See first hand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best cities in the world to live in, as you join this half day tour around the central city and picturesque suburbs.

Our journey begins with a short trip over the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore before returning to the central city to visit Queen St and the Auckland Viaduct.

We continue on through the Auckland Domain, the city\’s oldest park, situated on a 62,000 year old volcano to Parnell Village for our morning tea stop. The historic buildings of Parnell have been transformed in to a trendy shopping area featuring many boutiques, antique, craft and specialty shops.

Following this brief stop our tour will then take you along the scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Drive to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, in Mission Bay. A memorial to the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand and the founder of the welfare state. Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park has panoramic views over Whenua Rangatira, Auckland city and Waitemata Harbour. This park is a popular wedding and tourist venue, with formal gardens and perfect venue for flying a fabulous array of colourful and creative kites. The tour then returns to downtown.

Morning: Starts 8:45am Concludes 12:45pm
Afternoon: Starts 2:30pm Concludes 5:30pm

a complimentary pick-up and drop offer service is provided from inner city hotels. Please check with your NZ-Tourism tour consultant for hotel pick-up details for the Auckland City Highlights.

Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tour

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The tour begins from Rotorua and takes you on a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to The Shires Rest Cafe. You’ll then be taken through a picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with stunning views across to the Kaimai Ranges. During the tour, your guide will accompany you through the ten-acre site, sharing fascinating details on how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created.

You’ll get to view the Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill, and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, and witness how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

After the tour of the set is completed, you’ll return to The Shires Rest to enjoy the Sheep Farm Experience followed by a complimentary snack.

The tour duration from Rotorua is approximately 4 1/2 hours and departure times from Tourism Rotorua (1167 Fenton St) are 8-30 am and 1-30pm. If required, free transfer can be arranged from other points upon request.

Tamaki Maori Village - Maori Culture

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Be welcomed into an authentic Maori village nestled in Rotorua forest, discover Maori art forms, ancient rituals and traditions, experience thrilling song and dance, and then share in a 3 course meal with your Maori hosts.

The Waka – Coach Journey to the Village
Enroute to Tamaki Maori Village, nestled in the thick of an ancient Tawa forest, your guide will instruct you on the rules of entering a Marae and the protocol you must observe. The visiting tribe must appoint a Chief to accept the peace offering and to represent those on your coach. Representation of your group is considered an honourable task in Maoridom. As you make your way to the village, you’ll learn about the great Maori migration – when Maori journeyed across the vast ocean in massive Waka (canoes) to New Zealand. You’ll also enjoy some fascinating Maori legends and stories from our history.

Te Marae – Exploring the Village
Step through the fortification and be transported from one world into another…You will be spirited back in time, to an era before the arrival of the European to capture the essence of a very proud people.The entire village comes to life, and as you walk around each small dwelling, you’ll see and learn about various art forms, traditions and ways of life for Maori.

Te Hangi – Lifting your Meal from the Earth Oven
After some time exploring the village, your Maori hosts now invite you into the fully-covered hangi pit area – where you will view the lifting of your authentic hangi meal!

Wharenui – The Sacred Meeting House
After some time exploring, the sound of a conch (shell-like horn) cuts across the village grounds and you are called into our sacred meeting house.This building represents an ancestor, and the massive carvings on its wall tell stories of our direct history.

Poroporoaki – The Closing Ceremony
The evening ends with the Poroporoaki, the official closing ceremony. There will be waiata (song) and whaikorero (speeches), before you are safely transferred back to you Rotorua City or your accommodation.

Opening hours

Open all year, except Christmas Day.

Te Puia Thermal Reserve

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Te Puia Thermal Reserve Rotorua – Hot springs, boiling sulfurous pools, silica terraces, and bubbling mud pools are among the natural wonders.

Enjoy our unique culture, and to experience firsthand the wonders of Mâori arts and crafts in Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Te Puia is home to the internationally renowned Pohutu geyser, the National carving and weaving schools, and the world-famous Whakarewarewa guides.

This geothermal valley is a special place, home to Te Arawa people for generations. The environment alone is of enormous geological significance, with thermal activity ranging from boiling mud to the world-famous 30-metre Pohutu geyser, erupting up to 20 times each day. The valley is home to many species of native plants and animals.

You can take a guided tour of the New Zealand native bush or you can guide yourself around Rotorua. Our guides will point out all the native species and describe the many uses Mâori find for the natural resources around them.

Our Kiwi Conservation Centre is a valuable part of a national breeding programme. Here in Te Puia Thermal Reserve you can see our national bird and symbol in a specially lit house, with expert guides and information at hand.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a significant historic site where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped by the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi by Maori and the British Crown.

Waitangi Experience Admission

Valid for admission over two days, the Waitangi Experience Pass includes a 50 minute guided tour, a 30 minute Maori cultural performance, entry to two museums, the Treaty House, the carving studio and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the Birthplace (Te Pitowhenua) of New Zealand.

It was here on February 6th, 1840, that the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was first signed between Maori and the British Crown. The previous day a draft of the Treaty in English and Māori was discussed before a gathering of about 500 Māori and 200 Pākehā. Many Māori were suspicious of what was intended, but after much debate around 40 chiefs signed the Treaty on February 6th. The Treaty was then taken on a journey around the country to visit the chieftains who had been unable to travel to Waitangi and by September 1840 another 500 chiefs around the country had signed.

For individual guests or groups, there is a range of activities to enhance your visit to the Treaty Grounds. The enthusiastic, award-winning guides and events professionals will work to add value and impact to a memorable visit.

Daily Guided Tours

You can enjoy the scenery and the indoor shows, crafts and Treaty House Museum, whatever the weather. Daily guided tours and Maori cultural performances are available, and inbetween you can relax and refresh yourself at either of the two cafés. Be entertained and informed with a Maori cultural performance of traditional and contemporary song.