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Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 4

International Arrival

Private transfer from Auckland Airport to Hotel

Board the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island (Duration: 45 min)

Board the ferry from Waiheke Island to Auckland (Duration: 45 min)

3 Nights

Auckland

Experience Auckland, a stunning natural playground and melting pot of cultures with a strong Māori influence. Straddling natural harbors on the Hauraki Gulf and the Tasman Sea, Auckland sits on a volcanic isthmus flanked by contrasting coastlines. From volcanic peaks, lush native canopies and black sand beaches, to hip entertainment districts, contemporary art scenes and gourmet experiences, there’s something for everyone in this populous waterfront city, the largest in New Zealand! The city also entertains adrenaline seekers at the iconic sky tower while rugby fans can catch an All Blacks’ match the country’s biggest stadium, Eden Park. Relax in the laid-back neighborhoods or head out to explore the series of walking paths that present spectacular vantages of the Auckland region. Short ferry rides away, the nearby islands are home to boutique vineyards, wineries, olive groves, rainforests, and reserves. Enjoy tranquil island vistas with a plethora of sailboats on the east, and the Waitakere Ranges with rugged black sand beaches and farmlands on the west.

Included activities

Group Tour Highlights of Auckland

Discover Auckland on this day trip around town. After an early breakfast at your hotel in Central Auckland, make use of the available transport to reach the meeting point. Hit the city’s iconic Harbour Bridge for some perfect photo ops to remember your Auckland vacation. Check out the city’s popular beaches and other landmarks, including views of several ancient volcanoes that overlook Auckland. Wrap up the excursion with a visit to the popular Sky Tower. Enjoy panoramic sights of the city from your aerial perch. After, make your way back to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900 hrs daily; Shared activity; Group size: max 15 ppl; Shared transfer only for hotels in Central Auckland; Meals included: snacks & water; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sunglasses, sun hat & sunscreen, and dress for the weather; Not available on Christmas Day; Entry to Sky Tower is NOT included.)

Group Wine and Dine Tour at Waiheke Island

Experience the best of Waiheke Island on this memorable excursion from Auckland. Meet your local guide at the wharf and set off on a tour of the charming local vineyards. Stop by some of the best wineries of Waiheke and sample the delicious local vintage as you learn more about life on the island from your friendly guide. Learn all about the local communities, the island’s seasonal produce, its culture and the lay of the land. Enjoy a leisurely one course lunch in one of the charming vineyard restaurants. After the sumptuous affair, take the boat back to the mainland and return to your hotel in Auckland. (Duration: 7 hrs approx; Time of Day: 1000 hrs; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Wine tasting at 3 of Waiheke’s top vineyards plus one course lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer included; Please bring sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & comfortable walking shoes).

Personalized Tour of Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton

Journey through the heart of North Island, visiting two iconic attractions – Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton, en route from Auckland to Rotorua. You will be picked up from your hotel in Auckland and driven through the picturesque Waikato countryside to Waitomo Caves. Enter the caves to see myriad stalactites and stalagmites. Walk down some steps into an area called the Cathedral, an acoustically superior underground venue, surrounded by a 50-foot-tall limestone formation. Then, take a boat ride through tunnels lit up by constellations of glow worms. While gliding on the inky underground lake, your guide will tell you all about the creatures adorning the ceiling and walls. Next, head to the Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour through The Shire. Explore the gardens and proceed to Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interiors of a hobbit dwelling. Stroll past orchards and vegetable patches, while the guide recounts anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about the trilogy. Finally, continue on your scenic drive to your hotel in Rotorua.(En route activity; Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are not included)

Hotel options

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart – Opt 1
Room Guest Studio
Meals Room Only
Style Apartment
Hotel De Brett – Opt 2
Room Boutique Suite
Meals Room Only
Style Boutique
Day 4 – 7

Your driver will drive you from Auckland to Rotorua in a private vehicle. Enroute you will have stops to visit pre-defined sightseeing attractions

3 Nights

Rotorua

From geothermal wonders at Kuirau Park located within the city center, to fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and the pastel silica terraces of the Wai o Tapu valley, Rotorua is a haven for wellness enthusiasts. This town, situated in North Island is an active lifestyle destination for outdoor adventures, holistic excursions, and cultural encounters, thanks to its fantastic surroundings around a natural crater lake. Whakarewarewa, a living geothermal village with hundreds of hot springs, and the famous Pōhutu geyser, also offers Māori cultural experiences including a traditional hāngi feast, Tā moko tattoo art, and local handicrafts. Enjoy loop walks around Lake Tikitapu, long hikes to the Rainbow Mountains, tree canopy boardwalks, ziplining, fantastic mountain biking trails in redwood forests, and rafting on the Class 5 rapids of Kaituna river, among others. Amid all the action, explore urban parks, working farms, native bird conservation centers, the historic buried village of Te Wairoa, and Mount Ngongotaha that affords a bird’s eye view of the Bay of Plenty in North Island!

Included activities

Group Crater Excursion at Mount Tarawera

Set off from your hotel to explore the crater formed by Mount Tarawera during its historic explosion in 1886. Accompany your expert guide across the scenic landscape of Waimangu, the world’s youngest geothermal valley, created by this massive volcanic upheaval. Walk along as you listen to your guide narrate how the volcanic activity led to the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces, a set of geothermal springs in a staircase formation. Savor panoramic vistas of the multi-hued landscape in this rugged region and capture stunning images of this natural wonder. Get your adrenaline rush by signing up for the optional run into the heart of the volcanic crater. (Half Day; Shared Activity; Time of Day: 0815/1015 hrs depending on the season; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and warm, comfortable clothes and bring along rain jackets.)

Cultural Evening Event of Mitai Maori Village

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Maori people on this tour. Get picked up from your hotel in the city and drive to Mitai Maori village for an indigenous cultural experience. Set off on a guided bush walk with your knowledgeable guide and get a closer look at the flora and fauna including glow worms. Watch as fierce warriors dressed in traditional attire paddle a waka or battle canoe down the Wai-o-whiro stream. As you walk around the village, learn about ancient Maori customs that are still in practice. Enjoy a captivating performance of songs, games, and the Haka Maori war dance. Watch as the story of the migration of the Te Arawa people to Aotearoa and their way of life is told through dance. Afterwards, sit down to a hearty hangi meal cooked the traditional way in an umu or earth oven. Feast on succulent Polynesian meat, poultry, and vegetarian delicacies. There will also be delicious drinks and desserts available. After dinner, return to your hotel with memories of a fun evening. (Duration: half day; Time: 1745 hrs; Not available on Christmas Day; shared/ guided evening event & transfers; Group size: max 160 ppl; Entry fees included; Meals included: dinner; Please inform us of any allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Hotel options

Pullman Rotorua – Opt 1
Room Superior Lake View Room
Meals Room Only
Style International
On the Point Lake Rotorua B&B – Opt 2
Room Cottage Suite
Meals Room Only
Style Boutique
Day 7 – 9

You will be transferred from your hotel to Rotorua airport in a private vehicle

Flight from Rotorua to Christchurch

You will be transferred from Christchurch airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

2 Nights

Christchurch

Christchurch is a vibrant city with a rich English heritage nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, bordered by the Waimakariri River and the Pegasus Bay. With innovative architecture, public installations such as the 185 Chairs, and international street art, Christchurch is undergoing an extraordinary urban regeneration. Explore Quake City, a space that showcases the aftermath of Canterbury’s recent earthquakes, Māori galleries that contain some beautiful pounamu (greenstone) pieces, and the International Antarctic Center with its interactive and educational exhibits. Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer delightful green spaces within the city. Not to be missed is the hop-on-hop-off loop tram, a fun ride infused with commentary, to navigate the city’s highlights. For a more leisurely experience, go punting on the Avon River, passing through the heart of Christchurch, and sit back and relax on a gondola ride that offers stunning vantages of the Canterbury Plains, the Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Alps beyond!

Included activities

Explore Christchurch on Your Own

Discover the urban architecture and heritage of this lovely city by the Avon River at your own leisurely pace. Go punting on the Avon on a romantic tour that revisits the elegant Edwardian era, past the city’s beautiful Botanic Gardens. Explore the famous Christchurch Botanic Gardens and take advantage of the many walking and hiking trails around town. Enjoy a ride on the Christchurch Gondola, for stunning panoramic views of the city and valley. More aerial views await you on chopper flights over Christchurch City, the Lyttelton harbor and stunning bays. Don’t leave town without touring the city aboard the heritage Christchurch Tram, and enjoy the region’s delicious local cuisine at the Tramway Restaurant. Savor freshly caught salmon and groper at the many local seafood restaurants and cafés, washed down with craft beer and local wine from the city’s popular micro-breweries and wineries. (Duration: full day; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees & meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)

Group Tour of Arthurs Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Ride

Explore South Island’s stunning natural landscape on this full-day guided group tour to Arthurs Pass National Park by TranzAlpine, one of the world’s great scenic train routes. From Christchurch, the train crosses the Canterbury Plains, winds its way to the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge along rugged mountain ranges and into the heart of the Southern Alps. At Arthurs Pass, accompanied by your guide, proceed by minivan into Arthurs Pass National Park. Drive on an old stagecoach route through dense beech forests, taking in breathtaking views of Otira Gorge. En route, stop for short bushwalks to splendid waterfalls and alpine lookouts. Along the way, you might spot New Zealand’s comical alpine parrot, the kea. Continue onward to the hamlet of Arthurs Pass, stopping to view the craggy cliffs at Cave Stream and weatherworn limestone outcrops of Castle Hill Rocks. After lunch at a historic country hotel, return to Christchurch by road via the sub-alpine Porter’s Pass and the Canterbury Plains. (Duration: Full Day; Time: 0730 hrs; Shared Activity & Transfers; Shared Guide; Fitness Level: Moderate; Included: Train Tickets, Entrance Fees, Lunch; Please wear sturdy walking shoes. Carry water. Please inform us of any food allergies in advance).

Personalized Tour of Mount Cook

Visit Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook on this day trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. Meet your driver-guide at your hotel and head out across the Canterbury Plains. Situated between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, this picturesque area features braided rivers and neatly laid out farms. Your first stop is Lake Tekapo, notable for its turquoise waters and mountain panorama. Stroll to the Church of the Good Shepherd, before driving beside the Tasman River to Mount Cook National Park. Explore New Zealand’s premier alpine destination, surrounded by towering mountains punctuated by glacial valleys. Continue to Lake Pukaki, passing by farms and orchards. Drive on the scenic Lindis Pass to reach the historic Kuwarau Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel. Finally, go past Arrowtown, Dalefield and Arthurs Point to arrive at your Queenstown hotel.(En route activity; Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers)

Hotel options

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square – Opt 1
Room Superior Room
Meals Room Only
Style International
Peppers Christchurch Clearwater Resort – Opt 2
Room Lakefront Suite
Meals Room Only
Style International
Day 9 – 12

Your driver will drive you from Christchurch to Queenstown in a private vehicle. Enroute you will have stops to visit pre-defined sightseeing attractions

3 Nights

Queenstown

Queenstown is where adventure seekers head out to for a shot of adrenalin! The region’s dramatic landscape is wrapped around the scenic lakes, velvety mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps. Summer or winter, there’s always plenty to do along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the slopes of the Coronet Peak. Arguably the bungee jumping and skydiving capital of the world, get ready to plunge down bridges, planes and hill tops. The fiord of Milford Sound, home to the rare black coral, seal colonies, penguins, dolphins and the Mitre Peak, is not too far away. Kayaking along Lake Wakatipu, camping at the Routeburn Track, jet-boating down the Shotover and Dart rivers, and skiing down Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are some of the city’s popular pastimes. Queenstown also forms a base for exploring South Island’s other adventure destinations, charming vineyards and old mining settlements around Wanaka, Glenorchy and Arrowtown.

Included activities

Group Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Cruise

Enjoy an exciting fly-cruise-fly excursion to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural attractions. Start with a 35-minute flight from Queensland, during which your guide will point out lakes, canyons and pretty towns. Soar above the dense beech forests of the Routeburn and Hollyford valleys. Fly over the Southern Alps and into Fiordland National Park. View the landscape dotted with glacial lakes and spot Mount Tutoko, the park’s highest peak. Pass over Donne Glacier and glide across the length of Milford Sound, before landing. Next, board the launch for a cruise on the fjord. Sail beside the iconic Mitre Peak that rises 5,551 feet above the water. Get up close to Lady Bowen Falls and keep an eye out for penguins, seals and dolphins. Disembark and take the return flight to Queenstown via Sutherland Falls. (Duration: 4 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance)

Personalized Guided Routeburn Track Hike

Set out on the world famous Routeburn Track, which is one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks. Spanning Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks, this hike takes you past forest, rivers and lakes, and along Alpine peaks and glaciers. From Routeburn Shelter, cross a swing bridge over the Routeburn River. Go uphill through the narrow forest path that leads up to Routeburn Flats. At stops along the way, your guide will explain about Maori history and the area’s diverse ecology. Pass by Sugarloaf Stream and climb to Bridal Veil Falls, which is part of the Waireinga Scenic Reserve. It cascades over a basalt cliff, which was formed due to volcanic activity around two million years ago. Then, climb upward along the gorge and traverse a beech forest. Walk across a suspension bridge and go above the bush line. Upon entering a plateau, soak in views of the Humboldt Mountains. Trek ahead and you’ll arrive at the Routeburn Falls Hut, which lies close to the Routeburn Falls. (Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers)

Hotel options

Kamana Lakehouse – Opt 1
Room Kamana King – Courtyard View
Meals Room Only
Style International
QT Queenstown – Opt 2
Room Lake King Room
Meals Room Only
Style Boutique

You will be transferred from your hotel to Queenstown airport in a private vehicle

International Departure

Plunge into New Zealand’s untamed wilderness, and experience its vibrant cities and culture on this specially curated vacation. Uncover Auckland’s assorted charms, and sample some lovely wines on Waiheke island. No trip to this area is complete without visiting the iconic Waitomo Caves, and the lovely Hobbiton Movie Set from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. At Rotorua, trek through the crater of Mount Tarawera, and savor a traditional hangi meal at a Maori village. An enchanting assortment of experiences awaits you at the South Island as well. Enjoy an excursion through the wilderness of Arthurs Pass National Park, and visit the majestic Mount Cook, which is among country’s top alpine destinations. One of the highlights of your trip is a ‘flight and cruise’ exploration of the beautiful Milford Sound area. As you sail and fly over its dense forests and glacial lakes, keep an eye out for penguins, seals and dolphins.

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $10,090 USD / person

Option 2

From $12,690 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

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