Welcome to the ‘City of Sails’. Upon arrival, we’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, before joining your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner.

From Auckland, travel south to Hamilton to explore some of New Zealand's most delightful nature displays during a Signature Experience. Later, continue to Rotorua, where you will enjoy another enriching Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Hamilton Gardens Visit

Explore 4,000 years of gardening history across 18 enclosed gardens at this highly acclaimed botanic garden, ranked among the top things to do in New Zealand. Peruse traditional Māori, Egyptian, Tudor, and Italian Renaissance gardens, and dive into playful themed displays, including the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Surrealist Garden.

Signature Experience – Te Pā Tū

Enjoy a feast of Māori delicacies and performance of haka, song and storytelling at Te Pā Tū (Māori Village). Over a magical evening, you will be welcomed with a haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome) and then be treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapés, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore. 

Freedom of Choice – Rotorua Icons

Embark on a Rotorua adventure. Experience the lively Agrodome Farm Show, before heading to the incredible natural geothermal wonder that is renowned for its healing properties, the mineral-rich Te Puia Thermal Reserve. 

Freedom of Choice – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

A must for any fan of ‘The Lord of the Rings’, this tour explores locations where some of the famous movie scenes were filmed. You’ll feel as though you’re a part of the massive blockbuster trilogy. 

Freedom of Choice – Eco-Thermal Tour

Drive through a unique mix of forest and farmland to visit New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool and a series of colourful hot springs at the calming Wai-O-Tapu. 

Freedom of Choice – Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa

Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating geothermal waters of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa on a Restorative Journey. The 7-step multisensory process combines Māori culture and traditional healing practices, with the therapeutic elements of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam.

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. Visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupō, before travelling across the plateau of Tongariro National Park to Wellington. 

After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mount Victoria and the waterfront area. For sweeping views across the entire city, take a return journey on the Wellington Cable Car from the centre of the city, over the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn, to a lofty lookout at the summit. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to continue exploring this coastal city. You may like to visit New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa. Tonight, you might like to dine at a local restaurant (own expense).

This morning, embark on a scenic ferry ride to the South Island during your Signature Experience. Afterwards, journey to the quaint fishing town of Kaikōura before continuing along the central east coast all the way to Christchurch.

Signature Experience – Interislander Ferry

Take the iconic Interislander ferry from Wellington on the North Island to Picton on the South Island. Travel through the serene waters of Wellington Harbour and across Cook Strait, then journey through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds.

After a special Signature Experience, disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika, famous for its stunning coastline and jade carving industry. Pounamu, or greenstone, is plentiful here and holds great cultural significance for the Māori people. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where you will enjoy another Signature Experience. 

Signature Experience – TranzAlpine Train

Experience the romance of rail travel aboard the TranzAlpine train. Admire ever-changing landscapes and spectacular gorges as you journey through the famous Southern Alps and alongside the Waimakariri River on one of the world’s most scenic rail routes. 

Signature Experience – Franz Josef/Waiau

Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Tonight, you will stay at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat, located on the edge of the Franz Josef/Waiau village. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery before enjoying a four-course degustation fine dining experience. 

Today, admire the magnificent landscape as you travel along the Haast River Valley to Queenstown. This evening, choose where to enjoy dinner with a range of Freedom of Choice Dining options available to you. 

Freedom of Choice – Walter Peak

Cruise aboard a vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm to enjoy a lavish BBQ dinner featuring succulent meats expertly prepared on the rotisserie and grill, vegetables, a selection of salads and bread. And be sure to leave room for dessert. 

Freedom of Choice – Stratosfare Restaurant

Take a magical gondola ride up to the Stratosfare Restaurant on Bob's Peak overlooking Queenstown. Feast on an extensive range of New Zealand and international cuisines while enjoying uninterrupted views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. 

Freedom of Choice – Fergburger

This cult burger house achieved worldwide fame in 2015 when its burgers were crowned the world's best in a travel article on the website of news giant CNN. The best burgers in New Zealand, no doubt. The world? You be the judge. 

Freedom of Choice – Finz Restaurant

Finz Seafood & Grill offers casual, relaxed waterfront dining right in the heart of Queenstown. Finz is a bustling bistro, where you can enjoy fresh seafood daily and other dishes in a fabulous location. 

Freedom of Choice – Your Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a contemporary fusion of local and international cuisine at your hotel. 

Choose how you’d like to spend today with a range of sightseeing activities on offer.

Freedom of Choice – 'The Lord of the Rings’ 4WD Safari

Discover why this beautiful landscape was chosen to portray Middle-earth in 'The Lord of the Rings' on this sensational 4WD safari. Visit several breathtaking locations where the iconic motion picture trilogy was filmed. 

Freedom of Choice – Wine Tour

Embark on a personalised sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s southernmost wine region, as you indulge in tastings from various wineries. 

Freedom of Choice – Skippers Canyon

Enjoy an exciting 4WD adventure following the Shotover River Valley. Admire rocky cliffs, sheer drops and breathtaking river gorges along the way. 

Freedom of Choice – Million Dollar Cruise

Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life, as well as enormous trout, which are plentiful here. 

Freedom of Choice – Dart River Wilderness Jet

A wilderness jet boat journey on the glacier-fed Dart River takes you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the larger World Heritage Site of Te Wahipounamu. Here, your guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s rich history.

Freedom of Choice – Best of Queenstown

Gaze in wonder at the beauty of New Zealand’s adventure capital on this spectacular tour. Take in panoramic views of Queenstown, visit the charming township of Arrowtown and explore Gibbston, home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump location. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery and to top it all off, relax during a scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

Embark on a picturesque drive today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, then pass through the Homer Tunnel, to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak – the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Continue to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where a Signature Experience awaits. Afterwards, take a scenic drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Enjoy another Signature Experience in the evening. 

Signature Experience – Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise

A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi draws you into a magical world of snow-dusted mountains, breathtaking scenery and engaging wildlife. Edge close to tumbling waterfalls and colonies of seals and penguins, all beneath the ramparts of mighty peaks that rise sheer from the water as they stretch to the vast sky above. 

Signature Experience – Taste of Fiordland Dinner

Delight in a delectable Taste of Fiordland dinner this evening at the exceptional MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar. With a menu that has been carefully crafted to showcase the South Island’s regional cuisine, you’ll savour mouth-watering local fare made from the finest artisan produce. 

Journey through Southland’s rugged countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, select your Freedom of Choice activity. 

Freedom of Choice – Olveston Historic Home

Wander through the historic home of a wealthy merchant family built in the early 1900s. Inside, admire fine art, furniture and artefacts, which have been collected from around the world. 

Freedom of Choice – Larnach Castle

Discover the history of Larnach Castle and its beautiful gardens on a guided tour. Nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula, it is New Zealand’s only castle and dates back to 1871. 

Drive north and stop at the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki on Koekohe Beach. A geological marvel, these gigantic calcite spheres were formed an estimated 65 million years ago. Continue to the town of Oamaru, home to beautifully preserved Victorian architecture. After time to explore the town centre, continue to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience as well as your preferred Freedom of Choice activity. 

Signature Experience – Aoraki/Mount Cook

Journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a bewildering landscape of towering mountain peaks, alpine herb fields and epic glaciers. See New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel. Dine at the hotel’s Alpine Restaurant this evening, indulging in a delicious seasonal menu that incorporates the finest local ingredients. 

Freedom of Choice – Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Visit the state-of-the-art Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and discover the history of the iconic surrounding region. The museum is dedicated to the achievements of the famous mountaineer and explorer Sir Edmund Hillary and his affiliation with Aoraki/Mount Cook. 

Freedom of Choice – Stargazing

Experience the magic of the night sky in one of the world’s best stargazing locations. Nestled in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, learn all about the stars of the southern sky with an expert astronomer.  

Freedom of Choice – Glacier Explorer Cruise

Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier - New Zealand’s largest glacier. Surrounded by the dramatic alpine landscape of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, you’ll glide across the milky-blue waters while learning about the glacier’s history, geology, and ongoing changes.

Travel to Lake Tekapo/Takapō and take in the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps as well as the lake’s distinctive colours. Pay a visit to the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, which features in many photographs thanks to its beautiful backdrop and surrounds. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at your hotel. 

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.