Highlights of New Zealand

Sights and Insights

Meet your private guide at your city hotel to begin an exclusive walking tour into the heart of Auckland. Nicknamed the ”City of Sails” for its abundance of yacht marinas and its rich maritime history, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most bustling city, often confused for its capital. Along with your guide, you’ll not only discover the city’s history, sights, and sounds, but you’ll also experience a glimpse into daily Aucklander life. Discover Princes Wharf, once a commercial wharf on the city’s waterfront now re-developed into a dazzling hub of bars and eateries, looking out to Waitemata Harbour. Visit the NZ Maritime Museum and learn of the early arrivals to the country, from early Polynesians to the Europeans. Meander through the entertainment district of Viaduct Harbour, home to buzzing nightlife and gourmet experiences. Your guide will also lead you through Wynward Quarter, currently being prepared for the 36th America’s Cup taking place in 2021. Stroll by Auckland’s Fish Market and the luxury superyachts of Silo Park, immersing yourself in authentic Auckland. Your walking tour concludes with a return to your Auckland hotel.

After arriving in New Zealand from North America, guests often find that jet lag begins to set in by the afternoon. Today, recharge for days to come with a half-day at leisure. Should you be feeling energetic, Auckland is a vibrant city that is easily explored on foot.

Lose Yourself in Nature

This morning you will meet your private driver-guide in the lobby of your hotel and begin your scenic journey from the city of Auckland to Rotorua. En-route the transfer will visit the Waitomo Caves that are famous for their glowworms. Lunch and entrance fees are not included. The transfer takes nine hours, depending on the type of touring in Waitomo.

Admire the shimmering spectacle of Footwhistle Cave, home to a stunning glowworm display within the largest cave found in Waitomo. Led by your knowledgeable private guide, you’ll enter this fascinating cave and learn of its rich history while viewing a magnificent display of the bio-luminescent insects, some mere inches away from you. Meander around the cave’s corner to discover the remains of one of New Zealand’s lost treasures – the ancient Moa, once the country’s largest bird that fell extinct almost 600 years ago. Experience the soothing sounds of the cave’s stream flowing below you in the darkness, as low lights cast a warm glow over stunning limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. After enjoying a relaxed stroll through the cave, you’ll take a seat in Footwhistle’s cathedral for a short but breathtaking show as the cave is illuminated by a dazzling magnesium torch. Just outwith of the cave’s entrance, a traditional Ponga hut offers a special tea tasting featuring kawakawa, a special herb to the Maori often used as a health tonic. A memorable experience for all, this glowworm cave adventure offers a relaxed atmosphere in which you can see how nature truly shines.

Cultural Immersion

After an early morning pick-up, journey through the forests and farmlands outside of Rotorua en route to Wai-o-Tapu, host to New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool, colorful hot springs, and the world-famous Lady Knox geyser, which – with luck – you’ll watch erupt before your eyes. Next, you’ll set off to Waimangu Thermal Valley where your experienced guide will provide details relating to the massive eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 and its long-lasting effects on the local environment while exploring the exotic, seemingly lunar landscape. This tour departs at 8:00 am, takes approximately four hours and 30 minutes to complete, and operates with a maximum of 15 guests.

A representative of Te Puia will pick you up from your hotel this evening for a Maori Hangi dinner and cultural concert. Begin the experience with Te Po; an intimate time for sharing knowledge while enjoying food, culture, and friendship. Taking place at Te-Heketanga-a-Rangi (The Heavenly Origins), which is an area comprising of twelve monumental carvings reaching skywards – each one representing a Maori deity – you’ll hear the stories of the past and see how these traditions live on today. Feeding guests is regarded by Maori as an honor and a sign of a tribe’s Mana (standing), and as a result, you can expect a lavish banquet meal during the evening. This meal combines contemporary cooking techniques with traditional Hangi (earth-cooked oven meal), where Kai (food) is steam-cooked by hot rocks in the earth, giving it a delicious smoky flavor. Following dinner, you will be returned to your hotel.

A Change of Scenery

A privately driven vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and hotel today.

Board a flight in Rotorua with service to Queenstown. Please note that your flight will require a connection. The approximate flight duration is three hours and 35 minutes.

This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately.

Meet your driver for a private transfer between Queenstown and the Domestic Airport.

This evening, consider dining at one of Queenstown’s many excellent establishments. For a fine dining experience, we recommend Botswana Butchery, Rata, or Eichardt’s Bar. For something quick and casual, Fergburger is a local favorite.

Chasing Waterfalls

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and travel from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through the scenic rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a short break at Te Anau, continue via the spectacular Milford Road to Milford Sound. Here you’ll board a vessel that hosts up to 150 guests, features three viewing decks, and embark on a relaxing cruise of Milford Sound. The cruise provides excellent opportunities to take in the incredible scenery of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife, all while an onboard naturalist guide provides insights into the region throughout the journey. After the cruise, settle in for a coach transfer to Milford Airport to board a twin-engine aircraft for the return flight to Queenstown (weather permitting). During this 35 minutes scenic flight, take in panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery as you are returned to Queenstown.

A Well-Earned Break

Widely considered the world’s adventure capital, Queenstown is the epicenter of activity in New Zealand. We would be pleased to assist with arranging further day tours in advance ranging from jet boat rides to wine tasting. Alternatively, soak up the scenery from the comfort of your hotel.

In the event that you have planned to visit Milford Sound by helicopter or light aircraft, this leisure day offers buffer time to re-schedule the flight in the event of inclement weather.

Until Next Time…

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel.