then it's a short drive to lake Karapiro and the hydro-electric power station on the Waikato River for a photo stop, before crossing over the dam.

The majestic 797m Mt Maungatautari (Sanctuary Mountain) looms in the background. A mainland ecological island created by a 47km pest proof fence, the largest of it’s type in the world. Join an informative 1½ hour guided tour about many of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered plants, insects, birds, fish, geckos, frogs, bats and flora that co-exist in this spectacular environment, on one of the many well maintained tracks to the 16m viewing tower. A picnic lunch is included here.

Our scenic drive to Hobbiton continues to impress, as we pass over the Arapuni Dam, first of the hydro-electric power stations on the Waikato River dated 1929.

On arrival at Hobbiton your local guide will escort you around the movie set, containing 44 hobbit holes, Bilbo’s house, Bag End (Bilbo & Frodo Baggins home), the Mill and the double arch bridge and party tree. The tour Concludes at the Green Dragon, where you can enjoy a complimentary beer, cider or non alcoholic ginger beer, while soaking in the atmosphere.

Your drive back to Auckland will take you via Matamata, along the Hauraki Plains and beside the Kaimai Mountain Range.