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8 DAY THERMAL EXPLORER
Package from:
- From NZ$1,830 per person twin share*
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Starts: Auckland
Ends: Auckland
Destinations: Auckland, Hamilton, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Ruapehu and Taupō
Overview:
Explore the heart of New Zealand's North Island on this self-drive holiday featuring geothermal landscapes, spectacular caves, iconic film locations and stunning natural scenery. From Auckland to Rotorua, Lake Taupō and Mt Ruapehu, this itinerary combines adventure, culture and unforgettable experiences.
Your package includes:
- 7 nights accommodation in 3.5-star hotels
- 8 days car hire in a Compact SUV or similar vehicle
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from The Shires Rest
- Whakarewarewa Village Tour & Geothermal Trail
- Scenic Lake Taupō Cruise to the Māori Rock Carvings
- Waitomo Caves Tour
Journey Highlights:
- Discover Auckland, New Zealand's largest city
- Explore Rotorua's famous geothermal region
- Visit Lake Taupō, New Zealand's largest lake
- Experience the spectacular Mt Ruapehu region
- Explore Hamilton and the Waikato region
- Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive itinerary
Included Experiences:
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Visit the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set
- Explore the Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
- Guided tour through the iconic movie location
Whakarewarewa Village & Geothermal Trail
- Experience Rotorua's living Māori village
- Discover geothermal landscapes and steaming vents
- Learn about local culture and traditions
Lake Taupō Cruise
- Scenic cruise on New Zealand's largest lake
- View the famous Māori Rock Carvings
- Experience the beauty of Lake Taupō from the water
Waitomo Caves Tour
- Explore one of New Zealand's most famous cave systems
- Discover impressive underground formations
- Experience the unique natural wonders of Waitomo
Why You'll Love This Journey:
- Excellent mix of culture, nature and adventure
- Flexible self-drive itinerary
- Visit some of the North Island's most iconic attractions
- Perfect for first-time visitors to New Zealand
- Geothermal, cultural and scenic experiences included
- Comfortable accommodation and vehicle hire included
Travel Dates & Pricing:
- 01 October 2026 – 31 October 2026: From NZ$1,789 per person twin share
- 01 November 2026 – 31 January 2027: From NZ$1,830 per person twin share
- 01 February 2027 – 31 March 2027: From NZ$1,909 per person twin share
Travel Information:
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Starts and Ends: Auckland
- Accommodation: 3.5-Star Hotels
- Vehicle: Compact SUV or Similar
- Car Hire Duration: 8 Days
*Price is per person twin share and subject to availability at the time of booking. Package includes accommodation, car hire and sightseeing as specified. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply.
No details found.
Your package includes:
- 7 nights accommodation in 3.5-star hotels
- 8 days car hire in a Compact SUV or similar vehicle
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from The Shires Rest
- Whakarewarewa Village Tour & Geothermal Trail
- Scenic Lake Taupō Cruise to the Māori Rock Carvings
- Waitomo Caves Tour
Journey Highlights:
- Discover Auckland, New Zealand's largest city
- Explore Rotorua's famous geothermal region
- Visit Lake Taupō, New Zealand's largest lake
- Experience the spectacular Mt Ruapehu region
- Explore Hamilton and the Waikato region
- Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive itinerary
Included Experiences:
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Visit the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set
- Explore the Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
- Guided tour through the iconic movie location
Whakarewarewa Village & Geothermal Trail
- Experience Rotorua's living Māori village
- Discover geothermal landscapes and steaming vents
- Learn about local culture and traditions
Lake Taupō Cruise
- Scenic cruise on New Zealand's largest lake
- View the famous Māori Rock Carvings
- Experience the beauty of Lake Taupō from the water
Waitomo Caves Tour
- Explore one of New Zealand's most famous cave systems
- Discover impressive underground formations
- Experience the unique natural wonders of Waitomo
Why You'll Love This Journey:
- Excellent mix of culture, nature and adventure
- Flexible self-drive itinerary
- Visit some of the North Island's most iconic attractions
- Perfect for first-time visitors to New Zealand
- Geothermal, cultural and scenic experiences included
- Comfortable accommodation and vehicle hire included
Travel Dates & Pricing:
- 01 October 2026 – 31 October 2026: From NZ$1,789 per person twin share
- 01 November 2026 – 31 January 2027: From NZ$1,830 per person twin share
- 01 February 2027 – 31 March 2027: From NZ$1,909 per person twin share
Travel Information:
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Starts and Ends: Auckland
- Accommodation: 3.5-Star Hotels
- Vehicle: Compact SUV or Similar
- Car Hire Duration: 8 Days
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
By making a booking or enquiry with North Travel, you agree to our General Terms and Conditions. Please visit https://northtravel.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/
While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
North Travel's head office is located at 196 Bank Street, Whangarei, New Zealand.
We are a 100% New Zealand Owned and Operated Travel Agency.
Yes absolutely please give us a call on 0800 803 007.
If calling from outside of New Zealand please call +64 9 699 3074
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In 2025 North Travel was a top 5 finalist at the NTIA Awards (National Travel Industry Awards).
North Travel is a fully bonded member of TAANZ (Travel Agents Association of New Zealand), an IATA Accredited Agency as well as a CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) member.
North Travel operates strict financial management through client trust accounts and carries comprehensive indemnity and liability insurance at all times.
All members of the North Travel team carry out CPD (Continuing professional development) weekly through various industry training webinars, supplier updates and insurance compliance.
