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One Flight Unlocks the Best of Waikato and Rotorua

With one direct flight, discover the perfect blend of Waikato's rolling landscapes and movie magic, and Rotorua's geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture.

Day 1: Waikato

Arrive at Hamilton Airport.

Land at Hamilton Airport via Jetstar - the heart of the central North Island and your gateway to nature and adventure. Pick up your rental car from RaD Car Hire Hamilton and get ready to hit the road. 

Lunch: Tieke Golf Estate

Enjoy lunch at Tieke Golf Estate - where lush fairways meet elevated views of the Waikato River. Relax with locally inspired cuisine before the adventure begins. 

Afternoon: Cambridge

Head south to Cambridge, the charming “town of trees and champions.”

Feel the thrill with Camjet, a high-speed jetboat ride along the Waikato River. Afterwards, wander the boutique-lined streets and uncover the town’s relaxed elegance. 

Night

Stay at The Clements Hotel - a stylish base in the heart of Cambridge. Dine onsite and savour fresh, local flavours surrounded by warm Waikato hospitality. 

Day 2: Waikato

Morning:  Cycling

Cycle the Te Awa River Ride with Riverside Adventures Waikato, following the Waikato River’s gentle curves through farmland and native bush. This scenic ride connects nature, community, and calm adventure. 

Lunch at Hamilton Gardens

Arrive by bike & enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Hamilton Gardens Café - overlooking themed gardens and tranquil ponds. 

Afternoon: Hamilton Gardens

Join a Guided Tour of Hamilton Gardens to uncover the stories behind its world-class themed landscapes - from Italian Renaissance courtyards to surreal fantasy gardens. 

Night

Dine at Alpino Cambridge, a local favourite blending modern Italian flair with country charm - the perfect way to toast another unforgettable Waikato day. 

Day 3: Waikato - Rotorua

Morning: Hamilton

Wake up and start your day at Hayes Common - a riverside favourite known for its relaxed vibe and creative brunch plates. Enjoy barista coffee and locally sourced goodness before hitting the road south to Rotorua, where geothermal wonders, forest adventures, and cultural experiences await

Lunch: Rotorua

Hāngī lunch at Te Puia Pātaka Kai Restaurant – enjoy delicious kai set against a backdrop of geysers and stunning valley views 

Afternoon: Te Puia

After lunch, Te Rā + Haka Combo at Te Puia. Be captivated by Te Puia’s cultural performance in their beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a pōhiri (traditional Māori welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi and haka. Afterwards, take a guided 90-minute walk through the geothermal valley. 

Night

Unwind at Wai Ariki Spa to finish the day with an evening soak inspired by Māori healing traditions, surrounded by steam and serenity. 

Day 4: Rotorua

Morning: Waimangu Experience

Start your day with the full Waimangu Experience. Begin by exploring beautiful walking & hiking trails, woven through the natural geothermal ecosystem and native bush. Followed by a guided 45 minute boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana – the final resting place of the Pink & White Terraces. 

Lunch

Enjoy all the kiwi favourites at Waimangu Café. Savour hearty pies and freshly made sandwiches. 

Afternoon: Waikite Valley Hotpools

Taka a long soak in warm, mineral-rich water. Waikite Valley Hotpools - tucked away in the beautiful countryside - experience the natural, hot geothermal water of the Te Manaroa Spring, the largest single source of 100% pure geothermal water in New Zealand.

Night: The Redwoods Nightlights

Be mesmerised by the enchanting The Redwoods Nightlights. Stroll across 28 suspended bridges and gaze upon 34 exquisite lanterns illuminating the forest, suspended 9–20 metres above the ground. 

Day 5: Rotorua - Waikato

Morning:  Ziplining

Start your morning ziplining through untouched native forest with Canopy Tours - Ultimate tour. This world class experience blends 1.2km of ziplines, breathtaking swing bridges, towering tree platforms, and an inspiring conservation story. 

Lunch: Rotorua Lakefront

Have a stroll at the Rotorua Lakefront. Sit back and relax with coffee and a filled sando from Parc Coffee.

Afternoon: Hobbiton Movie Set

Travel to Hobbiton™ Movie Set - step into the lush pastures of the Shire and experience the magic behind Middle-earth. Join a guided tour and soak in the film set’s charm where imagination meets reality in the heart of the Waikato countryside.

Night

Stay at Jet Park Hotel Hamilton Airport - unwind with dinner onsite, just moments from your next-day flight. Comfort, convenience, and easy access to the terminal make it the ideal finale.

Day 6: Travel home

Enjoy a slow morning before your effortless departure with Jetstar from Hamilton Airport - an easy, relaxed connection back to Australia from the heart of New Zealand.