New Zealand: Tip to Tip

Hit the Streets

Meet your private driver-guide at your accommodation and set off for a memorable 3-hour sightseeing tour of stunning Queenstown. The panoramic views of Queenstown Hill are the first of several photo stops, allowing you to witness how the vista extends to Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range. The tour then follows a route along the Frankton Arm and into the Wakatipu Basin, passing beautiful Lake Hayes, and into the mouth of the Kawarau Gorge, one of many filming locations for ”The Lord of the Rings”. You’ll next experience a 20-minute behind-the-scenes look into how bungee jumping started, as Queenstown is famous for being the birthplace of the adrenaline-pumping sport. Discover which technology is used and how it allows access to restricted viewing areas to watch live bungee jumping action. You’ll next journey a short drive up the road to the Gibbston Valley Winery, where you’ll enjoy the opportunity to savor a selection of 4 wines. Continue on to the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown where you can wander around the shops and cafes in the main street. Your tour concludes with a private transfer back to your Queenstown accommodation, passing the world-famous Shotover Canyon.

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, Queenstown is a lovely town to explore on foot in one of the most picturesque settings in New Zealand.

Chasing Waterfalls

Today’s excursion begins with a lakeside drive from Queenstown through the lush greens of Southland’s alpine farming country to reach the dazzling scenery of the Fiordland. With your private guide leading the way, pass along the shores of New Zealand’s second-largest lake, Te Anau, to reach spectacular Milford Sound. With extraordinary vistas around each bend, your guide will bring you to a few hidden gems often overlooked by visitors; obscured waterfalls, placid lakes, and snow-capped peaks revealed through short walks through native bush. Later, you’ll arrive at the Milford Sound harborfront and board a cruise vessel with like-minded travelers, setting out on a relaxing 90-minute navigation through the fiord, a land largely unchanged since Captain Cook’s arrival in the late 18th century. After coasting through this land of towering mountains, ancient rainforests, and mesmerizing waters, the ship will return to the pier in Milford Sound, at which time you’ll transfer to the local airstrip for a panoramic return-flight to Queenstown. Please note: The weather is highly unpredictable in Milford Sound, and as a result, your panoramic return flight may be canceled. In this situation, you will return to Queenstown via private transfer.

Rock and Roll

Take part in the world-famous Dart River Wilderness Safari. The tour includes a jetboat ride, a short guided bushwalk, and a backroad adventure in a 4-wheel drive coach. Always dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes/boots and bring eyewear (sunglasses or prescription glasses). Bring a sun hat and sunscreen in summer and a warm hat and gloves in winter. Approximately 45 minutes are allowed for refreshments prior to the coach departing Glenorchy for Queenstown. The trip starts at 7.40 a.m. (weather permitting) and takes 6 hours. Upon completion of your tour, you will be returned to Queenstown.

A Change of Scenery

You will be privately transferred between Queenstown and Mount Cook. The approximate travel time is three hours and 30 minutes.

Mount Cook is far from the city lights and therefore has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand – perfect for viewing the night sky! Begin with an introduction and orientation in the Theatre Planetarium using a special live Digital Sky presentation highlighting unique features in the southern sky. The informative astronomy guides then take you on a short drive (transport provided) to an outdoor stargazing site for spectacular views of that southern sky. Using the naked eye, high-powered binoculars, and state-of-the-art telescopes, you will tour the Milky Way and beyond. Unleash your imagination as you explore our neighborhood in the universe including the Southern Cross, star clusters, planets, moons, and distant galaxies.

Lace-Up for Some Fresh Air

Today you’ll set out on a guided group tour of Hooker Valley, a land of breathtaking views and host to some of New Zealand’s highest and most enthralling peaks. A knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide will tell you all about the unique flora and fauna of the region as well as the local history while you trek through this amazing landscape. Departing from The Hermitage Hotel, you’ll head to the White Horse Hill camping ground. The journey takes in the poignant Alpine Memorial and passes over the turbulent Hooker River twice by swing-bridge to unsurpassed vistas of Aoraki Mount Cook’s south face and the surrounding glaciers and mountains. Covering a beautiful stretch of the Hooker Valley that spans roughly 3 miles (4.5 kilometers) along a well-maintained track, please be sure to wear appropriate hiking gear, and also be sure to bring your camera to capture the spectacular scenery.

Enjoy a memorable and amazing up-close encounter with the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest glacier. Explore, learn and discover the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake in a custom-built MAC Boat alongside an experienced guide. With the effects of global warming and other climatic processes taking their toll on New Zealand glaciers, it is obvious that their retreat is imminent. Now approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) long and 1965 feet (600 meters) deep, the Tasman Glacier is melting and calving at an increasing rate. In recent years the Tasman Glacier has changed from a ’melting’ to a ’calving and melting’ terminus, resulting in a terminal lake that is rapidly increasing in size. This results in icebergs of every shape and size imaginable periodically tearing away from the terminal face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake below. On either side of the Terminal Lake, lateral moraines rear up almost 665 feet (200 meters) to remind us of the scale and grandeur that the glacier has reached in previous times – the last ice age finishing in just 1890.

The Journey Continues…

You will be privately transferred from Mount Cook to Christchurch. The approximate travel time is four hours and 30 minutes.

Vintage Adventure

Meet your private driver-guide at your hotel to embark on an exploration of the city’s bustling hub, followed by an epicurean treat in the wine region of Waipara. You’ll first stop at the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, also known as the Cardboard Cathedral due to its re-build out of cardboard post-earthquake. The cathedral, renovated by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban, now serves as a symbol of the city’s resilience. Observe the city’s Arts Centre, home to one of the best examples of Neo-Gothic architecture, showcasing many craft shops and galleries. See Canterbury Museum, showcasing the early colonial history and antique artifacts, dedicated to preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage. A short drive north takes you into the Waipara wine region, known for its silky Pinot Noirs and crisp Sauvignon Blancs. Here you’ll visit up to a selection of three wonderful boutique wineries, a true treat for the palate. Indulge in a delicious lunch before transferring back to your hotel.

En Route

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

Board a flight in Christchurch with service to Auckland. The approximate direct flight duration is one hour and 25 minutes.

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

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.

Take to the Trails

Travel with Fullers Ferry to Waiheke Island. It’s 92 square kilometers of sandy beaches, vineyards, native bush settings pristine coastline, olive groves, and laid-back seaside villages’ only 40 minutes cruise from downtown Auckland.

Experience the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay on Waiheke Island. This guided walk is ideal for those who enjoy extended walks and lasts approximately five hours. Upon arrival to Waiheke Island’s Matiatie dock, you will be met by your private guide. After introductions, you will set out to walk the headland track around the Matiatia headland and past Owhanake Bay which takes nearly two hours. On your way around the Matiatia headland, enjoy beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel; spot sea birds, native plants, and, if you’re lucky, orcas or dolphins. Learn about the history and ecology of the Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke Island, its conservation projects, and island life. Stop for lunch at Oneroa Village or picnic on the beach – eat in one of the local cafes, order a lunchbox or bring your own and picnic on the beach. After lunch, you will walk the Te Pio Rehiti Reserve and around the Church Bay headland through a sculpture park and a stunning bush reserve, past amazing homes, city and sea views which will take another two hours. Your walk ends back at Matiatia dock, at which time you are free to continue exploring or to return to your accommodation.

Take the ferry to travel from Waiheke Island to Auckland Downtown.

Onward and Upward

A private vehicle with a driver will provide a transfer between the Auckland Airport and your hotel.

Board a flight in Auckland with service to the Bay of Islands. The approximate direct flight duration is 50 minutes.

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

A private transfer is provided between Kerikeri Airport and the Bay of Islands.

Nurtured by Nature

Enjoy six hours sailing adventure on a 50ft catamaran in and around the beautiful Bay of Islands. You will have the opportunity to help set and trim the sails and or sit back and relax and experience the spectacular scenery, fantastic sea life within the Bay of Islands Maritime Park. Learn from your experienced crew to understand and appreciated the magic of wild dolphins and other wonders in the Bay of Islands. A kiwi-style BBQ lunch will be provided aboard the catamaran. Watch their adopted dolphins “Bad Jelly and Jim” or other dolphins they know by sight and their names. They are conscious of the need to protect the dolphins and respect their habitat. Please Note: You will not swim with dolphins. Recent discussions with the Department of Conservation determined it is best to only watch, not swim, with the dolphins.

A Dip in the Ocean

Today, spend the day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful settings. The ocean and beaches of this area are fantastic and lend themselves to water-based activities or complete relaxation.

Alternatively, visit the Waitangi National Trust Estate, which is a sprawling site where the Treaty of Waitangi (an agreement between the Maori Chiefs of New Zealand and Britain) was signed on February 6, 1840. Lord and Lady Bledisloe purchased the estate in 1932 and gave it in trust to the people of New Zealand to enjoy. Today it is host to the museum which features the world’s largest Maori ceremonial war canoes, as well as the Waitangi Visitor Center which outlines the history of the Bay of Islands.

Until Next Time…

Board a flight in the Bay of Islands with service to Auckland. The approximate direct flight duration is 45 minutes.

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