The North Island of New Zealand is a combination of geothermal wonderlands, scenic beaches, mountain backdrops and Kiwi culture on this 8-night North Island vacation.

The North Island of New Zealand is a combination of geothermal wonderlands, scenic beaches, mountain backdrops and Kiwi culture. See them all on this 8-night North Island vacation.

Includes:

  • Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Auckland, returning from Wellington
  • 8 days Group C Car Rental (Intermediate Auto), Pick-up Auckland, drop off Wellington
  • Three nights Auckland City Hotel
  • One night Standard B&B Matamata region, including dinner and breakfast
  • Two nights Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
  • Two nights Mercure Wellington
  • Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tour, Matamata
  • Evening Maori Cultural Experience including Hangi Dinner, Rotorua
  • Half-day Middle-earth tour, Wellington
  • US/foreign taxes & fees including Sep 11 Security Fee
  • Applicable airline fuel surcharges

Upon arrival in Auckland, pick up your rental car and make your way to your accommodation where you will spend three nights.  During your time in Auckland, you are free to explore the city and its environs at your leisure.Air New Zealand Crew

From Auckland, make your way to Matamata, and the home of the Hobbiton Movie Set.  Start with a "Kiwi" barbecue lunch at the Shire's Rest Cafe then enjoy a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of The Rings film trilogy. Your Kiwi style experience continues this evening with a Farm Stay. You will enjoy a three-course dinner with your hosts featuring fresh New Zealand produce and complimentary wine or beer. A continental or cooked breakfast is also included.

After breakfast, take a short drive to Rotorua, the geothermal wonderland that abounds with culture and history.  During you two-night stay, enjoy a cultural Maori experience and a hangi meal; a Maori tradition where meals are cooked beneath the surface of the earth.  Learn about the Maori culture and enjoy a night’s entertainment of local singing and dancing.

From Rotorua travel south to Wellington with stop offs at several filming locations from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit.

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and it is bursting with arts, culture, fine dining and breath-taking natural scenery.   Wellington was the hub for the films’ production where cast and crew enjoyed world class production facilities as well as gastronomic and cultural highlights during the epic 500-day production.  Enjoy a half-day tour featuring film locations with an expert guide in a small group.  The tour takes you to the filming locations for Rivendell where Frodo recovered from his knife attack; the Anduin River where Aragorn was washed ashore after the attack of the Wargs; the Gardens of Isengard, the site of the Orcs Felling the Trees and where Gandalf rode to see Saruman. Visit the Mount Victoria lookout and Hobbiton Woods where you can race to the Ferry and get off the road; Buckland Forest where the Hobbits hid from the Nazgul/Black Riders and where they found the mushrooms on the road; Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment; visit the quarry for the filming of Helms Deep and the fortified ravine in Rohan and Minas Tirith.

Return your rental vehicle to Wellington Airport before boarding your return flight to Los Angeles.