Regions: Hamilton, Waitomo, Taupō

Recommended length: 5 days 

Highlights: Minecraft reality, Underworld Adventure, Middle‑earth™

Day 1: Hamilton

If arriving in Auckland International Airport and self-driving to Hamilton, spending at least one night in Auckland is recommended to rest and explore the city before collecting a rental vehicle. Find your way to the mighty Waikato by driving approximately one and a half hours south from Auckland to reach your first destination, Hamilton. 

Take a wander through unique themed gardens, where flora and fauna from around the globe is displayed in a stunning showcase nestled up to the edge of the Waikato River. 

Day 2: Hamilton, Cambridge

Explore a whole new world and travel via car or bus transfer to Matamata before teleporting to the land of Middle-earth™. Join a tour through the world-famous film set and share a locally brewed beer with a friend. 

Opt in for an adventure along the Waikato River by joining a cycling tour and cruise along the nature-carved pathway. 

Take a short visit to the nearby town of Cambridge and if you’re feeling adventurous, buckle up a life jacket and soar through the water on a jet boat to reach the magnificent Karapiro Dam. 

Day 3: Waitomo

Wrap up your time in Hamilton and drive approximately one hour to reach Waitomo. 

Embark on an adventure into the underworld – choose from abseiling down into the depths of a large cavern, or wetsuit-up and hoist yourself into a tube to take to the water for some black water rafting. 

When the adrenaline starts to wear off, slow things down and gaze upon the magnificent glowworms lighting up the cave like a starry sky. 

Day 4: Taupō

Load up the car for a final time and get the music or podcasts flowing as you drive approximately two hours from Waitomo to Taupō.  

Make a dramatic entrance by stopping in for a bungy off a ledge overlooking the lively Waikato River. Have company with you as adventurous as you are? Harness up together and try a tandem swing instead.  

Day 5: Taupō

For the final day in the itinerary, take a pleasant dip in the magnificent Lake Taupō, the largest lake in the motu (country).  

To explore even further, dive into the region’s history and sail to the lake edges to uncover stunning Māori carvings, or hop onto a smaller vessel and discover hidden waterfalls. 

Most experiences mentioned in this itinerary can be booked through the Explore New Zealand Discount Programme.