4-Day Thermal Getaway Experience From Auckland
Description
Embark on this thermal getaway of New Zealand from Auckland that hosts under cave wonders, geothermal hotspots and vibrant cities for travellers wanting to experience a fulfilling and enriching journey that will create lasting memories. Be immersed in the awe-inspiring Māori heritage that holds a special bond with this ancient land, and participate in an array of adventurous activities.
Highlights
Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites in iconic Glow-worm Caves
Glide silently by boat in the world-famous Waitomo Glow-worm Caves
Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics
Travel through the Waikato region, which is well known for cattle and dairy farming
Join the official guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set
Remarkable 360-degree views of the rolling Kaimai Range
Chance to step into a real the Lord of the Rings film set
See where major scenes were filmed and discover behind-the-scene secrets
Amazing photo opportunities in front of every hobbit holes
- Sightseeing historical government gardens, thermal springs and Polynesian spa
Enjoy a captivating experience of the Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village
Get insights into Māori heritage & historical uses of the land
See the beautiful lakes, boiling mud pools, steam vents and bubbling pools
Be entertained by the cultural performance group by way of song and dance
View the fully carved ancestral meeting house of the Tuhourangi tribe
Experience the magical qualities of the nutrient-rich mud pool at Hell’s Gate
- Enjoy Deluxe Lake Spa, Rotorua Canopy, Skyline Gondola and Velocity Valley Adventure Park
- Visit the thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu and witness its unique volcanic features
Explore the incredible Lady Knox geyser eruption with heights of 10 to 20 metres
Walk through the surreal lunar-like environment to witness the volcanic wonders
Carry on past the Champagne Pool, a bubbling hot spring famed for its brilliant orange rim
Find a spot with the perfect mix of hot and cold temperatures for you
Witness the frightening display of geothermal chemistry, the Devil’s Bath- neon green is a natural wonder
Experience dazzling views of the Huka Falls and river from the pedestrian bridge
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
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Day 1: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton Movie Set Tour expand_more
- Meet your tour guide and drive from Auckland to Waitomo Caves, if you love the idea of taking a break from urban life and breezing down the highway surrounded by lush greenery. The longest river in New Zealand, the Waikato, will keep you company along the road.
- At Glowworm caves, explore dark caves that are lit up by thousands of tiny glowworms, who shine bright as a way to attract their prey. Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above as you glide silently by boat in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The enchanting Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms.
- Walk through majestic caverns, explore limestone shafts, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a boat ride through a grotto lit by thousands of tiny native glowworms.
- Experience the real Middle-Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films. 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.
- Take a look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. 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.
- 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.
- On completion of this experience, continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the geothermal city of Rotorua.
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Day 2: Rotorua City Highlights, Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village & Hell’s Gate Excite Experience expand_more
- 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 you will find an iconic destination Whakarewarewa, the Living Māori Village.
- Explore an authentic living Māori village where people live on a daily basis, using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have for centuries.
- Discover the vibrancy of Māori culture and the fascinating traditions of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who shaped tourism in New Zealand. View the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley up close, including the world-famous Pōhutu geyser, boiling mud pools, steam vents and bubbling pools.
- Enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration – watch our residents prepare Hāngi meals in our in-ground steam boxes, and cook corn in the bubbling water of our geothermal hot pools – as they have for generations.
- Learn what it’s like to live in the challenging environment of the Whakarewarewa Valley, where daily life includes cooking in the bubbling pools and steam vents and bathing in the refreshing therapeutic waters.
- Within a short drive, we move to our second destination. Have a devilishly good time at Hell's Gate, The Excite Experience. Come along and you’ll soon discover why Hell’s Gate is New Zealand’s most unique and active geothermal reserve and mud spa.
Where the Earth Excites and Inspires
Naturally heated waters with invigorating properties
Mineral-rich mud bath to soften your skin for weeks
- Enjoy this thermal wonderland with our interactive guided or self-guided tour before relaxing in the geothermal mud and sulphur waters. Get down and dirty in a mud bath or unwind in a Sulphur spa overlooking a spectacular geothermal landscape, before cooling off in a beautiful spring-fed waterfall and plunge pool. Featuring hot-water lakes, New Zealand’s largest mud volcano and the largest hot water waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere, the Hell's Gate Valley is the place to be for an indulgent experience that is almost sinful. With the only geothermal mud baths in New Zealand, the Hell’s Gate Spa is a highly therapeutic experience. You can slather yourself in the warm geothermal mud before jumping in the sulphur pool – with minerals that help to clear and detoxify.
- You have an option to choose any add on activity to extend and enhance your experience or you can choose to relax and explore as you wish.
We stay overnight at Rotorua.
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Day 3: Choose Your Experience at Rotorua (Available at an Additional Cost) expand_more
- Wander through the vibrant land and enjoy the many sights and activities of Rotorua. Rotorua sits within one of the world’s most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Māori tribes, unique family fun-filled activities like Rotorua Duck Tours and Farm Tours.
- Spike your adrenaline at Velocity Valley Adventure Park, Zipline Canopy Tours, or at the Adventure playground.
- Alternatively, head up the Rotorua Skyline Gondola for soaring lake views, and ride the luge for an extra thrill.
- We can book from a range of additional tour options (additional charges apply), or we can show you around this stunning area as part of our tour.
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Day 4: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland & Lake Taupō expand_more
- This day we start our morning, driving down to the south of Rotorua, which will bring you to the colourful natural volcanic park, which is one of New Zealand's most diverse geothermal attractions.
- Explore spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colourful natural volcanic park. Walks through this unique geothermal area take between 30 and 75 minutes and provide a wide range of amazing photo opportunities at unique features including the world-famous Champagne Pool, naturally coloured hot and cold springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The natural bush setting, the Lady Knox Geyser erupting daily at 10.15 am and the nearby ever active "Mud Pool" add other dimensions to the experience, the distinct sulphur smell, similar to that of rotting eggs will accompany you throughout your visit to this fascinating natural wonder.
- Marvel at the breath-taking geothermal scenery, stunning waterfalls and World Heritage-listed forest reserves, as you drive from the south of Rotorua and located in the centre of New Zealand’s north island, lies the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. You will be amazed by the majestic Huka falls - an incredible waterfall that thunders 11 metres into the Waikato River below and boast the title of being New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction.
- Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Taupō waterfront by stretching your legs along with one of many lakesides walking trails. Take a step away and enjoy the complete peace and quiet of water's edge picnic spots and elevated viewing areas. Excite the senses, be tempted by an amazing array of 100% pure New Zealand honey, mead, natural health and wellbeing products and unique gift ideas. A unique taste experience with free honey, mead & liqueur tastings. Live beehive viewings and fascinating interactive displays. Discover health & wellness products, divine honey-based skincare products. Complete your experience by relaxing in the lounge or gardens with a coffee or delicious honey ice cream.
- From the vibrant history we drive to trendy fashion and cuisine, the breath-taking native bush and beaches of Auckland are full of life and the opportunities to explore are endless.
What's Included
Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
Complimentary refreshments and water on board
Access to Wi-Fi on board for a small surcharge
A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey
Luxurious temperature-controlled transportation in a minibus
Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities
Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish
Admission to fully guided 45 minutes experience at Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Admission to 2 hour fully guided experience at Hobbiton Movie Set
Complimentary Hobbiton beverages - Ale, cider, ginger beer or an English dark beer
Rotorua city highlights – Government gardens, thermal springs & Polynesian spa
Admission to Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village & Cultural Experience
Admission to Hell's Gate Excite Experience including geothermal walk & Māori carving
Bathe in world-famous mud baths, soak in the sulphur spas & cool plunge pool
Admission to Lady Knox Geyser & self-guided walk at Wai-O–Tapu Thermal wonderland
Visit to the stunning lake city of Taupō waterfront
Visit mighty and majestic Huka falls
What's Excluded
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Access to Wi-Fi onboard for a small surcharge
- Incidental expenses
- Flights & visa costs
What to bring
Comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions; warm layered clothes work best
A comfortable closed toe footwear with a good grip
Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Sun hat
Swimming costume and Towels
Please also bring a jersey or coat if it is cold
Bring your camera/GoPro to click the best shots
A light rain jacket (just in case)
Essential personal items
Know before you go
COVID-19 Customer Update
We are able to operate our shared group and private tours when Auckland is in the new traffic light protection framework.
We will be requiring all our guests, aged 12-years and 3 months or over, to be fully vaccinated and to provide a COVID 19 Vaccination Pass from My Vaccine Pass. If you do not have proof of your vaccinations, you will not be allowed on the tour and will not be eligible for a refund (unless you are exempt, with government approval).
Our guides are all fully vaccinated.
Please note that whilst it is not a legal requirement, we advise that you wear a facemask in our vehicles and whilst walking around public spaces.
Our guides will not engage in physical contact with guests, we will use an alternative welcome.
Please use the COVID tracer app onboard the vehicle and at each of the venues we visit.
All vehicles will undergo increased levels of cleanliness and hygiene practices, in order to prevent spread.
Guests are advised to practice regular hand washing and sanitising, we will provide sanitiser on board our vehicles.
Guests are to abide by a physical distance of 1 meter when out of the vehicle, respecting other people’s space and safe space.
Each guest will need to ensure they have no symptoms of COVID 19, prior to travelling.
We are working hard to ensure that new regulations do not alter your experience of our tours. We are confident that we have achieved this and look forward to showing our island paradise to you, under the above restrictions.
To find our more about the vaccine passport please visit The Ministry of Health Website
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers.
General Information
Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be rented from us for $50 per child (with 24 hours’ notice). Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
COVID-19 precautions -Safety measures in place. All areas that exposed to customers are frequently cleaned & sanitised.
Souvenir photos are available for purchase after your tour.
The caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, as there are good handrails and paths. There is no wheelchair access.
Caves average at a temperature of 16-17 degrees Celsius year round.
Boat tour capacity is up to 23 people.
We stay dry – the tour does not involve using a wet suit or abseiling or river rapids, it’s very easy.
Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
We are able to accommodate a stroller or a pram, provided it is fully collapsible and can fit in the luggage compartment of our buses.
Hell’s Gate have swimwear for both males and females for sale, subject to availability.
The mud bath experience is controlled to a maximum of 20 minutes on the basis of safety.
Guests are advised to shower before entering the pools in order to remove any makeup, sunscreen or other products applied to the skin as we cannot confirm what is in each product and therefore if a reaction with the Sulphur will occur.
Both children and adults need to comfortable with the heat, and Hell’s Gate recommends taking regular breaks to ensure overheating does not occur.
The list of medical conditions below highlight some of the main medical conditions where the geothermal pools may not be advised: Pregnancy, Low or High Blood Pressure, Mobility Problems, Active or Under Active Thyroid, Verruca/Warts, Heart Conditions, Epilepsy, Skin diseases/disorders, Diabetes, Metal Pins/ Plates, Claustrophobia, Ear Infections, Cancer, Recent Surgery, or Sulphur Allergies.
Tour Requirements
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, sun protection, jacket/warm layer & essential personal items.
Easy and good level of fitness is required.
This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as these locations are the perfect place to get some great travel photos.
You must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol.
No photography is permitted inside the Waitomo caves, and cameras and Go Pros cannot be taken on this boat tour.
If the guest has had or is suffering from any of the medical conditions, we strongly advise that they seek advice from their doctor prior to using the geothermal pools.
It is important that children (as well as adults) drink water while bathing to keep hydrated.
All infants must wear bathing suits or disposable nappies whilst bathing.
Please remove all jewellery before entering the pools as Hell’s Gate accepts no responsibility for tarnished jewellery.
For the bathing experience, guests can choose to bring their own bathing attire and towels or hire these items from Hell’s Gate at a small cost.
Accommodation & Stay
Accommodation is not included in this package so it can be customised to suit your personal requirements. Extend, and enhance your holiday experience in New Zealand by choosing the add-on activities and upgrading to a full package including accommodation during checkout.
Meeting Point
Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Cancellation Policy
No refund in case of any cancellation.
Price Details
Adult | |
1 To 2 | NZD 2799 Per Person |
3 To 3 | NZD 2299 Per Person |
4 To 4 | NZD 1799 Per Person |
5 To 11 | NZD 1499 Per Person |
Child | |
1 To 11 | NZD 2239 Per Person |
This is a private tour |