Itinerary
Arrive into Auckland Airport. Once you have cleared customs, you'll find your way to the Hertz counter in the arrivals lounge to complete your rental agreement and collect your car hire keys. It’s a short drive from there to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight stay in Auckland at Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport in a Standard Room.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
This morning, you are heading south to Rotorua. On the way, stop at the Shires Rest, only 10 minutes from the town of Matamata where you will experience the wonder of the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.
After the tour, have lunch at Shires Rest café (optional/own expense) before continuing on to Rotorua.
Overnight stay in Rotorua at Jet Park Hotel Rotorua in a Standard King Room.
Enjoy continental breakfast at the hotel.
Today, you'll have the option of exploring the Waimangu Volcanic Valley with a boat cruise or Te Puia. Both of these are significant geothermal regions within Rotorua.
Freedom of Choice:
- Explore the Waimangu Volcanic Valley with a boat cruise
- Entrance to Te Puia
Tonight, an evening of culture at Tamaki Maori Village awaits you. Be immersed in the stories, performances, and food during this Hangi (Traditional dinner and dessert buffet feast) and concert. Transport is provided from your accommodation.
Overnight stay in Rotorua at Jet Park Hotel Rotorua in a Standard King Room.
Enjoy continental breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
A short drive through to Taupo takes you to another picturesque lakeside town. Have a stroll through the village before checking into your accommodation for the next 2 nights.
Overnight stay in Taupo at Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupo in a Standard Lakeview Room.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
It’s your pick today! There is a choice of the Thermal River Safari with NZ Riverjet which let's you experience a jetboat ride up the Waikato River and a self guided walk around the geothermal phenom of Orakei Korako, or choose the Taupo Classic Combo, a scenic cruise with the team at Chris Jolly to the local Maori carvings on Lake Taupo and a thrilling jetboat ride up to the Hukafalls.
Freedom of Choice:
- NZ Riverjet Thermal Safari
- Taupo Classic Combo (Chris Jolly Scenic Cruise & Hukafalls Jet Boat)
Overnight stay in Taupo at Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupo in a Standard Lakeview Room.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
After a leisurely start to the morning, depart Taupo on your way to Waitomo. The Glowworm caves get you up, close and personal to the unique formations and glowworm grotto. Afterwards, continue north to Hamilton where you check into your hotel for the night.
Overnight stay in Hamilton at Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton in a Superior Room.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Take the morning to explore the area. Perhaps visit the Hamilton Gardens or Hamilton Zoo (optional/own expense). Return to Auckland Airport in time for your flight home (optional/own expense) to drop off your car hire.
Hotel options
Auckland
At Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport, you will able to relax and unwind in this 4-star hotel suitable for business and leisure travellers. A short journey of 17km will take you into the hustle and bustle of Downtown Auckland and the CBD, while an even shorter trip of 12km will take you into the vibrant pacific hub of Manukau City. You’ll find it easy to plan your excursions from this outer city location with public transport readily available at all times.
Rotorua
Experience true New Zealand Hospitality! Only a short walk to Lake Rotorua and just down the road from Eat Street, Jet Park Rotorua is your ideal location for experiencing everything Rotorua has to offer. Whether you are here for adventure or to experience the local culture, Jet Park Rotorua is the ideal starting point for your journey.
Taupo
A luxury Taupo resort with stunning lake views! Set on the shores of the country’s largest lake, this is one of Taupo luxury hotels with uninterrupted views of the magnificent lake and mountains. Many of Taupo’s famous attractions are just minutes away, including Huka Falls, water and snow skiing, hot mineral pools, golf courses, and lake cruises. The charming Edgewater Restaurant is a superb choice for savouring award-winning cuisine as swans gracefully swim by. Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo is undoubtedly the town’s most desirable location.
Hamilton
In the heart of the mighty Waikato, Hamilton is a cultural hub for the rich agricultural and pastoral surrounds, as well as many iconic kiwi tourist attractions nearby. Location is also key for the Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton, perfectly positioned with only a short walk to many of the city’s key attractions like FMG Stadium, Seddon Park, Claudelands Event Centre and the CBD.
