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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival at Auckland International Airport, you will be met at the air bridge as part of our VIP service and be assisted through customs and baggage collection to the arrivals hall. Arrival formalities complete, you'll be driven to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is free for you to recover from the journey or perhaps head out for drinks on the harbourside.
Overnight: Park Hyatt Auckland
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Day 2 Hobbiton behind the scenes
Your Lord of the Rings inspired adventure begins in earnest today as you collect your hire car and take the easy drive south over the Bombay Hills towards Hobbiton. Here a guided tour of the movie set awaits. Step into The Shire where your guide will point out the most famous filming locations and explain how movie magic was made here. Pass Hobbit Hole doors scattered around the hillside, including Bag End - home to Bilbo and Frodo. Picture the daily life of Hobbits as you walk along Bagshot Row and then venture into a Hobbit Hole to explore the interiors. Cross the double-arch stone bridge, visit the Green Dragon, and enjoy a private lunch in The Millhouse.
The second part of your tour delivers a privileged glimpse into the art department workshop where you can discover exactly how the Hobbiton magic comes to life. Round off your tour with a Hobbit-inspired platter of cheese, chutneys and fruit overlooking a stunning vista from a secret spot, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of The Shire.
From Hobbiton, a one-hour drive takes you on to Rotorua and your luxury lodge on the shores of the lake.
Overnight: On The Point
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Day 3 Scenic helicopter flight & geothermal wonders
Begin your day with a thrilling helicopter flight over some of the North Island's most spectacular landscapes. Experience a heli landing on Mount Tarawera, New Zealand's most culturally significant volcano, and take to the skies once more for breathtaking views over pristine crater lakes, stunning waterfalls and geothermal reserves. Continue your flight to land at Orakei Korako, also known as the hidden valley. Here you will take the ferry across the river for an hour-long guided tour of the region's geothermal wonders at ground level, taking in vistas of hot springs and gushing geysers.
The final phase of your geothermal immersion today takes you to one of the region's finest spa and hot springs complexes. Here you can enjoy a blissful couple of hours experiencing the healing elements of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam. Your seven-step therapeutic journey draws upon the centuries-old legacy of Ngati Whakaue practices and concludes with a Maori prayer.
Overnight: On The Point
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Day 4 Scenic drive to Turangi via Taupo
Leaving Rotorua behind today your next destination, Turangi, is less than two hours away but there are many beautiful places to appreciate along the way. The first is the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and then a little further from here you'll find the Mud Pools, Lady Knox Geyser and the Wai-o-tapu geothermal park, home to the champagne pool. Continuing your journey towards Taupo you'll pass through the Wairakei Park which features the Craters of the Moon, Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Valley, then Huka Falls. The falls are an incredible sight as the Waikato River rushes through a narrow gorge and tumbles down in a powerful spray. There are viewing platforms and a short walking track that offers great photo opportunities.
You will eventually reach the pretty lakeside town of Taupo, which overlooks New Zealand's largest lake. This busy town is popular for good reason, being something of an activity hub in the region. If you have time, consider taking a boat cruise on Lake Taupo to visit the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. These incredible carvings are over 700 years old and are best viewed from the water.
Take as much time as you wish to explore Taupo and the surrounding area before commencing the final stage of your journey to Turangi. Your base for the next few days is an intimate three-bedroom luxury lodge set in peaceful gardens. We've included a room with a private hot tub, surrounded by ferns.
Overnight: River Birches Lodge
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Day 5 Private Tongariro Crossing Walk – Mount Doom viewpoint
Today you'll take on one of New Zealand's most iconic one-day hikes - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Organised on a private basis with an expert guide, you'll be able to take this entirely at your own pace.
The first section of your walk follows a gentle, well-established route to Soda Springs, then a quieter trail with far fewer visitors. Though a little steeper, you can take the route slowly and appreciate the stunning views. There'll be a rest stop and another photo opportunity at the South Crater, before you continue on to the Red Crater Summit. Absorb the incredible vistas of the active Red Crater with the Otarere and Rangipo Deserts in the distance, before descending to the Emerald Lakes for a scenic lunch.
After your break for lunch, you'll divert up and over Mount Tongariro to the summit. Here you'll be rewarded by a superb photo opportunity of Mount Ngauruhoe - 'Mount Doom' in the Lord of the Rings film franchise. When it's time to descend, you will diverge off the main track and cross Tongariro between the summit and the North Crater. As you finish both the day and the hike, admire the sunset views of Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Hauhungatahi and Mount Taranaki in the distance. Back at the lodge, your cedar hot tub awaits as a reward for your endeavours.
Overnight: River Birches Lodge
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Day 6 Free time in Tongariro
Today is free for you to recover from the previous day's adventures, and perhaps arrange further activities in the Tongariro region. The Tongariro National Park is a walking and hiking haven, with countless trails leading through scenery of volcanic peaks, trout-filled rivers, and pristine rainforest. The historic cobblestone Coach Road on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu is a fabulous cycling route if you'd like to switch to two wheels. Alternatively you could take to the water and explore by jet boat or river canoe, undertaking an exciting Whanganui River adventure or visiting the world-famous Bridge to Nowhere. Other activities in the region include fly fishing, golf at the 18-hole course in Turangi, and skiing during the winter months.
Overnight: River Birches Lodge
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Day 7 Scenic drive to Wellington
Rejoin the road south once more, today in the direction of Wellington. Intriguing places to stop along the way include Taihape for a coffee and a stroll, or Palmerston North to explore its museums and the Victoria Esplanade Gardens. Continue south along the Kapiti Coast to take in the sea views. You can visit Paraparaumu or Waikanae, both of which are close to the beach and great for a relaxing stop if you are looking to break up your drive. Arrive in Wellington later this afternoon and check in to your hotel, which is perfectly positioned close to the waterfront and a wealth of cultural attractions.
Overnight: QT Wellington
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Day 8 VIP Lord of the Rings tour at Weta Workshop
This morning you'll step into the imaginative heart of the Wētā Workshop on an exclusive private tour, where master storytellers bring three decades of cinematic magic to life. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the creative spaces where iconic props, armour and weapons from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were conceived and crafted. Hear first-hand stories of artistic ingenuity and special effects wizardry, before concluding with a private visit to Sir Richard Taylor's boardroom, home to the workshop's treasured Oscar collection
Your afternoon is themed more around general New Zealand heritage, as no stay in Wellington is complete without a visit to Te Papa. Each space in this remarkable museum reveals a different layer of the nation's identity, from revered Maori and Pacific taonga to cutting-edge science exploring New Zealand's unique natural world. A privately guided visit brings these collections vividly to life, offering deeper insight into exquisitely crafted tools, architecture and artworks, as well as powerful stories of the land and its people.
Overnight: QT Wellington
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Day 9 Depart
Arrangements end today with a private transfer to Wellington in time for your flight home or onward journey.
Option: Continue your adventure by following our Lord of the Rings inspired private tour of New Zealand's South Island.
Overnight: Overnight Flight
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Depart
