Golden Triangle Experience – Overnight [3 Day Tour]

Auckland Trip Overview

The best way for a first-time visitor to experience New Zealand’s must-see destinations. Our Golden Triangle experience has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. If you only have a short time in New Zealand, it’s the perfect route to get a taste for what this wild country is all about, and you’ll immerse in the rich and vibrant culture. New Zealand’s Golden Triangle Experience comprises the three most visited cities in the country’s Waitomo, Rotorua and Matamata (Hobbiton), which are all connected to each other within a small radius. You can experience three cities of varying landscapes and get a taste of three very different and distinct sides of the country.

Additional Info

Duration: 3 days
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours

What to Expect When Visiting Auckland, , New Zealand

The best way for a first-time visitor to experience New Zealand’s must-see destinations. Our Golden Triangle experience has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. If you only have a short time in New Zealand, it’s the perfect route to get a taste for what this wild country is all about, and you’ll immerse in the rich and vibrant culture. New Zealand’s Golden Triangle Experience comprises the three most visited cities in the country’s Waitomo, Rotorua and Matamata (Hobbiton), which are all connected to each other within a small radius. You can experience three cities of varying landscapes and get a taste of three very different and distinct sides of the country.

Itinerary

Day 1: Waitomo Triple Cave Experience – Glowworm Cave, Aranui Cave, Rukauri Cave & Overnight Stay in Rotorua

Stop At: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943 New Zealand
Discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Experience the serene ambience as you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world.

Our guided tour will take you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery commencing with the impressive Cathedral. Many of our current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable history of the area.

Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms

Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave famous for its acoustics

Enjoy listening to stories about Maori culture from our local guides

Guided since the late 1880s, this is the original iconic New Zealand attraction.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Aranui Cave, 39 Waitomo Caves Road Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, Otorohanga 3977 New Zealand
This tour mixes two of Waitomo’s most fascinating caves, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and intimate Aranui Cave. Join the guided walking tour through an enchanted forest and learn about the native New Zealand landscape and flora. Enjoy this educational tour as you discover some of Waitomo’s largest public stalactites, stunning rock formations and the infamous cave-dwelling weta colony.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo Caves 3977 New Zealand
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable glowworm experience, then our most popular combo is for you! Go with the glow and visit both the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, as well as enchanting Ruakuri Cave. Discover thousands of illuminating glowworms as you explore these glittering underground worlds on two walking tours.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation is not included. ExperienceKart can arrange this for you (added cost) or you can choose to book your own.

Day 2: Rotorua City Highlights, Te Puia Geothermal Valley & Overnight Stay in Rotorua

Stop At: Government Gardens, Queens Dr 9 Queens Dr, Rotorua New Zealand
his day we start our morning exploring the geothermal city highlights by visiting the stunning locations in the heart of Rotorua. Explore historic gardens that surround a Tudor-style spa bath house and an ornate Mediterranean-style public swimming pool. Peer through the steam into ancient bubbling geothermal pools.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Te Puia, Hemo Road, Rotorua New Zealand
Situated five minutes from central Rotorua, Te Puia is an iconic destination for visitors featuring the world famous Pohutu Geyser, Māori cultural performances, live Kiwi, boiling mud pools, native bush and the National Schools of Wood Carving and Weaving. Feel the warm welcome of Māori guides from the moment you walk into Te Puia past the twelve monumental carvings – Te Heketanga a Rangi reaching skywards.Explore Te Puia’s unique Whakarewarewa geothermal valley home to the world famous Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to twenty times a day, and up to thirty metres high into the air.

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The rest of the day you can Wander through vibrant Rotorua or you can choose to experience additional tour options of your choice.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation is not included. ExperienceKart can arrange this for you (added cost) or you can choose to book your own.

Day 3: Middle Earth Experience – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and return to Auckland

Stop At: Hobbiton Movie Set, 501 Buckland Road Matamata, Hinuera 3472 New Zealand
​​Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is where Peter Jackson filmed his famous Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Once we arrive, you spend 30-45 mins shopping in the official Hobbiton Gift Shop and grabbing a drink or a bite in the famous Shire’s Rest Cafe.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.

You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.

After you finish your amazing golden triangle experience, we make our way through the scenic roads of Waikato back to Auckland city.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

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