New Zealand Highlights including Hobbiton, Kiwi Birds and TranzAlpine Train

Welcome to 'The Land of the Long White Cloud'. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner at your hotel's Eight Restaurant. Enjoy a unique, interactive dining experience as you savour the delicious flavours of eight international kitchens, each hosted by an expert chef.

Today is dedicated to exploring the 'City of Sails'. In the morning, take a guided tour of Auckland Zoo’s Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm, an exhibit showcasing the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. Explore six different habitats, home to over 100 different plant species and around 30 animal species, including the iconic kiwi and the cheeky kea. This afternoon, set out onto Waitematā Harbour aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat. Highlights include sailing under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, spotting volcanic peaks and admiring the striking city skyline from the water.

Depart Auckland this morning and travel south along State Highway 1 to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where a Signature Experience awaits. Then, continue to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Signature Experience – Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour and Banquet Lunch

Step into the enchanting world of Middle-earth during a private guided tour of the iconic Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Discover the lush rolling hills and charming hobbit holes of the Shire and witness The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies come to life. Wander through the picturesque set, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and soak up the magical atmosphere of this cinematic wonderland. After your tour, indulge in a buffet lunch inside the festive Party Marquee, a setting fit for a hobbit feast.

Spend the day exploring all Rotorua has to offer. Begin with a visit to Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland for a guided tour, including the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts to heights of up to 10-20 metres. In the afternoon, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery and learn all about New Zealand’s national icon. Explore engaging interactive displays, step into the nocturnal house to observe these rare, flightless birds, and gain exclusive insights into the incredible hatching and conservation process. Afterwards, experience the legendary Agrodome Farm Show. Tonight, immerse yourself in Māori culture during an incredible 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 canapés, chef-selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Depart Rotorua this morning and take an included flight to Christchurch, the gateway to the South Island. Settle into your hotel, then enjoy a Signature Experience followed by dinner.

Signature Experience – Tram Ride Through Christchurch

Step aboard a beautifully restored heritage tram and embark on a private tour of Christchurch. Enjoy drinks and canapés as you spot many of the city’s iconic sights. You’ll also learn about the regeneration of this vibrant city following the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

Begin today with a Signature Experience, journeying aboard the famous TranzAlpine train. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika, famous for its stunning coastline and jade carving industry. Pounamu, or greenstone, is abundant in this region and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Māori tradition. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where another Signature Experience awaits.

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. Arrive at your accommodation for the evening, 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 savouring a four-course degustation fine dining experience.

Today, you'll be awed by the magnificent landscapes unfolding before you as you travel along the Haast River Valley to the world's adventure capital, Queenstown. Settle into your hotel located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, where you'll stay for the next three nights.

Embark on a picturesque drive today, which takes you along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Wind through the lush Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, then pass through the historic Homer Tunnel, emerging to the awe-inspiring sight of Mitre Peak – the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Continue to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where you'll enjoy a Signature Experience before returning to Queenstown.

Signature Experience – Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise

A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi draws you into a magical world of snow-dusted mountains, spellbinding 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.

Decide how to explore Queenstown this morning with a range of Freedom of Choice sightseeing activities on offer. This evening, enjoy a Signature Experience.

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, savouring tastings from a selection of renowned wineries.

Freedom of Choice – Skippers Canyon

Set out on an exhilarating 4WD adventure through the Shotover River Valley. Admire rocky cliffs, sheer drops and stunning river gorges along the way.

Freedom of Choice – Million Dollar Cruise

Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping an eye out for native birdlife and the enormous trout that thrive beneath the lake's surface.

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, 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 incredible 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. Relish a wine tasting at a local winery, then round off your day with a relaxing scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

Signature Experience – Walter Peak Gourmet Barbecue Farewell Dinner

Cruise aboard a vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you'll enjoy a lavish barbecue dinner featuring succulent meats expertly prepared on the rotisserie and grill, vegetables, a selection of salads, and fresh bread. You will be hosted in a private dining space, offering the perfect setting for an intimate farewell dinner with your fellow guests.

Today, your spectacular tour comes to an end. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.