Tour Itinerary
Day 1. Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
Today your driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel and together we will set out to discover the historic Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Set deep in the heart of the King Country you will explore the underground labyrinth of ancient limestone caves and formations created over millions of years, and marvel at a galaxy of tiny lights in the famed Glow-worm Grotto.
We travel south from Auckland through the rich farmland of the Waikato province, following in part the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest, past the historic Maori land war site at Rangiriri and through the small town of Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori queen, to Otorohanga and Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Following your exploration of the caves we head south and pause at Te Kuiti, the sheep shearing capital of New Zealand, for a light lunch and refreshments before heading on to the Pureora Forest. We stop here to view the last remnants of an extensive podocarp forest and take an easy walk amongst ancient Totara and Rimu trees that once covered most of the central North Island. For those who are able, we can climb the 12 metre high tower giving you an entirely different perspective of life in the forest canopy – a great spot for observing native birds such as the Kereru, Kakariki and Kaka.
Back on the road we travel through rolling farmland and pass alongside picturesque Lake Whakamaru before arriving at Orakei Korako, a hidden valley where steam rises above silica terraces on the edge of the Waikato River. We can view boiling pools and geysers and an extremely rare geothermal cave set amongst the native bush of the area.
We then move on to Rotorua where you will stay at the 4 star Heritage Rotorua and enjoy and enjoy a magical Maori experience in a truly stunning venue followed by a succulent hangi feast cooked to perfection in a pit of traditional stone. Stay: Heritage Rotorua (B)
Day 2. Lake Tarawera Cruise - Rotorua - Auckland
We head out through the Rotorua forest to mystical Lake Tarawera for the highlight of your tour. We join Clearwater Cruises for a three hour trout fishing cruise on this beautiful lake renowned for its trophy sized rainbow trout. Relax on board your own 38-ft luxury vessel and experience the excitement of catching these prized fish. All fishing gear is supplied and expert help from your skipper will almost guarantee you will be rewarded with a fine catch.
After that excitement we visit Hot Water Beach on the lakeshore – a natural phenomenon where boiling water builds up from deep inside the earth to warm the waters of the lake, enabling you to have a relaxing swim in the natural thermal water. Morning tea will be supplied during your cruise. What a way to spend a magical day.
We stop for lunch at Wairoa – site of the Buried Village of Te Wairoa (optional tour) before heading back north through the green pastures of Matamata and the Hauraki Plains, arriving back at your Auckland hotel early evening. If you don’t wish to visit the Buried Village we can stop for a lunch break at the small village of Tirau on the way to Matamata.
Tour Highlights:
Tour Inclusions:
This is a privately chartered escorted tour, so the final itinerary is entirely up to you. We have put together this package based on our local knowledge but we can vary it to your tastes and requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking. |
