Experience three of the best experiences that the North Island of New Zealand has to offer – Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, Waitomo Glowworm Caves in Waitomo and Te Puia in Rotorua. These three experiences can be done in any order to fit in with your travel plans, and are the perfect building blocks for your Central North island itinerary. We’ve prepared a suggested itinerary below that allows you to experience other attractions along the way.

Day 1: Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set

Depart Auckland and travel to Hobbiton Movie Set (allow 2.5 hours)

• Take a tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, then browse the township of Matamata

Other activities include:

• Browse the main street of Matamata and dine at one of the many hotspots along the way.
• Visit the spectacular Wairere Falls.
• Head north East to Te Aroha for great walking and cycling tracks as well as mineral spas.

Travel from Hobbiton Movie Set to Hamilton City (45 minutes)

• Along the way stop in at Cambridge for boutique shopping and on river activities.

Overnight in Hamilton

• Hamilton city provides a variety of top dining and accommodation options.

Day 2: Hamilton to Waitomo

Depart Hamilton and travel to Waitomo (allow 1.5 hours)

• Take a magical tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and learn about the history of the caves before taking a serene boat ride under thousands of twinkling glowworms.

Other activities include:

• Push the boundaries with an adventurous caving tour such as Black Water Rafting, dine in top restaurants and Cafés and explore the above ground walking tracks.
• Head west to Kawhia and dig your own hot water spa in the sand at Ocean Beach.
• Visit the Otorohanga for native birdlife encounters.

Overnight in Waitomo

Day 3: Waitomo to Rotorua

Depart Waitomo and travel to Rotorua (2 hours) via Cambridge and Tirau.

• Visit Te Puia: Since the beginning of time, Te Whakarewarewa thermal valley, its gushing waters, steaming vents and fumaroles, have been a powerful reminder of the earth’s force. Home to the world famous Pohutu Geyser, hot springs, silica terraces, bubbling mud pools, healing and cooking pools, the area has been used by Maori for 700 years.

Experience the Trilogy Package

The Trilogy package combines some of the best that the North Island of New Zealand has to offer - Hobbiton Movie Set tours, Te Puia and Te Po combo, and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

For more information on the Waikato region, visit waikatonz.com.