Golden Triangle Experience

Day 1: Waitomo Triple Cave Experience

Discover all that Waitomo has to offer with this super scenic Triple Cave experience, where you’ll discover three of the most breathe taking, magical caves in Waitomo and in New Zealand. There’s so much to do! Above-ground attractions combine with underground attractions to create Two Landscapes and Twice the Fun! Fresh air, rolling green fields, and untouched native forest await, but the real attractions lie out of sight, in the huge cave system.

The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world. The high chambers, magnificent limestone formations, and the pale brown, pink, and white shades of the huge stalactites in the Aranui Cave are truly spectacular. At Ruakairi cave, experience a captivating blend of the most compelling subterranean experiences (including glowworms), it will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck, and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. Begin the experience by journeying down through the spectacular, man-made spiral entrance, and marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone

After we wave to magnificent Waitomo, your journey to Rotorua will take you through a mixture of farmland, Lakeland, and forest. You’ll know you’ve arrived in the city of Rotorua when you see (and smell!) the geothermal steam plumes of Whakarewarewa. Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so there’s evidence of volcanic activity everywhere you look. You can choose to relax and explore as you wish. Overnight stay at Rotorua.

Day 2: Rotorua City Highlights & Te Puia Geothermal Valley Experience

This day we start our morning exploring the geothermal city highlights by visiting the stunning locations in the heart of Rotorua. Explore historic gardens that surround a Tudor-style spa bathhouse and an ornate Mediterranean-style public swimming pool. Peer through the steam into ancient bubbling geothermal pools. 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. Feel the warm welcome of Māori guides from the moment you walk into Te Puia past the twelve monumental carvings –  Te Heketanga a Rangi reaching skywards. 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 meters high into the air. The rest of the day you can Wander through vibrant Rotorua or you can choose to experience additional tour options of your choice.

Day 3: Middle Earth Experience – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

After departing the Lake Rotorua area, your coach will take you across the scenic Mamaku Ranges and through the native Fitzgerald Glade before arriving in the Waikato Region and the rolling hills of ‘The Shire’. Located 10 minutes away from the bustling Matamata Township the Shires Rest sits among the hills on a private working farm awaiting our arrival. 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.  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.

After returning to Matamata, re-join the luxury coach to travel through majestic tree-lined town that sits at the heart of New Zealand’s rural heartland to visit Lake Karapiro, a man-made lake on the Waikato River and is renowned as a world-class rowing venue. Water, native bush, and luscious green hills create an endless range of opportunities for the outdoor photographer – and there’s usually something happening on the lake whether it’s a sports event or someone having a paddle or fishing for trout. With a green treat for the eyes, we return back to Auckland.

​🏚️ Accommodation: is not included in this package so it can be customized to suit your personal requirements. ExperienceKart can arrange accommodation for you at a standard or superior hotel (at an additional cost) or you can choose to book your own. 

• Superior Accommodation – 2 Nights (Twin Share)

2 nights stay in Rotorua at a 4* accommodation

• ​Standard Accommodation – 2 Nights (Twin Share)

2 nights stay in Rotorua at a 3* accommodation

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Extend Your Trip – Pre & Post Tour Accommodation and Transfers

Extend your holiday beyond your tour by spending a few days ashore at the destination of your choice. To make the most of your time away and to be able to fully explore the joining and ending cities, it’s often a great idea to book some additional nights’ accommodation before and/or after your tour. If you require accommodation before and after the tour, please contact ExperienceKart.

• Pre-Tour Accommodation Auckland – (Twin Share)

We highly recommend you to book pre-tour accommodation as the tour experience starts early and could finish late.

• ​Post Tour Accommodation Auckland – (Twin Share)

We highly recommend you to book post-tour accommodation as the tour experience starts early and could finish late.