Family Adventure to Middle Earth

Welcome to New Zealand, with your first day at leisure to settle in and revel in the local restaurants, local arts scene and discover at your own pace. Then your adventure starts in earnest with an enthralling dolphin watching safari. Setting out aboard the  ‘Dolphin Explorer’ you’ll discover the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of encounters with its diverse marine wildlife.

From the large open deck, enjoy views of famous Auckland landmarks like the Harbour Bridge, North Head and Devonport, and volcanic Rangitoto Island, watching out for orca and dolphins known to frequent the inner Waitematā Harbour. A marine safari sure to surprise and delight, keep your eyes peeled for Bryde’s whales and common dolphins, pygmy blue whales, New Zealand fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles and up to 26 species of seabirds as you sail along.

As the crew provides knowledgeable commentary, onboard marine science experts will  invite you to join interactive research activities. As you return to Auckland shore, you can learn more with an optional wildlife presentation.
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Collect your rental car and journey to picturesque farmland in Matamata for a day of Middle Earth magic at the Hobbiton movie set. Join a shared tour of the set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Seek out Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn. Marvel at fake wells and beehives alongside real gardens and then head to Rotorua, the country’s geothermal hot spot and cradle of Maori culture.
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Embark on an scenic helicopter ride over hidden crater lakes, surrounded by native forests and pastoral lands. An aerial perspective best revealing their true beauty, your return flight across the shores of the Lake Rotorua offers contrasting stunning city views. This afternoon, learn about the traditional Maori culture preserved at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley. Here, you’ll be spellbound by geothermal wonders, witnessing  the biggest, active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere Pōhutu Geyser, jumping mudpools, and coming face-to-face with the endangered kiwi in the new Kiwi Conservation Centre. Watch master carvers and weavers at work, and be enthralled as expert local guides share stories passed down from their ancestors.
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Today you make your own way to Rotorua Forest, where you’ll soar through the canopy on a half-day shared zipline adventure. Deep in a fairy tale native forest that has stood for centuries, you will explore on ziplines, across swing bridges, over walking trails and treetop platforms, spellbound by the natural wonders from every angle. Led by local experts with a passion for conservation and unique knowledge of the forest, this adventure will particularly enchant bird lovers, with an opportunity to hand-feed rare native birds.

With an afternoon at leisure, you may like to take a dip in one of Rotorua’s hot pools known for their healing properties.
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Leave the captivating power of Rotorua behind as you self-drive to the airport for your departing flight.
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