Mount Maunganui is itself an iconic tourist destination, surrounded by water with what has been voted New Zealand’s best ocean beach on one side, and on the other one of New Zealand’s best natural harbours.

Visitors to the area can take in stunning views of the Bay of Plenty from the summit of Mauna (Mount Maunganui) or for the less athletically inclined, views from the walking track around the base, with its views of the harbour entrance and the busy inner harbour. 

The Mainstreet area of the town is an interesting cross section of ‘The Mounts’ boutique stores, gallery and gift shops as well as world class cafés and bars, a visit to this popular area is guaranteed to be a memorable one. The central commercial area of Tauranga offers visitors the opportunity to experience Tauranga’s esteemed Art Gallery, with its constantly changing exhibitions of local and international art works. 

The central precinct is bounded by Tauranga’s inner harbour, this unique location offering walks through parks and gardens as well as outdoor sculptures that will certainly cause the visitor to pause and photograph. Only a short distance from the CBD is one of New Zealand’s oldest heritage sites, 'The Elms'. with its landscaped grounds form a part of a nationally significant heritage trail with the iconic Mission House, built in the 1830’s at its centre, being part of the rich history dating back to pre-European times. 
 

The day also includes travel into the rural areas including that of a high look-out point that enables a fantastic panoramic view over the entire region, and also provides and opportunity to visit the surrounding Kiwifruit orchards, the New Zealand Kiwifruit being a favourite with overseas visitors.

Step into the magical world of Hobbiton. We invite to you to join us in a visit to Hobbiton Movie Set, located in the heart of the Waikato region. (Advance bookings recommended: https://www.hobbitontours.com)

Your journey will begin at Mount Maunganui, from where you will travel firstly to the scenic splendour of the McLarens Falls Native bush reserve to experience its natural beauty. From there, we will travel over the rugged Kaimai ranges, affording stunning panoramic views of the rural landscape below. A pause for lunch at either the rural service town of Matamata, with its quaint Hobbiton themed information Centre or if you wish, delay your meal break till we reach the Hobbiton set itself and there enjoy the offerings at the Shires Rest Café.

Board your coach for the guided tour of the Hobbiton 12 acre Move set. During the tour you will visit the famous Green Dragon Inn, passing the Hobbit Holes and the Millhouse, a truly memorable adventure which concludes back at the Shires Rest Café complex.

Before we depart The Hobbiton movie set to travel back to Mt Maunganui, there is plenty of time to browse the amply stocked gift shop in search of that special piece of Hobbiton memorabilia to treasure for years to come. Join us for a very memorable and unique day. 

Do not miss the opportunity to visit Rotorua, the tourist jewel of the North Island. Visitors are really spoiled for choice when it comes to this unique New Zealand visitor destination, which offers attractions wide and varied, catering for the more passive experience such as the scenic Rotorua Lake front parks and reserves, right up to the more adventurous experiences.

On offer are helicopter flights over the region, jet boat rides on Lake Rotorua. tree top zip line adventures in a private forest setting, as well as white water rafting experiences on one of the nearby rivers.

Rotorua is also famous for its thermal activity, offering closeup views of boiling mud and magnificent geysers in a number of unique settings, providing for the visitor a closeup up experience rarely seen anywhere else in the world.

For those of you that have not experienced a more rural lifestyle, the Agrodome is a truly enjoyable introduction to life in New Zealand’s rural countryside. The visit encompasses both indoor and outdoor shows as well as an introduction to life ‘on the farm’ in a typically New Zealand way – laidback, informative and humorous.

For those staying longer in this part of the world, evening entertainment and excellent dining options are on offer in several world-class locations. Ranging from the more traditional restaurant faire or for those wishing to enjoy the Maori cultural presentations, dinner and show packages are plentiful.

The day has a lot on offer, thus making a visit to Rotorua an unforgettable experience.