Animal Encounter Auckland

Auckland to Paihia via Bay of Islands One Way , this small group, fully guided day trip combines the best of both coasts of subtropical Northland. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Highlights:

• Wildlife spotting
• Sites of cultural and historical significance
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Tane Mahuta, Waipoua Forest
• The Kauri Museum

Itinerary:
1. Auckland - Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city over the iconic Harbour Bridge, your guide will set the scene for your adventure today.
2.The Kauri Museum - Exiting Auckland, we travel west and follow the road through the kumara capital of New Zealand. Our first stop sees us visiting the Kauri Museum, to understand the remarkable story of New Zealand's largest and most famous native tree. Celebrating everything to do with kauri and the people of the north, we discover how kauri have supported lives and livelihoods for centuries. Despite their immense size and strength however, these giants are also fragile, so you may even take the opportunity to help in the survival of this mighty taonga (treasure).
3.Waipoua Forest – Continuing north the beautiful scenery does not stop and our guide will entertain you with interesting information and stories of the area before we enter the majestic Waipoua forest. As the drive swoops and turns, embraced by New Zealand's famous ancient forest, we are finally rewarded by the presence of Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest.
4. Opononi Beach - Enjoy a lunch break in the beachside settlement of Opononi with view over the Hokianga Harbour.

5.Waitangi Treaty Grounds - After enjoying free time for lunch on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour we journey further north towards the 'birthplace of our nation', Waitangi, where we will be treated to a fully guided tour and cultural performance at Aotearoa New Zealand's most important historic site
6. Paihia - Arrive in Paihia and enjoy your stay!

Inclusions:

• Small Group Fully Guided Tour
• Entry in Kauri Museum
• Waitangi guided tour and cultural performance.
• Water available & snacks provided
  

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

For further information regarding cancellation, luggage or more details please visit our FAQs page

Auckland to Paihia via Bay of Islands One Way , this small group, fully guided day trip combines the best of both coasts of subtropical Northland. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

H ighlights: Wildlife spotting Sites of cultural and historical significance Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tane Mahuta, Waipoua Forest The Kauri Museum
Itinerary:
1. Auckland - Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city over the iconic Harbour Bridge, your guide will set the scene for your adventure today.
2. The Kauri Museum - Exiting Auckland, we travel west and follow the road through the kumara capital of New Zealand. Our first stop sees us visiting the Kauri Museum, to understand the remarkable story of New Zealand's largest and most famous native tree. Celebrating everything to do with kauri and the people of the north, we discover how kauri have supported lives and livelihoods for centuries. Despite their immense size and strength however, these giants are also fragile, so you may even take the opportunity to help in the survival of this mighty taonga (treasure).
3. Waipoua Forest – Continuing north the beautiful scenery does not stop and our guide will entertain you with interesting information and stories of the area before we enter the majestic Waipoua forest. As the drive swoops and turns, embraced by New Zealand's famous ancient forest, we are finally rewarded by the presence of Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest.
4. Opononi Beach - Enjoy a lunch break in the beachside settlement of Opononi with view over the Hokianga Harbour.

5. Waitangi Treaty Grounds - After enjoying free time for lunch on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour we journey further north towards the 'birthplace of our nation', Waitangi, where we will be treated to a fully guided tour and cultural performance at Aotearoa New Zealand's most important historic site
6. Paihia - Arrive in Paihia and enjoy your stay!


Inclusions: Small Group Fully Guided Tour Entry in Kauri Museum Waitangi guided tour and cultural performance. Water available & snacks provided

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.


For further information regarding cancellation, luggage or more details please visit our FAQs page

This small group, fully guided tour combines the popular North Island attractions of Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves and Rotorua (finishing in Rotorua). Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Please note: this tour makes up Day 1 of our 2-day Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo and Hamilton Gardens Tour, and so may be shared with guests who are doing the full 2-day tour. If booking this tour, guests will leave the group in Rotorua at the end of Day 1.


Highlights:

• Hobbiton Movie Set
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Rotorua Highlights

Itinerary:

1. Auckland - Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
2.Waikato – Exiting Auckland we drive south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering stunning scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several farm animals along the way. After learning about some local history we stop in the idyllic little town of Pirongia for a quick coffee break. Continuing our adventure we pass through Otorohanga “The Kiwiana capital of New Zealand”. See all things Kiwi in this unique and charming town.
3. Waitomo Caves – Arriving at our first feature attractions you will be guided through the ancient and amazing caves seeing many different cave formations, including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your Glowworm experience. Board your boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of Glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller.
4.Big Bird – On our way to our next destination, Hobbiton Movie Set, we stop outside Big Bird to see and meet some of our local friendly animals. These guys know our guides well and even though we do not have time to go inside the park, the friendly animal will often come to the fences for a photo or two, thrilling guests.
5.Hobbiton Movie Set – Arriving at our second feature attraction, Hobbiton, you will have time to buy lunch before boarding one of the big green Hobbiton buses. You then depart on a two hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12 acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide, to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘The Green Dragon Inn’.
6. Tirau – Continuing our adventure we depart for Rotorua and pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
7.Rotorua Highlights - To complete the formal part of the tours first day we arrive in Rotorua and do a quick guided driving tour, seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. We then drop you off at your hotel to check in for the night (accommodation NOT included)

Inclusions:

• Small Group Tour

• Fully Guided

• Entry Tickets to Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves

• Bottled Water

• Snacks

Optional Extras:

• One-way option from Rotorua to Auckland (selected dates only)

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

This small group, fully guided tour combines the popular North Island attractions of Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves and Rotorua (finishing in Rotorua). Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.


Please note: this tour makes up Day 1 of our 2-day Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo and Hamilton Gardens Tour, and so may be shared with guests who are doing the full 2-day tour. If booking this tour, guests will leave the group in Rotorua at the end of Day 1.


Highlights:
Hobbiton Movie Set Waitomo Glowworm Caves Rotorua Highlights Itinerary:


1. Auckland - Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
2. Waikato – Exiting Auckland we drive south through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, encountering stunning scenery, mighty rivers, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains and several farm animals along the way. After learning about some local history we stop in the idyllic little town of Pirongia for a quick coffee break. Continuing our adventure we pass through Otorohanga “The Kiwiana capital of New Zealand”. See all things Kiwi in this unique and charming town.
3. Waitomo Caves – Arriving at our first feature attractions you will be guided through the ancient and amazing caves seeing many different cave formations, including Stalactites, Stalagmites and Lime Columns, before descending even further underground for your Glowworm experience. Board your boat for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of Glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller.
4. Big Bird – On our way to our next destination, Hobbiton Movie Set, we stop outside Big Bird to see and meet some of our local friendly animals. These guys know our guides well and even though we do not have time to go inside the park, the friendly animal will often come to the fences for a photo or two, thrilling guests.
5. Hobbiton Movie Set – Arriving at our second feature attraction, Hobbiton, you will have time to buy lunch before boarding one of the big green Hobbiton buses. You then depart on a two hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12 acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide, to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies and enjoy a cold complimentary beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub ‘ The Green Dragon Inn’.
6. Tirau – Continuing our adventure we depart for Rotorua and pass through Tirau, famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Iron Capital of the World' because of the many unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, this town never fails to get a look and a laugh and our guides will point out all the main highlights on the way through.
7. Rotorua Highlights - To complete the formal part of the tours first day we arrive in Rotorua and do a quick guided driving tour, seeing the most famous sites in Rotorua city including: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring) & the Blue Baths. We then drop you off at your hotel to check in for the night (accommodation NOT included)


Inclusions:
Small Group Tour Fully Guided Entry Tickets to Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Bottled Water Snacks Optional Extras: One-way option from Rotorua to Auckland (selected dates only) While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.