hobbiton day tour from rotorua

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• Hobbiton Movie Set

For your own Middle-earth adventure, daily tours are available to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and The Hobbit films.

Discover the real Middle-Earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set just one hour’s easy drive from Rotorua. On the most picturesque private farmland you can visit, the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies in a fascinating two-hour guided tour. The set has been completely rebuilt for The Hobbit and will remain as it was seen in these films and The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.  During your tour you will see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, double arched bridge and other structures and gardens built for the films. The Green Dragon Inn is a replica of the inn that featured in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Masterfully recreated, we invite you to relax at the Inn of the Hobbits as part of your tour. All guests, receive one complimentary refreshment from our exclusively crafted Southfarthing range. The inn also offers traditional fare, including our famous beef and ale pie. The Shires Rest cafe is conveniently located at the Entrance to Hobbiton Movie Set, and here you can relax and soak up the unique atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal. Both venues are also available for functions, conferences or other occasions. Situated below The Shires Rest Cafe, The Shire Store features many items that will tempt the enthusiast or the general shopper.  Half day excursions/tours depart from the Hobbiton Rotorua Store  1235 Fenton st, Rotorua twice daily. We are proud to be a Qualmark Endorsed Activity.

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Hobbiton Movie Set is open 7 days. Availability is very limited. Bookings essential.

Choose a Tour

• Departing from Tour from The Shire's Rest™ From Matamata I-Site
• Date Selected
• Group size 1
• Departing from Hobbiton™ Beer Festival - Saturday Hobbiton™ Beer Festival - Friday

Transfer & tour options from Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton.

Choose Bush and Beach for an easy day trip from Auckland. Let Bush and Beach pick you up from your hotel and take you on a magical journey to the Hobbiton Movie Set for a fascinating guided tour followed by lunch. They even include a gift voucher to use in the Hobbiton shop!  Bush and Beach specialise in informative small group tours, have been operating for over 30 years and are the longest-running eco tour company in New Zealand.  If you are interested in the people who make the beer for the Green Dragon then you could always join their  Hobbiton and Hops  tour which visits the Good George Brewery after the Hobbiton tour.

Following your pick up from your Downtown Auckland CBD accommodation, our magical and enchanting tour takes place over 8 hours and with full commentary and the insight of our highly knowledgeable local tour guide, it truly will be a day to remember. Auckland Scenic Tours have been taking thousands of guests annually to Hobbiton for many, many years and we work closely with the team at Hobbiton to ensure that every one of our guests has a magical and enchanting experience.

Auckland & Beyond Tours offers Private Luxury Tours & Daily Small Group Tours from Auckland. The Luxurious Mercedes Fleet offers a comfortable and smooth ride so you can relax and enjoy the amazing beauty of New Zealand’s scenic roads on the way to the Hobbiton Movie Set.

New Zealand’s most internationally-acclaimed tour operator with so far 3 global tourism awards to their name, TIME Unlimited Tours incorporate Hobbiton Movie Set into many of their tours. These include Private Tours from Auckland to Hobbiton, incorporating many other sights into a private day or multi-day tour, as well as a variety of Private One-Way Tours starting or finishing in Auckland, Rotorua or other locations.

Cheeky Kiwi Travel run daily, fully guided  small group tours from Auckland   to Hobbiton , return or one way, with hotel pick ups and drop offs. Their modern mini buses are specially built to enhance your tour experience including drop down screens,  USB charging ports and wifi access  in all vehicles. There are so many little things that make touring with Cheeky Kiwi Travel unique and memorable including knowledgeable guides, secret stops, surprise wildlife viewings, and complimentary water and snacks. With Cheeky Kiwi it's just as much about the journey as the amazing destination!

GreatSights  New Zealand operates a range of premium daily sightseeing tours to Hobbiton on board five-star coaches with free  WiFi  and expert driver commentary. Tours include complimentary hotel pick-ups and depart from Auckland and Rotorua, offering one-way and return options. Enjoy a buffet lunch fit for the hungriest of hobbits after your tour. Choose to include a visit to Waitomo Caves or top Rotorua sights.  

InterCity offers great value Hobbiton day tours from Auckland and Rotorua, including return bus travel to Matamata and a guided tour of Hobbiton. Full day tours from Auckland that include the Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton and lunch are also available. Or if you’ve already booked your Hobbiton tour and just need transport, you can book return bus transfers from Auckland to Matamata.  

Specialists in Hobbiton plus tours. FlexiToursNZ have packages for those who want to see as much as possible in a short time. FlexiToursNZ offer transfers for Hobbiton Movie Set's Evening Banquet Tour, special events, and have 1 Day tours including Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves. 2-3 day tours are also available.

Transport is provided in a fleet of Late model Mercedes Vans configured to give extra legroom and space.

Take a tour from Rotorua to the Hobbiton Movie Set and see the farm that was transformed into a Middle-earth filming location. Your Hobbiton tour starts with a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to the small town of Matamata. During your coach trip your local driver guide will entertain you with stories and information about the region and its history.

Departing Tauranga, first cross the harbour bridge, which offers great views of The Mount, the volcanic core 232m high which marks the entrance to the harbour of Tauranga. Then climb up to over 1000 feet to cross the Kaimai mountain range which divides the Bay of Plenty coastal region from the Waikato region, the main dairy farming area of New Zealand.  You'll soon arrive for your tour at  Hobbiton Movie Set , the movie set location in the  Lord of The Rings  and  The Hobbit  trilogy. 

Visit Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua with Zealandier Tours. Zealandier Tours offer the best Rotorua and Hobbiton Tours as shore excursions from Port of Tauranga . Day tour take you from Tauranga to the wonders of Rotorua. Then travel to middle-earth New Zealand to the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Helicorp are based in the Waikato, close to Hobbiton Movie Set, and operate throughout the North Island – offering scenic flights and transfers to visitors looking to travel in style and comfort. They have some very special scenic flight options incorporating Hobbiton Movie Set, or can develop a flight itinerary with specific needs and locations in mind.

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TEL: +64 7 888 1505

The Shire's Rest: 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera

Tours depart daily from The Shire's Rest and Matamata i-SITE

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Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Experience a glimpse of middle-earth with a visit to the hobbiton movie set, located in beautiful farmland in rural matamata..

• Full Day Tour

Departs from Auckland | Rotorua

Grab a great value Hobbiton Movie Set day tour , the award-winning attraction made famous by the popular Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Hidden away on private farmland just outside the small town of Matamata, the charming countryside of The Shire was recreated in exquisite detail, right down to the last leaf. Join us for a trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set and see why it continues to draw visitors from around the world.

On your guided tour you'll see all the Hobbiton highlights including charming Hobbit holes, the Mill and the Party tree. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes filming secrets and learn how teams of builders, set designers and even the New Zealand army helped create the stunning scenes around you. After your tour, quench your thirst at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary Southfarthing drink, brewed exclusively in Hobbiton.

All tours of Hobbiton Movie Set now include an interior Hobbit Hole™ experience, designed and crafted by the renowned creative teams behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Located on Bagshot Row™, these Hobbit Holes offer an authentic glimpse into the charming dwellings of Hobbits going about their daily lives in the Shire™.

Then sit down to lunch – a delicious feast worthy of a hobbit – outside the Green Dragon Inn in the Party Marquee (included in selected tours). You'll also have the chance to browse the Hobbiton gift shop before heading onto your final destination. 

More Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

You can also choose an  InterCity Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves day tour  and add a guided tour of the stunning Waitomo Glowworm Caves to your day.

GreatSights New Zealand operates a range of daily sightseeing tours to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Tours include hotel pick-ups and driver commentary.

Can I be picked up and dropped off at my accommodation?

Sorry, our great value InterCity day tours don’t include hotel pickup and drop-off. Check out our friends at GreatSights and Gray Line for premium day tour options.

Can I eat and drink on board the bus?

Yes, you can eat cold food and cold drinks on board the bus. We don’t allow hot drinks or food for safety reasons.

Can I bring my bags with me?

You can bring one carry-on item with a maximum weight of 5kg and store check-in luggage under the bus. Take a look at our full luggage policy here .

Can I get a refund if I cancel my tour?

No, our day tours are non-refundable.

How do I book a tour with my pass?

Booking a day tour using your FlexiPass or TravelPass bus pass is a slightly different process. First, you need to make sure you’re logged in to your pass. On your pass dashboard, click on the ‘Tours’ button and follow the instructions to book your tour. Please note not all InterCity day tours are available to book on your pass.

What happens if my day tour is cancelled due to bad weather?

If your day tour is cancelled for any reason, we’ll contact you to discuss your options. These will include a transfer to the next available service, or a refund of your fare.

Are meals included in this tour?

Yes, this tour includes lunch.

Can I move to the Shire and live in a hobbit hole?

Sadly the crew at Hobbiton won’t let you stay overnight, there aren’t enough beds!

What should I bring?

We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen. Bring a jacket, sunglasses, a sunhat, a change of clothes for sand surfing, and your camera. Share your experience with us online by tagging #nzallover!

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Phone: 03 442 5877 or from overseas call: +64 3 442 5877

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• Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Rotorua

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• Half day sightseeing tour from Rotorua
• Experience the famous Hobbiton Movie Set!
• Guided walking tour around 44 hobbit holes
• Delicious lunch at The Green Dragon Inn

Description

Poppies Daisies and Marshmallow flowers spring up from the quaint little gardens, outside the tiny round doors of the cute little hobbit holes. Welcome to the Shire – home to Frodo, Sam, Bilbo, Merry and Pippin from Tolkien’s phenomenal movie adaptation of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Your Hobbiton Movie Set Tour begins in Rotorua, with a luxury coach trip across the picturesque Kaimai Ranges on your way to the small town of Matamata. Along the way, you will enjoy commentary on the history of the region and share stories relevant to your trip. Matamata is a beautiful town, which was once known exclusively for its excellent dairy and equestrian industries, but is now internationally renowned, due to the privately owned farm on the outskirts of town that was transformed for the movies. This 1,250 acre working sheep farm is gorgeous in itself, with sweeping views of the distant Kaimai Ranges and lush green rolling countryside – it’s no wonder this place was selected for the creation of the Hobbiton Movie Set! 

The Hobbit holes were rebuilt again for The Hobbit movies and will now remain decorated in the condition they were seen in the movies. The inclusion of the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, the Party Tree, double arched bridge and other attractions from the movie means you will get a chance to completely immerse yourself in the Hobbit fantasy. 

As you are escorted through the site, you will spend two hours learning about how the set was built, where particular scenes were filmed and all of the behind the scenes gossip from Middle Earth. You will be awestruck at the detail of the fabulous structures and delighted by the excellent photo opportunities. Kids adore this place and adults are taken back to their childhood – this tour is interesting, exciting and a total ball of fun!

After you spend a lovely day soaking up the magical atmosphere of the Hobbiton movie set tour, you will return to Rotorua along the same scenic route and will arrive in the early evening.

Trip Includes

• Return luxury coach travel from Rotorua
• Informative driver commentary
• Hobbiton Movie Set guided walking tour
• See 44 hobbit holes & more
• Delicious lunch at the Green Dragon Inn (in Hobbiton)
• Allow 7 hours 
• Departs 7:30am (returns at approx 2:15pm)
• Departs central Rotorua accommodation or meet at Rotorua i-SITE, Fenton St, Rotorua
• Operates daily all year

Other Information

• Child rates apply (5-14yrs)
• Children under 5 years are free of charge. Please advise if an infant is travelling with you at the time of booking
• There is complimentary WIFI available onboard the coach

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$259.00
• Child (5-14yrs): NZD$120.00

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All prices shown in NZD$.

Latest Questions about Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (Rotorua)

Is it possible to meet at the site in Matamata instead of in Rotorua?

Thanks for your question! We do have separate tours that are just of the movie set in Hobbiton which are self drive :)

Get in touch for more info!

Comment by: Everything Travel Group on 5th Aug 23 at 14:20

1 comment - Post a Comment

93% of new customers that used Everything New Zealand to provide advice and securely book their NZ activities have let us know they've had a good or excellent experience with us. Thank you .

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Rotorua To Hobbiton

Our guide to visiting the famous Lord of The Rings and Hobbit movie set from Rotorua

Book Top Experiences and Tours in Rotorua:

Mitai maori village: cultural experience and dinner buffet, from tauranga: skydive over mount maunganui, white island & whale island 1-hour volcano scenic flight, okere falls: zipline over waterfalls experience, rotorua: guided zipline adventure tour with photos.

• Round-trip coach transfers from Rotorua.
• A Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour plus entrance fee.
• Complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon.
• A visit to a few of Rotorua's popular attractions. This usually includes a geothermal/Maori cultural attraction.
• A Hobbiton movie set guided tour.
• Entrance fee to Hobbiton and all included attractions.
• Lunch and beverages.

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• 2 Day Private Charter – Auckland, Waitomo, Hobbiton & Rotorua Highlights
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Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Movie Set

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• Waitomo Glowworm Caves Experience
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We require a minimum of 2 people to run this tour

Departing rotorua – door to door pick up within central city locations.

Travel through the city of Rotorua and your friendly knowledgeable guide will talk about notable points of interest as you pass by. Traverse over the Mamaku Ranges, through the Fitzgerald Glades where native ferns and tress line the roadside and create a canopy overhead which gives a tunnel effect. Enjoy the stunning views before dropping over the ranges into the fertile Waikato plains, where dairy cows are seen in abundance. This is the most densely populated area of dairy cows seen anywhere in the world. The dairy industry in New Zealand is our number one export income earner – so cows are a must see on your visit. Sit back and enjoy the countryside before arriving at famous Glowworm Caves in Waitomo.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

These are limestone caves – created millions of years agao by fossills from the seabed floor. The Waitomo Caves lie to the west of Rotorua in lush Waitomo farmland . On arrival you will be greeted by a local guide and then descend into a guided tour through the World-renowned Waitomo Caves – boasting ageless Stalactites & Stalagmites, then down another level brings you to the  Cathedral Cavern before you hop on board the unforgettable boat ride.  Marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you’ll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.This glowworm species, is unique to New Zealand. T​housands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as your expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves’ historical and geological significance.

Hobbiton Movie Set

The second part of the day is spent at Hobbiton; the movie set location for Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit films, near the town of Matamata. Hobbiton Movie set is approximately a 1.5hour drive from Waitomo, again vis lush farmland. On arrival at the Shire – you can take some time to have some lunch at Shires Rest cafe before hopping onboard your Hobbit bus and heading off over the beautiful sheep and beef farm which is home to Hobbiton Movie Set. Then spend an informative 2 hours touring around the movie set location with a local guide filled with movie knowledge and passion. Stand under the party tree, walk past the Hobbit holes, imagine yourself amongst the characters. You’ll be able to walk through a fully furnished hobbit hole and through a tunnel to another then out. Nestled deep in the rolling hills of the Waikato, this location was chosen for its unblemished landscape. Bilbo Baggins was no typical hobbit, he did not want adventure, but you will have to come and see why he was so reluctant to leave the comfort of The Shire.  At the conclusion of your journey you get a special treat in the Green Dragon Inn where you will receive a local shire ale, cider or ginger beer.

On conclusion of the tour you will be returned to the Shire – check out the shops and then we depart for Rotorua (or Auckland if you desire – additional cost).

• Door to door pick up/drop off  (Within Rotorua City)
• Entry fees to Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set
• Hobbit Style Snack Pack
• Bottled Water

Recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and take a warm jacket.

Booking for Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Movie Set

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0800 768 425

Rotorua Sights + Hobbiton Day Tour to Auckland

From rotorua.

from $ 321 NZD

Select travellers and date.

• 12 hours 45 minutes
• Hotel pickup/drop-off offered
• Offered in: English and  4 more

Please note: this tour is not currently operating.

Your full-day tour begins with a morning sightseeing tour around three of Rotorua’s iconic visitor attractions. Visit the cultural centre at Te Puia and gain an insight into Māori traditions and ways of life, before entering a geothermal wonderland of impressive geysers and boiling mud pools.

See New Zealand’s agricultural industry in action with a sheep-shearing display and sheep dog trials at the Agrodome. Then visit Rainbow Springs, a nature park which showcases native flora and fauna including the famous New Zealand kiwi.

Following the show, enjoy a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to the picturesque 1,250 acre farm near Matamata where scenes from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed. Take a guided tour and learn how this working farm was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Your guide will show you Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and many other structures from the movies. After your Hobbiton Movie Set tour, continue your journey to Auckland.

What's Included

• Operates daily
• Te Puia guided tour
• Rainbow Springs Nature Park
• Agrodome Sheep Show
• Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour
• Free WiFi and USB charging docks on board
• Comfortable leather reclining seats

Hotel Pickup/Drop-off

Available from selected inner-city hotels.

Cancellation Policy

Change or cancel your booking FREE up to 2 hours before departure.

0800 744 487

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Suggested Routes from Auckland to Rotorua - New Zealand Forum

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Returning from Rotorua , there are several cross country routes. One of the more scenic is from Rotorua/Waipa past the Horahora bluffs to Atiamuri north/SH1. Then follow the Waikato River from Atiamuri South to thee Whakamaru hydro dam, cross the river and turn right for Mangakino and on to Bennydale - Te Kuiti. Stop for morning tea in this farming town. Short distance north on SH3 for the Waitomo roundabout and head into Waitomo village.

Sev eral glow-worm cave tours from the village. Return to SH3, drive north to Otorohanga - Te Awamutu - Ohaupo into Hamilton south. Stay on that route and look for the signs to connect to the Waikato expressway again (Te Rapa area).

Several alternatives are Te Aroha and Thames in east Waikato/Hauraki. And Raglan surf beach, west of Hamilton city, plus Bridal Veil Falls.

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From glowworm caves to hobbiton: discover new zealand on a campervan for your next family adventure, navigate north island’s diverse landscapes and rich food culture with this handy travel guide, complete with tips for safe driving.

From Auckland’s vibrant streets to the dramatic mountains of the Waikato region  –  home to the mythical world of Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings –   New Zealand is an adventure playground waiting to be explored.

There is no better way to experience this majestic country and its multifaceted states than behind the wheel of a campervan . Ideal for families, campervans give you the freedom to discover the country at your own pace and easy accessibility to attractions. Imagine stopping to hike through lush rainforests, marvel at cascading waterfalls, or channel your inner Hobbit.

As you roll down the open road, you will do more than simply travel, you will collect unforgettable memories and create a family vacation that will be treasured for years to come. Here are some must-see destinations to add to your road trip.

Things to do in Auckland: Visit an interactive aquarium and indulge in waterfront dining

Fly into New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, to start your holiday. A treasure trove of family-friendly delights are waiting to be discovered here. Stroll along the picturesque Viaduct Harbour, a thriving waterfront community teeming with an array of restaurants where everyone can indulge in some leisurely seafront dining.

Next, dive into the wonders of the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium , where your little ones can explore an underwater world brimming with marine animals. As you walk through the Shark Tunnel, look around to spot the Sand Tiger, Broadnose Sevengill and 2m-long School shark. Then pat starfish at the Rockpool, peep at the seahorses and visit adorable penguins.

For a deeper dive into Auckland's culinary scene, join a food tour with The Big Foody where you will be introduced to some of the city's best purveyors of fresh, seasonal ingredients, visit coffee roasters and farmers markets and indulge in plenty of tastings.

For a more hearty meal, head to the Akarana Eatery to taste gourmet offerings such as fresh oysters and chicken liver parfait waffles while the kids frolic on the front lawn overlooking Okahu Bay waterfront and feast on tempura fish and chips, margherita pizza, and mini-Nutella donuts.

Where to stay in Auckland:

Check into  Hotel Britomart ,  JW Marriott Auckland  or  Four Points by Sheraton

Things to do in Hamilton-Waikato: Spend the day as a Hobbit and cosy up with glowworms

Next, hop aboard the Northern Explorer train which will whisk you away to the charming city of Hamilton, located in the heart of the Waikato region. Here, you can pick up your campervan rental from one of the operators in the area, such as Maui , Britz , Thrifty or Avis .

With your home-on-wheels ready to go, kick off your Waikato adventure at the renowned Hamilton Gardens . This award-winning attraction has been recognised by TripAdvisor, ranking in its top 1 per cent of must-see global destinations.

The most notable attraction here is the Story of Gardens, a series of themed gardens, each representing a specific civilisation or historical period. This includes the Fantasy Garden known for its Tudor-inspired designs and the Paradise Garden which includes the Indian Char Bagh Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden and Chinese Scholars’ Garden.

Next, visit the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set , where families step inside the Hobbit Holes of Bagshot Row, meticulously recreated by the creative teams behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Experience the daily life of Hobbits in the Shire as you navigate the snug, Hobbit-sized interiors, and cap off your adventure with a delightful Hobbit-style lunch feast.

Transition from the fantasy world to the natural wonders of New Zealand with a boat ride through Waitomo Caves for an intimate encounter with luminescent glowworms. This unique experience highlights the natural beauty hidden beneath the surface of Waitomo.

Animal-loving families should also visit Cornerstone Alpacas . If you are visiting in Spring ( September to November) , you might even get to meet baby alpacas.

If you are missing home by now, head to Madam Woo , known for its vibrant Asian-inspired cuisine. Stars on the menu include tomato and coconut fish curry, five-spiced fried chicken, squid tossed in honey and soy and grilled satay.

Where to stay in Hamilton-Waikato:

Park and stay in your campervan at any of these holiday parks , or check into the Distinction Hamilton Hotel .

Things to do in Rotorua: Race down the world’s longest luge track and tuck into hearty Kiwi fare

As you depart the Waikato region and set your sights on Rotorua, get ready for a scenic drive that promises to delight the entire family. The 105-kilometre journey will take you through some of New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes, so be sure to keep a keen eye out for stunning vistas and pull over whenever a photo opportunity strikes.

Upon arriving in Rotorua, your first stop should be at Te Puia , New Zealand's geothermal wonderland. Get ready to be mesmerised by the dramatic geysers and bubbling mud pools. Drop by the Kiwi Conservation Centre to catch a glimpse of the active nocturnal Kiwi birds in their natural-like habitat. Observe as they forage and explore, delve into their intriguing history, and gain insights into the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding their future.

Next, gear up for an adrenaline-fuelled time at the Rotorua Skyline complex. Race down the world’s longest luge track, “fly” through the Redwood Forest treetops on the Zoom Zipline –  and if you dare – take an exhilarating leap through the air on the Skyswing ride.

When you have worked up an appetite, treat yourselves to a delectable buffet dinner at the complex’s Stratosfare Restaurant with stunning views to boot. Or make a beeline for Patrick's Boutique Bakery , where you can indulge in the quintessential Kiwi delicacy: A perfectly flaky mince-and-cheese or steak-and-cheese pie.

For a final taste of Rotorua's vibrant culinary scene, head to Fat Dog Cafe & Bar for some hearty fare which includes spicy Turkish eggs and corned beef with shredded potato hash, plus child-friendly picks such as french toast and waffles. It is the perfect way to refuel before continuing your unforgettable New Zealand campervan odyssey.

Where to stay in Rotorua:

Park and stay in your campervan at any of these holiday parks , or check into the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Rotorua Marama .

Things to do in Wellington: Take a retro cable car ride and meet a prehistoric reptile

Conclude your New Zealand vacation in Wellington , located approximately 452.3km from Rotorua, a journey of around six hours.

Once there, unwind in the heart of the city at Hannah’s Laneway, celebrated as the world's tastiest laneway. This culinary haven is perfect for families looking to try local delights and pick up unique gifts. With famous spots like Leeds St Bakery and the Wellington Chocolate Factory , it is a gourmet paradise waiting to be explored.

Hop on the iconic bright red Wellington Cable Car for a quintessential city experience. Starting from the bustling Lambton Quay shopping district, the cable car ride ends at the lookout point where stunning panoramic views of Wellington make for a memorable family snap.

For a deep dive into the country’s culture and natural wonders, spend your day at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa . Engage with interactive displays that celebrate the country’s Māori heritage and fascinating history.

At Zealandia nature reserve discover New Zealand's unique wildlife, including the prehistoric three-eyed tuatara reptile and the elusive kiwi bird, all amidst the backdrop of a picturesque reservoir.

Wrap up your stay with a visit to the Harbourside Market on Sunday, where local growers from Manawatu – a farming town –  showcase a variety of fresh produce. Visit the food trucks lined up along the waterfront and indulge in everything from homemade Indian chai to Chinese pancakes, making every bite a discovery of Wellington’s eclectic food scene.

Where to stay in Wellington:

Park and stay in your campervan at any of these holiday parks , or check into the Novotel Wellington .

Campervan driving 101

Follow these tips for a smooth and safe road trip experience in new zealand.

• Begin with the Tiaki Promise : Educate yourself on how to travel responsibly in New Zealand, preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
• Choose designated campsites: For a worry-free night's sleep, stay only at official holiday parks as mentioned in this article. 
• Use handy apps: Download the CamperMate or Rankers app to find camping necessities like dump stations, petrol stations and supermarkets.
• Plan ahead: Keep your fuel tank full and stock up on essentials to avoid hiccups during your travels. Design your itinerary to ensure you arrive at your destination well before it becomes dark.
• Pack smart: Remember, space is a premium. Pack efficiently to avoid clutter and make your trip more comfortable.
• Safety is key: Familiarise yourself with New Zealand’s driving laws, adhere to speed limits and stay vigilant of weather changes. Adjust your driving speed to suit weather conditions, particularly in winter. Due to your campervan’s larger size, allow extra space when making turns on the road.
• Take regular breaks: Given the length of some journeys and the winding nature of New Zealand roads, it is crucial to schedule regular stops. This keeps the drive enjoyable and safe, especially in less populated areas where amenities are sparse.

Ready for your campervan road trip? Start planning your New Zealand itinerary today. And get more tips on how to drive safely in New Zealand .

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