Auckland to Wellington

Itinerary

4 days · Auckland to Wellington

1. 1

   Day 1

   Auckland – Rotorua

   • Depart Auckland
   • Arrive Rotorua
   • Overnight Rotorua

   Depart central Auckland at 6:20am and travel south through the scenic Waikato region, renowned as New Zealand’s dairy farming heartland. Enjoy views of rolling countryside as you journey through one of the country's most productive agricultural areas.

   Visit the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour of the iconic filming location featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Explore Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, The Mill, and other memorable locations while learning how the movie set was created and maintained.

   Continue to the spectacular Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where millions of years of natural processes have created a fascinating underground world of limestone formations. Enjoy a guided walk through the caves before enjoying a silent boat ride gliding through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms.

   Please note: This experience involves walking and includes approximately 75 steps.

   Lunch is included today.

   Arrive in Rotorua at approximately 5:45pm.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Day in Rotorua

   • Overnight Rotorua

   This morning, discover the rich cultural heritage and geothermal wonders of Rotorua with a visit to Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village, home to the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people.

   Join a guided tour through New Zealand’s only living Māori village, where residents continue to utilise natural geothermal energy for cooking, bathing, and heating their homes. Explore the remarkable Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, featuring bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and the famous Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.

   Learn about traditional Māori customs, daily life on the geothermal plateau, and the unique relationship between the local people and this extraordinary landscape. Visit important cultural and historical sites, including an active marae, the WWII Memorial Archway, historic churches, and sacred burial grounds.

   Conclude the experience with a cultural performance featuring waiata (songs), haka, stick games, and traditional storytelling that bring to life the legends, history, and heritage of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people.

   From approximately 1:30 pm, transferred back to your accommodation where you can enjoy free time exploring Rotorua at your own pace.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Rotorua – Wellington

   • Depart Rotorua
   • Arrive Wellington
   • Overnight Wellington

   Travel south by InterCity coach to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

   Journey alongside the shores of Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, formed within a vast volcanic caldera. Continue across the dramatic Central Volcanic Plateau, home to the striking volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.

   Further south, the landscape transitions into rolling farmland before reaching the scenic Kapiti Coast. Enjoy sweeping views across Cook Strait and, on clear days, catch glimpses of the South Island in the distance.

   Arrive in Wellington at approximately 5:50pm.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Day in Wellington

   Today is dedicated to exploring Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city and cultural centre.

   This morning, join a three-hour guided city sightseeing tour showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Your tour includes scenic photo stops and a ticket for the historic Wellington Cable Car.

   Highlights include Oriental Bay, the iconic Wellington Sign, Miramar-home to New Zealand’s film industry, Mount Victoria Lookout and the entertainment districts of Courtenay Place and Cuba Street.

   The tour also passes several of Wellington’s most significant buildings, including The Beehive, the historic Parliament Buildings, and Old St Paul’s, one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the Southern Hemisphere.

   Your Auckland to Wellington journey concludes at approximately 12.30pm.