Hobbits, Volcanoes and Culture Tour

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Head southbound on State Highway one through the lush farmland and dairy pastures of the Waikato region. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of the greater Auckland area and its here you turn inland towards Matamata. This is the real Middle Earth, and you'll see many locations used in the filming of The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit, as well as visiting the actual set of Hobbiton.

Join your guide for a walking tour of the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set in a small group of up to 30 people, offering an intimate experience. Wander through the 12-acre set, past famous Hobbit Holes and Bagshot Row, and get a glimpse inside a Hobbit's home before stopping at The Green Dragon Inn to enjoy a drink from the exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing range. In true Shire style, you'll be treated to a hearty banquet lunch at The Millhouse, the private-themed venue. Indulge in a delicious feast with second helpings encouraged! Next, explore behind the scenes with a visit to the Art Department’s workshop. Your guide will reveal how the magic of Hobbiton is created, showcasing the work of props masters, carpenters, and scenic painters who bring the set to life. To finish, follow your guide down hidden paths to a secret spot, where you’ll enjoy a Hobbit-style platter of cheese, chutneys, and fruit while taking in breathtaking views to end your journey.

Just south of Matamata is the township of Tirau, home to the largest tin sheep and sheepdog, but it also offers a surprising number of bric a brac, art, craft and antique stores if you feel like browsing.
Arriving into the City of Rotorua the regions geothermal activity becomes evident as you see steam rising from the roadside and surrounding hills.
Considered the cultural centre for the Maori people, Rotorua is the ideal place to gain an insight into the history and culture. Dominating the display is the devastating volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886 but also of great interest is the Maori battalion display which portrays stories of this once feared military unit.
Nearby Ohinemutu Village is the original site of the first Maori settlers in the area and despite its now modern surroundings and buildings you can still gain a sense of what the original village was like. The magnificent meeting house and historic carvings along with the unique 'Tudor-style' St Faiths Church feature in many visitors photo albums.
One of the most popular introductions to the Maori Culture is through an evening at Mitai Maori Village where you can enjoy performances and demonstrations followed by a traditionally cooked hangi meal.
Of course Rotorua is also a great place to enjoy many other activities including, fishing, 4WD trips, relaxing spa treatments, mountain biking, walking and hiking plus helicopter and float plane trips.

Discover the geothermal, adventure, and cultural wonderland of Rotorua. As you explore, you may see steam rising from cracks in the road, bubbling and hissing water in pools along the lake's edge, and the unmistakable smell of Sulfur. Rotorua is rich in Māori culture and history, with many Māori inhabitants recognising the great potential of the volcanic land. For an outdoor adventure, head to The Redwoods and experience the rainforest treetops from high up. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of New Zealand's native birds, such as the Pīwakawaka (Fantail) and the Tūī. Alternatively, enjoy the Lake Tikitapu Blue Lake Walk or explore Kuirau Park, where you'll find bubbling mud pools and steaming lakes. Don't miss the private thermal reserves such as Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, where you can walk among bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Sulfur ponds. Just a few minutes from the town centre, the Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery offer an insight to nature. Rotorua's rich Māori culture is a must-see, spend an evening with Te Pā Tū complete with a traditional style dinner or stroll along the lake edge to reach one of the country's oldest Māori villages at Ohinemutu. When hunger strikes, visit Eat Street in Rotorua CBD, a vibrant street lined with delicious eateries and restaurants to satisfy any craving. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without experiencing Rotorua's original tourist attraction - a relaxing spa treatment, this town boost an array of wellness experience to unwind in. Whether you are seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Rotorua offers an unforgettable experience.

Indulge your senses in a Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora), a thoughtfully designed therapeutic experience inspired by the practices and culture of Ngāti Whakaue. Embrace the healing power of the natural environment as your senses awaken through a series of hot and cold therapies. Your journey begins beneath a cascading waterfall, cleansing your body and mind. Transition to Te Ahi Tupua, where a sequence of hot and cold immersions invigorates and rejuvenates. Relax in the soothing waters of the Geothermal Pool, sourced from the renowned Rachel Spring. Follow this with a refreshing cold plunge, easing muscle tension and reducing inflammation. Conclude your experience in the Kohu Wai Arik steam room, where heated stones create a serene space for reflection and relaxation, leaving you revitalized and restored.

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular views on the stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. This Tour highlights these amazing features unique to this region because of their location on the faultline relative to the Pacific Rim of Fire. 

This exclusive guided experience is a truly unique opportunity to learn about the world-renowned kiwi hatchery conservation program. You are invited to step ‘behind the glass’ for an immersive experience to join the hatchery team in a staff-only area to learn about the incubation and chick rearing techniques from global experts. Learn all about New Zealand’s intriguing national icon and the efforts of the kiwi husbandry team, see and discover what it takes to hatch and rare chicks, and if you’re lucky, see baby chicks in person! Afterwards, take more time to learn in the interactive kiwi burrow and see adult kiwi roam and forage in our purpose-built Nocturnal house.

Redwoods Nightlights is one of New Zealand’s top design-led tourism experiences that features 30 exquisite lanterns designed by world-renowned designer and sustainability champion David Trubridge. Floating between 9-20 metres above the forest floor, this eco-tourism walk is 700 metres long, spans across 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms, and takes about 40 minutes to complete. With the fast pass, you will be able to skip lines and get straight into the fun!

Today drive through the heart of the Central North Island volcanic plateau. Visit the geothermal regions Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley, before arriving into the town of Taupo, which sits on New Zealand's largest lake - Lake Taupo. Just north of the town are the Huka Falls and a short detour to view is highly recommended, as is a visit to the nearby Craters of the Moon geothermal reserve.

The town of Taupo sits on New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo and this beautiful and serene body of water is reason enough to visit. The lake is actually a volcanic caldera formed following a massive eruption in the year 186 and is considered to be one of the most massive and violent eruptions known. Overlooking the lake are the cones of long-extinct volcanoes, further evidence of the region's fiery past. To the southwest Mt. Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park can be seen. The town itself is a lively place with many shops, bars and cafes all catering for the traveller and visitor.
A whole host of activities can be undertaken here such as bungy jumping, sky diving, fishing for trout in the lake and rivers, kayaking, sailing, horse riding and walking and hiking to name but a few.
Stop in at the quirky L'Arte Cafe and Gallery, home to the famous mosaic outdoor living room and the well-recognised ‘Alice’s Chair’ sculpture.
Just to the north of the town centre is the Wairakei geothermal power station and a little further north is Craters of the Moon, a geothermal wonderland where you can explore colourful sulphurous lakes, bubbling mud pools and hot water geysers from the safety of boardwalks. The nearby Huka Falls are a spectacular sight and a jet boat ride will give you a very exciting ride to view the thundering water from below.

Located a few minutes north of Taupō this geothermal park known as Craters of the Moon has a great self guided 30 minute walk through steaming craters and bubbling mud pools. Well marked walkways with interpretive boards guide you through one of the regions many active volcanic parks.

Sit back and relax in luxury bean bags on board the yacht Barbary as you enjoy a scenic sail across Lake Taupo to the 10-metre high Maori rock art, only accessible by boat. You're guaranteed amazing photo opportunities as you experience one of life's postcard moments on this Maori tour. Glide across a smooth lake as you soak up the warming sun or go for a swim before you enjoy free light refreshments at the rock carvings. If you're looking for a little more activity you can help hoist the sails or take a turn at the wheel. Taupo's Maori rock carvings may look like the remains of a 1,000-year-old Maori village, but these rock carvings were created in the late 70s by local artists lead by John Randall. Duration of cruise is 2 to 2.5 hours.

Following the lake edge the drive takes you to the township of Turangi, rated as one of the worlds best trout fishing locations. Just on the main road south of the town is the National Trout Centre run by the Department of Conservation. You can explore the process of hatching trout to stock New Zealand's rivers and lakes.
Continuing onto the high central plateau you drive what is commonly known as 'the desert road'. Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s three world heritage sites, and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500 metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu. You might recognise the symmetrical shape of Mt. Ngauruhoe as this was used as the scenery of Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
A little further the military town of Waiouru also hosts the Army Museum, an incredible collection of New Zealand’s military history and a memorial to its servicemen.
Tongariro National Park is also a World Heritage Site. 3 active volcanoes form the backbone of this spectacular region. Hiking, fishing, climbing, mountain biking, scenic flights or simply taking a drive to the top of the ski field road at Whakapapa are some of the most popular ways to enjoy the region.

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park, is also the fourth place on earth to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park features three prominent volcanoes: Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Ngauruhoe. Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu are two of the world's most active composite volcanoes, with notable eruptions from Ruapehu in 1995 and 1996, and Tongariro in 2012. Despite this activity, the volcanoes are closely monitored to ensure visitor safety. When visiting Tongariro National Park, take advantage of the incredible outdoor activities available. In the winter, you can ski or enjoy snow play on Mt Ruapehu Ski Field. In the summer, the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must-do. This one-day hike, taking 6 to 8 hours, is one of New Zealand's Great Walks and will lead you past the stunning Emerald and Blue Lakes and unique volcanic landscapes. For those looking for other hiking options, the park offers a variety of tracks and trails suitable for all abilities, including shorter walks and a guided 3.5-day Tongariro Northern Circuit. You can also experience true isolation by exploring deep canyons and ancient forests along the Whanganui River or walking along ancient lava flows and glacier streams to the Taranaki Falls. After a day of exploring, stop by Pataka Café at Whakapapa to enjoy a meal with an incredible mountain view.

Begin your journey on the Tongariro Crossing track and immerse yourself in its splendour as you hike through the volcanic landscape, culminating at the picturesque Soda Springs waterfall. Mt. Ngauruhoe’s cold water springs create a small oasis adorned with lush yellow mountain buttercups and white foxgloves. The pristine Soda Springs provides an opportunity to refill our water bottles with pure Tongariro spring water while enjoying morning tea. Learn several aspects of Tongariro and New Zealand, including recent and historical eruptions, geology, flora and fauna, and the settlement of New Zealand.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.

As you travel out of Tongariro National Park, just on the park boundary you reach Lake Rotopounamu (Greenstone Lake).  A short 15 minute walk through forest brings you to the lake, a lovely spot for swimming, walking (on the 5km lake track) or just relaxing.  After leaving the park boundaries you have a short scenic drive before arriving into Turangi, which sits on the southern shores of Lake Taupo and is rated as one of the world's best trout fishing locations. On the main road south of the town is the National Trout Centre run by the Department of Conservation. You can explore the process of hatching trout to stock New Zealand's rivers and lakes. Skirting New Zealand's largest lake you soon arrive into the township of Taupo. The lake itself is actually a gigantic volcanic caldera formed during one of the worlds largest ever eruptions. Just north of the town are the Huka Falls and a short detour to view is advised. The Huka Jet can get you much closer with a thrilling jet boat ride also if you wish. Craters of the Moon is a nearby geothermal reserve with well formed walking tracks around its many bubbling pools and steaming vents.

The drive from Taupo to Auckland takes you through the heart of the Waikato and its rich agricultural land. New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato River, guides you through the art and craft stores of Tirau and the township of Cambridge.
Auckland City is New Zealand's largest, with a population of around 1.5 million people (about one third of the national population), spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. There is somewhere for every visitor to feel comfortable and right at home as each suburb has its own unique style and atmosphere, from the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found on Ponsonby and Parnell Roads to the breathtaking native bush and beaches of the West Coast. One of the world's great cities Auckland is full of life and opportunities to explore are endless.

Explore more of Auckland before dropping your rental car at the Europcar Auckland City depot and continuing your onward journey.

Explore the famous Waiheke Island, known for its rolling vineyards, sandy beaches, rocky bays, and glorious wineries. Meet your guide in Auckland as you board the ferry to head out to the island, cruising along the Hauraki Gulf to reach the Mataitia Bay terminal. On the Island, your guide will tour you around in a luxury vehicle, as you indulge in wine tasting and a vineyard tour from three premium wineries, before enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the gorgeous white sandy beaches. After lunch you will get to explore an award-winning Olive Oil estate, here you will get the chance to view the trees and the process of how the Oil is harvested and made. After your tour, you will board the ferry and head back to Auckland. 

You will be met at your Auckland accommodation by the driver and transferred to the airport.

Bid farewell to New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!