Depart Auckland for Matamata stopping en route at Wilderness Gems, Ngatea, to view an impressive selection of
gemstones, crystals, greenstone, paua jewellery, carvings and gifts.
Continue on to Hobbiton, set on picuresque private farmland near Matamata. A tour guide will escort you through the
ten-acre site of the village movie set. Explore the remains of the hobbits' dwellings, and enjoy the spectacular views
across to the Kaimai Ranges from this private working sheep and beef farm.
After a lunch break (own expense) in nearby Matamata, continue on to Waitomo via the Arapuni Dam.
The dam, built in 1929, is the oldest dam on the 425 kilometre-long Waikato River, and is the seventh dam and
eighth power station in the river system.
At Waitomo, visit The Shearing Shed to view Angora rabbits, imported from Germany, which are shorn daily at the
only rabbit-shearing shed in New Zealand. Experience the opportunity to hold one of these cuddly creatures or simply
take photographs.
The adjoining shop specialises in angora fibre products ranging from duvets and knitting yarns to soft angora
sweaters.
Visit the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, which have attracted millions of people from all over the world for
more than 100 years. Take a boat ride through the eerie darkness of the Glowworm Grotto to see millions of
glowworms lighting up the roof.
Return to Auckland at 8.00pm.
