Your unforgettable adventure begins as you touch down in Auckland, New Zealand's vibrant cultural and economic hub. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your premium hotel. Whether you're settling into your hotel room or heading out to explore Auckland’s vibrant dining and shopping precincts, your first day in Aotearoa is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Embark on a scenic journey north through New Zealand’s lush landscapes, where you’ll pause to admire the awe-inspiring Kauri tree. Standing as one of the most magnificent living giants in the world, this ancient tree will leave you in awe with its towering presence and immense size. After this captivating encounter with nature, continue your journey to the breathtaking Bay of Islands, and enjoy a spectacular Insider Experience. As the sun sets, you’ll be treated to a specially curated Welcome Dinner, a celebration of local cuisine and the finest regional flavours, offering a taste of the exquisite culinary experiences that await you on this extraordinary journey.

Insider Experience – Take a cruise to Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands

Keep an eye out for sea life encounters as you cruise through the Bay of Islands on the north-eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. Set sail from Paihia and journey along the dramatic Cape Brett Peninsula, gliding through the famous Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting).

The Bay of Islands, with its 144 islands, offers a stunning aquatic playground off the north-eastern coast of the North Island. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the subtropical surrounds. Your Tour Director is always on hand to offer some fantastic suggestions to make the most of your time here.

Spend the morning in the stunning Bay of Islands before journeying back to Auckland by coach. With free time this afternoon to explore Auckland independently, you can unwind at the hotel or select one of the hand-picked Enhance Your Journey optional activities for a deeper insight into New Zealand's creative and cultural heritage.

Enhance Your Journey – All Blacks Experience 

Take part in a guided tour that delves into the rich history and culture of one of the world’s most iconic sports teams. Delve into the stories of the people who have shaped the All Blacks into a powerful symbol of New Zealand’s national identity.

Enhance Your Journey – Wētā Workshop Unleashed 

Go behind the scenes with the Academy Award-winning team at Wētā Workshop and learn how blockbuster films like The Hobbit are created.

Enhance Your Journey – Auckland Harbour Sailing

Step aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat and embark on a cruise on Auckland Harbour. Spot volcanic peaks, admire the city skyline from the water, and sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the longest bridge in the North Island.

Travel to Waitomo and embark on a memorable Insider Experience. Continue on to Rotorua, where you'll have the evening free to enjoy at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Visit Waitomo’s Glowworm Caves

Descend into the caves beneath the lush Waitomo hills and look up to see a cavern illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights. A sight to behold, the phenomenon is the work of glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand. 

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Māori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to the Agrodome, where you’ll meet animals and learn about life in rural New Zealand. Alternatively, you may like to partake in our Enhance Your Journey experience.  This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Māori cultural immersion and geothermal wonders in Rotorua

Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori culture, and cuisine at Te Puia. Embark on a guided tour through the historical geothermal valley, where you'll explore a stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools. Feel the awe-inspiring power of Pōhutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand’s national treasures at the new Kiwi Conservation Centre. This evening, enjoy a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hāngī.

Enhance Your Journey – Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour

Explore the iconic set from The Lord of the Rings films, featuring charming Hobbit Hole doors and the home of Frodo Baggins nestled in the hillsides (additional expense).

Travel the Thermal Explorer Highway and visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupō. Afterwards, journey to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This tightly knit city is home to a stunning waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, and quaint colourful timber houses on the surrounding hills. 

Set out on a sightseeing tour of Wellington, discovering the city's essential sights. Travel to the summit of Mount Victoria for sweeping views of the city and Wellington Harbour. Then, explore the capital's waterfront area, brimming with galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars. Afterwards, enjoy free time discover Wellington independently or choose one of the curated Enhance Your Journey optional activities.

Enhance Your Journey – Te Papa Tongarewa /Museum of New Zealand

Step inside New Zealand's national museum, home to over two million objects across art and natural history, with exhibitions showcasing New Zealand's rich cultural heritage alongside other Pacific cultures. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the museum, and don't miss out on the groundbreaking Gallipoli exhibition. In collaboration with Wētā Workshop, Te Papa Tongarewa tells the unique stories of eight New Zealand soldiers who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Enhance Your Journey – Wellington Cable Car

Hop aboard the instantly recognisable red cable car for a ride from downtown Wellington to the hilly suburb of Kelburn. It's the sole-surviving historical funicular railway in New Zealand and provides easy access to the Wellington Botanic Gardens, Cable Car Museum and Space Place Planetarium.

Enhance Your Journey – Wētā Workshop

Go behind the scenes and discover the secrets of TV and cinema magic at Wētā Workshop, a design and manufacturing facility combining cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted artistry to create Oscar-winning props, costumes and special effects.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before taking to the water on today's Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue your onward journey to Christchurch.

Insider Experience – Cruise the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry

Board the Interislander ferry for a scenic journey across the Cook Strait to Picton on New Zealand's South Island. On a sunny day, find a spot out on deck or secure a comfortable seat inside and relax as you soak in the breathtaking views of Cook Strait, encircled by mountains blanketed in forests.

Discover the must-see sights of Christchurch on a guided tour. Visit Christchurch Cathedral, considered the true heart of the city. The grand Gothic-revival Anglican Cathedral is undergoing restoration after experiencing extensive damage in the 2011 earthquake. At the Bridge of Remembrance, which spans the Ōtākaro/Avon River, remember the fallen soldiers who fought in global conflicts since WWI. Then, continue to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a vast 21-hectare oasis of tranquillity nestled in the heart of the city. Explore the stunning Central Rose Garden or the serene conservatories, and experience why Christchurch is often called the Garden City.

With free time this afternoon, explore Christchurch at your leisure. Perhaps visit one of the city's galleries or discover a small bar to enjoy New Zealand's renowned wine, or choose one of our carefully selected Enhance Your Journey optional activities to further explore this charming southern city.

Enhance Your Journey – Christchurch Tram Pass

Hop aboard one of Christchurch's restored heritage trams and explore the city centre, accompanied by insightful live commentary from the local driver. Hop off wherever you like to further explore a particular point of interest and rejoin another tram at any of the stops conveniently located along the same route. Your Christchurch tram pass is valid for the entire day, giving you the freedom to explore New Zealand's second-largest city in an unhurried way.

Enhance Your Journey – Punting on the Avon

Enjoy a gentle, informative guided punt ride through central Christchurch as your classically attired punter points out the flora and wildlife along the picturesque Avon River.

Today begins with an Insider Experience. Later, take a scenic drive along the West Coast. This stunning region is home to the Franz Josef/Waiau and Fox Glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests. 

Insider Experience – Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass

Journey through the heart of the Southern Alps, passing dramatic gorges, alpine rivers, and lush beech forests aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. This scenic rail journey offers breathtaking views and a relaxing way to experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

A stunning drive across Haast Pass brings you to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Bask in idyllic views at Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Relax and unwind in your room, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You’ll be just a short stroll from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it's great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you're after, Queenstown has something just for you.

Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You’ll find plenty to see and do around Queenstown, from thrilling adventures through to simply relaxing and soaking in incredible views. Perhaps choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey options (additional expense). This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

Savour a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm, reached by a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu. Gain an insight into life on a high-country New Zealand farm. 

Enhance Your Journey – 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 swim in the lake’s waters. 

Enhance Your Journey – Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Those feeling adventurous can head out on a thrilling jet boat ride, roaring through narrow river canyons just centimetres from sheer rock walls.  

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Sampler Tour

Venture through New Zealand's southernmost wine region as you sample a selection of vintages from the local vineyards and wineries.

Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to the incredible Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Later, travel to the lakeside town of Te Anau.

Insider Experience – Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and enjoy spectacular scenery

Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter. 

Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a city tour. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.

See the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit the charming town of Oamaru. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for a special Insider Experience. You may choose to enhance your journey with an amazing option on offer. Tonight, enjoy another special Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at The Hermitage's Alpine Restaurant

Centrally located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, The Hermitage’s Alpine Restaurant serves delicious meals crafted from fresh, seasonal produce. The spectacular views provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

Insider Experience – Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Stay the night surrounded by sweeping views of New Zealand’s highest peak.

Enhance Your Journey – Glacier Explorer Cruise

Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman 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 (additional expense). 

Journey alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki before stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a perfect photo opportunity with breathtaking lake views of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Then continue on to Christchurch, where your journey concludes.