New Zealand: Highlights with a Twist

Discover Auckland on this day trip around town. After an early breakfast at your hotel in Central Auckland, make use of the available transport to reach the meeting point. Hit the city’s iconic Harbour Bridge for some perfect photo ops to remember your Auckland vacation. Check out the city’s popular beaches and other landmarks, including views of several ancient volcanoes that overlook Auckland. Wrap up the excursion with a visit to the popular Sky Tower. Enjoy panoramic sights of the city from your aerial perch. After, make your way back to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900 hrs daily; Shared activity; Group size: max 15 ppl; Shared transfer only for hotels in Central Auckland; Meals included: snacks & water; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sunglasses, sun hat & sunscreen, and dress for the weather; Not available on Christmas Day; Entry to Sky Tower is NOT included.)

Experience the best of Waiheke Island on this memorable excursion from Auckland. Meet your local guide at the wharf and set off on a tour of the charming local vineyards. Stop by some of the best wineries of Waiheke and sample the delicious local vintage as you learn more about life on the island from your friendly guide. Learn all about the local communities, the island’s seasonal produce, its culture and the lay of the land. Enjoy a leisurely one course lunch in one of the charming vineyard restaurants. After the sumptuous affair, take the boat back to the mainland and return to your hotel in Auckland. (Duration: 7 hrs approx; Time of Day: 1000 hrs; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Wine tasting at 3 of Waiheke’s top vineyards plus one course lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer included; Please bring sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & comfortable walking shoes).

Journey through the heart of North Island, visiting two iconic attractions – Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton, en route from Auckland to Rotorua. You will be picked up from your hotel in Auckland and driven through the picturesque Waikato countryside to Waitomo Caves. Enter the caves to see myriad stalactites and stalagmites. Walk down some steps into an area called the Cathedral, an acoustically superior underground venue, surrounded by a 50-foot-tall limestone formation. Then, take a boat ride through tunnels lit up by constellations of glow worms. While gliding on the inky underground lake, your guide will tell you all about the creatures adorning the ceiling and walls. Next, head to the Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour through The Shire. Explore the gardens and proceed to Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interiors of a hobbit dwelling. Stroll past orchards and vegetable patches, while the guide recounts anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about the trilogy. Finally, continue on your scenic drive to your hotel in Rotorua.(En route activity; Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are not included)