Tourism New Zealand Self Drive & Small Group Touring Packages Thermal Explorer 4 Day Self-Drive Adventure Tour Day 1 AUCKLAND HAMILTON (L) 0900 Depart Auckland and travel south along SH1 to Hamilton. You then connect to SH 3 heading towards Te Awamutu and Waitomo. 1200 You arrive at the Caveworld office in the Waitomo Village, 23 Waitomo Village Road. There is parking outside their office in the Waitomo Village. After checking in with the Caveworld staff, you will be transferred in their vehicle to the Caveworld entrance for your Tube It experience. You will Tube It through their beautiful cave on an inner tyre tube and float under the most amazing displays of glow worms. You get to jump off a waterfall, ZOOM down their hydro slide and if you are keen to get their 'cave crawl on' - crawl up to their hidden waterfall which for many is the highlight of their trip.but don't panic if you're not into small spaces this part is optional and their team of friendly and experienced guides will look after you! 1430 Upon your return to the Caveworld office you then make your way in your car up Fullerton Road to Roseland s Restaurant located on an adjoining farm to Caveworld for a BBQ Buffet Lunch, including a selection of meats freshly cooked to your liking accompanied by salads and bread followed by Tea & Coffee served with Roseland s world famous freshly homemade Carrot Cake and Biscuits. 1600 You then continue your journey on to Rotorua. You retrace your steps back along SH3 to Kihikihi and turn off towards Putararu, crossing the Arapuni Dam towards SH1, then travel north to connect to SH5 to cross the Mamaku Ranges before arriving in the Thermal City of Rotorua.
1830 On your arrival in Rotorua you make your way to your hotel and accommodation for tonight. The rest of your evening and dinner is at your leisure and expense. Recommended accommodation: Distinction Rotorua Hotel (B&B basis) Day 2 ROTORUA SIGHTS & ADVENTURE OPTION 1 (B,L,) 0725 You will be collected from your hotel for your Greatsights Morning Rotorua Sights Tour. Your tour includes a visit to New Zealand s Maori Cultural Centre at Te Puia, where you will experience Rotorua s famous geothermal activity, take a guided tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and see Te Puia s woodcarving & weaving school. 0930 From here you are transferred to see our agricultural industry in action at the Agrodome, a working organic farm where you can find out about farming life in New Zealand, watch a sheep shearing display and see sheep dog trials where hard-working farm dogs show off their amazing skills. 1030 You are then transferred to Rainbow Springs Nature Park to see New Zealand wildlife and natural scenery on display. You will get up close to all kinds of native flora and fauna including the famous kiwi, a flightless native bird. 1200 From here you are transferred to Skyline Skyrides for a spectacular Gondola ride almost to the summit of Mt Ngongotaha to share in the captivating views of Lake Rotorua and the city. While here you will enjoy a sumptuous Buffet meal while taking in the views. Why not take a couple Luge rides as an optional activity while at Skyline Skyrides. 1400 After your lunch you will be collected from Skyline by a Zorb representative and transferred to the Zorb Rotorua sight for a 3 Ride Zorb Experience. This will consist of 3 rides of your choice from the Straight Fast Zorb, Zig Zag Zorb or take the Drop Track, either way they will be a load of fun!! (extra rides are available at your own expense)
1500 You will be transferred from the Zorb site to the Agroventures Adventure Park site. Here you will have a Pick Two pass that will consist of either a Shweeb ride, Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme or a Swoop. (extra rides are available at your own expense) 1600-1630 You will be transferred back to your hotel by an Agroventure representative. The remainder of your day, evening and dinner is at your own expense and leisure. ROTORUA SIGHTS & ADVENTURE OPTION 2 (B,D) 0930 You are collected from your hotel and travel south to Rainbow Mountain for a Guided Tour of Geothermal highlights in this area including bubbling mud pools. Continuing south you arrive at the NZ Riverjet base to then take a Scenic Jet Boat ride down the Waikato River that includes entry into Orakei Korako Geothermal Park for a self-guided tour, rated by Conde Nast as one of the top 10 Thermal Reserves in the world. Instead of visiting the thermal reserve there is an option to take a thermal bathing experience called The Squeeze where you will spend some time sitting under a secluded waterfall of geothermally heated water pouring over your head and back. (you will need to bring your own bathing costume for this option) Following either option you then board your Jet Boat for a thrill ride back to base with Hamilton Jet spins and high speed fun. There is time while on either tour option where lunch can purchased at the Orakei Korako café (at your own expense) On arrival back at the base there are changing rooms available if required for The Squeeze option, before you are transferred back to your Rotorua accommodation. 1430 Arrive back at your accommodation, with the remainder of your afternoon at your leisure before heading out tonight.
1550-1600 Tonight, you are collected by your Waka (bus) from your hotel for an unforgettable Maori Cultural Experience at Tamaki Maori Village. On your arrival you will share in the Powhiri, our ancient ceremony of welcome. You will also witness the arrival of Maori warriors paddling a Waka known as Te waka Tamaki Rangatira before entering our pre-european Maori Village nestled within a native Tawa Forest. The village comes alive with sights, sounds & activity of days gone by including haka, poi, tattooing, weaving, carving and arts of warrior training. You will have the opportunity to participate in these activities. Witness the earth being scraped away from the hangi pit to reveal baskets of food cooked beneath the ground on hot stones. Enter the ancestral meeting house and enjoy a powerful cultural performance before dining the traditional hangi buffet feast. You are then transferred back to your hotel by your driver in your Waka (bus) 2030 Arrive back at your hotel for the evening. Recommended accommodation: Distinction Rotorua Hotel (B&B basis) Day 3 ROTORUA - TAURANGA (B,D) 0900 Following breakfast you leave your hotel and travel east of Rotorua on SH33 toward Tauranga to arrive in Paeangaroa and the home of Comvita Honey. 0945 Here make a stop at Experience Comvita to take a 40 minute guided tour discovering the world of the honey bee and the wonder of nature s intelligence. Explore the healing power of nature through New Zealand s native plants, including Manuka. See the world through the eyes of the magnificent honeybee and learn how they share the gifts of nature with us. In the beehive, immerse yourself in their world. Following this there is time to venture in the retail world of Manuka Honey, UMF Honey and Propolis and Health & Beauty products to take home or to ship home instead. 1100 You depart Comvita continuing on SH33 to Papamoa and the Blokart Recreation base. 1115 Here you will visit the home of Blokart and have a blast on the land sailing machine, which has taken the world by storm. Super easy to use and great fun, these machines are awesome when the wind blows. 1300 Upon leaving Blokart, you travel toward Tauranga and the beautiful Mt Maunganui beach.
1330 The remainder of your day is at your leisure. Take a stroll along Mt Maunganui Beach, visit the Saltwater Geothermally Heated Hot Pools or you could take an optional guided walk to the summit of Mauo (Mt Maunganui) with commentary from your guide, which will take approx 3 hours return. The trip to the summit is well worth it and the views are spectacular. Recommended accommodation: Trinity Wharf Hotel (B&B basis) 1930-2030 (S) During Summer hours.. 1600-1700 (W) During Winter hours, you are collected from your hotel for your Dinner in the Park experience with Guided Footprints at McLarens Falls Park. 1630-2100 On your arrival a short walk is taken in native bush on groomed pathways to view a waterfall. Upon your return dinner is served, a Kiwi BBQ dinner including an assortment of marinated meats and salad complimented with dessert! If required warm blankets will be provided to wrap around to keep you warm while you enjoy the cuisine. At the completion of your dinner you are transferred back to your accommodation for the night. Day 4 TAURANGA- AUCKLAND (B) 0830 Following breakfast you leave your hotel and travel north on SH2 toward Waihi. 0930 0n your arrival in Waihi you arrive at the Waihi Gold Discovery centre for a self-guided tour of this award winning interactive Gold Discovery Centre - voted the Best NZ Museum Visitor Experience in May 2015. This is found at the top end of Seddon Street, the main street in Waihi. 1030 You then depart from the Discovery Centre for your escorted Waihi Gold mine Tour of the Martha Mine, an actual working gold mine. 1200 You then make your way back to Auckland SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge to Paeroa. We would recommend lunch in the Karangahake Gorge at the Bistro at Falls Retreat http://www.fallsretreat.co.nz/find-us/ (at your own expense) You then continue your drive in to Paeroa where we suggest you make a stop to take a photo at the iconic L&P bottle which is a world famous New Zealand soft drink originally made famous by extracting the spring water
from Paeroa to make up this iconic soft drink. Why not try sampling some while you are in New Zealand!! Continuing north, you will later connect onto SH1 heading toward Auckland to then cross the Bombay Hills and make your way down the Southern Motorway. 1700 Arrive back in Auckland or dependent on whether a stop is made for lunch or not, you may choose to drive straight back to Auckland, a 2 hour drive from Paeroa with the remainder of your day and evening at your leisure. Alternatively you could drive directly to Auckland International Airport to connect to your homeward bound flight. Thermal Explorer 4 Day Self-Drive Tour Day 1 AUCKLAND HAMILTON (L) 0845 Depart Auckland and travel along SH1 south to Hamilton 1045 Arrive at the Hamilton Gardens car park and then make your way to the entrance of the Hamilton Gardens Information Centre to commence your guided tour. 1100 You commence your guided Garden Tour of the Hamilton Gardens Paradise Collection. Following this, there is time to peruse the local souvenir shop or to grab a coffee at the Gardens Café before your continue your journey to Waitomo. 1230 You depart the Hamilton Gardens and continue to drive south on SH3 toward Waitomo 1345 You arrive at the Caveworld office in the Waitomo Village, 23 Waitomo Village Road. There is parking outside their office in the Waitomo Village. After checking in with the Caveworld staff, you will be transferred in their vehicle to Roseland s Restaurant located on an adjoining farm to Caveworld for a BBQ Buffet Lunch, including a selection of meats freshly cooked to your liking accompanied by salads and bread followed by Tea & Coffee served with Roseland s world famous freshly homemade Carrot Cake and Biscuits. 1445 You are transferred from Roseland s Restaurant to the Caveworld entrance of the Footwhistle Cave, to commence your guided tour through this privately owned cave system. Before descending into the cave you will take a short bush walk,
where you will sample a Kawakawa tea ceremony in a purpose built Ponga Hut in the bush. Upon descending into the cave you will view glow worms up close, which you can take photos of as well. You ll see the bones of an ancient Moa bird and see the Te Anaroa Cave lit momentarily by a magnesium torch. 1500 You are then transferred back down to the Waitomo Village to your vehicle. 1515 You then continue your journey on to Rotorua. You retrace your steps back along SH3 to Kihikihi and turn off towards Putararu, crossing the Arapuni Dam towards SH1, then travel north to connect to SH5 to cross the Mamaku Ranges before arriving in the Thermal City of Rotorua. 1730 On your arrival in Rotorua you make your way to your hotel and accommodation for tonight. The rest of your evening and dinner is at your leisure and expense. Recommended accommodation: Distinction Rotorua Hotel (B&B basis) Day 2 ROTORUA SIGHTS (B,L,D) 0725 You will be collected from your hotel for your Greatsights Morning Rotorua Sights Tour. Your tour includes a visit to New Zealand s Maori Cultural Centre at Te Puia, where you will experience Rotorua s famous geothermal activity, take a guided tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and see Te Puia s woodcarving & weaving school. 0930 From here you are transferred to see our agricultural industry in action at the Agrodome, a working organic farm where you can find out about farming life in New Zealand, watch a sheep shearing display and see sheep dog trials where hard-working farm dogs show off their amazing skills. 1030 You are then transferred to Rainbow Springs Nature Park to see New Zealand wildlife and natural scenery on display. You will get up close to all kinds of native flora and fauna including the famous kiwi, a flightless native bird. 1200 From here you are transferred to Skyline Skyrides for a spectacular Gondola ride almost to the summit of Mt Ngongotaha to share in the captivating views of Lake Rotorua and the city. While here you will enjoy a sumptuous Buffet meal while taking in the views.
1400 After your lunch you are transferred back into the CBD or to your hotel to enjoy the rest of your afternoon at your own leisure. 1550-1600 Tonight, you are collected by your Waka (bus) from your hotel for an unforgettable Maori Cultural Experience at Tamaki Maori Village. On your arrival you will share in the Pohiri, our ancient ceremony of welcome. You will also witness the arrival of Maori warriors paddling a Waka known as Te waka Tamaki Rangatira before entering our pre-european Maori Village nestled within a native Tawa Forest. The village comes alive with sights, sounds & activity of days gone by including haka, poi, tattooing, weaving, carving and arts of warrior training. You will have the opportunity to participate in these activities. Witness the earth being scraped away from the hangi pit to reveal baskets of food cooked beneath the ground on hot stones. Enter the ancestral meeting house and enjoy a powerful cultural performance before dining the traditional hangi buffet feast. You are then transferred back to your hotel by your driver in your Waka (bus) 2030 Arrive back at your hotel for the evening. Recommended accommodation: Distinction Rotorua Hotel (B&B basis) Day 3 ROTORUA - TAURANGA (B,D) 0900 Following breakfast you leave your hotel and travel east of Rotorua on SH33 toward Tauranga to arrive in Paeangaroa and the home of Comvita Honey. 0945 Here make a stop at Experience Comvita to take a 40 minute guided tour discovering the world of the honey bee and the wonder of nature s intelligence. Explore the healing power of nature through New Zealand s native plants, including Manuka. See the world through the eyes of the magnificent honeybee and learn how they share the gifts of nature with us. In the beehive, immerse yourself in their world. Following this there is time to venture in the retail world of Manuka Honey, UMF Honey and Propolis and Health & Beauty products to take home or to ship home instead. 1100 You depart Comvita continuing on SH33 to Tauranga and the beautiful Mt Maunganui beach. 1145 The remainder of your day is at your leisure. Take a stroll along Mt Maunganui Beach, visit the Saltwater Geothermally Heated Hot Pools or you could take an optional guided walk to the summit of Mauo (Mt Maunganui) with commentary from your guide, which will take approx 3 hours return. The trip to the summit is well worth it and the views are spectacular. Recommended accommodation: Trinity Wharf Hotel (B&B basis) 1930-2030 (S) During Summer hours..
1600-1700 (W) During Winter hours, you are collected from your hotel for your Dinner in the Park experience with Guided Footprints at McLarens Falls Park. 1630-2100 On your arrival a short walk is taken in native bush on groomed pathways to view a waterfall. Upon your return dinner is served, a Kiwi BBQ dinner including an assortment of marinated meats and salad complimented with dessert! If required warm blankets will be provided to wrap around to keep you warm while you enjoy the cuisine. At the completion of your dinner you are transferred back to your accommodation for the night. Day 4 TAURANGA- AUCKLAND (B) 0830 Following breakfast you leave your hotel and travel north on SH2 toward Waihi. 0930 0n your arrival in Waihi you arrive at the Waihi Gold Discovery centre for a self-guided tour of this award winning interactive Gold Discovery Centre - voted the Best NZ Museum Visitor Experience in May 2015. This is found at the top end of Seddon Street, the main street in Waihi. 1030 You then depart from the Discovery Centre for your escorted Waihi Gold mine Tour of the Martha Mine, an actual working gold mine. 1200 You then make your way back to Auckland SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge to Paeroa. We would recommend lunch in the Karangahake Gorge at the Bistro at Falls Retreat http://www.fallsretreat.co.nz/find-us/ (at your own expense) You then continue your drive in to Paeroa where we suggest you make a stop to take a photo at the iconic L&P bottle which is a world famous New Zealand soft drink originally made famous by extracting the spring water from Paeroa to make up this iconic soft drink. Why not try sampling some while you are in New Zealand!! Continuing north, you will later connect onto SH1 heading toward Auckland to then cross the Bombay Hills and make your way down the Southern Motorway. 1700 Arrive back in Auckland or dependent on whether a stop is made for lunch or not, you may choose to drive straight back to Auckland, a 2 hour drive from
Paeroa with the remainder of your day and evening at your leisure. Alternatively you could drive directly to Auckland International Airport to connect to your homeward bound flight. The Bay meets the Waikato 2 Day Tour Day 1 AUCKLAND TAURANGA via WAIHI 0845 Depart Auckland. Head south on SH1 until you reach SH2 and take this route toward Tauranga. 1015 Arrive in Ngatea. We suggest time is taken here to have morning tea at a local Café. We recommend the Woodturners Café just off the SH27 turn off https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/restaurant_review-g255369-d3574575- Reviews-Woodturners_Cafe- Thames_Coromandel_Peninsula_Waikato_Region_North_Island.html or the Copper Kettle Café in Ngatea (both options are at your own expense) https://maps.here.com/new-zealand/ngatea/food-drink/copper-kettle-cafe-- 554rckgc-50809897b7824e61b7dacd45ed0eeaf1?x=ep&map=- 37.27612,175.49388,16,normal 1045 Depart Ngatea for Paeroa 1100 Arrive in Paeroa for a photo stop at the L&P Bottle 1115 Depart Paeroa 1130 Arrive at Karangahake for your Guided Footprints Karangahake Gorge Golden Heritage Walk 1145 Depart for a 45 min guided walk through the Gorge following the Heritage Gold trail and learn about the Gold Mining History in this area dating back to the 1870 s. 1230 Depart Karangahake 1245 You then arrive in the town of Waihi. Time is available to take in lunch at a local Waihi café or we could recommend the Bistro at Falls Retreat in the Karangahake Gorge. http://www.fallsretreat.co.nz/find-us/ (at your own expense) 1345 Arrive at the Gold Discovery centre for a self-guided tour of this award winning interactive Gold Discovery Centre - voted the Best NZ Museum Visitor Experience in May 2015. This is found at the top end of Seddon Street, the main street in Waihi. 1445 You then depart from the Discovery Centre for your escorted Waihi Gold mine Tour of the Martha Mine, an actual working gold mine. 1615 Next you continue on your journey to Tauranga continuing south on SH2.
1715 Arrive at your accommodation for tonight. Accommodation: Hotel Armitage Bed & Breakfast Basis 9 Willow Street, Tauranga 1800 You are collected from your hotel for your Dinner in the Park experience with Guided Footprints 1830 On your arrival dinner is served, a Kiwi BBQ dinner including an assortment of marinated meats and salad complimented with dessert! If required we provide warm blankets to wrap around to keep you warm while you enjoy the cuisine. NOTE: Winter (Apr/Sept) will include a glow worm walk after dinner, Depending on the client s feeling/agreement they will also have the option to enjoy the glow worms after dining- this will extend the tour time by approximately an hour at the peak of summer. Day Light savings causes the change. Arrive at McLarens Falls Park with a safety briefing on arrival Winter (Apr - Sept) Start with the outside dining experience then look at the glow worms nestled in a forest setting. You can virtually reach out your hand to touch them. Take your time, take photos. Enjoy a sit down buffet styled dinner with Asia flavour consisting of Chicken, Beef, seasonal vegetables stir fry, rice, whole fish, with bottled water, juice, green tea and finish with NZ sweet or biscuit. BYO Wine/Beer Next we take a Glow worm viewing walk (around the same path) Hand out farewell FREE Gift & link to digital photos Depart the park for accommodation (W) 2030 arrive back at your hotel for the night Day 2 TAURANGA AUCKLAND via HAMILTON 0845 Following breakfast we depart the hotel for Hamilton travelling via Matamata, on SH29 with time for a stop in Matamata for a coffee (at your own expense) or to grab a photo of the Hobbit looking i-site. 1045 Arrive at the Hamilton Gardens car park and then make your way to the entrance of the Hamilton Gardens Information Centre to
commence your guided tour. 1100 You commence your guided Garden Tour of the Hamilton Gardens Paradise Collection. Following this, there is time to peruse the local souvenir shop or to grab a coffee at the Gardens Café before your Waikato River lunch cruise, or check out your favourite garden again. 1230 You then take a short stroll to the river jetty, adjacent to the back of the Hamilton Gardens Car Park for your Waikato River Explorer Luncheon Cruise on the Waikato River. 1300 You depart on your Luncheon Cruise travelling on the Waikato River with a full commentary on the history of Waikato River including the Maori battles that were fought up and down the river, as well as the history about Hamilton & the Waikato region with lots of photo opportunities along the way. On board today you will receive Lunch you can select an item from the following menu options; Soup, Nacho s, Salad, or a choice of Panini s and Toasties accompanied by tea & coffee. A cash bar is available for alcoholic drinks. A child menu is also available on board. 1430 You arrive back at the jetty and make your way back to the Gardens Car Park to continue your journey to Classics Museum heading back through the city on the SH1 bypass to Dinsdale. 1450 You then arrive at the Classics Museum to view some American and International Classic Cars dating back to the 1960 s and many beyond this, amongst a private collection. On arrival there will be a short welcome and introduction about the Car Museum and the cars on display, some are very unique and expensive vehicles. Following this you will have a 45 minute self-guided experience looking around at the vehicles before departing. 1535 You then commence your return trip to Auckland continuing north on SH 1. 1730 Arrive back in Auckland. A Day in the Waikato Self-Drive or Group Tour 2016 0845 Depart Auckland and travel along SH1 south to Hamilton
1045 Arrive at the Hamilton Gardens car park and then make your way to the entrance of the Hamilton Gardens Information Centre to commence your guided tour. 1100 You commence your guided Garden Tour of the Hamilton Gardens Paradise Collection. Following this, there is time to peruse the local souvenir shop or to grab a coffee at the Gardens Café before your Waikato River lunch cruise, or check out your favourite garden again. 1230 You then take a short stroll to the river jetty, adjacent to the back of the Hamilton Gardens Car Park for your Waikato River Explorer Lunch Cruise on the Waikato River. 1300 You depart on your Luncheon Cruise travelling on the Waikato River with a full commentary on the history of Waikato River including the Maori battles that were fought up and down the river, as well as the history about Hamilton & the Waikato region. On board today you will receive Lunch, you can select an item from the following menu options; Soup, Nacho s, Salad, or a choice of Panini s and Toasties accompanied by tea & coffee. A cash bar is available for alcoholic drinks. A child menu is also available on board. 1430 You arrive back at the jetty and make your way back to the Gardens Car Park to continue your journey to Classics Museum heading back through the city on the SH1 bypass to Dinsdale. 1445 You then arrive at the Classics Museum to view some American and International Classic Cars dating back to the 1960 s and many beyond this, amongst a private collection. On arrival there will be a short welcome and introduction about the Car Museum and the cars on display, some are very unique and expensive vehicles. Following this you will have a 45 minute self-guided experience looking around at the vehicles before departing. 1530 You then commence your return trip to Auckland continuing north on SH 1. 1730 Arrive back in Auckland. Note: Should you have interest in any of the above itineraries, TRNZ encourage you to contact your local New Zealand based Land Operator or DMC to obtain rates and validity.