3-Day Auckland to Wellington Tour

Embarking on a captivating 3-day journey from Auckland to Wellington, travelers can enjoy the breathtaking highlights of New Zealand’s North Island. This adventure offers a chance to explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, marvel at the enchanting glowworm caves, and step into the iconic Hobbiton™ movie set. With a local guide providing insightful commentary, visitors will explore the region’s rich history and culture while experiencing the stunning landscapes. Accommodation at the charming Prince’s Gate hotel ensures comfort and convenience throughout the tour. As the itinerary unfolds, there’s no telling what other delightful surprises await.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best 3 Day Tours In Auckland.

Key Points

• This 3-day tour covers North Island highlights from Auckland to Wellington, including Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and the iconic Hobbiton™ movie set.
• The tour includes 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Rotorua and offers experiences like glowworm caves, geothermal parks, and the Hobbiton™ tour.
• Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickups and drop-offs, and a local guide offers commentary during the journey.
• Accommodation at the Prince’s Gate hotel in Rotorua provides a charming atmosphere, clean rooms, and access to nearby geothermal attractions.
• The tour has a maximum capacity of 20 travelers and includes independent touring with a different coach and driver each day, except for the Rotorua to Wellington leg.

Tour Overview

This 3-day Auckland to Wellington tour provides travelers the opportunity to experience the highlights of New Zealand’s North Island, including visits to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and the Hobbiton™ movie set.

Over the course of three days, the tour covers the length of the island, starting in Auckland and ending in Wellington.

Travelers will enjoy two nights’ accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Rotorua and have the chance to explore popular attractions like glowworm caves, a geothermal park, and the famous Hobbiton™ movie set.

Along the way, they’ll learn about the region’s history and culture from a local guide.

With comfortable transportation and seamless logistics, this tour offers an immersive and convenient way to discover the natural and cinematic gems of the North Island.

Inclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided in Auckland, Rotorua, and Wellington. A local guide offers commentary throughout the journey, and all admission fees and transport/tour fees listed in the itinerary are covered.

However, food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour provides the opportunity to:

1. Explore the glowworm caves, geothermal park, and Hobbiton™ movie set.

2. Learn about movie-making history on a guided tour of Hobbiton™.

3. See the boiling mud pools and famous Pohutu Geyser.

4. Travel the length of the North Island, from Auckland to Wellington via Rotorua.

Accommodation

The tour provides 2 nights of accommodation in Rotorua at the Prince’s Gate hotel, known for its charming atmosphere and helpful staff. This 4-star hotel offers comfortable lodging during the North Island adventure.

Guests can expect clean, well-appointed rooms and friendly service. The hotel’s central location also makes it convenient for exploring Rotorua’s geothermal attractions.

After a day of activities, travelers can unwind in the hotel’s cozy common areas or take advantage of the on-site dining options.

The included accommodation ensures a pleasant and relaxing stay, allowing participants to fully enjoy the tour’s highlights without worrying about logistics.

Pickup and Schedule

The tour offers pickup from all hotels within Auckland city, ensuring a convenient starting point for the 3-day journey.

The tour departs at 6:30 am, allowing ample time to explore the sights along the way.

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the experience promises an intimate and personalized adventure.

The tour features independent touring, where guests enjoy a different coach and driver each day, adding to the diverse and enriching experience.

The Rotorua to Wellington leg is serviced by an Intercity Coach, providing a comfortable and efficient journey without additional commentary.

• Pickup from all hotels within Auckland city

• Departure at 6:30 am

• Maximum of 20 travelers

• Independent touring with different coach and driver each day

Additional Information

Confirmation of the tour is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated with assistance. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking. Customers have the option of free cancellation up to 6 days in advance.

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, covering the length of New Zealand’s North Island from Auckland to Wellington via Rotorua.

Travelers can expect an informative and comfortable journey, with hotel pickups and drop-offs included. While food and drinks aren’t provided, the tour ensures seamless reservations at various locations along the way.

Reviews

Travelers have provided a total of 2 reviews for the Auckland to Wellington Tour, resulting in an overall rating of 3.0.

While there are no 5-star or 4-star ratings, the feedback highlights several positive aspects of the tour. Reviewers praised the comfort of the transportation and the informative drivers who guided them throughout the journey. They also noted that the reservations at the various locations were handled precisely.

One reviewer even recommended Viator and Leisure Tours for future travel, suggesting a satisfactory experience overall. However, the lack of higher ratings suggests there may be room for improvement in certain areas of the tour.

Here are 4 key takeaways from the reviews:

1. Comfortable transportation

2. Knowledgeable drivers

3. Precise reservations

4. Potential for improvement

Explore Glowworm Caves

One of the highlights of the Auckland to Wellington Tour is the opportunity to explore the captivating glowworm caves, where visitors can witness the mesmerizing natural light displays created by these remarkable creatures. As the group ventures deep underground, they’ll be awestruck by the twinkling lights that seem to hang suspended in the darkness, creating an enchanting, otherworldly atmosphere. The experienced guide will share fascinating insights into the biology and ecology of these bioluminescent invertebrates, shedding light on their unique adaptations and the crucial role they play in the cave ecosystem. This immersive experience leaves a lasting impression, transporting visitors to a realm of pure, natural wonder.

Glowworm Fact	Description
Species	New Zealand glowworm (Arachnocampa luminosa)
Habitat	Damp, dark caves and overhanging cliffs
Bioluminescence	Produced by a chemical reaction in specialized light organs
Diet	Tiny flies and midges trapped in sticky mucus threads
Life Cycle	Larvae glow to attract prey, then metamorphose into non-glowing adults

Hobbiton™ Movie Set

As part of the Auckland to Wellington Tour, visitors are treated to a guided exploration of the iconic Hobbiton™ movie set, where the enchanting world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies was brought to life on the silver screen.

Guests will have the opportunity to:

1. Stroll through the charming village, complete with hobbit holes, the Mill, and the iconic Green Dragon Inn.

2. Learn about the meticulous attention to detail that went into creating this cinematic masterpiece, from set design to prop placement.

3. Snap photos at key filming locations, including the Party Tree and Bilbo’s beloved home, Bag End.

4. Gain a deeper appreciation for the movie-making magic that transformed this lush New Zealand countryside into the enchanting realm of Middle-earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour information, food and drinks are not included in the tour package. However, travelers are free to bring their own food and drinks to consume during the trip if they prefer.

What Type of Vehicle Will Be Used for the Coach Service?

The coach service from Rotorua to Wellington is an Intercity Coach, which doesn’t provide commentary. This is an independent coach transfer without a guide, allowing travelers to enjoy the scenery at their own pace.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children of All Ages?

The tour is suitable for children, but infants must sit on laps. Collapsible wheelchairs are accommodated with assistance, though the tour is not fully wheelchair accessible. Dietary requirements should be advised at booking.

Can I Request a Different Hotel in Rotorua?

Yes, you can request a different hotel in Rotorua. The tour provider is generally accommodating of special requests, but availability and any additional costs would need to be confirmed at the time of booking.

Is There Any Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator does not appear to offer any discounts for seniors or students based on the provided information. Customers should inquire directly with the tour operator about any potential discounts or special pricing options that may be available.

Recap

This 3-day tour from Auckland to Wellington offers a remarkable opportunity to take in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of New Zealand’s North Island.

Travelers will be captivated by the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, enchanted by the glowworm caves, and enchanted by the iconic Hobbiton™ movie set.

With comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.