Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Auckland, Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience.
Signature Experience – Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Discover New Zealand’s most historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which is often called the 'Birthplace of our Nation' by Kiwis. This is where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840, an agreement between the British Crown and a significant number of Māori chiefs. See the world's largest war canoe, Ngātokimatawhaorua, and visit Te Whare Rūnanga, a Māori meeting house that reflects stories and carving styles from across the country.
Day 3: Bay of Islands
Set sail on a memorable Signature Experience, discovering the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore.
Signature Experience – Bay of Islands Cruise
Enjoy a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.
Day 4: Bay of Islands, Auckland
Travel to Auckland before setting off on your preferred Freedom of Choice activity. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed dinner.
Freedom of Choice – Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise
Sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, spot volcanic peaks and admire the iconic city skyline from the water aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat.
Freedom of Choice – All Blacks Experience
Immerse yourself in a guided encounter that connects you to the history and culture of one of the world's greatest sports teams. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the people who have made the All Blacks such an important part of New Zealand’s story.
Freedom of Choice – Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Wētā Workshop and see how blockbuster films such as ‘The Hobbit’ are created.
Freedom of Choice – Te Wao Nui - The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo
At Auckland Zoo, explore six stunning habitats showcasing the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. See the iconic kiwi, cheeky kea and more than 50 other native species.
Freedom of Choice – Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure
Escape the bustle of the city on a half-day tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest. Join an experienced guide and learn about the forest’s unique plants and wildlife.
Day 5: Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua
Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous caves where thousands of tiny bioluminescent glowworms radiate a spellbinding light. Discover this natural wonder on a guided boat ride through a grotto illuminated by these majestic creatures. Later, continue to Rotorua, where you will enjoy an enriching Signature Experience.
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.
Day 6: Rotorua
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 and visit The National Kiwi Hatchery 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.
Day 7: Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington
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.
Day 8: Wellington
After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mount Victoria and the waterfront area. 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).
Day 9: Wellington, Interislander Ferry, Picton, Christchurch
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.
Day 10: Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef/Waiau
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.
Day 11: Franz Josef/Waiau, Queenstown
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.
Day 12: Queenstown
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.
Day 13: Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau
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.
Day 14: Te Anau, Dunedin
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.
Day 15: Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook
Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki on Koekohe Beach. A geological marvel, these gigantic calcite spheres were formed an estimated 65 million years ago. 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
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 (summer months only).
Day 16: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Christchurch
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.
Day 17: Depart Christchurch
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
