Express Tours

Joyrider Express Tours are for guests with limited time who still want to experience the region properly.

These shorter, private tours are shaped around your group and the time you have available — focusing on scenic routes, local favourites, and hidden gems rather than packed itineraries. We plan the day to avoid the rush, take the best roads, and build in flexibility so the experience feels relaxed, not rushed.

Express Tours are ideal for cruise passengers and travellers who want a great day out with local insight — without committing to a full day.

All Express tours are private, hosted by whānau, and priced per group — not per seat.

Rotorua Express

$1,200 per group

(up to 8 guests)

Rotorua Express — Forest, Lakes & Geothermal (4–6 hours)

A relaxed half-day experience that captures Rotorua’s character through geothermal landscapes, forest roads, and lakeside scenery.

The tour weaves through Rotorua’s natural surrounds, taking in key geothermal features before heading into the forest and lake districts that locals love. Expect a smooth, scenic loop that shows off Rotorua beyond the main roads — with time to slow down, look around, and enjoy the place.

The experience flows through:

  • Rotorua geothermal highlights

  • Redwoods Forest viewpoints or short forest walks

  • Lakeside drives and scenic lookouts

  • Local back roads and quieter corners of the region

  • Easy stops for photos and kai along the way

This experience is ideal if you want:

  • A genuine Rotorua experience without a full-day commitment

  • Forest, lake, and geothermal scenery in one easy loop

  • A relaxed pace that feels local, not rushed

Private, unhurried, and shaped around the best conditions on the day — a perfect introduction to Rotorua.

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    • Private full-day tour for up to 8 guests

    • Whānau-led local guide for the entire day

    • 4+6 hours of relaxed, flexible touring

    • One price for your group (not per person)

    • Flexible route with hidden gems and local favourites

    • Unlimited stops within your booking window

    • Cruise-safe guarantee — free cancellation if your ship cannot dock

  • Add a traditional hāngī experience to your tour. Slow-cooked using natural thermal steam or heated rocks, featuring tender meats, vegetables, and classic sides including raw fish, rēwena bread, and steamed pudding.

    Includes tea, coffee, and Raro.
    $650 per tour – all guests included.

Hobbiton Express

(tickets not included)

$1000 per group (up to 8 guests)

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A relaxed private Hobbiton journey paired with a scenic, discovery-led afternoon — hosted by whānau and designed for guests with tighter schedules.

This experience includes private transport and local hosting only.
Hobbiton Movie Set tickets are not included and must be purchased separately.

We travel to Hobbiton with timing carefully planned to keep the visit smooth and unrushed. After your guided movie set experience, the journey home becomes part of the day — unhurried, scenic, and quietly memorable.

Rather than heading straight back, the return follows a slower route through the Waikato, with time to enjoy the landscape, your Hobbiton Express includes:

  • Scenic rural back roads and rolling countryside

  • Waterfall stops

  • A local food or coffee stop

  • Lookouts, farmland, and hidden photo spots

  • Natural pauses whenever something catches your eye

This option is ideal if you want:

  • Hobbiton without committing to a full-day tour

  • A private, comfortable alternative to coach transport

  • Scenic countryside, space to breathe, and an easy pace

    • Private full-day tour for up to 8 guests

    • Whānau-led local guide for the entire day

    • 4+5 hours of relaxed, flexible touring

    • One price for your group (not per person)

    • Flexible route with hidden gems and local favourites

    • Unlimited stops within your booking window

    • Cruise-safe guarantee — free cancellation if your ship cannot dock

  • Add a traditional hāngī experience to your tour. Slow-cooked using natural thermal steam or heated rocks, featuring tender meats, vegetables, and classic sides including raw fish, rēwena bread, and steamed pudding.

    Includes tea, coffee, and Raro.
    $650 per tour – all guests included.