Day 1
Welcome to Auckland
On arrival in Auckland, you will be greeted and transferred privately to your hotel for a Welcome Reception, where drinks and canapés will be served.
** Flights should arrive into Auckland Airport no later than 4.00pm
Accommodation: QT Auckland (or similar)
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
Day 2
Auckland – Tauranga
Begin your exploration of Auckland in the historic Parnell district, famous for its boutiques and galleries. Discover New Zealand's cultural heritage at the Auckland Museum, set in the picturesque Domain. Stroll along the waterfront, taking in views of the harbour and the vibrant atmosphere of Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour.
Visit Mission Bay and Bastion Point for their seaside charm and stunning views of Waitemata Harbour. For "Lord of the Rings" enthusiasts, a visit to the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set awaits, followed by a scenic drive to Tauranga. Enjoy dinner at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, with its beautiful coastal views.
Accommodation: Trinity Wharf Tauranga (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Tauranga – Rotorua
Discover Mount Maunganui, a volcanic cone offering panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty. Then, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where dedicated conservationists share their efforts to save the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time.
Accommodation: Pullman Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast
Day 4
Rotorua
Enjoy a day at your leisure in the stunning Rotorua. Relax in one of the many natural hot springs or take a peaceful walk around Lake Rotorua, soaking in the tranquil views. The day is yours to enjoy. In the evening, experience the Te Pa Tu Maori Experience. Tu Te Ra celebrates the season’s abundant harvest, exploring ancient Maori rituals, warfare, and stories of peace, all accompanied by a feast of culture and cuisine. Savour seasonal canapés, a complimentary chef’s aperitif, and a three-course dinner.
Accommodation: Pullman Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Rotorua – Napier
Today, embark on a guided tour of Whirinaki Forest. Accompanied by a packed lunch and your expert local guide, explore this vast, Jurassic podocarp rainforest on a cultural walking tour, where you may be fortunate enough to spot an endangered bird. Conclude your visit with a moment of relaxation, enjoying whakatauki, forest bathing, and a hot kawakawa tea. In the evening, dine with wine at Craggy Range Winery, New Zealand's top restaurant for 2024, set beneath the breathtaking Te Mata Peak.
Accommodation: Porters Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Napier
Gannet Safaris Overland at Cape Kidnappers provides exclusive access to New Zealand's largest privately-owned nature reserve. Explore the pristine coastline, farms, and native bush by 4x4 to reach the Gannet Colony. Afterward, head to Napier and step back in time to the glamour of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will share fascinating commentary as you travel in style, learning about the 1931 earthquake that devastated the city and the people who helped rebuild Napier in its iconic Art Deco style.
Accommodation: Porters Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast
Day 7
Napier – Wellington
Upon arriving in Wellington, enjoy an orientation tour of the city. Later, you may wish to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, home to over 800,000 artefacts, or take in the stunning views on a historic Wellington Cable Car ride – the choice is yours (both at an additional cost).
Accommodation: Naumi Hotel Wellington (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8
Wellington – Marlborough Sounds
Embark on a scenic journey across the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry, heading to Picton. From there, enjoy a private sea transfer to the peaceful beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound, with your final destination being the secluded and tranquil Furneaux Lodge.
Accommodation: Furneaux Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9
Marlborough Sounds
Spend the day exploring Marlborough Sounds at your own pace. Hike the picturesque Queen Charlotte Track or try your hand at fishing at Furneaux Lodge, with equipment provided. Alternatively, take part in a Paua Pearl Tour, guided by the owners, to learn about New Zealand's Blue Pearl cultivation. Discover paua at various growth stages, from larvae to fully-grown shells with pearls, and gain a deeper understanding of this unique marine industry (at your own expense).
Accommodation: Furneaux Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast
Day 10
Marlborough Sounds – Christchurch
Leave the peaceful Marlborough Sounds and head to Picton, where your journey south to Christchurch begins. Along the way, pass through the coastal town of Kaikoura, famous for its marine life and breathtaking coastal views.
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal Christchurch (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast
Day 11
Christchurch – Lake Ohau
Start your day by exploring Christchurch's city sights before heading to the stunning blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing your journey to the beautiful Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat. Here, enjoy a refined High Tea paired with local sparkling wine, hosted by the owners who will share stories of their land regeneration efforts. End your day at the picturesque Lake Ohau Lodge, set in the Mackenzie High Country and surrounded by spectacular wilderness.
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Dinner with Wine, High Tea
Day 12
Lake Ohau – Queenstown
Travel through Lindis Pass to Cromwell, where you’ll visit Mrs. Jones Orchard for fresh produce, followed by a trip to the Highlands Museum, a haven for car enthusiasts and beginners alike. See Michael Schumacher’s Benetton Formula One car, explore New Zealand’s motorsport history, and discover unique exhibits. Next, enjoy a special wine tasting and a delicious lunch at Gibbston Valley’s Kinross cellar door. Continue your journey to Arrowtown, rich in gold rush history, before arriving in scenic Queenstown for the night.
Accommodation: The Rees Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13
Queenstown at Leisure
Today, explore Queenstown at your own pace. Why not relax and enjoy a serene cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station (at your own expense)? As the day draws to a close, prepare for an unforgettable evening at the Bathhouse, a sophisticated dining venue beautifully located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Savour a delicious meal while soaking in the expansive, tranquil lakeside views, the perfect way to end your day.
Accommodation: The Rees Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14
Queenstown – Milford Sound
Start with a scenic drive along the Devil’s Staircase to Te Anau for a delicious lunch at a local farm. Continue through Fiordland National Park, passing glaciers, mountains, and Mirror Lake, before entering the Homer Tunnel. Enjoy an exclusive overnight stay aboard the Milford Mariner, surrounded by stunning landscapes. The cruise offers time to admire waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife, with spacious decks, a dining saloon, and an observation lounge. Savor hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, and a cooked breakfast.
Accommodation: Milford Mariner (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 15
Milford Sound – Wanaka
Leave the tranquil beauty of Fiordland National Park and head to the charming town of Wanaka, set against the Southern Alps. Spend the afternoon at Edgewater Lake Wanaka Hotel, exploring the stunning surroundings. This picturesque town combines natural beauty with relaxing activities. End your day with a delightful dinner, while enjoying the peaceful views of Lake Wanaka.
Accommodation: Edgewater Lake Wanaka Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 16
Wanaka – Franz Josef
Embark on a scenic drive from Wanaka, passing Lake Hawea and the charming settlement of Makarora, set against alpine scenery and lush rainforest. Continue to Haast on the West Coast, where diverse landscapes captivate the senses. Experience an exhilarating Haast River jet boat adventure, navigating pristine waterways surrounded by wilderness, offering a unique view of the region’s natural beauty. Arrive in Franz Josef and check in to the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner with wine in the peaceful atmosphere of this forest sanctuary.
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 17
Franz Josef
Start your day at a relaxed pace, taking in the stunning scenery of Franz Josef. Then, join a local guide to explore this captivating region, where you’ll learn about the awe-inspiring glaciers, vibrant rainforests, and diverse landscapes.
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast
Day 18
Franz Josef – Christchurch
Depart Franz Josef for Hokitika, where you’ll join a guided walking tour with a local history expert. Discover the West Coast's fascinating heritage, from shipwrecks to gold miners and pounamu hunters. Next, enjoy the scenic TranzAlpine train journey from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch, passing the stunning peaks and valleys of the Southern Alps on one of the world’s most picturesque rail routes. Arrive in Christchurch and celebrate your unforgettable journey with a memorable Celebration Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal Christchurch (or similar)
Meals Included: Full Breakfast, Dinner
Day 18
Farewell from Christchurch
As your remarkable journey comes to an end, enjoy a smooth transfer to Christchurch Airport. Take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and treasured memories created during your time exploring New Zealand.
** Flights can depart any time from Christchurch Airport
Meals Included: Full Breakfast
