Adventure to Middle Earth

Welcome to New Zealand. With your first day at leisure, settle into your retreat, which is perfectly positioned on Auckland’s waterfront. Spend the day exploring the local harbour and arts scene at your own pace.

Your adventure starts at Auckland Wharf on day two, were you’ll board the ferry for Waiheke Island — a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches. Set out on a full-day gourmet food and wine tour with your private driver/guide. Sample award-winning olive oil, wild aromatic honey, artisan cheeses and freshly shucked oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, accompanied by wines from some of the Island's top boutique vineyards. Afterwards, enjoy a platter lunch at one of New Zealand's famed vineyard restaurants. Return by ferry this afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Park Hyatt, Auckland | BL

Collect your rental car* and journey through the rolling green farmlands of Matamata for a day of Middle Earth magic at the Hobbiton movie set. This experience transports you straight out of reality and right into the Shire, where you can see Hobbit holes, the Mill, gardens, wells and beehives, and the famous Green Dragon Inn. Listen in for fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of these extraordinary movies, before heading to the Green Dragon Inn for a Southfarthing ale, beer or cider. Finish in Rotorua, known for its bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as its rich Māori culture. This evening, enjoy dinner at the luxurious Solitaire Lodge.

Solitaire Lodge | BD

This morning, make your way to the Rotorua Lakefront for a spectacular heli-tour over Crater Lakes. Soar over Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Okareka, Tarawera, Okataina and Rotorua to witness their extraordinary volcanic colours from above.

Continue to the National Kiwi Hatchery for an exclusive Insider Access encounter with New Zealand's elusive kiwi. Meet the master conservationists behind the scenes, and take a glimpse at kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks. Learn all about kiwi conservation and the vital research taking place to house, feed and boost the population of these precious native birds.

This afternoon, explore New Zealand's geothermal wonderland, Te Puia, home to Maori ancestral histories and ancient stories of the land. Come face-to-face with the biggest, naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere and set your eyes on the exploding mud pools in the valley. Next it’s on to the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, where you can watch carvers and weavers demonstrate their skill while hearing stories of the ancestors. Finish with a mesmerising Haka performance, before heading back for a dinner spent relaxing at the lodge.

Solitaire Lodge | BD

This morning, take a Tarawera Thermal Springs tour and visit the natural hot springs where you can soak in complete tranquillity as the morning sun filters through the native bush. Savour a light lunch, before an afternoon at leisure to unwind at your luxurious Lodge, with breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera.

After dinner make your way to Redwoods Treewalk, to meet night fauna in the 120-year-old Redwood Forest. High above the forest floor, your walk is an exhilarating 700 metres long, spans across 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms. Lit by 34 exquisite lanterns, be transported to a world of forest and fantasy

Solitaire Lodge | BLD

Leave Rotorua behind as you self-drive to the airport for your departing flight.

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*Vehicle hire not included.