This morning leave behind NZ's vibrant capital and journey along Desert Road, a state highway set amidst the magical national park to Rotorua. You'll most likely smell Rotorua before you see since it's known as the cultural and geothermal centre of New Zealand.
This afternoon, you visit Wai-O-Tapu "sacred waters" New Zealand's most colourful geothermal park. Here you'll have the opportunity to experience a geothermal wonderland up close. Wai-O-Tapu features geysers, mud pools and so much more. There is also a wonderful gift shop and cafe to enjoy.
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Rotorua has it all: natural beauty, unique geothermal landscapes, and Māori culture. We stay here a full day to make the very most of it. This area is world-renowned for its geothermal activity, with neon blue and red lakes, steaming rivers, violent geysers, and bubbling mud pools galore.
For a truly epic brush with nature, the National Kiwi Hatchery Experience offers a 45-minute guided experience that takes visitors into the heart of conservation efforts dedicated to protecting unique and endangered creatures. You could also jump on the Rotorua City and Lakes Tour, where visitors can experience the thrill of riding in New Zealand's only genuine operating WW2 landing crafts and travelling through Rotorua's award-winning gardens, including the geothermal Sulphur point.
For Lord of the Rings fans, you can also choose to take a guided tour at the Hobbiton Movie Set, which is an absolute must-do when visiting NZ. On this fully guided tour of the 12 acre Middle-earth set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn! However, you choose to spend today we guarantee you won't forget it.
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This morning you'll visit the Hundert Wasser Arts centre. A guided tour will give you a fascinating glimpse into the life and achievements of the 20th century artist and environmentalist Friedrich Hundertwasser who called Northland his home.
This gallery is a testament to Hundertwasser's vision of the world and his environmental initiatives which had international acclaim. On the way north, visit the realm of Tāne Mahuta, the King of the Forest and New Zealand's most famous Kauri tree. Led by local Māori guide you will learn about the significance of the kauri tree to New Zealand Māori and the role it played in pioneer New Zealand. You'll head to the picturesque Bay of Islands and take a short ferry ride across to Russell.
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Waking up in the pretty seaside town of Russell it is hard to imagine that Russell was once known as the hellhole of the South Pacific. A local guide will take you on a walk to Flagstaff Hill with magnificent views over the Bay of Islands and an interesting story. Thereafter you take the passenger ferry to Paihia where you visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
This will provide you an insight into New Zealand in colonial times and provide you with an insight into Māori/New Zealand culture. At the Treaty grounds, you'll will enjoy a guided tour and cultural performance before heading back to Russell.
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Haka Tours
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