4 minute read

THE NEW ZEALAND TRILOGY

Waitomo Glowworm Caves have collaborated with Hobbiton and Te Puia to create a unique trilogy that combines some of the best sightseeing that the North Island of New Zealand has to offer. Package includes: Discover Waitomo (Waitomo Glowworm Caves + Ruakuri Cave), Hobbiton Movie Set and Te Puia (Geyser by Night)

Experience the Hobbiton Tour at the Hobbiton Movie Set, the picturesque setting for The Shire that featured in Sir Peter Jackson’s films, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Te Puia is the home of Māori culture and cuisine. Be mesmerised by the world famous Pohutu Gesyer under stars following a delicious indigenous meal. Descend into the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves under a galaxy of glowworms and visit the ancient Ruakuri Cave, a spectacular cave full of legends and tales. Walk amongst magnificent cave formations and see sparkling glowworms up close.

Hobbiton tour allow 1 hour, 50 mins. Geyser by Night 2 hours. Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour allow 45 mins and Ruakuri Cave tour allow 2 hours (allow a minimum of 3 hours, 30 mins to complete both tours)

Operated by Te Puia

Adult Child (5-15yrs) Family (2AD+2CH)

Trilogy Self-Drive Package $297 $199 $803

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

The Hobbiton Movie Set is a visitor experience based at the original locations where Hobbiton was created for the filming of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. It offers an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating the famous film set and a special insight into rural life.

Your tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the 12 acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be views and you will see how this beautiful Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Specially brewed beverages are available at The Green Dragon Inn as you complete your tour. After your tour of the film set your host will return you to The Shire’s Rest with the opportunity to visit The Shire Store.

Evening Banquet Tour: Includes a guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, one complimentary beverage in the Green Dragon Inn, evening dinner banquet meal and a guided evening tour through The Shire. Operates Sunday to Wednesday from The Shire’s Rest with extended departures in Summer.

Adult Child (9-16yrs) Infant (0-8yrs)

Movie Set Tour - ex Shires Rest $91 $45 -

Evening Banquet Tour $204 $166 $107

MOUTOHORĀ: ISLAND SANCTUARY

Reef Ecology Tour

Dive Tatapouri offers a world famous interactive marine experience with Stingrays and other sea life. This interactive Reef Ecology tour is famous for its interaction with Wild Stingrays and is one of the most popular and unique things to do in New Zealand. The knowledge guides will walk you across the reef to meet the Tamariki (Children) of Tangaroa the Maori God of the sea. Whilst meeting the residents of the reef our guides will provide insightful information about the different species you may encounter.

Once you’ve been kitted out in designer waders, you’ll embark on a reef tour at low tide with an experienced guides. During your reef tour, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and interact with the natural inhabitants of Tatapouri Bay and even feed wild stingrays! You’ll also learn about local legends and gain an insight into the methods once used by Maori to manage their natural resources.

Duration: Allow 2 hours to complete your reef tour.

Operated by Dive Tatapouri

Adult Child (0-15yrs) Family (2AD+2CH)

Reef Ecology Tour $62 $21 $133

Waimarino Tours

Kayak and Glowworms ex Tauranga

At dusk let your guide lead you onto calm Lake McLaren for a gentle paddle into the night and discover the magic of the enchanting glowworm canyon. Includes transfer from Waimarino (10min drive from Tauranga), double sea kayaks, buoyancy aids and jackets, light snack and drinks.

Departs: Times vary depending on the month.

Duration: 3.5 hours including approximately 1.5 - 2 hours paddling. Moderate fitness required.

Accommodation transfers available at additional cost.

Per Person

Glowworm Tour $149

Take a short boat ride to visit one of New Zealand’s most restricted wildlife sanctuaries. Moutohorā (also known as Whale Island) is home to a number of endangered bird species such as the Saddleback, Kākāriki (New Zealand parakeet), and the Little Brown Kiwi. It is also home to New Zealand’s living dinosaur, the Tuatara. Visitors to the island will learn about the island’s Māori and European history. Along with spectacular views and beautiful bush life, visitors can dig their own personal spa on the island’s secluded hot water beach. Departs: Wed, Fri-Sun at 10am (weather permitting). Trips confirmed the evening before (Between 7 -8pm). Duration: 4hrs approx. Min age 4 years.

Operated by Ngati Awa Tourism Adult Child (8-15yrs)

Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary Tour $136 $62

Bay Explorer

Your Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you’re welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at Tauranga waterfront jetty. You will spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands where we will showcase the amazing diversity of marine wildlife including dolphins swimming along side our vessel. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca...even turtles!

Our dolphin & wildlife cruise is tailored to those wanting a genuine kiwi experience in nature. It’s a story about our human intrigue with amazing marine animals and their habitat. Participate by searching on the large top deck for that once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. We have limited our passenger numbers for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. Our large spacious boat is also ideal for families. The Captain and experienced crew lust to share their marine knowledge with you and will provide fascinating commentary and point out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing. A shared lifetime experience. Don’t forget your camera as we are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream. You will return to Tauranga by 2:00pm so you will have the rest of the day to explore our beautiful region, the Bay of Plenty, or continue your travels!

Adult Child (5-15yrs) Infant (4yrs & under)

Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise $179 $67 $26

The Volcanic Lake District Of The North Island

Historically known for its geothermal wonders and Māori culture, today’s Rotorua encompasses these and yet so much more. Perfect for families, unmissable for the adventurous, revitalising for those in need of pampering and sublimely pure and pristine for those seeking to explore nature. Discover all the elements that come together to forge Rotorua.