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3-Day Luxury Escape to the Mighty Waikato Region

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Overview

Experience the mighty Waikato region over three days on this five-star, self drive luxury escape from Auckland.

You'll travel south through lush green rural farmland, enjoying the rich lands of the Waikato region to the city of Cambridge. You'll embark on exciting experiences like guided glowworm cave tours and you'll have the opportunity to see the national animal, Kiwi, in a sanctuary.

Of course, you can't visit the North Island on this New Zealand itinerary and not experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of the Waikato region. You'll step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

En route back to Auckland, you can stop to spend some time in the beautiful inland city of Hamilton where you'll stroll through the gardens home to Te Parapara - New Zealand's first traditional Maori garden. You'll also have high tea at the Zealong Tea Estate to appreciate the award-winning tea before continuing on to Auckland.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1

Auckland to Cambridge & Glowworm Cave Tour

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Auckland to Cambridge & Glowworm Cave Tour

Collect your rental car in Auckland and travel south through the lush green rural farmland of the Waikato region to Waitomo. The rich and fertile pastoral land of the Waikato is one of New Zealand’s major dairy producing and horse breeding areas, and host to incalculable stands of exotic timber. Upon arrival, you'll visit the Kiwi House and Native Bird Park to see the native animal in their element. You'll then embark on a glowworm cave tour and have the option for a private kayaking experience.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Henley Hotel - Venue, Accommodation & Restaurant5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park

    Caveworld Glowworm Cave Tour

    CambridgeOptional Activity

    The Boat Shed Kayaks - Private Glowworm Kayak ExperienceOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Auckland to Waitomo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cambridge

    Otorohanga

    Waitomo

    Arapuni

Day 2

Hobbiton Move Set Tour & Te Waihou Walkway or Maungatautari Mountain

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Hobbiton Move Set Tour & Te Waihou Walkway or Maungatautari Mountain

Today on your New Zealand itinerary, you'll experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, 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 escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. In the afternoon, you can take the scenic walkway to Te Waihou Springs if you want.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Henley Hotel - Venue, Accommodation & Restaurant5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

    Maungatautari MountainOptional Activity

    Te Waihou WalkwayOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cambridge

    Matamata

    Tapapa

    Maungatautari

Day 3

Cambridge to Auckland via Hamilton & Zealong Tea Estate

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Cambridge to Auckland via Hamilton & Zealong Tea Estate

Today, you'll travel back to Auckland with a few stops along the way in the beautiful inland city of Hamilton, nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River and known for its walks, gardens, cafes and nightlife. You'll pay a visit to Hamilton Gardens, one of the region's most visited attractions, home to Te Parapara - New Zealand's first traditional Maori garden. You'll also have high tea at the Zealong Tea Estate to appreciate the award-winning tea before continuing on to Auckland.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hamilton GardensOptional Activity

    Waikato River ExplorerOptional Activity

    High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate

    AucklandOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Cambridge to Auckland

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cambridge

    Hamilton

    Gordonton

    Auckland

Included in Price

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • 4 activities
  • 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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