Depart Auckland for Matamata stopping en route for morning tea by the banks of the Waikato River and view the impressive Huntly power station across the water.
With a capacity of 1000MW, this largest thermal power station in the country is capable of generating up to 20 percent of New Zealand’s electricity requirements.
Continue on, through typical Waikato farmland, 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 your tour continue on to Rotorua for a lunch break at Te Punia (included).
You will have time to explore the thermal area of Te Puia or go visit their Kiwi House to view the native Kiwi Bird.
From there we will continue on to Waitomo via the Arapuni Dam.
The dam, built in 1927, is the oldest dam on the 425 kilometre-long Waikato River, and is the seventh dam and
eighth power station in the river system.
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.
