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Rotorua, New Zealand

Cultural Highlights of New Zealand

19-day tailor-made self-drive from £5,490 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

Explore the myths and legends of the Maori and J.R.R. Tolkien on this tailor-made adventure through New Zealand

Highlights

  • Take in New Zealand's mountain vistas on ultra-scenic drives
  • Experience the volcanic wonders of Rotorua
  • Spot whales in Kaikoura
  • Showcase New Zealand's historic cities
  • Stay in boutique properties throughout

In Brief

  • 1 Night Auckland
  • 2 Nights Bay of Islands
  • 1 Night Auckland
  • 2 Nights Rotorua
  • 2 Nights Wellington
  • 2 Nights Kaikoura
  • 1 Night Christchurch
  • 2 Nights Mount Cook
  • 2 Nights Queenstown

About

Recommended for:
Activity adventure | February holidays | History & culture | January holidays | March holidays | Natural world | Self-drive

New Zealand is a country of legend and myth, a cultural melting pot with a rich and vibrant history. Maori heritage remains at the heart of this island nation known as Aotearoa - "the Land of the Long White Cloud". In recent times New Zealand has also become known for another legend, one born out of the sublime storytelling of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale The Lord of the Rings and, more recently, The Hobbit. This tailor-made self-drive takes you on a journey through New Zealand's fascinating history and breathtaking landscapes to the heart of Middle Earth as you visit some of the country's cultural hotspots as well as a series of film locations that really show off New Zealand at its absolute best.

Day by day itinerary

Days 1-2
UK/Auckland

Begin your holiday in style with included airport lounge access before your flight to Auckland, arriving on day three.

Day 3
Auckland

Arrive in the 'City of Sails' where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the myriad attractions of New Zealand's largest city. There's the buzz of the waterfront and the chic suburbs of Ponsonby and Mt Eden to explore. Or, you might prefer to hop on a ferry for a trip out to the islands and beaches of Waiheke Island.

Stay: Heritage Auckland (Superior)

Days 4-5
Bay of Islands

After breakfast on day two, collect your hire car and drive north to the Bay of Islands. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. An optional day pass to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which includes a guided tour and cultural performance, is a great way to learn about the region's fascinating Maori heritage and the events that shaped New Zealand. The pass is valid for two days. Alternatively, head out on a Discover KeriKeri tour, visiting Ake Ake vineyard and uncovering some of the town's best-kept secrets; visit the Stone Store at the edge of the inlet to see how early settlers lived and finish up with a tour of the Makana Chocolate Factory to watch hand-made truffles and toffees being made.

Stay: Decks of Paihia (Superior)

Meals: B

Day 6
Auckland

Return to Auckland for an overnight stay, breaking your journey to Rotorua and giving you more time explore the City of Sails. The culinary scene here is outstanding, with everything from farmers' markets to fine-dining restaurants showcasing the abundant produce of the Hauraki Gulf. Alternatively, consider a trip to the top of the Auckland Sky Tower for views across the city, harbour and islands beyond.

Stay: Heritage Auckland (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 7-8
Rotorua

Drive from Auckland to Rotorua for a two night stay. We recommend an optional excursion to the Hobbiton movie set from the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies. A Hobbiton Movie Set Tours vehicle will pick you up from your Rotorua hotel at 1.30pm for your transfer to The Shire's Rest, the departure point of your tour. This essential stop for every Tolkien fan starts with a drive through a 1,250 acre working sheep farm. The Hobbit Holes, Green Dragon Inn – where you can enjoy a specially brewed beverage – and other structures created for the films will show you how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle Earth. The tour guide will escort you through the ten-acre site while recounting fascinating stories of how the set was created. On your second day in Rotorua, perhaps enjoy a private guide for an optional Kia Ora Guided Walk taking in some of the town's most important historic sites.

Stay: Regent of Rotorua (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 9-10
Wellington

Today's drive is long but scenic as you head south to Wellington at the southern tip of the North Island. On arrival, check into your hotel where you'll spend the next two nights. The following day we recommend an optional WETA Workshop - 'There and Back Again' tour which visits the multi Academy Award-winning company behind Lord of the Rings, Avatar, King Kong and The Hobbit. Filled with props, models and weaponry, this tour gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how these movies were made.

Stay: QT Museum Wellington (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 11-12
Kaikoura

This morning you'll make your way to Wellington Harbour where you'll board the Interislander Ferry for your journey to Picton on New Zealand's South Island. On arrival, collect your hire car and continue south to Kaikoura on the east coast. The following day is free for optional touring. Perhaps join a whale wildlife cruise, looking out for whales, seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross.

Stay: Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses, Kaikoura (Deluxe)

Meals: B

Day 13
Christchurch

Head south to Christchurch for punts on the River Avon and lazing strolls through flower-filled gardens. Once you've check into your award-winning boutique hotel, you'll have a full day to explore the city and see its continuing recovery from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. 

Stay: Orari Bed & Breakfast, Christchurch (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 14-15
Mount Cook

Depart Christchurch and drive inland through some of the South Island's most breathtaking landscapes to Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the views of this spectacular region. The following day choose from three recommended optional excursions. Experience the beauty of the Southern Alps on a guided half-day Hooker Valley walk, a spectacular 4.5km return trek along a well maintained path taking in the poignant Alpine Memorial and majestic views of Mount Cook's south face. Alternatively, board a Glacier Explorer's Cruise to the Tasman Glacier, the largest in New Zealand, or perhaps join a Big Sky Stargazing tour. Using state-of-the-art telescopes, high powered binoculars and the expert knowledge of your astronomy guides you'll experience the beauty of the southern sky.

Stay: The Hermitage, Mt. Cook (Superior)

Days 16-17
Queenstown

Continue south to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. You'll have two free days to explore the town and surrounding region, with everything from hiking and cycling to and skydiving among the available options. Or, simply relax and soak up the views before your final journey into Middle Earth, an optional Safari of the Scenes full-day tour. A must for all Lord of the Rings fans, you'll takes in some of the films best-known locations combined with a thrilling off-road adventure through the wilds of the Southern Alps. Alternatively, consider a Real Journeys Nature Cruise instead, sailing along the shores of Lake Wakitipu to Te Anau to board the Milford Mariner for a cruise on beautiful Milford Sound. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the region's waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife before returning to Queenstown by fixed wing plane.

Stay: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 18-19
Queenstown/UK

Return your car to Queenstown airport where you'll board your flight home, arriving the next day.

Meals: B

Map

Pricing

Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Superior

19-day tailor-made self-drive
from £5,490 pp incl. flights

Superior

Includes:

  • Complimentary UK airport lounge access
  • Return flights between London, Auckland and Queenstown
  • Private transfers in Auckland
  • 15 days medium car hire with GPS and Interislander ferry (premium plus)
  • 15 nights accommodation in typically 4* (superior) hotels on a B&B basis


Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

Meet our experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7981 9996

Meet the team

Adjust your itinerary with our recommended extensions

Twin Glaciers by Helicopter

Twin Glaciers by Helicopter

On-the-day excursion

Take in both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier from up high before zooming in with a snow landing

Siberia Valley Wilderness Adventure

Siberia Valley Adventure

On-the-day excursion

Through a helicopter flight, gentle trek and a jet boat sprint, you’ll be treated to a true wilderness experience

Great Barrier Island Extension

Great Barrier Island

3-day extension

Fling yourself out into the Hauraki Gulf to experience the natural charm of Great Barrier Island from its finest accommodation

Safari of the Scenes – Glenorchy

Safari of the Scenes – Glenorchy

On-the-day excursion

Make use of all four wheels to visit the remote locations that showcased Tolkien’s genre-defining works where informative talks, costumes and props take you behind the scenes

Stewart Island

Stewart Island

Three-day extension

Discover the unique wildlife and coastal geography of Stewart Island between catamaran cruises, scenic walks and island conservancy visits

Waiheke Island Extension

Waiheke Island

Three-day extension

Pamper yourself with wine tours, gourmet meals and exclusive accommodation all set to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful vistas

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7981 9996 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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