DAY 1 AUCKLAND
Meals
Welcome to
Auckland! (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Your New Zealand tour kicks off in
the City of Sails where you’ll meet your Travel Director and group for a
Welcome Reception at Gusto at the Grand in your centrally located hotel. Feast
on their Italian cuisine with a New Zealand flair such as made-in-house pastas
and made-from-scratch risotto as you look forward to your New Zealand
adventures.
DAY 2 AUCKLAND
Meals
Start your
first full day in New Zealand getting lay of the land on a city sightseeing
tour viewing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of
Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph
Savage Memorial showing off views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore.
Learn a bit of history visiting the Auckland Museum located on the dormant volcano
Pukekawa, meaning 'hill of bitter memories' referring to tribal battles fought
on the site until 1828. Then visit the stylish suburb of Parnell for a look in
its shops, galleries, and maybe a treat in one of its chocolate cafes. With a
free afternoon, relax, stroll the waterfront, or take an Optional scenic ferry
trip outside the city to Rangitoto Island, the youngest volcano in New Zealand.
You can climb this icon walking through lava fields to the highest point on the
island where for even more stunning views of Auckland.
DAY 3 AUCKLAND - ROTORUA
Meals
Travel out of
the city today through the dramatic landscapes of Waikato on your way to the
cultural capital of Rotorua. Your first stop is the tree-lined streets of
Cambridge, a town known for its training grounds for thoroughbred racehorses
and famous jockeys. At your next destination in Rotorua you’ll join a Local
Specialist for a tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa. Learn about the
work being done to save this rare native bird, get up close and see kiwi eggs
being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks at
this national leader in kiwi husbandry. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience is
not only fun but will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand’s national
bird. This evening, journey into the forest to a time of warriors and ancient
traditions as you Dive Into Culture at Te Pa Tu Māori Experience. You’ll
appreciate learning about the traditions of this fascinating culture through a
traditional welcome, before watching and joining in Poi and Haka dances. Top
off the evening with an authentic Hangi (cooked underground) dinner of
potatoes, carrots, lamb, beef, finished with New Zealand’s national dessert,
Pavlova.
DAY 4 ROTORUA - AUCKLAND - QUEENSTOWN
Meals
Get ready
for a much-anticipated trip to the charming village of Hobbiton, the movie set
of the now iconic The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Upon arrival,
you’ll have breakfast at a movie site, feeling as though you’re right there in
the film, before you set off on a guided tour through the 12-acre set. You’ll
have plenty of time for photo opportunities in the Alexander family sheep farm,
Hobbit Holes, and the Mill all the while learning from your guide how the movie
was made, famous locations, and the sets’ artistic details. Whether you’re a
Hobbit fan or a fan of gorgeous scenery, this tour surrounded by rolling green
hills and lush landscape will be a delight for all travellers. After you’ve
experienced the beauty of the countryside, return to Auckland for your flight
to Queenstown, adventure capital of the world. Check into your hotel and ask
your Travel Director for restaurants recommendations to get the best taste of
the town.
DAY 5 QUEENSTOWN
Meals
Today you'll
head through stunning landscapes along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the
Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. At Mirror Lakes take to boardwalks through peaceful
trees before watching the rushing water at the Chasm in the Cleddau Valley.
Plunge through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak - named after its
resemblance to a bishop’s mitre headdress - and Lady Bowen Falls before
arriving at World Heritage listed national park, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.
Experience all its beauty on a scenic cruise past sheer cliffs, white-capped
peaks, and waterfalls watching for dolphins, penguins, and seals. Learn how the
area was formed by glaciers and take plenty of photos of the stunning sights
before returning to Queenstown. The evening is free for you to stay in and
relax or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
DAY 6 QUEENSTOWN
Meals
Rise and shine
to your last day in Queenstown with plenty of choices on how to adventure. If
you’re a wine lover, join an Optional Experience touring three premium boutique
vineyards in the famous Otago region known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and
Sauvignon Blanc. Or get a taste of country life cruising Lake Wakatipu to
Walter Peak High Country Farm for an authentic Kiwi Farming experience
including a sheep shearing demonstration and gourmet barbecue lunch. Go from vineyard to barrel to glass on tours
revealing the history of the region and finished with a platter lunch in a
picturesque setting. You’ll meet up with your group this evening over a
Regional Dinner in nearby historic Arrowtown at the Postmasters Cottage built
in 1907. Hear the story of the cottage from being almost demolished by
developers to its rescue and purchase by the passionate local community. The
restored cottage has now been embellished with verandas and gardens for you to
sit down to fresh, local food and wines matched with classic Kiwi hospitality.
DAY 7 QUEENSTOWN - LAKE TEKAPO
Meals
Today, your New
Zealand tour takes you to lovely Lake Tekapo travelling to Cromwell on the
banks of Lake Dunstan. Visit Jones Family Fruit stall to stroll the orchard and
enjoy the peaceful garden. Stop at the quaint, lakeside Church of the Good
Shepherd welcomed by its friendly bronze sheepdog statue. As evening falls,
you’re treated to a guided stargazing experience with a Local Specialist in the
world-renowned Unesco Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. See the famous Southern Cross,
Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way and getter a better look at these sparkling
wonders with a powerful optical telescope. You’ll conclude the day in a Stays with
Stories accommodation at Peppers Bluewater Resort overlooking Lake Tekapo. In
this area known for its dazzling night sky, there’s plenty to enjoy just
stepping outside your room.
DAY 8 LAKE TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH
Meals
Get an early
start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north through
South Canterbury on your way to Christchurch. Connect With Locals and enjoy
some warm Kiwi hospitality at Morelea, the home of Angie and Stan Taylor.
Indulge in a Be My Guest barbecue lunch and hear about a lifetime spent in
farming in New Zealand. You'll also get to witness Angie preparing her famous
pavlova dessert. After soaking up country life, you’ll arrive in Christchurch
ready to explore the Garden City.
DAY 9 CHRISTCHURCH
Meals
Start your last
full day of your travels touring the beautiful English city of Christchurch.
Begin your tour of the Garden City at the Transitional Cathedral, the temporary
home of the Christchurch Cathedral, in awe of its colourful stained-glass
windows and sustainable cardboard construction that gives it the nickname “The
Cardboard Cathedral.” See the city’s top sites including Canterbury Museum,
Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, and Bridge of Remembrance. A big day leads to
a big evening joining your Travel Director and travel mates for with a
celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
DAY 10 CHRISTCHURCH
Meals
Your adventure
sadly comes to an end this morning. Before your transfer to Christchurch
Airport, enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates reflecting on your
incredible travels through New Zealand (flights anytime).
