5-Day Bay of Islands, Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua from Auckland
5-Day Bay of Islands, Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua from Auckland. A five-day individual trip departing daily from Auckland and visiting the majority of the North Island’s major tourist attractions. You’ll go on a tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a cruise to the renowned ‘Hole in the Rock,’ and a visit to the ancient settlement of Russell.
A full day of sightseeing in Auckland includes a harbor tour and entry to the Sky Tower. On the fourth day, travel to Rotorua through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you will be given a guided tour of the glowworm grotto. On your way back to Auckland, day five includes access to the main sites in Rotorua, including Te Puia, the Agrodome, and Rainbow Springs, as well as a tour of Hobbiton.
The tour includes four nights in a four-star hotel as well as all transportation and tours included on the itinerary.
5-Day Bay of Islands, Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua from Auckland
Highlights
- Walk amongst giant kauri trees, spend the night anchored in a secluded bay, savor a traditional Kiwi barbecue in Paihia
- Explore the gorgeous Bay of Islands
- Discover the beauty of New Zealand’s North Island
- Visit the famous Hobbiton
Itinerary
Day 1 Auckland – Bay of Islands
Paihia Harbour
Depart Auckland traveling north via the Hibiscus Coast, and Whangarei, arriving in the beautiful township of Paihia, Bay of Islands.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Tour the Waitangi Treaty Grounds the site of the historic treaty between the Maori and European pioneers. View a magnificent Maori meeting house and large war canoe. The remainder of the day at leisure to explore Paihia.
Day 2 Bay of Islands – Auckland
Hole in the Rock
Today cruise to Cape Brett and Piercy Island and discover the Bay’s highlights from the water including abundant wildlife. Sea conditions permit to travel through the cavernous Hole in the Rock. Spot dolphins frolicking, seals, and more. Returned to Russell for a sightseeing tour of this historic township, returning to Paihia with a mid-afternoon departure for Auckland.
Day 3 Auckland: Sightseeing Tour & Harbour Cruise
CityLife Auckland
Picked up from your hotel, join a morning city tour of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, boasting a beautiful harbor, some of the best beaches in the world, and 49 dormant volcanoes.
Waitemata Harbour
In the afternoon, join a 90-minute cruise of Waitemata Harbour which will highlight the city, the Harbour Bridge, Devonport, and Rangitoto Island.
Sky Tower
The day concludes with Auckland’s Sky Tower offering spectacular views.
Day 4 Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Travel from Auckland to Rotorua by road via the Waitomo Glowworm caves with a guided tour of the caves including a boat through the famous glowworm grotto. From Waitomo, you will continue onto Rotorua through the lush Waikato Plains, the Fitzgerald Glade. Spend the rest of the day in Rotorua at your leisure.
Day 5 Rotorua – Hobbiton – Auckland
Te Puia
Head over to Te Puia and experience Rotorua’s famous Maori culture and geothermal activity with a tour of the neighboring Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley – a place where mud pools bubble and boil and geysers shoot steam high into the air.
Agrodome
See Rotorua’s agricultural industry in action at the Agrodome: a working organic farm where you can find out all about farming life in New Zealand. Watch a sheep shearing display and see sheepdog trials where the farm dogs show off their amazing skills.
Rainbow Springs Nature Park
Discover New Zealand wildlife and natural scenery at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you can get up close to native flora and fauna including the famous kiwi – a flightless native bird. Wander through native forest and discover New Zealand birds, fish, and lizards (including the ancient tuatara), as well as exotic animals from around the world.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Finally, head back to Auckland via Hobbiton: the farm that has been transformed for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie set. Tour fairytale landscapes of the Shire, see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, the party tree, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. Once in Auckland, you will be transferred to your accommodation where your tour will conclude.
