Overview
In this lush, luxuriant land, one natural wonder seems more extravagantly beautiful than the next. Thrill to the aptly named Remarkable Mountains, and wonder at the amazing scenery of Milford Sound. Explore majestic fjords and fly over the glaciers of the Southern Alps. Encounter the intriguing and welcoming Maori culture, and meet some of the people whose values and traditions shaped this place and its people. Discover the harbor city of Auckland, pristine Lake Taupo, the quaint charm of Hawke’s Bay, the spectacular alpine setting of Queenstown, and tour vineyards and sample fine wines. Journey Pace: Active

Tour Details

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Starts any day. January to December

10 days from $9995.00

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Itinerary
Day 1

Arrive Auckland, New Zealand

Haere mai and welcome to New Zealand and Auckland! You are met upon arrival and taken to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

Auckland, called ‘The City of Sails,’ sits on a hillside by a scenic waterfront filled with sailboats. It is a modern city, alive with trendy restaurants and boutiques. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Day 2

Waiheke Island Excursion

Depart this morning for Waiheke Island, a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland. The Mediterranean climate has contributed to the growth of a flourishing wine industry on the island. Visit fabulous wineries and enjoy lunch at the Te Whau Vineyard and sample some classic and local vintages. ​(B,L) 

Day 3

Auckland to Taupo

This morning fly to Taupo, located in the center of the North Island. You are met on arrival and taken to your luxury accommodations.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy your luxurious surroundings, including the lodge’s fine cuisine. ​(B)

Day 4

Te Whakarewarewa

Today, venture through the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley where you will learn the stories of the indigenous Mao-ri’s arrival and settlement in Rotorua. Enjoy lunch followed by a visit to Rainbow Springs to see endemic New Zealand wildlife and Kiwi Encounters, where you will see the country’s national bird. (B,L)

Day 5

Taupo to Hawke’s Bay

This morning, travel to Hawke's Bay, a delightful area known for its orchards, wineries and Maōri culture.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax at this luxurious property. ​(B)

Day 6

Hawke’s Bay

Your full day guided tour today takes you through the many highlights of this unique region. Begin with a drive to a scenic Hawke’s Bay wilderness beach to visit a kuia, an extraordinary Maori elder named Orine. She lives an inspired life, devoted to the rhythms and age-old customs of the Maori culture. Upon arrival, she greets you with a powhiri, a formal Maori welcome. Orine welcomes you into her home and is happy to captivatingly explain Maori life, both past and contemporary. She speaks about the importance of whakapapa (lineage) and life amongst her people, as well as relates the story of her own life and family. Your time spend with this inspirational woman, carrying the mana (respect), courage and relentlessness to keep her culture alive, will be a moving experience.

Midday, explore the Hawke’s Bay wine region, one of New Zealand's most important wine districts, known particularly for its red wines. Visit a coastal winery, Clearview Estate, to meet owner/winemaker Tim Turvey. Tim is an excellent award winning winemaker with a personality to match! Clearview Estate is a small boutique winery famous for its Chardonnays, big reds and dessert wines.

Your next stop is at the studio of celebrated Maori artist, Ema Scott. Ema takes you on a spiritual journey into her creative and resourceful world. Discover how her work is a tangible expression of an unbroken chain of uncertainty, linking through to her Maori ancestors and ultimately to the source of all creation.

Hawke’s Bay, is the fruit bowl of New Zealand, full of vineyards, orchards and farms. Stop at a working orchard where you can pick your own with the owner, and sample the fruit fresh off the trees. You also get to taste some of the wonderful local cheese and olive products.

Your last tour stop is in Napier, the Art Deco capital of the world. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the distinctive style of the early 20th century concentrated in such a small town. Explore and admire the city’s unique architectural style – many of the buildings are open to the public, with the Tobacco Company building being the most famous for its extravagance and beauty. ​(B)

Day 7

Hawke’s Bay to Queenstown

Enjoy your last morning on the farm before you are transferred to the Napier Airport for your flight to Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island.

You are met on arrival and escorted to your luxury hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the resort. ​(B)

Day 8

Milford Sound Excursion

Today is full of astonishing scenery, as you travel to and explore majestic Milford Sound.

You will see mountains gliding by as your helicopter winds its way through the Southern Alps on an unforgettable flight to Milford Sound. This breath taking flight takes you over secluded alpine lakes, lush rainforest, through deep bush-fringed valleys and past rugged mountain peaks. Take a stroll and absorb the natural beauty of Fiordland and enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Sound. Experience the stunning mountain scenery, waterfalls and unique wildlife from the comfort of your luxury vessel.

Return to Queenstown for an afternoon at leisure in town, and then a private transfer takes you back to your hotel later in the afternoon. ​(B)

Day 9

Queenstown

Enjoy a full day at leisure to pursue your own interests. There many activities and attractions available at your lodge and in this scenic resort town. Enjoy hot air ballooning, golfing, jet boating, bungy jumping, horseback riding, biking, winery tours, exploring artisan shops, enjoying a relaxing massage, and so much more! (B)

Day 10

Depart Queenstown

Today is a day of leisure until time for your transfer to the airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. ​(B)

Accommodations

SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Auckland

Centrally located in the heart of Auckland City, the five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel is an urban oasis of contemporary elegance and style. Relax at the luxury health and beauty spa, refresh and tone at the well-appointed gymnasium or in the heated lap pool, or stay connected at the fully equipped, high tech business center. The hotel is also adjacent to the spectacular Sky Tower, and high rise tower with a great view, and for those more adventurous, a Skywalk and Skyjump. There are also two distinctly stylish restaurants, a cocktail and lobby lounge. The hotel rooms are luxuriously furnished and include a coffee/tea maker, minibar, internet access, and a bathroom with a separate tub and shower.

Acacia Cliffs Lodge, Lake Taupo

Acacia Cliffs Lodge perches high on a ridge overlooking Lake Taupo, with stunning and dramatic views of sparkling Lake Taupo as well as surrounding mountain ranges. There is a wonderful sense of seclusion and privacy at the luxury Acacia Cliffs Lodge, where you can relax while enjoying boutique lodge accommodation. Taupo town center and the region’s many world-class attractions are virtually right on your doorstep. Our four deluxe Suites each have a large private deck or private garden courtyard. The Lodge boasts contemporary design and unique architectural features. This boutique Lodge is the ultimate base from which to explore some of New Zealand’s finest sights and enjoy the wealth of activities this area has to offer.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay

Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of pasture land, The Farm, Cape Kidnappers offers 5 star luxury lodge accommodation in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay. The Farm encompasses boutique lodge accommodation, an award-winning par 71 golf course and indulgent spa treatment facilities. With 180-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and a multitude of activities and adventures to be had, Cape Kidnappers is the perfect escape. Cape Kidnappers is also a member of Relais & Chateaux, an exclusive collection of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in the world.

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, Queenstown

Centrally located, the Sofitel offers a tasteful combination of French antique chic and local avant-garde design. Hotel features and services include a fitness center, massage, a library, Turkish steam bath, laundry services, and a business center. For dining options, there are the Vie Restaurant, Nue Lounge, LeSpa and newly introduced Left Bank Café - part French kitchen, part tea room. The 82 elegantly appointed bedrooms and suites have satellite TV, surround sound entertainment system, minibar, espresso machine, under floor heating, WiFi access, in-room safe, and in the marble en-suite bathroom, a walk-in shower and double spa bath, rain shower, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, and special French amenities.