Itinerary Details
Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua
This trip from Auckland to Rotorua includes the Hobbiton movie set tour. Departing from Auckland this is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton movie set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films.
Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching the Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way down with insights about the areas you are traveling through and insights to the backgrounds to the movies.
On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree.
At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee (which is included in the price) you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer. You will also get to walk through a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. At the end of your Hobbiton movie set tour you will travel on to Rotorua (drop off at selected inner city Rotorua accommodation included).
Hotel: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (4 Star Rating)
Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and just a short stroll from the city centre, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly destination offering comfort and convenience in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Perfect for leisure and business travellers, our hotel is within walking distance of Polynesian Spa, Rotorua’s vibrant dining scene, and local attractions.
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Day 2: Full Day Elite Rotorua Tour & Evening Experience - Te Pa Tu The Gathering PlaceThis tour visits Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks:
Wai O Tapu, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Mt and boiling mudfields.
Our local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. Your clients will see volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes of farmland, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moonlike landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Know geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley the guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886. Tour costs include entry to both thermal parks.
In the afternoon visit Rotorua’s most popular attractions Te Puia and views of the our beautiful lakes including Tarawera, Okareka and the Blue/Green lake.
Spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand’s Maori culture and nature. Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. Includes visit to the wood carving school, arts and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving, boiling mud pools and NZ’s largest geyser Pohutu.
Includes entry to Te Puia. Upon conclusion of your tour you will be transferred back to your accommodation.Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.
Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.
Winter: Tu Te Ihi includes the time in the earth’s cycle when Matariki stars are high and bright in winter skies. Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald.
These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.
Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style.
Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques.
Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New ZealandFeast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.
Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.
Summer: Tu Te Ra - Across this lunar phase, the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tu Te Ra celebrates abundant harvest and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace.
These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.
Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style. Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques.
Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New Zealand
Day 3: Rotorua to NapierTransfer: Rotorua Intercity- i-SITE, 1167 Fenton Street to Napier - Intercity-12 Carlyle Street
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier (3 Star Rating)
Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, with our Napier hotel enjoying a premium waterfront location on Napier's Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay and guests are treated to sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street and is located in close proximity to many of Napier's attractions.
We invite you to enjoy quality 4-star hotel accommodation of an international standard. From the moment you step into our spacious, light-filled lobby, you will experience our commitment to quality and customer service. If you fancy waking up to serene ocean views, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is the perfect place to start your day in Hawke’s Bay. Simply leave the curtains open, roll over in bed, and soak it all in. See you soon.
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Day 4: Short Guided Art Deco Walk & A Twilight Odyssey TourOn arrival your group will be welcomed by professionally trained Art Deco Trust guides and taken in small groups for a fascinating stroll through the city. En route they will learn about the 1931 earthquake that destroyed the city, hear about the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style of this unique city.The world's first progressive winery dinner!
Commencing at 3.45pm take a scenic drive through the vineyards as you learn about the region and its wines. Enjoy a full interactive wine tasting alongside a gourmet platter at a boutique winery. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views from Te Mata Peak, 399m above sea level (overlooking the glimmering lights of the Twin Cities in winter). Proceed to Craggy Range for the main course served with sides and 3 wines. Finish the evening at the country's oldest and grandest winery, the Mission Estate for dessert and 2 dessert wines.
Day 5: The Karori Sanctuary ExperienceTransfer: Napier - Intercity-12 Carlyle Street to Wellington Railway Station
Hotel: Rydges Wellington (3 Star Rating)
Rydges Wellington is centrally located on downtown Featherston Street with a unique combination of harbor and city outlooks. Our Wellington accommodation is within walking distance to Lambton Quay, Sky Stadium, Queens Wharf, and Wellington Railway Station making it ideally positioned in the heart of the capital. View features and amenities.
This 4+ star hotel offers 280 Wellington accommodation rooms for business and leisure guests with the benefits of modern facilities including FREE WI-FI throughout, and fantastic leisure facilities. All rooms feature flat-screen televisions and kitchenettes. There are 19 apartment-style suites, perfect for your long Wellington accommodation requirements with washer and drier facilities available. Rydges Wellington is your landmark Wellington accommodation in the Capital.
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Explore the sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand's native forest. Experience many of the rare and endangered species and see those which only come out at night. See unique species such as weta, glow worms, tuatara and takahe. Your group may see some of the 130 little spotted kiwi who call zealandia home - sightings of kiwi are common on these tours (circa 80%), but are not guaranteed. Gain insights into New Zealand's natural history and the significance of the unique species within Maori culture. The tour will end with a replenishing cup of hot kawakawa (bushman's tea) in the Visitors Centre.
Day 6: Wellington to NelsonTransfer: Picton Ferry Terminal to Nelson - Millers Acre Carpark, 41 Halifax Street
Transfer: Wellington Ferry Terminal to Picton Ferry Terminal
Hotel: Bella Vista Motel Nelson (3 Star Rating)
Our Nelson motel is the perfect base to explore the local wine regions and stunning Abel Tasman National Park. The motel is easy to find on Tahunanui Drive, a short stroll to Tahuna Beach, shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. We are an easy 10 minute drive away from Nelson City.
Bella Vista Motel Nelson has been assessed by independent accreditors Qualmark as 4 star quality accommodation.
From the moment you arrive, you'll enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to beautiful Tahunanui Beach. From our motel, Nelson and Richmond CBDs are easily accessible for business, shops, entertainment and other activities.
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Day 7: Full Day Seals & Beach TourTake a scenic cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve, pausing to watch the antics at its resident Fur Seal Colony. Land at historic Tonga Quarry beach to walk 2 hours over a forested saddle and around spectacular Bark Bay estuary with its cascading waterfalls. Rejoin the Vista Cruise at the sheltered golden cove, Medlands Beach.
Day 8: Nelson to PunakaikiTransfer: Nelson - Millers Acre Carpark, 41 Halifax Street to Adjacent Pancake Rocks Cafe, 4300 Coast Road
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (4 Star Rating)
From the time people first came to Aotearoa, New Zealand, this weathered, craggy terrain has seen wayfarers, prospectors, and settlers trekking their way into the wilderness in search of resources and the routes by which to reach them.
Maori were well aware of the areas dramatic landscape, stretching from mountains to sea, and the natural taonga ( treasures)found within and beyond the ranges here.The coastal and inland journeys made over generations can be traced through the descriptive names they gave to many of the features of this land. Te Waipounamu ( The Waters of Greenstone) is one such name. It refers to pounamu, the Aotearoa New Zealand jade that is found in this region and that has long been prized by Maori, so much so that Te Waipounamu is also the name they gave to New Zealand's South Island.
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Day 9: Punakaiki to Franz JosefTransfer: Adjacent Pancake Rocks Cafe, 4300 Coast Road to Greymouth Railway Station
Transfer: Greymouth Railway Station to Franz Josef Bus Stop, Main Road
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (4 Star Rating)
In the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier.
Our hotel offers everything you need to be able to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort. With an exceptional restaurant, serving hearty, West Coast fare, and the Moa Bar with its open fireplace, you are never without choice. Plus, with the private hot pools and our Amaia Luxury Spa close by, you can enjoy time out to rejuvenate after a day taking in the many walking tracks and other outdoor pursuits.
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Day 10: Heli-Hike & Franz Josef Kayak and WalkWith the combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a two and half hour hike through the most spectacular glacier features, it's no wonder this Glacier Heli Hike is often labeled as the highlight of the visit to Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Your journey starts and ends at The Helicopter Line Base, situated on the Main Road, Franz Josef. On arrival, our friendly team will check you in and prepare you for the excitement ahead with necessary gear and pre-trip briefings.
From here, your guide will take you to the helipad and get you ready to board the helicopter. Adrenaline levels start to spike as you board and are whisked away over the jaw-dropping landscape - an opportunity to take in the full panoramic majesty of Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere nestled within the surrounding mountains.
Your pilot will land high up on the main icefall of the glacier, where your guide will help you make the final preparations for your hike. Then you will be ready to explore the pristine features of this incredible icescape.
Our guides are highly skilled, which means we can find you both the safest and most spectacular route available on the glacier. Because the glacier is so fast-moving, its features are constantly changing - you might find yourself sliding through a narrow crevasse or between towering walls of ice, crawling through blue ice tunnels, hanging out in ice caves, or witnessing the glacier calving. You can be sure that you're seeing the glacier in a unique state and no two trips are ever quite the same.
Whilst on this adventure, your guide will share with you the story of the Maori Legend, Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding area and insight into why Franz Josef is so unique; will leave you with a sense of awe. You will come away from your trip not only having experienced this majestic beauty but with a whole new understanding of their special and precious landmark.Glide effortlessly across the water taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Glaciers - the scenery is world-class! Follow your kayak tour guide into a hidden creek through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary and experience some of the region's untouched Jurassic rainforest and pristine untouched wilderness. Guides are passionate about the environment additionally deliver some excellent kayaking photos to you for free after each kayak tour! Plus, enjoy exclusive access to a custom-built rainforest trail within the Okarito Kiwi Conservation area. On this kayak tour, you will learn about the kiwi conservation, spot native birdlife and experience the pristine wilderness of the West Coast in a truly unique and remote part of Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 11: Depart from Franz Josef to Queenstown Tour via WanakaTransfer: Franz Josef Bus Stop, Main Road to Queenstown - Intercity-Bus Stop at Athol Street
