New Zealand Reflections from Auckland

Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills signaling that you are approaching The Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way to Hobbiton with insights into the areas you are travelling through, along with some background to the movies.

On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, and the party tree. At this stunning location, you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. You will also get to walk through a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior.

The tour ends with lunch and visit to the Green Dragon Inn. Enjoy time in the Hobbiton gift shop and the opportunity to spend your souvenir voucher before joining the shuttle and heading to Rotorua.

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel offers sophisticated, luxury lodge style accommodation right on the edge of Lake Rotorua with a backdrop of mature gardens. The Black Swan fuses classic sophistication and contemporary chic to create a thoroughly modern and uniquely luxurious Rotorua lakefront Boutique Hotel with personalised lodge style service. Whether for business or pleasure, experience exceptional lakefront living, luxury accommodations, exquisite dining and the finest amenities.The Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel is a beautifully appointed 5 star property that offers the discerning visitor the opportunity to experience the comforts and hospitality of personalised luxury hotel accommodation, whilst enjoying an exclusive and intimate environment. The expansive grounds include rose gardens, sweeping lawns, swimming pool, secret grotto, sandy beach, private jetty, heli-pad and eight suites. Luxury accommodation comprises 8 beautifully appointed king/twin guest suites with stunning views over the lake or gardens.

This evening, you will engage in an immersive experience blending the best in Maori culture and cuisine. Get the chance to explore concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace. Tu Te Ra is a time of year when the sun expresses its optimal energy. It is when days are longest and when the energy of the light nourishes the natural world. It is a time for harvesting and a time for celebrating. It is also a time for warfare, settling old scores and forging peace.

Your experience is filled with drama, performance and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) shared against a backdrop of blazing bonfires, towering Tawa trees and a natural forest amphitheater. Tonight's menu has been designed by award-winning Maori chefs and includes staple favorites, such as crispy pork, caramelized apple wrapped in kawakawa, paua, pikopiko fronds, smoked eel and charred hangi kumara, which are followed by a four-course hakari (feast).

Served al fresco on warmer nights and indoors on cooler nights, the space is eclectically designed to make you wonder if you have journeyed back to the times of trade and warfare and to make you feel the depth and generosity of hakari.

The morning tour departs daily between 8:00-8:30 a.m. from your accommodation and drives you through forestry and farmland to New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool. Your guide shows you a series of colourful hot springs and volcanic features at Wai-O-Tapu. Around 10.15 a.m. head over to see the Lady Knox geyser eruption.
Next, we take you on a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley where your guide explains the Mt. Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush covered, geothermal park! Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols new and old, with a guided tour to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre.
Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua's Maori culture and geothermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. First, a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural attraction. This includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and the Pohutu geyser.

Next we visit the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and learn more about Maori history and customs. We briefly visit Kuirau Park to view a recent geothermal eruption site. Finish your day visiting the pristine and tranquil lakes of our amazing volcanic region, including views of Mount Tarawera with explanation of volcanic and Maori history

The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

Depart Queenstown and take a luxurious coach ride along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau. These tranquil lakes are crystal clear and reflect the surrounding mountains. The driver's compelling commentary will keep you informed and entertained throughout.

Enter Fiordland National Park and pass through Eglington Valley, one of the only road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand. Take the opportunity to capture some memorable shots of the Mirror Lakes or the ancient alpine forests as you get closer to Milford Sound. The glass-roof coach will give you sensational views of the peaks soaring above you while you cross the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. Make a stop at Monkey Creek and drink some of the freshest water in the world before venturing through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled into solid rock. After the Homer Tunnel, then experience The Chasm, a short but impressive walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids, before arriving at the fiord.

Next, board the most luxurious catamaran in Milford Sound to explore the spectacular fiord. Venture out to the Tasman Sea while cruising past tumbling waterfalls, glacier-scarred rock walls and lush rainforests. Keep an eye out for wildlife species such as seals, penguins and dolphins and get a glimpse of Mitre Peak. A tasty picnic lunch will keep you filled on board.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.