The North Island of New Zealand has a distinctive feel about it, nowhere else will you find such a fascinating combination of urban living and geographical history. You can take this amazing tour of the North Island either before or after the World Cup, the choice is yours!

Why not try out Wellington’s hospitality and maybe join this tour with a flight to Christchurch to join a South Island tour.

Day 1 - Auckland - Hobbiton - Rotorua              

Our tour starts by departing Auckland, the ‘City of Sails.’ Today is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-earth. Travel south over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Our journey takes us through undulating green hills reminding us that we are approaching the Shire.

Before embarking on our Hobbiton tour, we visit the Matamata i-Site to refresh.

On arrival at Shire’s Rest we embark on our Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. We see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location we can take photos at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End., looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance.

The Hobbiton tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn before continuing to Rotorua. Check in to our accommodation.

This evening we partake in a Māori Hangi (feast) where the Māori perform a traditional Māori Concert, a true cultural experience and you get to see the world famous Haka.

Day 2 - Rotorua

Today is a rest and relaxation day with time for rehearsals if required.
After your rehearsal, time is devoted to exploring the natural wonders of Rotorua. We visit Te Puia where we will be surrounded by boiling mud pools and gushing Geysers. This afternoon is at leisure for rest, relaxation, possibly a game with the local talent or more exploration.

Today’s Options
Skyline Gondola - ride the leisurely Skyline Gondola to the top of Mount Ngongotaha where you can enjoy panoramic views of Rotorua city, Lake Rotorua and geothermal areas
Luge Rides – for those wanting thrills, once up top the Skyline Gondola, you can choose to luge down the slopes while the rest of us drink coffee/tea and watch the excitement
Skyline Buffet Restaurant – dinner or lunch delicious buffet whilst looking through panoramic windows at the amazing views

Day 3 - Rotorua

Rotorua has too much to offer to not take this opportunity to spend another day in this bustling and fascinating town!

Today’s Options
Agrodome Farm Show – The unique New Zealand Farm Experience with animal interaction and wool demonstrations, an introduction into the sheep and dairy industries
Rainbow Springs Nature Park – Set among the native trees and beautiful forests of Rotorua get up close with the wonderful bird, bugs, fish etc; see a real live Kiwi bird, and learn about the flora and fauna.
The Ogo - a playground for thrill-seekers. Roll down hills and courses in clear giant inflatable balls; an iconic adventure experience that will have you laughing uncontrollably.
Redwoods Tree Walk – Stroll high among giants in the majestic 100 year old Redwood forest either by day or night on this short eco-tourism walk, or if you suffer from vertigo, stroll on the ground under the trees. Many customers say “This is one of the best experiences of my life!” Don’t forget your camera!
Geothermal Spas and Natural Hot Springs - The intense geothermal activity in Rotorua means there is no lack of thermal pools. The natural hot springs merge with cold streams or rivers making the ideal temperature to swim or bathe in. Plus, you can even bathe comfortably on a cold day, which makes Rotorua a great spot to check out during New Zealand’s winter.

Day 4 - Rotorua - Taupo - Napier

After breakfast check out of accommodation and farewell Rotorua. We board our coach and journey further south to view the Dam gates opening at the Aratiatia Rapids at 10.00am. Tens of Thousands of litres of rushing water create a spectacle popular with all visitors. A unique display of man versus nature. The water is released from the Aratiatia Dam down through the Aratiatia Rapids. This Dam has been generating Hydro power since 1964. The hydro-electricity is solely provided by the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river. The rapids created by the dam opening were used in the filming of ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’. We then continue our journey to Huka Falls, where you can view from the bridge or take a jetboat ride.

From there onwards to Taupo, a tourist town near the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, distinguished by its Lakefront setting. Continue our journey to Napier. the Art Deco Capital of the World. This evening is yours to relax, wine, dine and take in the golden atmosphere of this unique city, lost in time.

Today’s Options
Hukafalls Jet Boat Rides – a unique combination of thrills, excitement and natural beauty have been thrilling customers since 1990. Nobody gets you closer to the Huka Falls.

Day 5 - Napier

Far from the world's great population centres and from the European and American cities where 20th Century design evolved lies a small city that is unique. Napier was rebuilt in the early 1930s following a massive Richter 7.8 Earthquake. Subsequent fires destroyed most of its commercial heart. By the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the style of the 1930s, Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century. Enhanced by palms and the angular Norfolk Island pines which are its trademark, and bounded by fertile fruit and grape growing plains, dramatic hills and the shores of the South Pacific, beautiful Napier is the centre of the Hawke's Bay region.
In Napier, you can enjoy the legacy of its brave rebuilding. Napier city is sited in the midst of New Zealand's oldest wine growing region. Only a stone's throw from the city, savour the experience of an extensive array of award-winning wines. All roads lead outward to the region's wineries and from each taste bursts the flavours, the colours, the aromas and character of Hawke's Bay Wine Country. we make our way into Napier central city and the evening is yours to relax, wine, dine and take in the golden atmosphere of this unique city, lost in time.

Today’s Options:
An Art Deco Guided Walk - Savour the spirit of the optimistic Art Deco era.
Visit McLean park – Take a wander around Napiers McLean Park

Day 6 - Napier - Palmerston North - Wellington

Today we farewell Napier and continue on through the antique collectors’ heaven of Woodville, before entering into the mighty Manawatu Gorge to Palmerston North for lunch. Palmerston North is a vibrant youthful city with the active student population, nearby Linton Military Camp, and several knowledge organisations. Since 1930 the establishment of Educational and New Research Institutes has broadened the City’s economic base. The city hosts an impressive range of educational institutions. The home campus of Massey University provides an enormous number of courses and supports research in many fields. Close by is an important research facility belonging to the world-renowned dairy company, Fonterra.

This afternoon we travel through lush dairy farmlands and the Kapiti coast to Wellington, a picture perfect city. It is set between a magnificent harbour and rolling green hills. It is also a compact city where funky shops, exciting galleries and great restaurants are within easy walking distance.  Wellington is also known as the Arts Centre of New Zealand and is the home of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Royal Ballet.

On arriving in New Zealand’s capital city, we visit key points of interest including Parliament Buildings, Mount Victoria, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens and the Botanical Gardens. Tonight, enjoy the urban culture of Wellington, a city known for relaxed people and excellent restaurants.

Day 7 - Wellington

After breakfast preparations begin for this afternoons match, where there is chance of meeting local players. This is often where friends for life are made.

This afternoon there is time for one of the below options before you check out of accommodation and depart for home, or continue further South with one of our South Island options or a tailor made itinerary.

Today’s Options:
Weta workshops – where you can see the special effects that were created for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.
Guided tour of Parliament – where you are shown around inside our Parliament
Our National Museum - Te Papa – An interactive museum which is very educational
The options are endless - just ask your Tour Time experiences director. Enjoy the urban culture of Wellington, a city known for relaxed people and excellent restaurants, funky shops and exciting galleries - all within easy walking distance.