Hobbiton & Māori Heritage Escape
Journey from the urban bustle of Auckland into the heart of New Zealand’s cultural and cinematic landscapes. After marveling at Waitomo’s subterranean magic and Rotorua’s explosive geothermal wonders at Te Puia, you’ll find rejuvenation in the therapeutic mud baths of Hell’s Gate and tradition at a seasonal Te Pā Tū forest feast. Your adventure concludes with an exclusive exploration of the Shire, where the rolling hills of Matamata bring Middle-earth to life before your return to the city.
Tour overview
Departs every day - flexible independent travel
This suggested tour costs from NZD$1,700 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Auckland, finishes in Auckland
3 days/2 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
Viewed 18 times in the last 7 days
We can customize this tour suggestion to suit you perfectly. Add more time in favourite locations, stay in different accommodations, experience activities that interest you - we can arrange it all. Just get in touch to get your Tailor-Made itinerary
Day 1 - Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves
Travel from Auckland to Rotorua and visit the famous Waitomo Caves along the way. This tour showcases some of the most iconic destinations on North Island. Discover Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal activity and rich Māori heritage. Enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and explore the geothermal wonderland of Te Puia. Your journey concludes in Rotorua.
Your accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa
Silver Fern Suites & Spa is located just minutes from Rotorua's city centre and is close to popular thermal attractions, cafes, restaurants and golf courses. Suites have a private spa pool or double spa bath for you to unwind and relax.
Day 2 - Mud Baths & Māori Culture
Combine all three of Hell’s Gate most popular experiences with this package. Take part in the guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk before indulging in their geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Māori have been using for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.
New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.
Your accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa
Silver Fern Suites & Spa is located just minutes from Rotorua's city centre and is close to popular thermal attractions, cafes, restaurants and golf courses. Suites have a private spa pool or double spa bath for you to unwind and relax.Day 3 - Return to Auckland via The Shire
Take a journey from Rotorua to famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located inside a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep and beef farm near Matamata. Here, take a guided tour of the village of Hobbiton, which was carefully created in amazing detail as a film location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies. During your guided tour of this amazing location you’ll see sights like Hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, enjoy a drink at The Green Dragon Inn and a tasty Hobbit lunch at the Party Marquee. Finish off the tour with a coach ride back to Auckland.
