Day One: Auckland – Waitomo Caves - Hobbiton – Rotorua

Today depart Auckland for Rotorua via the Waikato region. Your first stop is Hobbiton, the famous Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film set at Matamata. An hour's scenic drive from Rotorua brings you to the sheep farm selected by Peter Jackson for his film masterpieces. A guided tour from enthusiastic guides will provide fascinating commentary and insider knowledge from filming at this picture-esque location. See 44 Hobbit holes, the Mill and Double Arch Bridge, the Party Tree, and visit the Green Dragon Pub where you’ll receive a complementary Hobbit Ale and you will have an opportunity to purchase lunch (own expense).

Then Waitomo, home to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. View cave formations, stalactites, and stalagmites by drifting silently in a boat through a Glowworm Cavern lit up with thousands of tiny glowworm lights.

Then on to Rotorua where huge geysers, bubbling mud pools, and Maori culture await.

Your coach will then return your evening accommodation.

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua or similar

Day Two: Rotorua

Today you will begin with an insight into New Zealand’s Maori culture at Te Puia and experience Rotorua’s famous geothermal activity with a tour of the Geothermal Valley with bubbling mud pools and active geysers. Te Puia complex. Join your knowledgeable guide on a journey through Te Puia, where boiling pools of mud bubble away, hot pools simmer, and awe-inspiring geysers blast steam metres into the air. Also, learn about its unique Maori history and cultural impact on the region with a complete Maori cultural performance and concert.

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel or similar

Day Three: Rotorua – Lake Taupo – Wellington

This morning you will depart Rotorua and travel to New Zealand’s capital Wellington. Head through the native forests and heavily bushed hills to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, then via the shores of Lake Taupo to the dry arid central plateau which is home to several active volcanoes and the Kapiti Coast.

Accommodation: Rydges Hotel or Similar

Day Four: Wellington

This morning enjoy a comprehensive, half-day city sights tour of Wellington, highlighting the city's best landmarks. Your 4-day tour concludes at the end of this tour.