Balloons over Waikato

Calder & Lawson House of Travel currently have a great deal on a 4 night/5 day sightseeing tour of the Waikato, centred around the famous Balloons over Waikato, from F$ 1,690 per person (share twin). Get in quick, before this deal sells out.

Tour Date

• 17 Mar 21

Deal Includes

• 4 nights accommodation at Distinction Hamilton with breakfast daily
• Modern air conditioned vehicle as per itinerary
• 3x dinners
• 3x lunches
• Hamilton Airport Transfers

Sightseeing includes –

•  Zealong Tea Tour
•  Waikato River Cruise
•  Hamilton Gardens Tour
•  Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Ask us about flights and rental car.

Itinerary

17 Mar 21 – Arrive in Hamilton
On arrival at Hamilton Airport you will be picked up and transported to your hotel to check in. A metropolitan city, Hamilton is situated on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton’s rich cultural mix and vibrant centre makes it a perfect place to experience the friendly Waikato lifestyle. The vibrant café and bar scene is making a name for itself, and plentiful open spaces mean the city is an easy place to spend time in. We will have dinner at the hotel tonight.

18 Mar 21 – Zealong Tea, Gardens & River Cruise
This morning you will have breakfast at the hotel, then we will head for a Zealong Discover Tea Tour. Where we learn about The History of New Zealand Tea during a leisurely walk. It all started with a camellia tree. The flourishing Waikato plants mean New Zealand is not just pure and clean, it is also the perfect environment to grow one teas that excel in aroma and taste. The tour guide leads visitors along the tea trail through the history of tea as they explore unique sculptures and scenic stops to learn how tea is picked and processed.

We will then go on a two hour return City Cafe Cruise departing from Hamilton Gardens, a totally unique way to view New Zealand’s largest inland city. Highlights include several 100-year-old bridges, riverside sculptures & artworks and the Skipper’s unique commentary. We may even pass a rowing crew out practicing. The vessel is fully protected from the weather with a fully licensed Cafe & Bar on board where we will have lunch.

Mid Afternoon we will then visit the Hamilton Gardens. Rather than focusing on plant collections, at Hamilton Gardens the emphasis is on different types of garden design. Traditional botanic gardens concentrate on plant collections, conservation, research and education, while Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years. Throughout history, gardens have been a way of expressing the important philosophical ideas of their time. In some respects the story of gardens reflects the story of civilisation and attitudes to the natural world. The collections of gardens at Hamilton Gardens explore the history, context and meaning of gardens. Each tells a story and offers an insight into a different civilisation, located along-side an attractive stretch of the Waikato River, merging old landscape features with creative develop-ment and design. In its earlier history, the area was home to Ngaati Wairere Chief Haanui, and was a centre of horticulture with crops along the riverside. Most development of Hamilton Gardens has occurred since 1980, growing in scope and vision to become a unique showcase for the story of gardens.

At the conclusion of this your driver will return you to your hotel. This evening we will have dinner at Gothenburg Restaurant.

19 Mar 21 – Balloons & Raglan Arts & Crafts
A bright and early start this morning. We will have a boxed breakfast ready and then head to the Balloons for the 7am start. Spend the day soaking up the atmosphere and sights of these beautiful balloons. Join the other spectators enjoying the amazing sight of balloons ascending through the Waikato. Mid Morning we will head to Raglan to have a wonder around the local Arts and Craft shops and have lunch in a local cafe. Raglan is a coastal town in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s known for black-sand Ngarunui Beach and the long surf break at Manu Bay. Whether you’re looking for world-class surf, stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, inspiring arts or simply a good old cup of coffee, Raglan offers the perfect laid-back escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

We return to your hotel this evening where dinner is included.

20 Mar 21 – Hobbiton Movie Set & Zuru Nightglow Show
After a leisurely morning and breakfast at the hotel. We will board the coach and head to Hobbiton to experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.

You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes™, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth™ adventure. We will stop for lunch at the Shires Rest Cafe onsite.

Following this we return to Hamilton and the hotel for some down time. You have the option tonight to head out to the balloon festival again this evening to see the Zuru Nightglow Show (dinner at the festival at own expense). This is the biggest night out at the festival, where the balloons glow to orchestrated music finishing with the best fireworks display in town, the Waitomo Fireworks Extravaganza, a spectacular finale to the Festival, brace yourself for one of the biggest and best fireworks displays in the country. Erupting into the skies, the Waitomo Fireworks Extravaganza is an awe-inspiring end for the Balloons over Waikato Festival. At the conclusion of this your driver with take you back to your hotel for the evening. (If you opt not to attend this event you have the evening in Hamilton at your leisure, dinner own expense).

21 Mar 21 – Depart Hamilton
This morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for the airport and your onward flight home (own arrangements).

Call 0800 731 266 to book today.

Domestic Travel Package Redemption T’s & C’s: any Domestic Travel Packages paid for with Farm Source dollars must be booked through our call centre (0800 731 266). We reserve the right to decline payment for any deals booked by other means. Land package only, flights are additional.