Escape to Rotorua

Welcome to Auckland

Welcome to Auckland, known in Māori as Tāmaki Makaurau. Auckland is New Zealand's vibrant "City of Sails," and the country's largest metropolitan area. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Surrounded by native bush, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, Auckland is a haven for both adventurers and urban explorers. Wander through world-class museums and galleries in the city centre or enjoy a peaceful retreat at the Auckland Gardens, where stunning landscapes showcase New Zealand's diverse flora. Stroll along the lively waterfront to savour fresh seafood and international cuisine at Viaduct restaurants. For an unforgettable perspective, ascend the iconic SkyTower, New Zealand's tallest structure, and take in panoramic views of the city and its picturesque islands.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise with Explore

This unique on-water sailing and dining experience is not to be missed while you're in Auckland. Enjoy smooth sailing on the Waitemata Harbour - then watch this photogenic city come alive with twinkling lights. Enjoy your meal as you sail around the beautiful Auckland Harbour taking in the view as the sun slowly sets. You'll be treated to canapes and a drink as you set off towards Westhaven Marina. To finish the evening off, savour your dessert course as you leisurely sail back to Auckland's vibrant Viaduct Harbour.

Collect Rental Car

This tour's from price includes an intermediate-sized vehicle, setting you up for comfortable travels. Yet, we understand every adventure is unique! Feel free to select the perfect wheels from our incredible collection of rental cars, spanning from economy hatchbacks to premium SUVs.

Auckland to Waitomo

The drive south from Auckland takes you into the rolling farmland and rich dairy pastures of the Waikato, before arriving in the limestone hills of the Waitomo countryside, which is home to a huge underground network of caves.

Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour with The Waitomo Experience

Embark on a unique 3 hour adventure into the Okohua Glowworm Cave, a hidden world of natural beauty and exhilarating fun. Discover thousands of glowworms, stunning limestone formations, and fresh underground springs as you float through the cave by tube. This is a small group tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Your adventure is catered to you, with thrilling rock jumps and swim-throughs or a more relaxed exploration of the main route. After emerging from the cave, unwind with hot showers and a cedar hot tub. 

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

Waitomo to Rotorua

Today cross the lush farmland of the Waikato as you make your way inland to Rotorua. Pass through several small farming towns such as Otorohanga and Putaruru, before the region’s geothermal activity signals your arrival into the city of Rotorua.

Rotorua

Discover the geothermal, adventure, and cultural wonderland of Rotorua. As you explore, you may see steam rising from cracks in the road, bubbling and hissing water in pools along the lake's edge, and the unmistakable smell of Sulfur. Rotorua is rich in Māori culture and history, with many Māori inhabitants recognising the great potential of the volcanic land. For an outdoor adventure, head to The Redwoods and experience the rainforest treetops from high up. There are a few accessible trails for disabled hikers and great biking trails as well. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of New Zealand's native birds, such as the Pīwakawaka (Fantail) and the Tūī. Alternatively, enjoy the Lake Tikitapu Blue Lake Walk or explore Kuirau Park, where you'll find bubbling mud pools and steaming lakes. Don't miss the private thermal reserves such as Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, where you can walk among bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Sulfur ponds. Just a few minutes from the town centre, the Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery offer an insight into nature. Rotorua's rich Māori culture is a must-see. Spend an evening with Te Pā Tū, complete with a traditional-style dinner or stroll along the lake edge to reach one of the country's oldest Māori villages at Ohinemutu. When hunger strikes, visit Eat Street in Rotorua CBD, a vibrant street lined with delicious eateries and restaurants to satisfy any craving. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without experiencing Rotorua's original tourist attraction - a relaxing spa treatment. This town boasts an array of wellness experiences to unwind in. Whether you are seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Rotorua offers an unforgettable experience.

Private Mt Tarawera Volcanic Crater Half Day Experience with Kaitiaki Adventures - Lunch Included

Experience the unique landscape and history of Mt Tarawera in this exclusive adventure with Kaitiaki Adventures. Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu, at the same destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. This fully guided hiking experience encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area and requires a moderate level of fitness. Your journey begins with an off road 4x4 experience through native New Zealand bush, transporting you to the craters edge. With spectacular scenic vistas, 360 panoramic views and a run into the heart of the volcanic crater, this experience is guaranteed to make your trip to Rotorua memorable.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here

Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Behind The Scenes Exclusive Tour with National Kiwi Hatchery

This exclusive guided experience is a truly unique opportunity to learn about the world-renowned kiwi hatchery conservation program. You are invited to step ‘behind the glass’ for an immersive experience to join the hatchery team in a staff-only area to learn about the incubation and chick rearing techniques from global experts. Learn all about New Zealand’s intriguing national icon and the efforts of the kiwi husbandry team, see and discover what it takes to hatch and rare chicks, and if you’re lucky, see baby chicks in person! Afterwards, take more time to learn in the interactive kiwi burrow and see adult kiwi roam and forage in our purpose-built Nocturnal house.

Relaxation and Tranquility Experience with Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa

Enjoy five hours of luxury and wellness with this carefully thought-out therapeutic pilgrimage experience. Embark on a transformative journey of rejuvenation that draws on the Ngati Whakaue practices and culture, where ancestral traditions converge with this soothing therapeutic experience. Begin your experience with the Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora) where you will you undertake the benefits of the natural environment awakening your senses through hot and cold experiences including the geothermal mud lounge, waterfall showers, geothermal pools, steam room and the Tongariro fire and ice caves. Enjoy a 60 minute long traditional Maori massage before enjoying a Manuka Nourishing Facial that revitalises the skin with its antibacterial and hydrating properties. You will conclude your experience with another bathe before luxuriating into your relaxation time complete with grazing platter and non alcoholic beverages.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Lake Rotoiti’s Best-Kept Secrets with Pure Cruise

Indulge in a unique cruise on Lake Rotoiti aboard The Airstream Project, a bespoke, hand-built vessel that draws inspiration from classic trailers and vintage aircraft. This isn't just a boat; it's a floating work of art designed to connect you intimately with your surroundings. Glide effortlessly into hidden geothermal bays, wade into warm sand beaches, and peer into historic Māori caves carved into the cliffs. Enjoy complimentary morning tea as you immerse yourself in a spectacular, unhurried journey through New Zealand's natural beauty.

Rotorua to Hamilton

Today the drive to Hamilton takes you through the heart of the Waikato and its rich dairy pastures. Stop in the creative town of Tirau and wander through its many arts and crafts stores. Continue on through the equine town of Cambridge before arriving into Hamilton, New Zealand's largest inland settlement.

Private tour and picnic for two in Hamilton Gardens

Telling the story of gardens through themed collections, Hamilton Gardens explores different civilizations, and recreates historically important garden styles from all over the world.
You will be guided on a journey of discovery along paths delivering mysterious surprises. From a peaceful Sung Dynasty Chinese Scholar's garden to an Italian Renaissance garden, there are 21 themed garden areas with more being developed. Hamilton Gardens is not a botanical garden. Instead, it's a unique and internationally recognised concept that has been compared to a museum. Each garden collection has historic integrity and provides a window into the story of civilizations, their arts, beliefs and life styles.

Hamilton to Auckland City

Heading north you follow the Waikato River towards Auckland City. Auckland City is New Zealand's largest, with a population of around 1.5 million people (about one third of the national population), spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. There is somewhere for every visitor to feel comfortable and right at home as each suburb has its own unique style and atmosphere, from the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found on Ponsonby and Parnell Roads to the breathtaking native bush and beaches of the West Coast. One of the worlds great cities Auckland is full of life and opportunities to explore are endless.

Return your rental car

Return your rental vehicle to your designated depot before your next adventure.

Farewell from Auckland

Farewell Auckland today. If there is more of New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!