Explore Hobbiton – the massive movie set from “The Hobbit” trilogy – for an insider’s look at Middle-earth. As an introduction to New Zealand’s natural beauty, you will first see thundering Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, a crater lake that formed in an ancient volcanic caldera. Those visits will set the stage for your time in Hobbiton, home to iconic sets that fans will instantly recognize. To enhance your appreciation of New Zealand’s natural wonders, you will ride a gondola up a mountain and visit the hot springs at Wai-o-tapu.
NOTE: This program is recommended for guests with mobility restrictions.
DAY 1
Your adventure will begin as you disembark at Napier Port on New Zealand's North Island. A scenic drive will take you to Huka Falls, renowned for its powerful turquoise waters cascading over volcanic rock. There will be time to snap photos and admire the spectacular views before continuing your journey.
Next, you will head to picturesque Lake Taupo, a crater lake so large that it resembles an inland sea. You will enjoy the views over a lunch of local specialties.
You will then travel to Hobbiton, the movie set that represented Middle-earth in the “The Hobbit” trilogy. You will experience the magic of The Shire on a guided tour by exploring charming cottages, lush gardens and the iconic Green Dragon Inn. As the sun sets, you will indulge in a themed dinner that will bring the flavors of Middle-earth to life.
Afterwards, you will drive to the Pullman Rotorua Hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will head for Wai-o-tapu, a geothermal wonderland featuring hot springs, mud pools and a unique pool with so much bubbling carbon dioxide that it is known as the Champagne Pool. The guide will describe the unusual geology and colorful landscapes at Wai-o-tapu as you marvel at nature’s artistry.
You will then travel to Skyline Rotorua and ride a window-walled gondola up the mountain slopes. The views
of Rotorua and the surrounding natural beauty will be spectacular. At the summit, you will enjoy a wine tasting at Volcanic Hills and learn about the region’s viticulture.
A delicious buffet lunch follows at Stratosphere, a restaurant with breathtaking views of the countryside below.
After descending in a gondola, you will drive to Tauranga Port to embark the cruise ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:45am Disembark the ship at Napier
9:00am Drive to Lake Taupo
11:15am Arrive at Lake Taupo for lunch
12:45pm Depart for Huka Falls
1:00pm Arrive at Huka Falls
1:30pm Depart for Hobbiton
3:30pm Tour Hobbiton and enjoy dinner
8:00pm Drive to Pullman Rotorua Hotel
9:15pm Arrive at hotel and check in
Overnight at Pullman Rotorua Hotel or similar
DAY 2
From 6:30am Breakfast at the hotel and check out
8:50am Meet guide in the hotel lobby
9:00am Drive to Wai-o-tapu
9:30am Tour Wai-o-tapu
11:15am Drive to Skyline Rotorua
11:55am Gondola ride to top of Skyline
12:10pm Lunch at Stratosphere
1:45pm Wine tasting
2:30pm Gondola ride down to base
2:45pm Depart for Tauranga port
3:45pm Arrive at Tauranga for ship embarkation
Expected Weather
New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere’s. The warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are June, July and August. Regardless, on any given day the weather and temperature can change unexpectedly and sometimes dramatically. Be prepared for that possibility, particularly if you are engaging in outdoor activities.
What to Bring
As it will be autumn in New Zealand, we recommend bringing layers to stay warm, including a waterproof jacket. Light clothing is still suitable for the daytime, but you may want to have warmer options for the cooler evenings. Smart casual attire is generally acceptable at most restaurants and nightlife venues. Good walking footwear is also recommended if you plan to explore the grounds.
Local Currency
New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$ ). All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Traveler’s Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels provide 110 volts AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Power outlets only accept angled two- or three-pin Type I plugs (as also used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage
We recommend bringing 1 suitcase per person
Documents and Visa Requirements
Bring a valid passport. Check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for New Zealand.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel, and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. It is the ultimate and sole responsibility of guests to ensure that they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
Hotel
Pullman Rotorua
1135 Arawa Street, Rotorua, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 343 9750
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•All coach transfers from port to port with guide
•All entry fees
•One-night accommodation – Pullman Rotorua – Superior King City View room
•Meals – breakfast, 2 lunches with wine or beer and dinner at Hobbiton
Program Excludes for guests:
•Meals and beverages other than those shown in the inclusions above
•Items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, phone calls and mini bar
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
