---
# System prepended metadata

title: New Zealand 2024

---

https://activeadventures.com/destinations/new-zealand/trips/great-walks-of-new-zealand/pdf

direct flight LA -> Auckland 13 hours

Flight sat 2/17/2024 10:55PM SFO -> AKL

Arriving at 2/19 9:10AM to Auckland



Active Adventures Tour - Great Walks of New Zealand

25-feb-2024 - 29-feb-2024



https://travelwallet.activeadventures.com/Account/Login?CID=C53214A9-95F9-ED11-810B-00155D02659A

Qu1!


Insurance
---------

Redpoint travel protection
Receipt #1782-8671

Cavalry


visa needed
-----------
https://cibtvisas.com/visa-quick-check

https://cibtvisas.com/evisa-application?form=newzealandev&use_lang=en&login=30725&orderid=-4936889086325835663

order # US2339917


North island
============

Trip Google map: https://tinyurl.com/pnyhe2cy

Day 0 - 19-feb-2024: Landing in Auckland
-----------------------------------------

Hotel (expedia): [Crowne Plaza Auckland](https://www.expedia.com/Auckland-Hotels-Crowne-Plaza-Auckland.h26964.Hotel-Information?langid=1033)
(paid)
Car rental (expedia): [reserved Midsize SUV](https://www.expedia.com/trips/egti-46D-15T-8AYQ/details/M2Q0NWU4NTQtOTc3ZS01NjYzLThlN2UtOTI1ZTQzZWVjYzQzOzFjZDc2ZTg0LWI5MmUtNGExMS04ZDZjLWI2NmFkMGEwNjlmM18w) (through BUDGET) - Mon, Feb 19 10:30 am - Sat, Feb 24 12:00 pm (not paid)

Day 1 - 20-feb-2024: Piha and Waitomo
-----------------------------------------

Depart Auckland in the morning and drive to Piha Beach (approximately 45 minutes).
Spend the day exploring Piha, enjoying the beach, and hiking up Lion Rock for panoramic views.
In the late afternoon, leave Piha and drive to Waitomo (approximately 3 hours).
Overnight stay in Waitomo or nearby. There are various accommodation options available, including lodges, hotels, and bed and breakfast establishments.

Hotel (expedia): [Palm Court Motel](https://www.expedia.com/Otorohanga-Hotels-Palm-Court-Motel.h34006550.Hotel-Information?chkin=2024-02-20&chkout=2024-02-21&x_pwa=1&rfrr=HSR&pwa_ts=1704233961853&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwZWRpYS5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&useRewards=false&rm1=a2&regionId=10061&destination=Waitomo+Caves%2C+Waikato%2C+New+Zealand&destType=MARKET&latLong=-38.261525%2C175.114546&sort=RECOMMENDED&top_dp=95&top_cur=USD&userIntent=&selectedRoomType=220239632&selectedRatePlan=386753604&searchId=3332d78c-864a-4273-a196-92139a431021) (not paid)

Day 2 - 21-feb-2024: Waitomo and Blue Spring
-----------------------------------------

Begin the day by exploring the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, taking a [guided tour to see the enchanting glowworms - 11am departure from visitor center](https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJcXrDkSRNvzzsfCMVNbpCPsq). Trip advisor Booking ref.: BR-1096163435. check in 30 minutes before the tour
departs.
After the cave tour, start your journey towards the Blue Spring (approximately 2.5 hours).
Arrive at the Te Waihou Walkway near Putaruru and enjoy a leisurely walk along the path, admiring the stunning blue water of the spring.
In the late afternoon, drive to Rotorua (approximately 1 hour).
Overnight stay in Rotorua. There is a wide range of accommodation options in Rotorua, including hotels, motels, and holiday parks.

Hotel (expedia): [Hana Lodge (2 nights)] (https://www.expedia.com/Rotorua-Hotels-Hana-Lodge.h95084398.Hotel-Information?chkin=2024-02-21&chkout=2024-02-22&x_pwa=1&rfrr=HSR&pwa_ts=1704234493808&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwZWRpYS5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&useRewards=false&rm1=a2&regionId=6048125&destination=Rotorua%2C+Bay+of+Plenty+Region%2C+New+Zealand&destType=MARKET&neighborhoodId=6351186&latLong=-38.138%2C176.251587&guestRating=45&sort=RECOMMENDED&top_dp=172&top_cur=USD&userIntent=&selectedRoomType=322458876&selectedRatePlan=391249416&searchId=37bfe915-439b-4008-9be6-8d3a14ce097f) (not paid)

Day 3 - 22-feb-2024: Rotorua
-----------------------------------------

Spend the day exploring the various attractions in Rotorua.
Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to see the geothermal wonders and colorful pools.
[Ticket](https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJcXrMsWpcHFwJtHXWmmtxVCP)

Experience Maori culture and attend a cultural performance or visit a traditional village.
[Confirmation](https://www.viator.com/account/booking/165539954/1481866177/1096176021/)
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
Confirmation number: 1481866177
Booking reference number: 1096176021
4:30 PM



Relax in one of Rotorua's natural hot springs or indulge in a spa treatment.
Overnight stay in Rotorua.


Hotel (expedia): Hana Lodge (same as last night)

Day 4 - 23-feb-2024: Hobitton + Hamilton
-----------------------------------------

Start your day early and drive from Rotorua to Hobbiton, which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away.
Spend a few hours exploring Hobbiton and taking in the Shire scenery. Be sure to take a tour of the Hobbit holes and check out the Green Dragon Inn.

[Booked tour - Shire's Rest 11:00am](https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJcXrMrNntNCmGBcWQWCCQwhP) 
Departure at 11am need to arrive 20min earlier. Tour is 2.5 hours; Reference Number:	2773693

After lunch, drive to Hamilton, which is about 1 hour away.
Spend some time exploring Hamilton Gardens, which are some of the most beautiful gardens in New Zealand.
Stay in Hamilton. Drive to Auckland airport the next day (1 hr 15m) 

Hotel (expedia): [BKs Premier Motel Hamilton](https://www.expedia.com/Hamilton-Hotels-BKs-Premier-Motel-Hamilton.h14834245.Hotel-Information?chkin=2024-02-23&chkout=2024-02-24&x_pwa=1&rfrr=HSR&pwa_ts=1704236835858&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwZWRpYS5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&useRewards=false&rm1=a2&regionId=693039871457718272&destination=Hamilton+Central%2C+Hamilton%2C+Waikato%2C+New+Zealand&destType=MARKET&neighborhoodId=693039129486098432&latLong=-37.784605%2C175.277055&guestRating=40&sort=RECOMMENDED&top_dp=124&top_cur=USD&userIntent=&selectedRoomType=201474151&selectedRatePlan=207361302&searchId=9cc5305d-7998-4854-b9f6-c21284cba438) (not paid)



Thermal path
------------
https://www.viator.com/tours/Rotorua/Thermal-Path-Tour/d395-87230P4


Thermal wonderland
-------------------
https://www.waiotapu.co.nz


Hobitton
--------
https://www.hobbitontours.com/experiences/hobbiton-movie-set-tour/


South island
============
Day 5 - Flight to South island - Auckland to Queenstown
-------


Feb 24, 2024 2:25pm to 4:15pm (GMT+13:00) New Zealand Time

Booked on expedia

Hotel stay in Quennstown on 2/24 (booked directly): Heritage Queenstown Reservation Confirmation #R4592749279; Prepaid.

Days 6 to 10 (2/25-2/29)
---------
Active Adventures Tour - Great Walks of New Zealand

https://activeadventures.com/destinations/new-zealand/trips/great-walks-of-new-zealand/pdf

Hotel stay on 2/29 (booked directly): Heritage Queenstown Reservation Confirmation #R4592762327; Prepaid.

Tipe recommended:  USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide
Can bring one suitcase each (50lb max) and need backpack 25-30L.


Day 11 - Flight back to North island - Queenstown to Auckland
---------------------------------------------------
Mar 1, 2024 10:45am to 12:35pm (GMT+13:00) New Zealand Time

Hotel(expedia) :[Sudima Auckland City](https://www.expedia.com/Auckland-Hotels-Sudima-Hotel.h48484681.Hotel-Information?langid=1033). Note that I booked one night instead of 2. Need to contact the hotel directly to extend stay. Expedia couldn't do it. Call hotel at +64-800-783-462. One night already paid.

Flight back on Sunday 3/3 at 3:50pm (arriving SF Sunday 3/3 at 7am)
