Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand’s invigorating North Island hub. Spend your day at leisure before joining your Journey Director and fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception and dinner.
Day 2: Auckland Sights – Waiheke Island
A city sights tour will start your morning in Auckland. Travel around the waterfront from central city out to Mission Bay. Next up we take a ferry over to Waiheke Island. Enjoy a scenic drive to your first stop, Stonyridge Vineyard, where you’ll enjoy a tour and tastings, plus a light lunch over views of the vineyard. You then depart for Rangihoua Estate, which introduces you to Waiheke’s olive growing industry, including tasting award-winning olive oils. A stop at Casita Miro will leave you enchanted with the tastes and feelings of the Mediterranean. Your tour finishes with wine tastings at the beautiful Mudbrick Vineyard, with spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf, before returning to the ferry terminal. Tonight, enjoy a free evening; why not try one of the many restaurants in Wynyard Quarter or the Viaduct.
Day 3: Auckland – Rotorua
Your leisurely discovery of New Zealand’s North Island continues as you follow the meandering trail of the Waikato River to the famous Waitomo Caves for an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm experience. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glowworms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Journey to the volatile landscapes of Rotorua, where Māori culture takes centre stage. Visit the Tamaki Māori Village for insights into the local rituals and traditions of this fascinating culture. Embrace their gracious Hongi greeting, experience the heart-pounding wero challenge and enjoy a Local Dining Experience, the delicious flavours of the Hangi cooked in the earth with geothermal steam.
Day 4: Rotorua
First up, visit Whakarewarewa Living Village where you’ll be accompanied by a Local Guide to view New Zealand’s biggest geyser, bubbling mud pools and thermal springs. Later, the day is all yours to explore the sacred lands, thermal marvels and Māori traditions of Rotorua. You could indulge in a spa treatment at the Polynesian Thermal Spa, tread in the footsteps of Bilbo Baggins in the fantasy-land of Hobbiton or if you’re up for a challenge, take the native forest zipline adventure tour with Canopy Tours.
Day 5: Rotorua – Wellington
This morning visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Discover native flora that grows around the crystal clear mineral water springs and you might even spot a kiwi or two. Later, fly to Wellington. Spend the evening at your leisure, enjoying dinner at one of the quirky cafés at Courtney Place or Cuba Street.
Day 6: Wellington – Zealandia
A foodie extravaganza awaits this morning as you join a local guide to sample the delicious gourmet delights shared over fascinating stories of Welly. Embrace your inner hipster as you explore the charming Victorian architecture and savour the city’s coffee culture, visiting several local gems with an expert to indulge in the city’s specialities. This afternoon, we continue to the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia, admiring the extraordinary efforts of conservationists who have reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife that were absent from mainland New Zealand for over a century.
Day 7: Wellington – Queenstown
It’s time to prime yourselves for a few days of adventure, flying to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure-capital. On arrival, journey to the goldrush village of Arrowtown. Enjoy a tour of Queenstown, and gaze at the natural splendour in its midst – from the peaks of the Remarkables to beautiful Lake Wakatipu.
Day 8: Queenstown – Lake Manapouri
Your day begins in Manapouri, where you’ll embark on a cruise across Lake Manapouri. Then travel to the heart of Fiordland National Park and take in the beauty and vastness of remote Doubtful Sound on a Wilderness Cruise. It will take your breath away as you experience its deep wilderness. Keep a look out for wildlife including dolphins, fur seals and even occasionally penguins. Later enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 9: Queenstown
Explore exciting Queenstown your way! You could enjoy a guided walk through a native beech forest or embark on a minibus tour through the scenic gorge of Skippers Canyon. For a more sedate encounter with the adrenalin capital, visit one of the nearby wineries on a wine tour. Your Journey Director will assist you in booking all of your chosen optional experiences. As your final day ends enjoy a Celebration Dinner at one of the local restaurants with your Journey Director and new-found friends.
Day 10: Depart Queenstown
For now, all that’s left to say is a fond farewell as your inspiring journey comes to an end after breakfast. Throughout today you will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight.
