Discover New Zealand’s dramatic coastlines, cultural heritage, geothermal landscapes, film locations, vineyards and spectacular South Island scenery.
Depart for New Zealand.
Cross the International Date Line en route to New Zealand and skip a day ahead.
Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive in Auckland, the country’s largest city, often called the “City of Sails” because of its numerous yacht marinas.
An optional transfer is available from the airport to the hotel.
Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend selecting flights that arrive no later than 3 PM.
Travel to Bastion Point, a significant cultural site in Māori and New Zealand history, and take in panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf, Waitematā Harbour and central Auckland. Visit the seaside suburb of Mission Bay, overlooking Rangitoto Island, New Zealand’s youngest but largest volcano.
Take a privately guided tour of the Maritime Museum, showcasing New Zealand’s seafaring history, including Polynesian navigation, European exploration, and the evolution of maritime trade and innovation. Then drive across the bridge to the coastal village of Devonport. Walk through its historic streets lined with Victorian architecture, followed by free time to explore local boutiques, galleries and cafés. Have lunch at your leisure before boarding the ferry across the harbour to Auckland.
After breakfast, travel west to the lush Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and Piha Beach, one of New Zealand’s most iconic and dramatic coastal landscapes. See the dramatic black-sand surf beach and Lion Rock, a distinctive volcanic rock formation at the northern end of the beach. You can climb it for panoramic views of the coast and Tasman Sea.
Continue by coach to the start of the Kitekite Track at the end of Glen Esk Road in Piha. Take a short hike to Kitekite Falls, a spectacular multi-tiered waterfall cascading over dark volcanic rock with a total height of around 40 metres. The walk is easy to moderate and takes roughly 1.5–2 hours return, depending on pace and route, with some steps and occasional stream crossings.
Drive east from the west coast through the scenic Waitākere Ranges, rolling hills, orchards, vineyards and farmland to Hunting Lodge Winery for lunch. After lunch, return to Auckland and enjoy time at leisure. This evening, watch a movie streamed by Kevin and Sam.
From Auckland, travel south through the fertile Waikato Plains to Waitomo. Enjoy a unique experience at the Waitomo Caves, home to swirling rivers, glowworms and rocks that flow into delicate shawl-like formations. After lunch, drive to Rotorua and check into your hotel.
Depart Rotorua this morning for a drive through spectacular North Island scenery. Arrive at the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, made famous in the “Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy. Experience the beauty of the Alexander family sheep farm, with the Kaimai Ranges in the distance, on a guided tour of the set. Visit famous locations such as the mill, the party tree and the pond, and explore the interior of a Hobbit Hole. Hear stories about how Hobbiton came to be, then conclude at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary Hobbit Southfarthing beverage.
In the afternoon, journey to Te Puia in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, amid geothermal activity and thermal springs. Discover Māori traditions and how the local people live in harmony with this unique environment. Meet a member of the local Māori tribe and learn about traditional wood carving and its cultural importance. Observe weaving demonstrations and the creation of piupiu (grass skirts), visit the kiwi house, and see the boiling mud pools and geysers.
Attend a traditional Haka ceremony and Māori concert, followed by dinner that is partly hangi-style, cooked in the steaming ground and hot pools, with a delectable steamed dessert.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.
Enjoy a city tour of Christchurch and visit the Botanic Gardens. Stroll through 30 hectares of themed gardens featuring exotic and native plants, including the Rose Garden, conservatories with tropical plants, and Māori plantings. For scenic views, drive up to Port Hills for panoramic views over Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour and the surrounding mountains.
Optional afternoon activity: Cave Stream Guided Caving – $240 per person. Explore the limestone Cave Stream, an underground river cave where you walk, wade and explore with a guide. The experience typically includes caving gear, a safety briefing, a guided walk-through of the Cave Stream entrance, and access through clear-water passages and natural rock formations.
After breakfast, depart Christchurch and travel southwest across the Canterbury Plains, enjoying wide-open farmland views with the Southern Alps rising in the distance. Arrive at Lake Tekapo for a short photo stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd and time for a brief lakeside walk.
Continue south through Twizel and Lindis Pass, a high-country route with golden tussock landscapes and one of the South Island’s most dramatic drives. Arrive in Queenstown in the evening, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu.
Journey deep into Middle-earth and explore Lord of the Rings locations from Queenstown to Glenorchy. On your guided tour, discover iconic scenery from Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlórien Forest, the Misty Mountains and Ithilien. Encounter ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier-carved valleys in the World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park. Explore the unique flora and fauna and discover the beauty of the Dart River Valley, Paradise and the national park.
In the afternoon, take a jet boat into the Dart River Valley through braided glacier-fed channels, with expert commentary about nature, Māori history and local highlights. Stops include walks through ancient beech forest and photo opportunities amid the scenic landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage Area. Return to Glenorchy and travel back to Queenstown.
In the morning, visit Amisfield Winery & Cellar Door, known for elegant Pinot Noirs, aromatic whites and stunning vineyard views. Enjoy a tasting of five wines, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, visit Arrowtown for a tour and free time to enjoy its history, shops and food. Return to Queenstown for the remainder of the day at leisure.
An optional transfer is available from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight.