treaty between the Maori and European pioneers. A guided tour has been arranged the tour will include a magnificent Maori meeting house and war canoe. Following the guided tour enjoy a Maori Cultural performance.

2. 2

   Paihia

   From the treaty grounds you will be transferred back to your Paihia Accommodation to collect your luggage for your onward coach journey this afternoon back to Auckland.

3. 3

   Auckland Central

   12 hours

   Your destination for this evening.
   Evening at leisure.

Day 3 Auckland: City Sightseeing Tour

1. 1

   Auckland

   Collected from your Auckland Accommodation for a 3 hour city sightseeing tour which will take in the highlights of Auckland, with its rolling landscape created by 49 dormant volcanoes and nestled on the shores of the Waitamata Harbour. This is New Zealand's largest city with a multi-national and multi-cultural vibe.

2. 2

   Auckland Central

   18 hours

   Returned to your Auckland accommodation early afternoon you will have the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to explore the central city on your own.
   We would suggest a visit to the Sky Tower or the All Blacks Experience.

Day 4 Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua

1. 1

   Waitomo Glowworm Caves

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   Travel from Auckland to Rotorua by road via the Waitomo Glowworm caves with a guided tour of the caves including a boat through the famous glowworm grotto.

2. 2

   Waitomo District

   From Waitomo you will continue onto Rotorua through the lush Waikato Plains, the Fitzgerald Glade. Arriving in Rotorua you will be taken directly to Te Puia.

3. 3

   Te Puia

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   On arrival at Te Puia a guided tour has been arranged for your enjoyment. Te Puia is the location of the thermal valley with the famous Pohutu Geyser, and boiling mud pools., the tour will include a Maori Cultural Performance.

4. 4

   Rotorua

   From Te Puia you will be transferred to your central Rotorua Hotel accommodation.
   The remainder of your day evening is at leisure.

Day 5 Rotorua – Hobbiton – Auckland

1. 1

   4 hours

   Morning at leisure in this geothermal wonder world.

2. 2

   Hobbiton Movie Set

   3 hours Admission ticket included

   Depart from Rotorua for your journey to Auckland via Hobbiton: the farm that has been transformed for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie set. Tour fairytale landscapes of the Shire, see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, the party tree and visit the Green Dragon Inn.

3. 3

   On the conclusion of your guided tour of Hobbiton you will depart Matamata and continue travelling north to Auckland.

4. 4

   Auckland Central

   Arriving Auckland Central city early evening.
   On arrival your five day tour will conclude.