5D/4N Self-Drive Holiday Thermal Wonder Romance New Zealand  

Auckland is New Zealand`s largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here.

Weta Workshop Unleashed is a wildly imaginative and immersive experience that invites guests of all ages into a fantastical film effects facility. Inside Unleashed, extraordinary worlds are brought to life with resident creatures. From the curious to the creative, there’s something for everyone here. Join Unleashed crew on a 90 minute guided journey through three original movie projects. Lose yourself in the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy while navigating enchanting environments, discombobulating displays and surprise encounters. It’s the ultimate celebration of creativity: combining traditional handcraft with modern technologies. See you down the proverbial rabbit hole, where nothing is as it seems.

Journey through the rolling green hills of Waitomo and enjoy a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Continue on to Rotorua, a bubbling and steaming destination like nowhere else.  Relax and unwind in the mineral hot springs at Polynesian Spa nestled on the shores overlooking Lake Rotorua.  You might like to add some time in a Private Pool.

Overnight: Rotorua

Auckland-Waitomo: 190km (approx 2hrs, 20mins)

Waitomo -Rotorua: 145km (approx 2hrs)

INCLUDED ACTIVITES

Make your own way to the starting point to visit the Spellbound Glowworm Cave, just 15 minutes south of Waitomo and a little off the beaten track. Formed by the erosion of rock by water over millions of years, the caves are a true natural wonder and as Waitomo’s brightest glowworm cave, the glowworm displays are truly spectacular. Avoid the crowds by joining a small group tours of no more than twelve people. Journey into the caves and enjoy a long and gentle boat ride beneath a galaxy of glowworms. Spellbound is a locally owned family business and their local guides enthusiastically share the same knowledge, enthusiasm and care. Your guide will the lights out for at least 20 minutes so you can enjoy glowworms at their very best. Tours are safe and suitable for everyone from young children to older folk. Includes: Tours through both the Spellbound Glowworm Cave and the Cave of the Spirit, a short scenic drive across farmland with commentary, hot drinks and biscuits between cave visits. Photography is permitted on tour. Duration 2hrs, 25 minutes.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua lies Polynesian Spa, a geothermal bathing and soul searching retreat. Relax and unwind in the natural springs that nourish the skin and relieve tired muscles, aches and pains. Embrace natures sanctuary and slip into five mineral hot pools overlooking the lake. Lounge on geothermal recliners and enjoy the deluxe changing rooms.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

Just seven minutes from central Rotorua lies one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush. When darkness falls the true love story of Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland comes to life. Explore this unique landscape on foot in a multi-sensory experience. Hear the stories of the past and feel the beauty of Pōhutu Geyser on a two hour guided interactive journey under the stars. The 3km trek across geothermal terrain is suitable for those aged 8 years and older with a medium level of fitness. A traditional Māori dessert will be shared before viewing beautiful and powerful Pōhutu, the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Allow: 2hrs, 15mins

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will take you on a fully guided tour around the set pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. Venture beyond the door and into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior. Visit the Mill and Green Dragon Inn where you will be presented with a complimentary beverage. Located at The Shires Rest, 15 minutes from Matamata township. Duration: 2.5 hours.

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in Maori myths and legends including the romantic love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai.  Today you`ll visit one of the local geothermal attractions before a sensory evening display in the forest.

Overnight: Rotorua

INCLUDED ACTIVITES

Waimangu connects people with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, its unique history and legacy. Discover how the world began. Experience spectacular volcanic craters, enormous hot water springs, beautiful geothermal features, rare and unusual plant life, brilliantly coloured micro biology and a wide array of birds. Become immersed in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption, its people, and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created the world’s youngest geothermal park. Explore Waimangu at your own pace on the easy, mainly downhill, 1.5km walk.

Forest and fantasy come to life within this magical illuminated evening treewalk. Redwoods Nightlights™ is one of New Zealand’s top design led tourism experiences. Set high amongst the giant redwood trees, 30 exquisite lanterns float above the forest floor. Enjoy the mesmerising forest at night on a 40 minute award-winning, eco-tourism walk that spans 28 platforms and suspension bridges. Suitable for all ages and perfect for those looking for things to do in Rotorua at night.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

Discover Church Road secrets in the ultimate personal tribute to founder, Tom McDonald, who was a key innovator in the creation of the Hawke`s Bay wine industry. The Church Road TOM Experience features this iconic range, through an intimate wine flight experience within the atmospheric surroundings of an underground museum. Reflecting the exceptional Hawke`s Bay terroir, considered viticulture and masterful winemaking, these wines are only produced during outstanding vintages using superior parcels of fruit to craft wines that show exceptional character and quality. Be expertly guided through current and back vintage TOM wines as you explore the philosophy and character of Church Road’s flagship range while enjoying selectively matched savoury bites. Duration: 2 hours. 

Located within walking distance of the town centre, Skyline Gondola cable cars take you high above Queenstown for the very best views in the region. Take control of a Luge cart winding down the mountain course at your own pace, gentle and leisurely or fast and adventures. Return to the top by chairlift and do it over and over again, once is never enough. (Pregnant guests are not permitted to Luge).

Choose to spend the morning further exploring around the lakes and forests of Rotorua or depart for Auckland to spend the afternoon in the city or out on the harbour.

Overnight: Auckland

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

Weta Workshop Unleashed is a wildly imaginative and immersive experience that invites guests of all ages into a fantastical film effects facility. Inside Unleashed, extraordinary worlds are brought to life with resident creatures. From the curious to the creative, there’s something for everyone here. Join Unleashed crew on a 90 minute guided journey through three original movie projects. Lose yourself in the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy while navigating enchanting environments, discombobulating displays and surprise encounters. It’s the ultimate celebration of creativity: combining traditional handcraft with modern technologies. See you down the proverbial rabbit hole, where nothing is as it seems.