Essence of New Zealand

Day 01 Auckland

Arrive in Auckland and spend the remainder of the day at leisure or exploring the city known as the City of Sails. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes. This cosmopolitan city has a population of around 1.7 million and the city’s subtropical climate, lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities consistently earns it a place in the top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. A great way to dive into kiwi culture is the 45-minute guided All Blacks Experience. Discover the stories behind some of world rugby’s most famous players, moments and matches. Be entertained and educated with the story of New Zealand’s deep passion for our national sport and enjoy, topped off with an interactive experience at the end of the tour (2 nights at QT Auckland).

Day 02 Waiheke Island

Today, embark on a journey to Waiheke Island, a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves, and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Begin your island visit with EcoZip Adventures’ flying fox zipline and guided nature walk experience. Three 200m dual flying fox ziplines will fly guests smoothly side-by side with a partner, friend or relative down into a stunning tract of original and regenerating native bush (forest). Then join Ananda Tours for the afternoon. Visit two vineyards for wine tastings with a delicious vineyard platter-style lunch at the second vineyard. If you wish, we can drop you off at a dinner venue after the tour and make your own way back to the ferry when you are ready or alternatively the guide will return you to the Waiheke Wharf in time to catch the 5pm ferry back to Auckland.

Day 03 Auckland to Rotorua

Leave the big city behind today and embark on an 8 hour journey through the lush farmland to Rotorua with a stop at world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set on the way. During your movie set tour you will step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies, and ending with a cold beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub The Green Dragon Inn. After your Lord of the Rings experience, continue south to Rotorua, the centre of an extensive geothermal region. Geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's fascinating power. The Māori culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this holiday destination (2 nights at Regent of Rotorua).

Day 04 Rotorua

Begin your day today with an exclusive tour offering a look into conservation in action at the National Kiwi Hatchery. View the incubation and hatching technology at the largest kiwi hatching facility in New Zealand, and learn more about the kiwi recovery programme 'Operation Nest Egg' from the National Kiwi Hatchery's knowledgeable guides. Join the expert husbandry team for a look behind the scenes in a staff-only area where the kiwi chicks are cared for before visiting a nocturnal house to view kiwi in a more natural environment. Later today, enjoy a Māori cultural dining experience at Te Pā Tū. You’ll be introduced to Maōri concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori. Enjoy drama, performance and divine seasonal kai (food) shared against a backdrop of blazing bonfires, towering Tawa trees, and a natural forest amphitheatre.

Day 05 Christchurch

This morning, board your domestic flight to Christchurch in the South Island. Often referred to as the Garden City, Christchurch features many majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, the most notable of which is expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. The Avon River gently winds its way around these inner city landmarks and out through sprawling suburbs to the Pacific Ocean. Let Āmiki Cultural Tours introduce you to some of the city’s hidden gems. Follow ancestral footsteps while your guide shares many traditional Māori and settlers’ stories and ways of life. Experience Āmiki's guiding principle of manaakitanga (care for all things, people and planet) including their whakatauki (proverb) ‘kia atawhai ki te iwi’ - care for your people. Learn a traditional Māori greeting, walk past traditional mahinga kai (food gathering) and historical pā (Māori village) sites while bringing to life the stories of the past and present and how they have been woven into this emerging city (2 nights at The Mayfair Hotel).

Day 06 Akaroa

Join Canterbury Trails’ full day tour to Akaroa over the beautiful Banks Peninsula, which was formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes. The high summit route gives glorious views of Lyttleton and Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps and the remote bays and farmlands. Here you can cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on daily nature cruises. You will have the chance to view the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. Enjoy lunch at the award winning waterfront cafe and soak up the quaint colonial style architecture. Wander around the charming 175 year old French harbourside village of Akaroa with its museum of settlers' history, art and craft shops, studios, cafes and wine bars.

Day 07 TranzAlpine Scenic Train & West Coast

Travel from one coast of New Zealand to the other on the Tranz Alpine today, one of the world's great scenic railway journeys. Enjoy spectacular views of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by spectacular gorges and river valleys, before your train climbs into the Southern Alps and eventually descends through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast of the South Island. During your rail journey, enjoy the Scenic Plus offering, an all-inclusive dining experience. Upon arrival on the West Coast, pick up your rental car and enjoy a dramatically scenic drive to Franz Josef, a town nestled amongst native rainforest between the Tasman coast and Franz Josef Glacier (2 nights at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel).

Day 08 Franz Josef

Today, you have the choice between two epic nature experiences. Choose between a combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a two and a half hour heli hike through the most spectacular glacier features, operated by Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Alternatively, explore some of Westland’s oldest untouched rainforest by kayak and on foot. You’ll paddle gently with your guide across the Lake, enjoying views of the mountains before hopping out on the far side for a guided nature walk. Learn about the kiwi conservation, spot native birdlife, unique plant-life and experience the pristine wilderness of the West Coast.

Day 09 West Coast to Queenstown

Continue your drive along the spectacular West Coast to Queenstown. This year-round alpine resort is nestled in a magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables rising from the lake. The town is compact enough to travel around on foot and features a great range of restaurants, bars and boutique stores (3 nights at The Rees Apartment Hotel).

Day 10 Milford Sound

Today, visit Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s jewels, in style by joining Altitude Tours’ and RealNZ’s Business Class tour and cruise. Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau by luxury van. Continue along the spectacular alpine route of the Milford Road, which is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Upon arriving in Milford, board a spectacular premium cruise with onboard nature guide. The vessel stops at various points and offers excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Keep a look out for seals basking on the rocks, dolphins and penguins. Enjoy scenic highlights such as Mitre Peak and Pembroke Glacier. The cruise is accompanied by comprehensive commentaries, a series of culinary delights and complimentary sparkling wine. To make this experience extra special, add an optional helicopter flight across the Southern Alps back to Queenstown.

Day 11 Queenstown

Today is free to explore Queenstown and its surrounds at your leisure. Known as the adventure capital of the world, thrill-seekers have an abundance of options to choose from, including bungy jumping and jetboating. If you feel more comfortable on the ground, activities are plentiful, too. Cycling tours and mountain biking trails in Queenstown are a great way to explore and discover remote parts of this beautiful region! Or take to one of the many walking and hiking trails along the lakeshore or up the many hills and mountains. Wine devotees should not miss a trip out to nearby Gibbston Valley, home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir, to explore cellar doors and restaurants to find your favourite vintage. This can be done independently by car or bicycle or as part of a guided tour.

Day 12 Queenstown

Depart Queenstown

Arrive in Auckland and spend the remainder of the day at leisure or exploring the city known as the City of Sails. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes. This cosmopolitan city has a population of around 1.7 million and the city’s subtropical climate, lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities consistently earns it a place in the top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. A great way to dive into kiwi culture is the 45-minute guided All Blacks Experience. Discover the stories behind some of world rugby’s most famous players, moments and matches. Be entertained and educated with the story of New Zealand’s deep passion for our national sport and enjoy, topped off with an interactive experience at the end of the tour (2 nights at QT Auckland).

Today, embark on a journey to Waiheke Island, a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves, and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Begin your island visit with EcoZip Adventures’ flying fox zipline and guided nature walk experience. Three 200m dual flying fox ziplines will fly Guests smoothly side-by side with a partner, friend or relative down into a stunning tract of original and regenerating native bush (forest). Then join Ananda Tours for the afternoon. Visit two vineyards for wine tastings with a delicious vineyard platter-style lunch at the second vineyard. If you wish, we can drop you off at a dinner venue after the tour and make your own way back to the ferry when you are ready or alternatively the guide will return you to the Waiheke Wharf in time to catch the 5pm ferry back to Auckland.

Leave the big city behind today and embark on an 8 hour journey through the lush farmland to Rotorua with a stop at world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set on the way. During your movie set tour you will step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies, and ending with a cold beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub The Green Dragon Inn. After your Lord of the Rings experience, continue south to Rotorua, the centre of an extensive geothermal region. Geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's fascinating power. The Māori culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this holiday destination (2 nights at Regent of Rotorua).

Begin your day today with an exclusive tour offering a look into conservation in action at the National Kiwi Hatchery. View the incubation and hatching technology at the largest kiwi hatching facility in New Zealand, and learn more about the kiwi recovery programme 'Operation Nest Egg' from the National Kiwi Hatchery's knowledgeable guides. Join the expert husbandry team for a look behind the scenes in a staff-only area where the kiwi chicks are cared for before visiting a nocturnal house to view kiwi in a more natural environment. Later today, enjoy a Māori cultural dining experience at Te Pā Tū. You’ll be introduced to Maōri concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori. Enjoy drama, performance and divine seasonal kai (food) shared against a backdrop of blazing bonfires, towering Tawa trees, and a natural forest amphitheatre.

This morning, board your domestic flight to Christchurch in the South Island. Often referred to as the Garden City, Christchurch features many majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, the most notable of which is expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. The Avon River gently winds its way around these inner city landmarks and out through sprawling suburbs to the Pacific Ocean. Let Āmiki Cultural Tours introduce you to some of the city’s hidden gems. Follow ancestral footsteps while your guide shares many traditional Māori and settlers’ stories and ways of life. Experience Āmiki's guiding principle of manaakitanga (care for all things, people and planet) including their whakatauki (proverb) ‘kia atawhai ki te iwi’ - care for your people. Learn a traditional Māori greeting, walk past traditional mahinga kai (food gathering) and historical pā (Māori village) sites while bringing to life the stories of the past and present and how they have been woven into this emerging city (2 nights at The Mayfair Hotel).

Join Canterbury Trails’ full day tour to Akaroa over the beautiful Banks Peninsula, which was formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes. The high summit route gives glorious views of Lyttleton and Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps and the remote bays and farmlands. Here you can cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on daily nature cruises. You will have the chance to view the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. Enjoy lunch at the award winning waterfront cafe and soak up the quaint colonial style architecture. Wander around the charming 175 year old French harbourside village of Akaroa with its museum of settlers' history, art and craft shops, studios, cafes and wine bars.

Travel from one coast of New Zealand to the other on the Tranz Alpine today, one of the world's great scenic railway journeys. Enjoy spectacular views of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by spectacular gorges and river valleys, before you train climbs into the Southern Alps and eventually descends through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast of the South Island. During your rail journey, enjoy the Scenic Plus offering, an all-inclusive dining experience. Upon arrival on the West Coast, pick up your rental car and enjoy a dramatically scenic drive to Franz Josef, a town nestled amongst native rainforest between the Tasman coast and Franz Josef Glacier (2 nights at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel).

Today, you have the choice between two epic nature experiences. Choose between a combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a two and a half hour heli hike through the most spectacular glacier features, operated by Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Alternatively, explore some of Westland’s oldest untouched rainforest by kayak and on foot. You’ll paddle gently with your guide across the Lake, enjoying views of the mountains before hopping out on the far side for a guided nature walk. Learn about the kiwi conservation, spot native birdlife, unique plant-life and experience the pristine wilderness of the West Coast.

Continue your drive along the spectacular West Coast to Queenstown. This year-round alpine resort is nestled in a magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables rising from the lake. The town is compact enough to travel around on foot and features a great range of restaurants, bars and boutique stores (3 nights at The Rees Apartment Hotel).

Today, visit Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s jewels, in style by joining Altitude Tours’ and RealNZ’s Business Class tour and cruise. Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau by luxury van. Continue along the spectacular alpine route of the Milford Road, which is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Upon arriving in Milford, board a spectacular premium cruise with onboard nature guide. The vessel stops at various points and offers excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Keep a look out for seals basking on the rocks, dolphins and penguins. Enjoy scenic highlights such as Mitre Peak and Pembroke Glacier. The cruise is accompanied by comprehensive commentaries, a series of culinary delights and complimentary sparkling wine. To make this experience extra special, add an optional helicopter flight across the Southern Alps back to Queenstown.

Today is free to explore Queenstown and its surrounds at your leisure. Known as the adventure capital of the world, thrill-seekers have an abundance of options to choose from, including bungy jumping and jetboating. If you feel more comfortable on the ground, activities are plentiful, too. Cycling tours and mountain biking trails in Queenstown are a great way to explore and discover remote parts of this beautiful region! Or take to one of the many walking and hiking trails along the lakeshore or up the many hills and mountains. Wine devotees should not miss a trip out to nearby Gibbston Valley, home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir, to explore cellar doors and restaurants to find your favourite vintage. This can be done independently by car or bicycle or as part of a guided tour.

Depart Queenstown

Auckland
QT Auckland

Rotorua
Regent of Rotorua

Christchurch
The Mayfair Hotel

Franz Josef
Legacy Te Waonui Hotel

Queenstown
The Rees Apartment Hotel