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![Private Tour [4 Days]: Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Hells Gate & Wai-O-Tapu](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-360x240/0b/2c/c8/66.jpg)
Offered languages
- English
Thermal Getaway hosts unique insights for travellers wanting to experience a fulfilling and enriching journey that will create lasting memories. Uncover under cave wonders, geothermal hotspots, discover vibrant cities and be immersed in the awe-inspiring Māori heritage that holds a special bond with this ancient land. A huge range of family attractions and adrenaline activities, as well as peaceful nature-based experiences that will get you back in touch with the real world. Come and discover New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experience on this luxury private tour.
What's Included
Lunch
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
-
1Auckland Central
We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.
Admission ticket free -
3
We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Te Awamutu calls itself the ‘Rose Capital of New Zealand’. During the blooming season, November to April, the garden next to the visitor centre is a technicolour dream as 2000 rose bushes turn on the charm.
Admission ticket free -
5Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Travel in style from Auckland to this amazing destination located in the King Country of the Waikato takes about 3 hours when driving south from Auckland. Glowworm caves in New Zealand offer visitors the chance to explore dark caves that are lit up by thousands of tiny glowworms, who shine bright to attract their prey. Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above as you glide silently by boat in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The enchanting Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms. Ride a boat beneath thousands of tiny glow-worms inhabit the cave and put on a mesmerising light display likened to the twinkling night sky. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Waitomo before head to another spotlight.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
6Hobbiton Movie Set
Experience the real Middle-Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Walk into the real-world landscape of Middle Earth on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit.’ Pause at the Green Dragon™ Inn to for a draft of Hobbit™ Southfarthing™, see the remarkable detailing that brought Hobbiton™ to life on screen, and visit the places where key scenes were created. Take a look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Get lost among the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and the Party Tree. Listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be. 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. On completion of this experience, continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the geothermal city of Rotorua.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
7
Continue to Rotorua and stay overnight.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
8
Start your morning immersed in nature on the Redwoods Treewalk, an elevated forest experience through towering century-old trees.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
9
Amp up the excitement with an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride across Lake Rotorua, packed with high-speed spins and heart-racing moments.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
10
Then ascend Mt Ngongotaha aboard the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views over Lake Rotorua and race downhill with three thrilling luge rides.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
11
Experience an evening of ceremonial ritual, powerful cultural performance, storytelling & hangi feasting at Te Pā Tū Evening Cultural Experience. A journey into the heart of Māori Culture... an experience you will never forget! The most award-winning cultural attraction in New Zealand... Voted Top 10 best attractions in the World - a cultural experience like no other. Delivered with a genuine heart and soul, Tamaki Māori Village offers a window in to a truly riveting, spirited way of life.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
12
Explore Rotorua’s geothermal and cultural gems, starting with a visit to the historic Government Gardens and steamy thermal springs.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13
Next, uncover the power of Te Puia’s geothermal valley on a fully guided experience, walk past boiling mud pools, steam vents, and witness the mighty Pōhutu Geyser in action. The journey also includes Māori carving and weaving demonstrations at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and a delicious Hāngi buffet lunch.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
14
In the afternoon, unwind at Hell’s Gate with the mud spa Experience: soak in therapeutic sulphur spas and sink into New Zealand’s only geothermal mud baths, all while overlooking Rotorua’s raw volcanic landscape. Overnight stay in Rotorua.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
15
This day we start our morning, driving down to the south of Rotorua, will bring you to the colourful natural volcanic park, which is one of New Zealand's most diverse geothermal attractions. Explore spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colourful natural volcanic park. Walks through this unique geothermal area take between 30 and 75 minutes and provide a wide range of amazing photo opportunities at unique features including the world famous Champagne Pool, naturally coloured hot and cold springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
16
Marvel at the breath-taking geothermal scenery, stunning waterfalls and World Heritage-listed forest reserves, as you drive from the south of Rotorua and located in the centre of New Zealand’s north island, lies the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. You will be amazed by the majestic Huka falls - an incredible waterfall that thunders 11 metres into the Waikato River below and boast the title of being New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
17
Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Taupō waterfront by stretching your legs along one of many lakesides walking trails. Take a step away and enjoy the complete peace and quiet of water's edge picnic spots and elevated viewing areas. Excite the senses, be tempted by an amazing array of 100% pure New Zealand honey, mead, natural health and wellbeing products and unique gift ideas. A unique taste experience with free honey, mead & liqueur tastings. Live beehive viewings and fascinating interactive displays. Discover health & wellness products, divine honey-based skincare products. Complete your experience by relaxing in lounge or gardens with a coffee or delicious honey ice-cream. From the vibrant history we drive to trendy fashion and cuisine, the breath-taking native bush and beaches of Auckland is full of life and the opportunities to explore are endless.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Travel from Auckland to enjoy Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. Overnight Stay in Rotorua
Redwoods Treewalk, Skyline Gondola, Jet Boating & Te Pā Tū Cultural Experience
Rotorua City Highlights, Te Puia Geothermal Valley & Hells Gate Mud Spa Experience
Travel to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Huka Falls, Lake Taupō and return back to Auckland
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat.
- Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
- Souvenir photos are available for purchase after your tour.
- The caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, as there are good handrails and paths. There is no wheelchair access.
- Caves average at a temperature of 16-17 degrees Celsius year-round.
- Boat tour capacity is up to 23 people.
- Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
- We can accommodate a stroller or a pram, provided it is fully collapsible and can fit in the luggage compartment of our buses.
- Hell’s Gate have swimwear for both males and females for sale, subject to availability.
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, sun protection, jacket/warm layer & essential personal items.
- You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
- No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on this boat tour.
- For the bathing experience, guests can choose to bring their own bathing attire and towels or hire these items from Hell’s Gate at a small cost.
- The mud bath experience is controlled to a maximum of 20 minutes on the basis of safety.
- Guests are advised to shower before entering the pools in order to remove any makeup, sunscreen or other products applied to the skin as we cannot confirm what is in each product and therefore if a reaction with the Sulphur will occur.
- Both children and adults need to comfortable with the heat, and Hell’s Gate recommends taking regular breaks to ensure overheating does not occur.
- The list of medical conditions below highlight some of the main medical conditions where the geothermal pools may not be advised: Pregnancy, Low or High Blood Pressure, Mobility Problems, Active or Under Active Thyroid, Verruca/Warts, Heart Conditions, Epilepsy, Skin diseases/disorders, Diabetes, Metal Pins/ Plates, Claustrophobia, Ear Infections, Cancer, Recent Surgery, or Sulphur Allergies.
- If the guest has had or is suffering from any of the medical conditions, we strongly advise that they seek advice from their doctor prior to using the geothermal pools.
- It is important that children (as well as adults) drink water while bathing to keep hydrated.
- Please remove all jewellery before entering the pools as Hell’s Gate accepts no responsibility for tarnished jewellery.
- You must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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