ITINERARY:

DAY 1, Arrive in Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive in Auckland, the country's largest city, often called the "City of Sails" because of its lovely harbourside location, and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2, Free Day in Auckland
Enjoy a free day to explore Auckland at leisure. This evening, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM with your Tour Manager on the exciting adventure that awaits you in New Zealand, followed by a Welcome Dinner and drinks with your fellow travellers. Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
From Auckland, travel south through the fertile Waikato Plains to Waitomo. A unique experience is in store for you at the astonishing Waitomo Caves, home to swirling rivers, glow worms and rocks that flow into delicate shawl-like formations. After lunch, drive to Rotorua and check in to your hotel. Tonight, savour a home-hosted dinner with a local family and experience a unique opportunity to learn about their values and traditions
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Te Puia Thermal Reserve, "Hangi" Feast Dinner
Morning is at leisure for independent explorations in Rotorua, or join the optional Hobbiton tour. Travel through the spectacular North Island scenery to Matamata, home to the Hobbiton movie set. Take a guided tour around the set and view Hobbit holes, the Party Tree, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. In the afternoon, journey to Te Puia, in Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity and thermal springs. Discover the unique lifestyle and traditions of the Maori and witness the phenomena of Mother Nature and how the Maori people live in harmony within this unique landscape and environment. You'll meet with a member of the local Maori tribe who shares the many aspects of traditional wood carving and its importance within the Maori culture. In the village observe the weaving demonstrations and traditional ways of creating piupiu (grass skirts). You’ll visit the kiwi house to view the nocturnal kiwi bird before continuing to the boiling mud pools and geysers. Then, attend a traditional Haka ceremony and Maori concert. Afterward, enjoy an authentically prepared Hangi dinner, cooked in the steaming ground and hot pools, ending with the most delectable steamed dessert. Tonight will indeed be a memorable and authentic Maori experience!
Optional: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (AM) Cost $119 per person.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park, Napier, Wine Tasting
Visit the geothermal wonderland of the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park, New Zealand's most colourful geothermal attraction, with its steaming geysers and bubbling hot springs.
Then, journey through breathtaking scenery to the coastal city of Napier. Begin the drive heading south through rolling sheep-dotted hills and farmland. Marvel at picture-perfect views of Lake Taupo before continuing southeast along the Thermal Explorer Highway. The road leads into dramatic tree-covered mountains, rugged hills and at times alongside rushing rivers. On the descent through farmland and orchards, get your first glimpse of beautiful Hawkes Bay before arriving at Napier. This lovely city is famous for its wines and Art Deco architecture. The area is known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand with perfect conditions for world-class wine and produce. Tonight, taste some of the finest wines of the area and savour a delectable dinner
Overnight: Napier
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Dannevirke, Pukaha Mount Bruce National Reserve, Wellington
After breakfast this morning, depart Napier and drive through Wairarapa district to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, located at the southern end of the North Island. Along the way, stop for tea at Dannevirke, a town well-known for its Scandinavian heritage. Continue to Pukaha Mount Bruce National Reserve, housing rare birds in an area of protected forest. Take a guided walk in the forest and gain knowledge about New Zealand's unique flora and fauna. Learn about the reserve's work to restore the forest and bring endangered birds back into the countryside. After your visit, drive to Wellington. Arrive and check in to your hotel. Later, share highlights of today's experiences during dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Morning at Leisure, Culinary Walking Tour
Morning is at leisure for independent explorations in Wellington, including a ticket to ride on the historic Wellington cable car, providing panoramic views over the city. In the afternoon, embark on a culinary adventure around Wellington City and sample a range of delicious local food and drinks. During this walking tour, you’ll gain insights into the city’s history, its unique culinary scene, chat with local artisans and hear their stories. At the conclusion of the tour, return to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure
Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Flight to Christchurch and Walking Tour
Transfer to the airport this morning, for your flight to Christchurch, in the South Island. The city, is the second largest in New Zealand. Often referred to as the most English of New Zealand's cities, it is also known as the "Garden City", because of its majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, including expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to the hotel. Afterward, take an orientation walking tour of the city. Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Greymouth, Kiwi Hatchery, Franz Josef
This morning, board the most scenic train ride in New Zealand, and one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Traveling west crossing the farmland of the Canterbury Plains, ascend through spectacular gorges and river valleys towards the Southern Alps. Arrive at the village of Arthurs Pass for a short break before descending through the Otira Tunnel and lush beech rainforests to Greymouth in the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Drive to Franz Josef and visit a kiwi hatching facility, home to a hatching program of the world’s rarest kiwi, the rowi. Learn more about this rare flightless bird from an expert ranger. Then, check in to your hotel overlooking some of New Zealand’s tallest peaks. Dinner is at the hotel tonight
Overnight: Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Franz Josef Glacier Walk, Queenstown
Embark on a thrilling adventure. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you on an adventurous walk in the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. The famous glacier, discovered by Europeans in 1865, is named after the Austrian emperor. Although the glacier has retreated considerably, its frozen past is still visible in the present landscape. Learn more about the role of the glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape as you continue through the regenerating rainforest and along the glacier valley up to the receding terminal face of the glacier. Later, drive to Queenstown, named for Queen Victoria, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown's stunning scenery is inspiring and revitalizing. The city is acclaimed by international travellers and "kiwis" alike as New Zealand's adventure capital. Check in to your hotel before dinner tonight at a local restaurant
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Mt Nicholas Farm Experience
Enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Mt Nicholas High Country Farm on board Spirit of Queenstown for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit to an authentic, family-run merino sheep farm. Tour the farm, that is home to 30,000 merino sheep, view the working animals and learn about raising sheep and producing merino wool. Afterward, savour a freshly prepared farmers platter for lunch. Soak in the surrounding panoramic views in one of New Zealand’s most rugged and remote high-country farms before returning on a catamaran cruise to Queenstown. The balance of the day is at leisure to discover picturesque Queenstown on your own
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Milford Sound, Te Anau
Depart Queenstown for picturesque Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound. Nestled on the lake's edge, it's the perfect base from which to discover the spectacular glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Follow the glacier-hewn Eglinton River Valley into a magnificent beech forest before descending into the precipitous Hollyford Valley.
Tussock and scrub replace the bush as the road climbs steadily up the Hollyford to the gigantic cirque where sheer rock faces dwarf the Homer Tunnel portal beneath. Beyond the tunnel, you descend into the Cleddau Canyon, between towering, rugged mountains and forests, until the road comes out into the open at spectacular Milford Sound. After lunch, board your cruise on Milford Sound and be surrounded by astonishing scenery from atop the viewing decks. An informative commentary on the natural history and wildlife follows you as you stop at waterfalls and points of interest along the way. Afterward, check in to your hotel in Te Anau. Tonight, share wonderful memories together on your last night in New Zealand. Bid goodbye to your Tour Manager and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner in the hotel
Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Depart New Zealand
After breakfast, drive to the airport in Queenstown for your departure flight. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 1 PM
Meals: Breakfast

Please note: The day by day descriptions published are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, road and rail conditions, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard.