NEW ZEALAND with PAGANELS on jeeps
17 DAYS
24 PEOPLE
4690 EURO
17 days
2 групи по 7 джипів по 4 осіб в кожному
02.12 - 18.12.2026
There are places ✅
For several years now, the Paganels have been traveling around New Zealand. In 2020, we lived for several months in this country, covering almost 13,500 km. We have something to show you, and we know how to do it as brightly and richly as possible. In 2024, we conducted two large jeep expeditions around New Zealand with great success. The 2025 Paganel expedition to New Zealand will also be carried out by jeep, but now we will go on a spring trip, which promises many very beautiful and interesting things.
New Zealand is the furthest country from Europe, located exactly on the other side of the globe from Spain and England. Amazing nature awaits us in the country “on the contrary”. It’s a very long way to fly there, so we decided to have time to see everything, or almost EVERYTHING, the 17-day program is very large and very eventful, we get to see the very best that is possible for such a short period of time.
There is no need to advertise New Zealand. This incredibly beautiful and unique region has preserved its pristine nature and originality. Our trip will combine the most interesting, from our point of view, places on two New Zealand islands at once, which can be accommodated in 17 days of travel.
We will begin the expedition on the North Island, where we will see Auckland; incredible firefly caves, where we will climb in helmets and with flashlights and do a unique Black Water Rafting. We will visit a Maori village, where we will see the famous Haka war dance; we will visit the hobbits in Hobbitonia and get to the edge of the Wai-o-Tapu geysers; We will climb a replica of Fuji - the Taranaki volcano, and then, having moved to the South Island, we will continue to get acquainted with New Zealand.
We will begin the expedition on the North Island, where we will see Auckland; incredible firefly caves, where we will climb in helmets and with flashlights and do a unique Black Water Rafting. We will visit a Maori village, where we will see the famous Haka war dance; we will visit the hobbits in Hobbitonia and get to the edge of the Wai-o-Tapu geysers; We will climb a replica of Fuji - the Taranaki volcano, and then, having moved to the South Island, we will continue to get acquainted with New Zealand.
The second group will walk this route in reverse order. They will start in Christchurch and end in Auckland.
It will be a very, very beautiful, eventful, interesting journey! You are lucky if you see all this with your own eyes.
ROUTE
Christchurch – Aoraki – Dunedin – Invercargill – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown – Wanaka – Fox Glacier – Franz Jozef – Hokitika – Punakaiki – Marlborough Valley – Wellington – New Plymouth – Taranaki – Waitomo Black Water Rafting – Rotorua – Redwoods - Waiotapu – Waikite Valley Hot Pools – Te Pa Tu Māori Village – Hobbiton Movie Set – Auckland.
- transfers along the route according to the program;
- accommodation in comfortable 4-3 star hotels and motels (double occupancy);
- jeep rental for the entire duration of the trip;
- car insurance;
- fuel for 4000+ km of travel (that’s how much we have to cover during our expedition);
- entrance tickets to national parks and private areas according to the program;
- tour to the Waitomo firefly cave with the Black Water Rafting program and rental of the necessary equipment;
- entrance tickets to the village of Hobbiton;
- entrance tickets to Waiotapu Park;
- entrance fees to Redwoods Park;
- entrance tickets to Waikite Thermal Pools;
- entrance tickets to Orakei Korako Park;
- visit to the Museum of New Zealand;
- visit to Marlborough Valley;
- cruise to Milford Sound;
- entrance tickets to Mitai Māori Village;
- paid parking according to the program;
- excursions according to the program;
- boats and ferries along the route;
- services of local guides and helpers;
- services of expedition leaders of the Paganel Studio team.
- international air travel from your home to New Zealand and back;
- visa;
- meals (Please note! in New Zealand, breakfasts and other meals are not included in hotel accommodations);
- personal insurance;
- supplement for single occupancy;
- additional payment for additional events, wine testing, excursions outside the main program.
• International flight from your city to Kathmandu and back;
• Flight Kathmandu - Paro - Kathmandu;
• Nepal visa ($25);
• Personal equipment;
• Meals not specified in the program;
• Tips for guides (approximately $70 per trip);
• Insurance;
• Other expenses not specified in the program.
1. Our company operates as an international travel organizer, therefore groups are formed from travelers from Ukraine, the Baltic countries, the EU, Israel, North America, and other countries. The working languages of the trip are Ukrainian, Russian, and English, depending on the group composition and translation arrangements. Each guide speaks Ukrainian, and in personal communication we respond in the language of the inquiry. If a 100 percent Ukrainian-language trip is essential for you, please уточнюйте this before booking. The company does not cooperate with citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.
2. Due to the fact that our expeditions do not include international flights to the starting point of the program, we cannot be held responsible for changes in flight conditions by airlines or airport requirements. Since our travelers fly from many different countries and cities, we never participate in the purchase of air travel and limit ourselves exclusively to advisory services in the selection of flights. Air agents or airlines from which tickets were purchased are responsible for the purchase and technical support.
ITINERARY
Day 1
(02.12)
Flight from your home to Christchurch. Due to the fact that our trip begins and ends in different places (Christchurch - Auckland), we recommend buying flights on airlines that fly to both cities: Emirates, Southrn China, Singapore Air, etc.
Independent transfer to the hotel in the central part of the city. Meeting expedition leaders. Receipt of cars by drivers. Re-registration of documents. Meeting the crews. In the evening, a short briefing with the drivers and group.
Dinner. Rest
Day 2
(03.12)
In the morning we pack our things. Packing. We load things into cars. We receive the latest instructions on the schedule and route. We head towards Aoraki National Park.
Travel 225 km to the first point at the famous Church of the Good Shepherd to take the first portion of beautiful photographs.
We move deep into the island, to the shores of the glacial blue Lake Pukaki along a very beautiful road past mountains and lakes.
We arrive at our intended destination before noon. We park our cars at Hooker Valley track. We put on trekking shoes, take water and cameras and go for a walk along the equipped trail for 3-4 hours towards Mount Cook, which in Maori is called Aoraki, which means, according to one version, “big white cloud”.
In 1851, Captain John Lort Stokes gave the peak its English name in honor of James Cook, who explored the islands of New Zealand in the 70s of the 18th century, sailing around them in ships. However, during this expedition, Cook did not see the mountain, in the name of which his name was subsequently immortalized.
We reach the beautiful glacial lake Hooker. We take many beautiful photos, this time with small icebergs from New Zealand, and then return to the parking lot.
We reach the beautiful glacial lake Hooker. We take another batch of beautiful photos, this time with small icebergs from New Zealand, and then return back to the parking lot.
We watch the sunset at Mount Cook and go to spend the night in the village of Twizel. Relax after a great and eventful day.
In the evening, dinner and a traditional Paganel dating evening. Presentation of personalized expedition T-shirts and badges.
День 3
(04.12)
We stop at Arrowtown for lunch, and then refuel and head towards the small town of Te Anau.
By the evening we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
We stop at Arrowtown for lunch, and then refuel and head towards the small town of Te Anau.
By the evening we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
We stop at Arrowtown for lunch, and then refuel and head towards the small town of Te Anau.
By the evening we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
We stop at Arrowtown for lunch, and then refuel and head towards the small town of Te Anau.
By the evening we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
We stop at Arrowtown for lunch, and then refuel and head towards the small town of Te Anau.
By the evening we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
We stop at Arrowtown for lunch, and then refuel and head towards the small town of Te Anau.
By the evening we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
День 4
(05.12)
We stop at Arrowtown for lunch, and then refuel and head towards the small town of Te Anau.
By the evening we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
We stop at Arrowtown for lunch, and then refuel and head towards the small town of Te Anau.
By the evening we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
We stop at Arrowtown for lunch, and then refuel and head towards the small town of Te Anau.
By the evening we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
We stop at Arrowtown for lunch, and then refuel and head towards the small town of Te Anau.
By the evening we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
Day 5
(06.12)
We have a busy day and today we will see one of the most iconic and famous places in New Zealand - the legendary Milford Sound or the Vanishing Peaks fjord. Kipling called this fjord “the eighth wonder of the world”; in Maori it is called Piopiotahi Bay or “Lonely Blackbird” in our language.
The road is very beautiful. Surrounded by the peaks of the Wonderful Mountain Range, it is called Wonderful.
Its dizzyingly steep slopes bite into the sky with a series of rocky peaks. The road itself is famous for its views and is unofficially called the Avenue of Vanishing Peaks.
To get to Milford we pass through a narrow dark tunnel.
It is cut through an impressive vertical wall below Home Pass; the length of the tunnel is 1270 meters, the height above sea level is 945 meters; there is no lighting or cladding.
Rough stone, complete darkness and water dripping from the walls! In general, horror. It is impossible for oncoming cars to pass each other in the tunnel. And it is not necessary. During this time of waiting at the traffic light before entering the tunnel (15 - 20 minutes), you can see Kea snow mountain parrots.
They are the size of two crows; the plumage is green on top and the wing flaps are bright orange. It has earned the reputation of a very smart and inquisitive animal that can destroy your car in the parking lot while you are walking in the mountains. Likes to rip rubber bands, mirrors, plastic, etc. out of cars. This is the only parrot that lives and breeds at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level and above.
A non-migratory bird, it moves only at local altitudes to search for food.
Accustomed to humans and extremely inquisitive, birds sometimes cause damage to cars, their awnings and cabins in search of leftover food. Listed in the International Red Book. The number ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 according to various estimates.
The good news is that they can be seen quite easily along this stretch of road to Milford! They love to communicate with people.
We arrive in Milford. We park the cars in a special parking lot, and we ourselves go for a ride on the boat, for which we have already purchased tickets ahead of time.
Cruise on the bay. We will see bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, waterfalls, rocky islands, bird colonies.
If you are very lucky, then penguins too. Along the way, the ship's captain will also try to plunge us into a waterfall falling from the mountains into the waters of the fjord.
Upon return, we get into the jeeps and head back to the adrenaline capital of Queenstown.
By late evening we reach our overnight stay. We check into a cozy hotel in the central part of the city for 2 nights. We walk around the evening city and the embankment. Dinner. Rest.
Total mileage today is 408 km.
Day 6
(07.12)
This day is free for us. You can carry it out based on your own desires and preferences. Queenstown is not without reason called the adrenaline capital of the world; bungee jumping, zorbing and much more were invented here.
Queenstown is a popular ski resort in winter (when it is summer in Europe), and at other times it is time for trekking and rafting, bungee jumping and hang gliding, racing along seething mountain rivers on high-speed boats; parachute; paraglider; rock climbing and more.
If adrenaline is not your style, then the city will not leave anyone indifferent to a quiet life. Lake Wakatipu, the Botanical Garden, golf, many jewelry and souvenir shops, a cable car to the top of the observation hill, boat trips, horse riding - in a word, there is a choice. Or you can just lie in bed until 12, and then walk around the best restaurants in the city while drinking the famous Marlborough Valley Sauvignon.
However, we recommend doing the following: book breakfast in advance by phone at a restaurant at one of the local wineries (for example, in the ancient town of Arrowtown, which is located 20 km from Queenstown). Then stroll through the streets of Arrowtown, return to Queenstown and there you can ride to your heart’s content on the famous red Jet boats along a mountain river, and for dinner take a cable car up to the observation deck, where you can eat with a view of the evening city.
Rest. We spend the night in the same hotel in the central part of the city.
Day 7
(08.12)
This day is dedicated to one of the most famous New Zealand tracks, Roys Peak Track. We wake up early, have breakfast, and prepare our boots and trekking poles. Transfer from the hotel in Queenstown to the starting point of the track is 76 km along a very beautiful mountain road. Climbing to New Zealand's most Instagrammable spot, where we take photos above the mountains and clouds.
The trek will take us approximately 5 - 7 hours. The total mileage of the hike is about 15 km. By lunchtime we go down to the parking lot and return to the town of Wanaka.
We walk around the city a little, drink coffee and have lunch. We take routine photographs of the famous Wanaka Tree.
We check into the hotel. We walk around the evening town. Dinner. Rest.
The total mileage by car today is 86 km.
Day 8
(09.12)
We wake up calmly and without fuss. We do a checkout. We load into our cars. Refuel. We stop at the supermarket and buy ourselves yoghurts and snacks for breakfast. In New Zealand, hotels usually do not have breakfast, so we prepare ourselves. Total mileage today is 350 km.
We cross the Southern Alps from east to west, following the bed of the mountain rivers Haast and Makarora. Very beautiful wild places. The forest grows on almost vertical cliffs.
We will stop and walk along the path to one of the waterfalls. The forest here is completely different from what we saw before. Tree roots do not immediately go deep, but first spread like snakes across the surface.
Just like, you saw in the movie “The Lord of the Rings”! We move further to the North. Along the way we will see a real tall New Zealand coniferous forest as dinosaurs saw it. New Zealand nature is completely unique; most of the local plants and animals are not found anywhere else on the planet.
This archipelago separated from the ancient super-continents so long ago and was isolated by the ocean from the rest of the land for so long that evolution here took an independent path. Many of the local plants are very archaic; related species on the continents became extinct many millions of years ago. But tree ferns are the same as in the rest of the sublunary world.
We stop at the coast to walk along the shore, inhale the smell of the Ocean mixed with the aromas of the New Zealand rain forests.
We need to get to Lake Matheson by sunset, so we are keeping an eye on the timing.
We park our cars at the lake and go on a short trek through a very beautiful evening forest to take such beautiful shots from a special point when the evening sun turns orange the two main peaks of this country: Mount Tasman (3497 meters) and Mount Aoraki (3724 meters). And they, in turn, are reflected on the mirror surface of Lake Matheson.
After sunset we move to FOX GLEICIER. Dinner. After dinner we go for a walk again, but this time into the forest at night and look at the mysterious fireflies living very nearby among the fern jungle. Rest. Overnight at a motel. The total mileage today will be 295 km.
After sunset we move to FOX GLEICIER. Dinner. After dinner we go for a walk again, but this time into the forest at night and look at the mysterious fireflies living very nearby among the fern jungle. Rest. Overnight at a motel. The total mileage today will be 295 km.
Day 9
(10.12)
Early rise. Those who wish can watch the sunrise on the Ocean shore to see the dawn Southern Alps right from the sea's edge or take a walk again to Lake Matheson. At dawn it can also be incredibly beautiful there.
Or we go to watch the sunrise in a cafe with a view, where you can have a wonderful breakfast and enjoy your morning coffee with a view of the New Zealand Alps. Those who wish (optional and, if the weather permits, which is difficult in these places) can fly around Mount Cook and adjacent peaks by helicopter and, again, if the weather permits, can land on the glacier.
Next, a short trek to the observation deck, where we will admire the breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, forests, glaciers and the highest peak of New Zealand - Mount Cook.
Many glaciers descend from New Zealand's highest mountain, some of the most famous are the Fox and Franz Joseph. They are famous for their unusual location - they begin far in the mountains, and then flow through rain forests and melt almost near the ocean.
Next, a short trek to the observation deck, where we will admire the breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, forests, glaciers and the highest peak of New Zealand - Mount Cook.
Many glaciers descend from New Zealand's highest mountain, some of the most famous are the Fox and Franz Joseph. They are famous for their unusual location - they begin far in the mountains, and then flow through rain forests and melt almost near the ocean.
After lunch we drive 170 km along a beautiful mountain road and along the West Coast to the town of Hokitika. We make stops in beautiful places. Upon arrival, we check into a hotel on the ocean shore. Let's have dinner. Let's rest. We don't go to bed. Paganels cannot sleep when there is something extraordinarily beautiful nearby. After dinner, a short 5-minute drive to enjoy an unusual spectacle in the dark. You and I will find ourselves in a gorge where thousands of fireflies shine in the night - Titiwai mosquitoes, whose larvae “cry” and emit light, not just for illumination, but as a bait for insects, perhaps their own relatives. And the more hungry the larva is, the stronger the light. It looks very beautiful and cosmic.
These fireflies are located not on the ceiling of the cave, but in the open air, on the walls of the gorge covered with mosses and small ferns. It is important to remain quiet and not to scare the fireflies with flashlights. We return to Hokitika to the hotel. Rest. Total mileage 251 km.
Day 10
(11.12)
We get up traditionally early. We have breakfast ourselves. Today we have a big, eventful and interesting day. First we drive 35 km to the beautiful Hokitika Gorge, where we will walk for about an hour.
Then we return to Hokitika, refuel the cars and drive 83 km to the world famous “Pancake Rocks”. In the Maori language this place is called Punakaiki.
Here we will walk for 30-40 minutes. We will stretch our legs, take a dozen more photos that are beautiful, drink coffee and have a snack at a local cafe, and then rush on to the North. The road is very picturesque; one can want to take many pictures
Upon arrival in the Marlborough Valley (optional), we go to wine testing and dinner, which we will order for you in advance. We enjoy aromatic wines and do not forget to buy a few bottles of your favorite wines as souvenirs.
Next, a short drive to the neighboring town of Blenheim. We stop at the supermarket and buy food for breakfast. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest. Total mileage today is 380 km.
Day 11
(12.12)
In the afternoon we need to go for dinner and wine testing in the Marlborough Valley, famous for its sauvignons. From Pancake Rocks to Marlborough we have to travel almost 300 km, so we try not to stop for very long for smoke breaks and respites.
We do not wake up very early. We are having breakfast. We fuel our steel horses. We are loading things. We stop by Marlborough again and visit 1-2 more recommended wineries. Then drive 45 km to the town of Picton. The ferry to Wellington is waiting for us in the afternoon. We drive the jeeps to the collection point at the port in advance. We do a check-in. We load onto the ship. The Picton-Wellington ferry service is more than just a ship carrying passengers, cars, huge container ships and entire carriages across the roaring Cook Strait. According to tourists, this is a beautiful and exciting cruise of 3.5 hours, adorned by the deep Marlborough Fjords. The ferry moves slowly and majestically along the shores, covered with bright greenery, which gives us the opportunity to admire them from the open deck. Or maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see killer whales or dolphins playing.
Late evening we arrive at the port of Wellington. On the ferry you can sleep a little, as well as have dinner and drink coffee. After unloading from the ship, transfer and check-in to the hotel. If you have the energy, you can take a walk around the evening city. Rest.
Total mileage today is 50 km.
Day 12
(13.12)
In the Maori language, the place where modern Wellington is located was called “Great Tara Bay or the head of the Maui fish.” The city is considered the windiest capital in the world.
In the morning, after an early breakfast, we immediately go to the embankment to visit the chic local history museum, which is really worth seeing.
There are many artifacts from the history of the development of New Zealand and the life of the Maori tribe.
It is also worth paying attention to the unique exhibitions on the ground floor of the building dedicated to New Zealand's participation in the First World War.
Moving to New Plymouth 400 km. On the way, we will stop at the Southward Car Museum so that those interested can optionally see one of the largest private museums of vintage cars in the Southern Hemisphere.
Arrival in New Plymouth. Check in to the hotel for 2 nights.
We are going to watch the sunset at one of the observation points of the city from which the famous Taranaki volcano is visible.
Dinner. Rest. Total mileage today is 410 km.
Day 13
(14.12)
Today is a difficult day for us, but surprisingly beautiful. We will make a pre-dawn trek to the incredibly beautiful Taranaki volcano. We get up at night long before dawn. Drive 20 km to the starting point of the track, where we park our cars, take flashlights and for about 2 hours we walk to a very beautiful small mountain lake on the slope of a volcano, from where you can photograph incredible views of the sunrise over Taranaki.
At an altitude of 2518 meters, Taranaki Volcano is one of the most symmetrical cones in the world and has a great resemblance to Fuji, thanks to which it played one of the main roles in the movie “The Last Samurai” along with Tom Cruise. Anyone who has been to Japan will appreciate the similarity of these two volcanic peaks when they get here.
Now the area around the volcano is the Egmont National Park. The park was founded in 1900, making Egmont one of New Zealand's oldest nature reserves.
Having met the sunrise, enjoying the amazing views, we leisurely descend through a very beautiful forest to our parking lot, get into the jeeps and go to rest at the hotel. We have lunch in the city. We will relax. In the afternoon we take sandwiches, snacks, wine, fruit and go for an evening picnic to the Three Sisters.
Enjoy a wonderful evening and relax
Return to New Plymouth. Dinner. Rest.
Total mileage 180 km.
Day 14
(15.12)
We have a big and busy day today. We need to get everything done, so we wake up early. We have a quick breakfast on our own. We load into the jeeps. We refuel the cars. We place points on the maps. First, we put swimsuits and towels in small backpacks.
First we drop by the Three Sisters and if the previous day the tide did not allow us to take a walk, then we will do it today.
We drive about 106 km to the place where we will experience an amazing and very interesting, slightly extreme adventure in the Waitomo glowworm caves.
We arrive at the base, where we undergo detailed instructions. We divide the group into 2 parts. The first and second parts of the Paganel detachment will go to the caves with a difference of 30 minutes. We change into swimsuits and swimming trunks. We get wetsuits with a thickness of 5 mm of neoprene (the water temperature in the underground river where we will dive is about 12-15 degrees Celsius). We try on boots, helmets and flashlights. We receive special inflatable rings on which we will float along the underground river. We train with local instructors-guides on overcoming obstacles in caves, jumping from waterfalls, etc. We leave phones and cameras for storage in our jeeps (local guides will take photographs of you inside the caves). We load into a special shuttle bus and go to the place where our Black Water Rafting tour begins.
We will not describe what will happen to you there. I can say that it will be a very unusual and bright adventure that you will remember for the rest of your life. The total time of the event will take you and me about 3 hours. We climb a lot in caves, swim along underground rivers, jump into small waterfalls, admire stalactites, stalagmites and the glowing famous mosquitoes - Titiwai, whose larvae “cry” and emit light, not just for illumination, but as an insect bait, perhaps, their own relatives. And the more hungry the larva is, the stronger the light. It looks very beautiful and cosmic. We get out of the caves. We hand over wetsuits, helmets, flashlights and boots, take our towels and go take a hot shower. After the shower, we go to a local cafe, where we will all be fed delicious soup with bagels. We get into our cars and continue our journey.
The last drive for today is 135 km and we get to the legendary Rotorua - the most geothermal city on Earth. Upon arrival in Rotorua, we check into a hotel where we will spend the next three nights. We will get ourselves in order. We will go for a walk around the city. Those who wish can go to the thermal springs for which this region is famous.
We return to Rotorua for lunch. We will have lunch at one of the city's restaurants, and then we will have a walk in a beautiful and very unusual place called Red Woods.
The Redwoods are a large forest of California redwoods and native ferns that grow beautifully among the giant trunks. It is named after the famous American Giant Sequoia Park in California. The Redwoods area is part of the greater Whakarewarewa forest. In 2015, about 700 meters of tracks were suspended here at a height of ten to fifteen meters. Now you can walk along suspended paths among giant trees.
In December 2016, night walks in the suspended park were made available. One advanced New Zealand artist, David Trubridge, created a design for a night park, placing huge lanterns on the trees and various themed lighting. It became simply incredible.
In December 2016, night walks in the suspended park were made available. One advanced New Zealand artist, David Trubridge, created a design for a night park, placing huge lanterns on the trees and various themed lighting. It became simply incredible.
Dinner. Rest.
Day 15
(16.12)
This day will be no less interesting than the previous one. Rotorua, a city located in surrounding by several extinct volcanoes near a lake, is famous for its geysers, lakes, and, of course, the history of the warlike Maori tribes. In the Maori language, the name of the city sounds quite simple - “the second great lake of our chief Kaumatamooi.” This ancient Kaumatamooi was the nephew of a respected man, a chief.
This day will be no less interesting than the previous one. Rotorua, a city located in surrounding by several extinct volcanoes near a lake, is famous for its geysers, lakes, and, of course, the history of the warlike Maori tribes. In the Maori language, the name of the city sounds quite simple - “the second great lake of our chief Kaumatamooi.” This ancient Kaumatamooi was the nephew of a respected man, a chief.
In the morning we go to the Wai o Tapu Geyser Park or to visit the “devil”. We do not promise to see it itself, but we can feel the surroundings. “The Gates of Hell”, “The Devil’s Inkwell” – we will definitely visit all these amazing places. Impressionable Europeans gave to geysers the English names, and the Maori called these places more romantically - “Sacred Waters”.
By mid-afternoon we return to Rotorua for lunch. A few hours of free time until the evening. In the evening we will visit the stylized Mitai Māori Village, where we can get to know the warlike aborigines of New Zealand better, talk about life, and maybe dance and sing a little.
We will listen to the legendary war song of Haka
We will try some of the Maori cuisine of Honi. Another hundred beautiful photographs are provided to you.
We spend the night in the same hotel in Rotorua.
Day 16
(17.12)
We wake up in a calm mode. We have a leisurely breakfast with our supplies. We drink coffee. Today we will visit the iconic Hobbiton! We say goodbye to the geothermal Rotorua, load into the jeeps and rush 75 km to the same Shire - the village of hobbits from the film The Lord of the Rings, thanks to which the whole world recognized the beauty of New Zealand. The village is incredibly popular among tourists, because everything there is arranged in such a way as if hobbits actually live in the village.
Hobbit houses were built in New Zealand for the filming of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's story impressed director Jackson so much that he decided to build a life-size set from real materials.
After negotiations with successful farmers, the film group was given permission to build a real village. Construction work began in 1999.
At the end of 2023, two new unique locations opened in Hobbiton, which you will definitely see. Since December 2023, two identical Hobbit Holes have been open to the public.
Two fully equipped underground hobbit houses, with kitchen, toilet, storage rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, etc. Teams of leading set designers who worked on the original films were brought in to create these Hobbit Holes.
We will visit one of two mirror-like Hobbit Holes.
Now the tourist village consists of 37 houses with round facades and carved windows. The village has a bridge over the lake, a garden, and a pasture for animals
The mill and hedges add to the rustic charm. In Hobbiton there is a bar called the Green Dragon, where they serve mugs of ale to everyone.
The mill and hedges add to the rustic charm. In Hobbiton there is a bar called the Green Dragon, where they serve mugs of ale to everyone.
Check-in into a cozy, comfortable hotel not far from the airport. Rest. In the evening, farewell dinner at one of the city restaurants.
Total mileage 235 km.
Day 17
(18.12)
We each wake up in our own mode. After breakfast we say goodbye to each other and the expedition leaders. Our very large and eventful expedition to amazing New Zealand is over. Tears of parting. Drivers drive cars to a special parking lot at the airport. Delivery of vehicles. Necessary formalities. Checkout at the hotel. Independent transfer to the airport from the hotel.
Flight home...
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for organizing a trip – air tickets and travel documents for other modes of transportation, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. – are made by us in advance, long before the trip, the prepayment or payment for the trip is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
Please note that this itinerary is tentative. The weather always has the last word. The itinerary is designed to allow sufficient time at the end of the Expedition in case of any weather-related delays. If necessary, the captain can change the expedition route depending on external conditions!
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