Day 1 in Rotorua

Welcome to Rotorua! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city, take a stroll along the cobbled streets of downtown along Fenton Street or `Eat Streat` and find a cute, quaint café or restaurant to sit back and enjoy some lunch al fresco style. After lunch take a leisurely stroll through Government Gardens admiring the beautifully landscaped lawns decorated with vibrant roses and azaleas and towering Redwoods and Japanese Firs.

Alternatively, hire a bicycle for the afternoon and ride around the park and down to the lake where plenty of attractions can be found.

Walk down to the lake shores and visit the Rotorua Museum, housed in the iconic Bath House Building which dates back to the 1900`s, this world-class museum features an art gallery and is filled with Rotorua`s rich cultural history of the Te Arawa Maori Tribe. Make your way to the top of the building to the viewing platform and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the lake and the city.

Head out to Sulphur Point, there is a wooden boardwalk from the lakefront that leads to this geothermal wonderland filled with steaming mud baths and hot sulfur vents. The area is a wildlife refuge and sanctuary, home to over 60 different species of birds including the endangered banded dotterel, the New Zealand dabchick, and black-billed gull.

After exploring the area make your way back to the city center for dinner. There are a variety of different international cuisines offered in Rotorua including authentic New Zealand, Indian, Chinese and Italian. Many restaurants are concentrated in the downtown area. Enjoy a nice meal and a glass of New Zealand wine before retiring for the evening.

Day 2 in Rotorua

Today explore the geothermal wonderland areas that make Rotorua a world-class destination. Travel to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village which is a living Maori village, here you can meet the `Tangata Whenua` tribe and local residents. Take a tour of their village filled with tons of history and culture, enjoy listening to stories of their heritage. This ancient Thermal village is filled with over 500 steaming hot pools and 65 shooting geysers. See how the locals use the steam vents to cook their traditional `hangi` cuisine and heat their homes. Enjoy a Haka performance by the Te Pakira group and visit the local village shops and purchase some authentic arts and crafts to take home.

Make your way to Te Puia located in the Thermal Valley, home to the Pohutu Geyser also known as `Big Splash`. Watch the famous geyser shoot water up to 100 feet in the air! The geyser erupts around 20 times a day. Explore the area filled with mud baths and hot pools. Visit the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and watch young students carving stone and weaving. Then stop by the small kiwi enclosure for a glimpse at the national bird in its nocturnal habitat.

Grab some lunch and head to the Whakarewarewa Forest also referred to as `The Redwoods`. This area offers miles of biking and hiking trails along with horseback riding through some of the most spectacular scenic surroundings in the country. Walk or cycle through the lush green forest under towering California Redwood Trees that stand 196ft tall, stop for a picnic along the way and enjoy nature. Take a horseback ride through the 15-acre forest or if you are an avid mountain biker explore more than 60 different trails said to be some of the best in the world. Also, check out the `Treewalk` with 23 suspension bridges suspended up high connecting between the massive trees.

Next, make your way to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and see the world famous Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser surrounded by simmering mud pools, vibrant pools and gushing geysers that make up this fascinating area. Grab a coffee and an afternoon snack at the local café.

As evening approaches enjoy a full authentic Maori experience at one of the traditional Maori villages (Tamaki Maori Village or Mitai Maori Village). Experience a traditional greeting ceremony, followed by a delicious local `hangi` dinner, followed by cultural performances featuring live music, singing, and dancing.

Day 3 in Rotorua

This morning make your way to `Ohinemutu`, a lakeside village and the original settlement site of the Ngati Whakaue tribe. Explore the unique living Maori village and experience the Maori way of life today filled with history and culture. Visit the Te Papaiouru Marae (community meeting house) and St Faith`s Church both combining Maori and Tudor style architecture. Stop in at one of the quaint cafes in the area for refreshments and a snack to fuel up for your next adventure.

Rotorua is known for exhilarating adventures including bungee jumping, white water rafting, and other adrenaline-fueled activities. First stop is Rotorua Zorb, the world`s leading ball rolling brand and original company. Embark on a thrilling downhill ride inside a giant inflatable globe, there are wet and dry tracks offered, have a ball and enjoy this exhilarating experience.

Next stop is Rotorua`s Agroventures Adventure Park filled with six unique and exciting adventures and activities for all ages. Try out the world`s first `Scweeb`, a human pedal powered capsule that runs along a monorail line and can reach up to 28 mph. For more thrills and spills take a ride on the `Swoop Agrojet` a high-speed boat ride reaching speeds of 62mph around a lake with 3G`s of force and a 360 spin at the end! Try the `Freefall Xtreme` a free-fall wind tunnel experience or try Bungee jumping from 143ft above Paradise Valley.

After a busy day of amazing adventures relax at Rotorua`s lakeside Polynesian Spa, voted one of the World`s top 10 spa`s by Conde Nast Magazine. Sit back and relax in one of the 28 thermal mineral pools on site that provide healing properties and promote relaxation. Indulge in a massage or facial and sip on a refreshing drink from the juice bar or a snack at the café on site. The spa overlooks the lake providing visitors with some of the most spectacular scenic views in the most tranquil environment.

On your last evening in the city, head up Mount Ngongotaha onboard the Skyline Gondola. At the summit enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Rotorua, the lake, and Mokoia Island. Enjoy dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant located at the top of the mountain providing excellent cuisine with amazing views. Try out the Skyline Luge a downhill ride or the Sky Swing which stands 164ft above ground and swings passengers at speeds of 74mph. Other dining options and activities are available at the summit. Enjoy your last evening high above the city.

Additional Days in Hobart

Should you be able to spend additional days in Rotorua explore Mount Tarawera, once named the 8th wonder of the world. The volcano which was responsible for New Zealand`s largest eruption in history destroying the area`s famous natural Pink and White Terraces.

See Waimangu`s Volcanic Valley which dates back to the 1800`s, a fascinating area consisting of mountains, boiling lakes, hot springs, and mud baths. Explore the area through guided walking tours, hikes or take a boat cruise through the scenic environment and see one of the largest hot springs in the world.

Kaituna River is situated in the Bay of Plenty region and runs for 28 miles. A world-famous whitewater rafting destination and home of the world`s tallest commercial rafting waterfall `Tutea Fall`.

The Agrodome is a must-see attraction covering 350 acres of farmland featuring the world famous farm show, sheep shearing, and tours of the woolen mill.

Lake Rotorua is one of the 14 lakes in the area, explore the oldest, largest and deepest lake in the area onboard a floatplane, the amphibious duck tours or a helicopter ride to see the stunning beauty that makes up Rotorua.

Your Last Day in Rotorua

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.