Extend Your Trip

Southern Lights Swing + Swingvasion

Make the most of your journey by attending two incredible West Coast Swing events on back-to-back weekends. Start your adventure in Hobart at Southern Lights Swing, then explore New Zealand before finishing with another unforgettable weekend of dancing at Swingvasion in Wellington.

Learn more about Southern Lights Swing: www.southernlightsswing.com.au

Choose Your Adventure

Whether you're combining your trip with Southern Lights Swing or simply exploring New Zealand, these itineraries will help you make the most of your adventure.

1: The Dance & Discovery Tour

Perfect for travellers who want to maximise their dancing while still experiencing a taste of New Zealand at a relaxed pace. Connect with the West Coast Swing communities in Hobart and Auckland, then use your time between events to explore some of the North Island’s most iconic destinations before arriving in Wellington.

2: The Classic Kiwi Road Trip

Perfect for visitors who want to experience more of New Zealand by road. Best suited to a self-drive itinerary, this journey takes you through rolling farmland, geothermal areas, volcanic plateau and lake country, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore as the landscape changes along the way.

The Dance & Discovery Tour

Monday 1 March

Hobart

After an incredible weekend at Southern Lights Swing, spend the day hanging out with new and existing dance friends, before wrapping up your time in Tasmania with a night dancing with the local community at the Swing Dance Collective.

Tuesday 2 March

Hobart -> Auckland

Fly from Hobart to Auckland and spend the afternoon exploring New Zealand's largest city. Popular options include the waterfront, Viaduct Harbour, and a trip to Mount Eden.

In the evening, join the Auckland West Coast Swing community at Street Swing for their Tuesday night classes and social.

Wednesday 3 - Thursday 4 March

Choose your own adventure! Explore an iconic part ot the upper North Island.

Book a day trip or two to get out of the city. Popular options include:

  • Hobbiton - Step into Middle-earth with a visit to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set. (Note: important to book tickets well in advance!)
  • Waitomo - Experience the magical glowworm caves.
  • Waiheke Island - For wine tasting and beaches.

Get out of the city for an overnight adventure:

  • Rotorua - Discover bubbling mud pools, geothermal parks, redwood forests and Māori cultural experiences.
  • Coromandel Peninsula - Escape to beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and iconic spots like Cathedral Cove and hot water beach.

Friday 5 March

Wellington

Fly to Wellington on Friday morning (1hour flight). Spend some time exploring Wellington's cafés, waterfront or Te Papa before Swingvasion begins that afternoon.

The Classic North Island Road Trip

Transport:
  • We recommend hiring a rental car for this journey - this is the easiest and most flexible way to explore the route at your own pace. Hire operators allow for pick up in Auckland and drop off in Wellington.

Monday 1 March

Hobart -> Auckland

Fly from Hobart to Auckland and spend the afternoon exploring New Zealand's largest city. Popular options include the waterfront, Viaduct Harbour, and a trip to Mount Eden.

Tuesday 2 March

Auckland -> Hobbiton -> Rotorua

Travel from Auckland to Hobbiton (2hrs) and then on to Rotorua (1hr), enjoying the rolling green hills of the Waikato and the geothermal heartland of the Bay of Plenty.

Wednesday 3 March

Rotorua

Spend the day discovering Rotorua - options include:

  • Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
  • Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
  • Māori cultural experiences
  • Adventure activities such as ziplining or mountain biking

Thursday 4 March

Rotorua -> Taupō -> Wellington

Travel south through the dramatic landscapes of the central North Island, stopping in Taupō to enjoy the lakefront or visit the spectacular Huka Falls, and drive through the breathtaking Tongariro National Park on your way to Wellington (~5½ hours).

Friday 5 March

Wellington

Spend the morning exploring Wellington's cafés, waterfront or Te Papa before Swingvasion begins that afternoon.

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