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Suggested Itineraries > Touring Vacations > Rotorua and Wellington New Zealand Touring Vacation
(3 days/2 nights) The Waitomo Caves lie beneath the rugged hills and expansive farmland known as the "King Country". Part of an ancient seabed that was lifted then eroded into a spectacular landscape of limestone formations, caves and underground rivers, the Caves are part of 50 kms of amazing underground passages, many of which are still unexplored. The lakeside city of Rotorua and its surrounds offer a complete thermal wonderland. Sitting on an active faultline, it's nickname 'Sulphur City' comes from the pungent odour of the natural gas hydrogen sulphide which pervades the city. Bubbling mud, explosive geysers, hot mineral springs and multicoloured silica terraces draw visitors year round. The city is deeply rooted in Maori tradition with approximately one third of New Zealand's Maori population living there. Visitors can enjoy such traditions as wood, bone and greenstone carving, dance concerts and hangi feasts( food cooked in earth ovens). The surrounding region of beautiful lakes and dense virgin forests offers a range of outdoor activities including bush walks, white water rafting, hot air ballooning and world famous trout fishing. Lake Taupo covers 241 square miles (626 sq km) and is New Zealand's largest lake. Its tranquil waters are perfect for all kinds of water sports and because it is part of the thermal belt, there are also hot pools in the area. The Capital of New Zealand is Welliington, set on the shores of a spectacular harbour and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of steep green hills. With a population of around 350,000 it is the political hub of the nation. Transport Options This itinerary is perfect for travel by self drive rental car or seat-in-coach on scheduled motorcoach services. Vacation Highlights
Touring Itinerary Day 1: Auckland/Rotorua via Waitomo Caves (363km) Self drive: after picking up your Budget rental car, enjoy the drive south to Rotorua (driving time approx 4-5 hours). Seat in Coach: depart Auckland 9.00am on Newmans Coach Lines, arriving Rotorua 4.30pm. Depart Auckland's southern suburbs, through the horticultural farmland of the Bombay Hills to the dairy district of Waikato. Visit the Rangariri Battle Site Heritage Centre for an audio-visual presentation about Maori warrior's heroic stand in 1863. Pass through Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori Queen to arrive in Hamilton, Waikato's main industrial and business centre. Through it flows New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato, full of plump trout and perfect for canoeing. Continue past the centre of Te Awamutu with its pretty rose gardens to the world famous Waitomo Caves, renowned for spectacular limestone formations and million year old caverns. Here a stop is made to enjoy a boat trip along the underground river to the Glowworm Grotto to view thousands of glowworms at close proximity. (Seat in coach: entry fee included; Self Drive: entry fee additional). Travel through the racing horse stud area of Cambridge, over the Mamaku Ranges to arrive in Rotorua. Seat in Coach option includes:
Self drive: a free day to enjoy the many sights and attractions in Rotorua. Seat in Coach: The Rotorua Grand Experience with Newmans Coachlines. Departs at 8.00am and returns at 12.30pm. Enjoy a morning sightseeing excursion of New Zealand's thermal wonderland, rich in Maori culture and heritage and famous for its geothermal reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and fascinating landscape. Highlights include: New Zealand Maori Arts and Craft Institute, Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Paradise Valley Springs and the Agrodome Show (admission fees included). Central accommodation pick ups and drop-offs available on request. Day 3: Rotorua/Wellington via Turangi (472km) Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua for optional sightseeing before your return journey. Self drive: depart/arrive at leisure. Seat in Coach: Your Newmans coach departs Rotorua at 11.25apm and arrives Wellington at 6.40pm. Travel south from Rotorua through the world's largest man-made forests and past geo-thermal power stations to Taupo. Follow the shores of this tranquil lake famous for its trout fishing and perfect for swimming, sailing and all kinds of water sports to the small town of Turangi. The Desert Road, as the next section of State Highway 1 is known, is one of New Zealand's highlights. Pass through a stark landscape of tussock, framed by snow-topped mountains including Tongariro National Park's three famous volcanoes before reaching Waiouru. Continuing south join the Kapiti Coast's rugged seacoast and windswept beaches to arrive in Wellington. Your tour arrangements conclude on arrival in Wellington. Optional Must Do: Mountain Air 'Volcanic Voyage' Scenic Flight En route, enjoy a spectacular flight from Turangi over the breathtaking Tongariro National Park World Heritage area and all three volcanoes - Mt. Tongariro, Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Ruapehu. Connects with the coach (purchased locally). Your Accommodation Options Choose from:
The self drive itineraries are based on use of a self-drive rental car. Other Options -Travel by Motorhome This itinerary can be comfortably travelled by motorhome, stopping when you like, where you like. Auckland Sightseeing As well as your Rotorua touring holiday, stay a while to enjoy the cosmopolitan highlights of Auckland. Please refer to NZV-SO2 Auckland Stopover for accommodation and sightseeing. For more information about the operators and services included in these suggested itineraries, please refer to the accommodation, transport and sightseeing pages in this site.
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