The drive from Auckland to Rotorua is a very common North Island route planned into New Zealand Itineraries for visitors exploring by road. The travel time for directly driving Auckland to Rotorua takes about 3 hours. While driving from Auckland to Rotorua takes a few hours, the trip will fly by with these awesome stop-offs - plus the drive from Auckland to Rotorua is also filled with amazing scenery!

If you want to experience the thrill of flying through the incredible surrounds of native New Zealand forest, then Rotorua Canopy Tours can provide you just that. New Zealand’s only native forest zip line canopy tour – allows you to experience the wonders of the ancient New Zealand native forest in a totally unique and exciting way. I think everyone should experience that fear-excitement zone!”

The Rotorua Canopy tour guides are passionate, professional and friendly and will walk you through the history of the forest, pointing out some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world.

Our Original Canopy Tour is eco-tourism at its absolute best – in fact, this tour just won a 2019 ‘100% Pure Experience’ Award. Your three-hour journey meanders through the treetops via walking trails, swing bridges, platforms and zip lines/ flying foxes at heights of up to 40 metres above the ground! We will take you into an ancient, pristine, forest where you’ll see and hear lots of beautiful native birds up close.

You’ll also find yourself 22m up in the air on our highest platform, and cross some phenomenal swing bridges. These vantage points will give you a whole new perspective on how special New Zealand’s native forests really are.

Our guides are passionate, professional and friendly and will walk you through the history of the forest, pointing out some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world and are trained to keep you completely safe, and are guaranteed to make you smile! We’ll also show you why you’re at the heart of our conservation story and explain how you’re literally saving this forest from destruction. There’s truly no better way to explore the beauty of New Zealand’s native forests! If you want something higher, longer & more spectacular then check out the Ultimate Canopy experience.

This is the most adventurous experience! If you have a “go big or go home” mantra then this Black Water Rafting tour is a must-do! A fun challenge! Experiences are all the more memorable when you push yourself out of your comfort zone or do something you have never done before.

New Zealand’s coasts and their accompanying beaches couldn’t be further alike if they tried. On the east, you can enjoy sinking your toes into pristine white sand before taking a dip into calm and clear waters. On the west, beach-goers will discover endless stretches of black, sparkling sands on the cusp of wild waves.

Our experience starts by stretching the length of the Central Auckland easterly waterfront, the Tamaki Drive to see the stunning attractions and unspoiled scenery of the City of Sail.  - Stops at the major Auckland city highlight spots- Auckland Waterfront, Bastion Point, Mission Bay, Tamaki Drive and Achilles Point, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Devonport and Parnell Village. This revitalised waterfront precinct is brimming with the energy of locals and visitors of all ages. There are plenty of opportunities to capture amazing photos that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Venture a little further and you’ll stumble upon Auckland’s oldest suburb, Parnell Village, is known for its fabulous restaurants, quaint cafes, diverse galleries and shopping districts, and is definitely a top spot to explore whilst in the area. Besides the beautiful surroundings, entering Auckland Domain will surprise you at how big it is, and how many beautiful spots there are to just sit down and relax! Also, there is a duck pond which has a fountain in it, and that makes for happy ducks! The excellent Auckland Museum is also found within Auckland Domain. 

Travel across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and take in 360-degree views of the city on your way to the North Shore of Auckland. Take in more spectacular views of Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf from North Head. Drive through Victorian suburbs and bustling shopping centres and travel North West to discovery, culture, creativity, adventure, fine food and wine.

Tempt your taste buds at one of the award-winning vineyard who offer an extensive range of wines for every unique taste and occasion .Enjoy a generous tasting of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Albarino, Arneis, barrel fermented Chardonnay as well as regional Pinot Noirs, a Hawkes Bay Syrah.

Arrive at the Wild West coast black sand beach of Muriwai. Exploring this area, you will be amazed by the rugged coastline, unique black sand and the feel of raw natural power that surrounds the area. Though the waves are thundering and the sand a unique shade of black, Muriwai is one of the best New Zealand beaches to kick off you shoes, feel the sand between your toes and watch the world go by. The expansive landscape that reaches as far as the eye can see, and swell gushing in from the Tasman Sea, allows you to feel the true force of natural New Zealand. See Gannets nesting and flying over rock outcrops and black sand beaches. The gannet colony is in residence from August to March. Here you get a close-up of the gannet colony without disturbing their environment. When the tour ends in the afternoon, you'll leave Auckland with a day you'll never forget.

The drive from Auckland to Rotorua is a very common North Island route planned into New Zealand Itineraries for visitors exploring by tours. The travel time for directly driving Auckland to Rotorua takes about 3 hours. While driving from Auckland to Rotorua takes a few hours, the trip will fly by with these awesome stop-offs - plus the drive from Auckland to Rotorua is also filled with amazing scenery!​

Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient forest like never before – in two unforgettable zip line adventures. Step into a lost world and come face to face with towering trees and native flora untouched for centuries in one of the most intact native eco-systems you’ll find anywhere in New Zealand. Immerse yourself in this breath-taking country the way it once was – and hear the inimitable birdsong of New Zealand native birds including Tuis, North Island Robins, Kereru and Tomtits in their natural habitat. Get below the surface, above the trees, learn about the past and become part of the future – in an adventure like nothing else.​

The Ultimate Tour is bigger, faster and longer than The Original Tour. The 3.5 hour experience consists of 1200m of zip lines, an 18m abseil, swing bridges, a 400m long zip line, a 50m high cliff walk and spiral staircases! This is the ultimate way to explore the treetops and the breath-taking lake views.​

Relive the sounds, sights and smells of a time before men left their indelible imprint upon nature. This is New Zealand in all of its glory and you will never forget it! You’ll find yourself standing near the top of towering native trees; flying across fern-clad valleys that have stood untouched for 1000 years and climbing suspended staircases and bridges that will blow your mind. This tour is suitable for ages 10+. You might even be lucky enough to hand-feed wild North Island robin which is pretty incredible. The Ultimate Canopy Tour is our premium product and has taken this tour to a whole new level. The longest, 400m zip line is a tandem zip line so you can ride side-by-side and share this unforgettable experience. The Ultimate Canopy Tour is higher, longer and 100% more spectacular than our Original Canopy Tour.

Starting in Auckland travel though the picturesque coastal region of the Bay of Plenty and on to the famous geothermal wonderland of Rotorua where Maori culture abounds. Located just minutes away from central Rotorua, nestled in a geothermal valley abundant with the best of Rotorua’s geysers, as well as bubbling mud and steaming hot pools.

Experience an authentic cultural encounter that is rich in traditions passed on from generation to generation, set in a landscape where your senses will come alive. The Living village is a popular tourism destination that incorporates the magnificence of the geothermal landscape and the unique experience of a traditional Maori village, a place of natural wonder and spiritual significance. 500 hot springs and 65 geyser vents are set among the distinctly colourful sinter terraces and pools that make up the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley.

Discover the wonders of Mother Nature and learn how we have come to live in harmony within this unique environment. The guided tours are entertaining and informative with a focus on giving everyone an understanding of the Maori history, culture and how the villagers live in the challenging Whakarewarewa Geothermal field and the significance of protecting it for future generations. Experience our Maori Cultural Performances entertaining you through song and dance.

Indulge your senses and try our Traditional Geothermal Hangi, Hangi Pie or Corn Cob, a tasteful and refreshing experience. You will get to visit the Whare Tepuna (ancestral house) where traditional carvings and woven panels are preserved at their original status. The Whare plays a significant part of the villagers lives where the tribes genealogy, history and culture are honoured. The tour includes the special viewing of the Pohutu Geyser, meaning big splash or explosion, where Mother Natures power and force is on display through the water vapour eruption up to 30 meters tall. The Living Māori Village offers an unforgettable day-time cultural and geothermal experience for all ages. From an enriching memories of the living village we move on to the haunting echoes of the past. New Zealand’s most visited archaeological site where stories Tarawera volcanic Eruption come to life. 

Visit and learn how Māori and early settlers lived and worked together, guiding visitors to see the world famous Pink and White Terraces. Enjoy a leisurely walk through and explore the sites that have been excavated from the village. Hear the stories of Tarawera in our award-winning museum. Visit the mesmerizing natural Te Wairoa (Wairere Falls), plunging to the valley along our Waterfall Trails. Discover the unique geology of the Rotorua region and how the eruption changed and shaped the area forever. Meet the unique personalities that shaped the early tourism industry in New Zealand.

Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is where Peter Jackson filmed his famous Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Our tour starts by from Auckland city  where we pick you up from, you’ll enjoy a two-hour scenic drive South of Auckland into Waikato, with a scenic stop or two for taking picturesque photos of New Zealand's lush countryside. ​

​Located 10 minutes away from the bustling Matamata Township the Shires Rest sits among the hills on a private working farm awaiting our arrival. Once we arrive, you spend 30-45 minutes shopping in the official Hobbiton Gift Shop and grabbing a drink or a bite in the famous Shire’s Rest Cafe. Your guided tour starts on a Hobbiton tour bus with a drive through New Zealand's picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Take a look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Get lost among the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and the Party Tree. Listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be. Your guide will escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the Shire as featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.​

After you finish your amazing Hobbit tour we make our way through the scenic roads into geothermal valley of Rotorua for your next experience at the living Maori village! 

Explore an authentic living Māori village where people live on a daily basis, using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have for centuries. Discover the vibrancy of Māori culture and the fascinating traditions of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who shaped tourism in New Zealand. View the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley up close, including the world-famous Pōhutu geyser, boiling mud-pools, steam vents and bubbling pools. Enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration – watch our residents prepare Hāngi meals in our in-ground steam boxes, and cook corn in the bubbling water of our geothermal hot pools – as they have for generations. Learn what it’s like to live in the challenging environment of the Whakarewarewa Valley, where daily life includes cooking in the bubbling pools and steam vents, and bathing in the refreshing therapeutic waters.​

​After you finish your amazing tour experience, we make our way through the scenic roads of Waikato back to Auckland CBD.​

The Coromandel, renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests and laid-back vibe, is one of New Zealand's most popular holiday destinations. Renowned for its natural beauty, green pastures, misty rainforests and pristine golden beaches, The Coromandel is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to escape. ​

A binocular’s view across the gulf from Auckland, The Coromandel is everything that a big city isn’t. With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled and relaxed. Marvel at the spectacular views and the ever-changing landscape as we stop en route to take magical photos.​

Nestled amongst regenerating native forest near Coromandel Town is Driving Creek Railway, a narrow-gorge mountain trail lined with unique and colourful pottery. It’s all aboard as you enjoy a scenic one hour train ride up to the ‘Eyefull Tower’, where colossal views stretch out over the Hauraki Gulf and Islands.  1-hour train ride that includes 2 spirals, 3 short tunnels, 5 reversing points and several large viaducts as it climbs up the hill to the Eyefull Tower. At the top, you will be fascinated by the panoramic views over the island-studded Hauraki Gulf.​

Cathedral Cove is arguably one of the most picturesque spots in The Coromandel. From the north end of the beach, a one hour walking track leads along the cliff top and then descends to the Cove. Here a gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore - a perfect place for a picnic and a swim.​

Deep within the earth a natural spring runs beneath Hot Water Beach, bubbling up to emerge through the sand in the form of naturally heated mineral water. At the southern end of the beach, it’s possible to dig your own hot pool in the sand. Relaxing in your own spa pool meters from the Pacific Ocean is a very unique feeling!

​After a fun-filled scenic experience at the Coromandel, it is now time to head back to Auckland.

Experience yourself why the city of sails, our super city Auckland consistently has come in third place in a new survey that ranks the world’s most liveable cities? No wonder, Auckland is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, has great food on offer, and is rich in cultural diversity.​

There are so many ways to experience Māori culture in Auckland, that give you an insight into Māori history, traditions and beliefs, through to contemporary Māori art at local galleries.​

Travel through the city centre, along the main streets of Queen Street, past iconic Karangahape road and the stylish suburb of Ponsonby, discover the significance of the dormant volcano Maungawhau (Mount Eden), which stands proudly above Auckland city. At the mountain summit, the highest geographical point in Auckland, views of the Manukau and Waitematā harbours, Rangitoto and beyond will take your breath away. Escape the hustle & bustle of the city into an expansive parkland near the heart of Auckland, surrounding the park containing Maungakiekie pa or the hill of One Tree Hill. One of the many small, dormant volcanic cones that lie through the city, One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) features an urban park with giant trees, wide avenues, plenty of trails to explore, and a viewing platform on the top of the hill.​

Drive through the coastal road to Achilles Point to Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park. Named after one of New Zealand’s greatest and most popular Prime Ministers, the park, with its formal gardens and tranquil atmosphere, offers a panoramic outlook over the picturesque Eastern Bays, Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour.​

Venture a little further and you’ll stumble upon Auckland’s oldest suburb, Parnell Village, is known for its fabulous restaurants, quaint cafes, diverse galleries and shopping districts, and is definitely a top spot to explore whilst in the area and enter the Winter Garden at the Auckland Domain is a treasure of great historic interest. Established after World War I and is a protected heritage site consisting of two display glass houses containing temperate plants and tropical plants, a formal courtyard with pond, and a fernery within an old quarry.​

About 5 minute walk from the winter garden is our Auckland war memorial museum. Get a glimpse into Māori culture, which takes you on a journey through the story of Aotearoa (New Zealand). The museum is the only venue in Auckland providing daily Māori cultural performances. The museum's performance is recognised as being one of the best in New Zealand and culminates with a moving version of the world-famous haka, a war dance.​

Travel over the iconic Harbour Bridge, to visit Mt. Victoria located in Devonport. At the summit you’ll find one of Devonport’s disappearing guns, one of only a few left in the world. Loved by locals and visitors, Mount Victoria is one of the best vantage points in all of Auckland. Enjoy spectacular views of the Auckland City Skyline and the stunning Waitemata Harbour – have your camera ready!​​

​After completing your rich heritage experience you will realise that it is no surprise that New Zealand city is among the top three in the world!

New Zealand prides itself as one of the few countries in the world with an incredibly wide range of natural resources and wonderful attractions. One of the country’s most unique natural wonders are the famous glow-worm caves.

Taking a road trip to this amazing destination located in the King Country of the Waikato takes about 3 hours when driving south from Auckland. If you love the idea of taking a break from urban life and breezing down the highway surrounded by lush greenery, then a drive from Auckland to Waitomo Caves won’t disappoint you.  The longest river in New Zealand, the Waikato, will keep you company along the road. 

Glow Worm Cave

Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves The enchanting Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms. The subterranean cave system is located beneath the rolling green countryside of the Waikato, one of New Zealand’s prime farming regions. Your guided Waitomo Caves tour will be an unforgettable sightseeing experience as you walk through majestic caverns, explore limestone shafts, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a boat ride through a grotto lit by thousands of tiny native glowworms..

Glowworm caves in New Zealand offer visitors the chance to explore dark caves that are lit up by thousands of tiny glowworms (scientifically known as Arachnocampa Luminosa) who shine bright as a way to attract their prey. This natural phenomenon is special, and besides one location in Australia, New Zealand is the only place in the world where glowworm caves exist!

Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Travel in style from Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set - set on rolling farmland, this is the world famous movie set where you'll see the intricately created 'Hobbit holes' the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree and so much more cinematic magic! Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the Shire as featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

Leaving Auckland through the rolling hills of the Waikato region and beautiful farming towns along the way, you'll experience beautiful countryside in luxurious coach comfort. Located 10 minutes away from the bustling Matamata Township the Shires Rest sits among the hills on a private working farm awaiting our arrival. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges.
 
Walk into the real-world landscape of Middle Earth on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit.’ Pause at the Green Dragon™ Inn to for a draft of Hobbit™ Southfarthing™, see the remarkable detailing that brought Hobbiton™ to life on screen, and visit the places where key scenes were created. Take a look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Get lost among the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and the Party Tree. Listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be.

​Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.
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After returning to Matamata, re-join the luxury coach to discover Te Puia Geothermal Valley in Rotorua. Te Puia is a must-do activity in Rotorua, and a day tour of Te Puia is the best way to experience this top visitor attraction in New Zealand. There are few places in the world where geothermal phenomena such as geysers and mud pools are as extensive and accessible as in Rotorua. Situated five minutes from central Rotorua, Te Puia is an iconic destination for visitors featuring the world famous Pohutu Geyser, Māori cultural performances, live Kiwi, boiling mud pools, native bush and the National Schools of Wood Carving and Weaving. Explore Te Puia’s unique Whakarewarewa geothermal valley home to the world famous Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to twenty times a day, and up to thirty metres high into the air. Explore the boiling mud pools and the boiling waters which are still used to cook in.Te Puia is an iconic New Zealand destination for visitors. Our tradition of guiding in the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley extends for generations.

This three day tour packs it in with Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe, Loch Ness, a steam train journey over the Glennfinnan Viaduct , and a visit to Dunkeld.

9 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

9 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

8 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

6 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

8 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

10 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

6 D |Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

7 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

10 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

6 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

7 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

6 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

4 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and To Colombo

4 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

4 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

3 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

3 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

3 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

9 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

5 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Colombo

5 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Rome

Explore Culross,,the show's setting for Cranesmuir witch trials, and walk about Falkland '1940's Inverness'. Take in Doune Castle and Midhope Castle - the real life Lallybroch. Wander the ruins of Linlithgow Palace aka Wentworth Prison in the show.

Alnwick Castle, Beautiful coastline of Scotland and England, and Bamburgh Castle

Discover a stunning glen, the Hermitage Forest, and visit a Highlandwhisky distillery.

4 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Lima

3 D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Lima

Isle of Skye, Jacobite Steam Train**, Loch Ness Cruise, Whisky Tasting, Eilean Donan Castle, Highland Capital Inverness, Culloden Battlefield, Glencoe, Fishing Port of Oban, Armadale Castle

Loch Ness, Beauly, a Highland whisky distillery, Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns

Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Isle of Skye: Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Kilt Rock waterfall, Portree

10D | Guaranteed Departure | From Lima to Santa Cruz Island (Ecuador)

6D | Guaranteed Departure | From Lima to Cusco

13 D | Guaranteed Departure| From Lima to Cusco

10D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Lima

8D | Guaranteed Departure | From Lima to Puno

4D | Guaranteed Departure | From and to Cusco

5D | Guaranteed Departure | From Lima to Cusco

7D | Guaranteed Departure | From Lima to Cusco

9 D | Guaranteed Departure | From Lima to Cusco

9D | Guaranteed Departure| From and to Lima