torino13

We are a group of 15 women, who will be booking a bus and driver (in Auckland) for a full day.

Our plan is to leave Auckland early AM and return late that same day.

Looking for help on planning our day activities. Of course with 15 women, there are many ideas on where to go....but really not sure what (how many) we can reasonably fit in.

Areas of interest....

Hobbiton
Glowworm caves
Rotorua area for thermal springs
Huka falls
Hells Gate
Maori cultural sites
Hot Water Beach

Any help/guidance on what really makes sense would be greatly appreciated!

tasmangirl

Time of year?
Organised tours like Great Sights do Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton so that's doable in a day. You will only have time for the shortest WC tour before moving onto Hobbiton.
Rotorua is also possible for a day trip.
Huka Falls is in Taupo and too far for a day trip.
Hot Water Beach is best in the summer and the tide has to be right (ie low)but it does not combine well with your other choices.
So realistically it's a choice between Waitomo/Hobbiton OR Rotorua.

torino13

Thank you! Sorry...we will be there in Mid April.

tasmangirl

That's probably Easter and things will be busy. The school holidays are also in April and we have a national holiday Anzac Day on the 25th April (Tuesday this year).
I'd get your trip booked soon. Don't plan it for Saturday 15th April - honestly last year the traffic was horrendous getting out of Auckland. What is normally a 3 hour trip - Auckland to Tauranga took us close to 6 hours just crawling along the road as there was so much traffic.
Otherwise have a fun time!

torino13

tasmangirl: Thank you! We will be actually in Auckland for the World Masters Games. Just received our schedule and our only full free day is Wednesday, April 26...so we have booked the bus for that day.

Heading to Rotorua!

Thank you for you for your help!

tasmangirl

That's a good plan - enjoy the day in Rotorua.