On arrival at Auckland International Airport and after completion of customs formalities, collecting your luggage and passing through security, you will be met transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Rest of the day is at your leisure to explore city.
Recommendation:
- Sky Tower
- Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Auckland Zoo
- Auckland Art Gallery
- New Zealand Maritime Museum
- Hike Maungawhau / Mount Eden
- Walk Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill - was home to one of the largest Maori settlement structures in New Zealand. Spend a day exploring the historic Maori sites and forest glades; don't forget to bring a picnic to eat.
- Auckland Botanic Gardens
- Rangitoto Island - a short ferry ride (25 min) from Auckland. this island boasts walking trails and lava fields
Today, you will be collected from your accommodation and depart for Kauri Cliffs (transfer 4 hrs. by vehicle)
Enjoy a day drive north to the Kauri Cliffs. The drive is an easy and scenic route through the tip top of the country, so be sure to allow plenty of time to stop in small towns along your journey.
Check in to your accommodation in the afternoon. Rest of the evening is at leisure to explore the area. The accommodation is in guest cottages overlooking the ocean and golf courses. The property has golf course, tennis courts, spa, infiniti pool, and 3 secluded beaches.
Today you will be collected from Kauri Cliffs and transferred by private vehicle to Paihia Wharf. (Transfer 45 mins)
Private Sunset Sailing Charter - Private Cruise
Sail away for an hour to an island beach with sheltered anchorage. Swim, snorkel, kayak or enjoy nice walks, otherwise just relax on board or ashore while your lunch is being prepared. A 3.7m inflatable dinghy is available to go ashore. Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch served in the most picturesque surroundings. This afternoon, free time to explore prior to making your way back to Russell.
After your cruise, you will be met by our representative and transferred by private vehicle to Matauri Bay and back to your accommodation.
Depart hotel and transfer by private vehicle to Kerikeri Airport. (transfer 30mins)
Fly Kerikeri - Rotorua (2 h 20 min+)
On your arrival into Rotorua Airport, you will be met by our local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation. (transfer 25 mins)
Rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy this great area.
Recommendation:
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with breakfast or lunch
- Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
- Skyline Rotorua - Gondola include a wine tasting at Volcanic Hills Winery Tasting Room
- Polynesian Spa
- Rotorua Canopy Tours - zipline
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre
- Paradise Valley Springs
AM Guided Hike of Mt. Tarawera
Enjoy a guided walking experience (2 hr. walk + 2 hr. transfers) and experience the unique landscape and history of Mt Tarawera. Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu. This experience is ideal for all ages and includes an option to run into the heart of the volcanic crater. This activity includes transportation to and from accommodation.
Return to hotel.
Evening - Beauty By Night & Mitai Maori Cultural Experience Combo
This powerful evening combo, Beauty by Night Meets the People of the Land, combines a memorable Maori cultural experience with Rainbow Springs Beauty by Night. The opening, provided by the Mitai Maori Cultural Group is one of the many highlights of the experience. It features Maori warriors paddling down Wai-o-whiro stream by waka (war canoe) followed by a Maori cultural performance, topped with a succulent hangi meal, tranquil bush walk, glow worm viewing, and a visit to sacred Fairy Spring. Stroll through the park observing the flora and wildlife at night including the new walkthrough outdoor kiwi enclosure.
Day at leisure, either relax or book activities in Rotorua and surrounding area:
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Maori cultural experiences
- Mountain biking
- farm visits
- wildlife photography
- geothermal options
- wine tasting and more!
Today, you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred by private vehicle to National Park. Enjoy a train journey on the Northern Explorer Train through the heart of the North Island. (8 hr. train)
Today, you will travel between the National Park (Otorohanga) and Wellington. From the National Park, travel through Ohakune. Enjoy fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral and stunning river gorges - all from panoramic windows or open air viewing decks.
On arrival you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Evening is at your leisure.
Check-in at the Interislander ferry terminal and board your vessel for the journey across Cook Strait. Depart Wellington (North Island) and arrive into Picton harbour (South Island).
The 92 KM voyage (approx. 3 hrs.) is described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. On arrival, a private transfer to Edenhouse for the night. (transfer 2 hr. 45 min). Rest of the day afternoon is at your leisure.
Full Day Private Wine in the Wilderness Tour - Private Tour
Your guide will meet you in hotel lobby. Today you will visit 2 wineries and meet the wonderful wine creators and gain an appreciation of this renowned wine region. After continue to the beautiful Kaiteriteri beach to board your own personal water taxi. Cruise to a stunning remote golden sand bay in Abel Tasman National Park for a gourmet lunch of fine, fresh local products.
After lunch, your hosts will guide you on a short walk into the park and delight you with historic tales & interesting stories of the diverse collection of native plants and their uses. Hidden estuaries surrounded by bush and bay after golden bay may be revealed to highlight the true essence of New Zealand’s most popular coastal national park.
Returning to the beach to taste the very best of local wine varieties matched with the finest local produce that may include hot smoked salmon, mussels, venison, cheese or scallops. The hardest part is leaving this idyllic place to be returned to your accommodation.
Today you will be transferred by private vehicle to Nelson Airport. (transfer time 45 mins)
Fly Nelson - Christchurch (approx. flight 55 mins)
On your arrival into Christchurch Airport, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your accommodation.
Rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own.
Recommendation:
- Akaroa Harbour tour and Dolphin Cruise
- Botanic Gardens
- Gondola, Rafting, Kayaking, Ziplining
- Cycling
- Golf
- Museums
- Scenic Helicopter Flights
- Guided Walks
- Wineries & Breweries
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred by private vehicle to Christchurch Railway Station. Board the Tranz Alpine Train for your journey - Christchurch to Greymouth (4.5 hrs.)
The Tranz Alpine is a rated one of the world's great scenic railway journeys. Today you will travel from Christchurch to Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. This rail trip is 223.8 KM long. There are 19 tunnels and 4 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 meters.
On arrival to Greymouth Railway Station, please make your way to the Thrifty Car Rental counter to collect your vehicle and make your way to your accommodation for the night.
Self-drive to Franz Josef – 173Kms approximate 2 hours 20min non-stop drive time
2.5 Hour Cruise & Walk - Shared Tour
A unique sightseeing and wild-life eco cruise across the calm reflective waters of Lake Mapourika. Your Skipper will provide entertaining commentary and take you into the hidden bays and estuaries of the Okarito Kiwi Conservation area. Cruise silently past 900 year old Kahikatea trees and use the viewing platforms to get up close and personal with some of New Zealand’s Native Birdlife. Once you reach the far side of the lake your skipper will deliver you to a bush-clad beach which provides entrance into the Kiwi Sanctuary. You will be guided through an ancient rainforest trail which is designed to take you on a journey through another time. Jurassic Rainforest, abundant bird life and home to the rarest kiwi on the planet – the Rowi.
Self-drive to Wanaka – 286Kms approximate 3 hours 40min non-stop drive time
Set on a ten acre estate just outside Lake Wanaka, the Lodge offers five-star luxury boutique accommodation with stunning 360-degree uninterrupted mountain views. Owners John and Pauline Trotter provide authentic hospitality and outdoor adventures, delivered in style and comfort. The lodge boasts four luxuriously-appointed ensuite guestrooms and two private suites, each with their own French doors opening out to an expansive veranda and gardens with magnificent views of the Southern Alps. An on-site helipad provides direct access to the region's spectacular ski fields, glaciers and sounds, while a pétanque court, croquet lawn, pitch-and-putt golf course, swimming pool and spa pool makes it easy to relax and enjoy.
Evening at leisure to enjoy the property.
Self-drive to Te Anau – 234Kms approximate 3 hours non-stop drive time
Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau
Set in a World Heritage Area, this property offers the discerning traveller style, comfort and privacy, and is the perfect base from where to explore Fiordland National Park. The lodge sits on a superb rural site with rolling grass lands and all of the lodge rooms, suites and log cabins have commanding views of lake or mountains. Inside, the open architecture reflects the vastness of the Fiordland National Park and echoes of the forest are found in the striking natural timber construction.
Time at leisure.
Recommendations (booked with hotel):
- Hiking
- Fly fishing
- Sightseeing adventures
Fiordland Discovery, Queenstown - Overnight Cruise
Explore Milford Sound aboard our new and luxurious 5-star boat, the Fiordland Jewel, featuring an on-board helipad, on-deck hot tub, kayaks, tender, and superb cuisine. Taking only 20 passengers a night, in nine luxury climate-controlled cabins, all with king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms and majestic fiord and ocean views, we offer a new and unique luxury boutique cruising experience.
Milford Sound is simply like no other place on Earth. With majestic peaks that tower hundreds of metres both above and below sea level, cascading waterfalls and pristine rainforest, it’s undoubtedly the most spectacular of New Zealand’s thirteen fiords. Not only is the landscape phenomenal – the natural wildlife here is abundant too. Seals, dolphins and penguins can all be spotted from above the water on your scenic Fiordland Discovery overnight boat cruise, while rare black coral, lobsters and schools of fish can be viewed as the boat’s ROV (“HD ROV”- HD for “high definition” video, ROV for “remotely operated vehicle”) delves deep into the sea. The natural wonders of Milford Sound can be enjoyed at dawn, dusk or underneath the stars on our luxury overnight boat Fiordland Jewel. Cuises are guided by expert crew, are fully catered, with all equipment supplied.
During this time, you’ll discover over thirteen natural wonders of Milford Sound and its surrounds, as well as a variety of flora and fauna, all from the comfort of our luxurious nine-cabin boat. Drinks and dinner are served in the evening, with a delicious breakfast the following morning. As with any Milford Sound experience, your itinerary – including departure times, activities, number of hours cruising and mooring station – can vary depending on the weather.
After your overnight cruise, please make your way to your accommodation in Queenstown
Self-drive to Queenstown – 176Kms approximate 2 hours 10min non-stop drive time
Drop off your rental car and make your way to the hotel.
Accommodation in seven luxurious Hotel Suites, uber-deluxe Penthouse and four Lakefront Apartment Suites which are located approximately 80 metres from the main hotel. The two properties are located in central Queenstown with breath-taking views over Lake Wakatipu, ensuring exploring one of the world’s most truly remarkable locations is easy. Eichardt’s Residence is a fully self-contained villa, just a 7 minute stroll from the main hotel building. The Penthouse provides stunning 180º views over Lake Wakatipu, exquisite design and VIP service and exudes elegance with its private elevator, terrace spa, insuite sauna, 24/7 butler service, pre-dinner cocktail amenity and complete with whiskey bar.
Morning at leisure
Walter Peak Evening Gourmet Barbecue Dinner - Shared Cruise
Step aboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a 40 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station.
Onboard, the Captain provides an interesting commentary as you take in the spectacular views of Cecil and Walter Peaks and the western shores of Lake Wakatipu. During the cruise over you may like to purchase pre-dinner drinks. The original steam engines can be seen in operation from the open viewing area. There are guided tours of the vessel available and you are welcome to visit the Fo’c’cle Gallery to view the historic displays.
On arrival at Walter Peak, disembark and be escorted through the beautiful gardens to the charming Colonel’s Homestead. The resident pianist provides background music and on cold nights open fires create a cosy atmosphere.
Enjoy a Gourmet BBQ dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you. The menu includes an expansive array of New Zealand and local produce, from succulent meats cooked on the outdoor rotisserie or grill, a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Then finish your meal with our irresistible desserts, New Zealand cheeses and freshly brewed tea & coffee. An excellent range of wine and other beverages are available for purchase from the bar.
Following dinner you, join an entertaining farm experience which gives an insight into life in the New Zealand high country including a sheep shearing demonstration. The night-time cruise home is magical. Join in the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship's pianist.
Say Goodbye to New Zealand as you check out and a private driver transfers you to the airport for your flight home or onwards.
