Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

On arrival at Auckland International Airport, you will be met by your New Zealand guide and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay.  Known as the “City of Sails”, Auckland extends over a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean, and the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes.

Dinner this evening will be at the Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill. This restaurant is an institution in Auckland’s restaurant scene and first opened in 1988.  Centrally located on Auckland’s CBD waterfront and boasting water and harbour views.  Overnight Auckland at Movenpick Hotel Auckland or similar. (D)

Day 2: Auckland – City Tour – America’s Cup Sailing Experience

This morning depart on your private coach for a panoramic sightseeing tour of Auckland and discover firsthand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to love. Your half-day tour takes you around the central city. Explore famous Queen Street followed by the history of Karangahape Road. Discover the culture of Ponsonby Village with its boutique eateries and stores before making your way over the Auckland Harbour Bridge for stunning views.  Visit Viaduct Harbour before continuing through the Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest and one of its largest parks. Drive along the waterfront route of Tamaki Drive. Enjoy the beach promenade. Following the tour, enjoy lunch on your own at the Viaduct Basin.

This afternoon, enjoy a sample of the world’s oldest sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta, the America’s Cup. Onboard you will have the opportunity to participate in sailing on one of these grand prix racers. Take the helm, trim the grinders, or just sit back and enjoy the action as you sail down Auckland Harbour.  After sailing, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Auckland-Wellington – Northern Explorer Train Ride w/lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the rail station. The Northern Explorer is a journey through the heart of the North Island, traveling between Auckland to Wellington. Along the way, pass the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune. You’ll also see fantastic views of farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, and stunning river gorges – all from panoramic windows. Included on your journey is Scenic Plus, which offers an all-inclusive experience. Savor regionally inspired cuisine paired with sumptuous wine and beer all from the comfort of your seat. Arrive in Wellington this evening and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. Dinner this evening will be on your own. Overnight at QT Wellington or similar. (B,L)

Day 4: Wellington – City Tour – Shenandoah Farm Tour

Experience the best of Wellington with a panoramic tour that showcases its stunning landscapes and rich heritage. Begin at the summit of Mount Victoria with its breathtaking views of the city. Stroll through the lush Botanic Gardens, exploring the Begonia House and Rose Gardens. drive past the iconic “Beehive” and Parliament Buildings. Complete your journey with a stop at Old St Paul’s Church, a beautifully preserved gem under the care of the Historic Places Trust.

After a stop at a local seaside cafe for lunch on your own, we will continue with a 20 minute drive from Wellington to visit Shenandoah. Shenandoah is a working farm and hidden historical gem inside a native wild birdlife reserve. Early in WWII, Shenandoah was commandeered as a US Marine training base and housed over 100,000 troops. Behind the barn doors, a private museum is filled with artifacts found on the property which date over the last 150 years.  After your day of touring, return to your hotel for the night.  Dinner is on your own this evening. (B)

Day 5: Wellington – Picton – Blenheim – Cross the Cook Strait by Ferry – Premium Plus Ferry Service

After breakfast, transfer to the Inter-island ferry terminal and board your vessel for the trip across Cook Strait.  Your premium plus ferry service includes a delicious, cooked meal and light snacks, hot and cold drinks, wi-fi, and lounge style seating.  Upon arrival in Picton, take the short drive to sunny Blenheim, crossing the Wairau Plains past vineyards and orchards. Blenheim is the main commercial center and hub of its famous wine industry.  Check into your hotel for your a two-night stay. Dinner this evening is on your own. (B)

Day 6: Blenheim – Omaka Aviation Heritage Center – 2 Winery Tour & Tastings

Today’s touring will include the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center. The story of aviation in the Great War is brought to life in sensational sets created by internationally acclaimed talent.  The theatrical treatment is both innovative and visually stunning.  Scenes depict the aircraft in context, sometimes recreating an incident that happened in the war. Rare memorabilia is also on display including personal items belonging to the famous Red Baron himself.

This afternoon visit some of the local wineries.   While at Clos Henri Vineyard, enjoy a tasting of 6 wines. Clos Henri uses the best of French and New World winegrowing techniques. Discover what defines Clos Henri as vigneron, through a 45-minute guided tasting, where you will share 6 wines that tell the story of this special place, in the quaint setting of the saint Solange Chapel.

Your next stop is at Forrest Wines. This winery and tasting room is nestled amongst the vineyards in the heart of Sauvignon Blanc country just outside the town of Renwick. Sample a selection of locally produced wines along with a shared cheese platter.

The remainder of the day is at leisure upon returning to the hotel. (B)

Day 7: Blenheim – Christchurch – Coastal Pacific Train w/Scenic Plus Rail Service & Dinner

Enjoy breakfast and some leisure time this morning before hotel check out. Transfer to the Blenheim train station this afternoon.  Enjoy Scenic Plus Rail Service on the Coastal Pacific train. This journey travels between the delightful port of Picton and Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand reaching the east coast where the Kaikoura mountain ranges rise on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline stretches out on the other.  Enjoy the all-inclusive experience on the train that includes food, snacks, and beverages from the comfort of your luxurious seat.  Upon arrival in Christchurch, transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. (Crowne Plaza Christchurch or similar). (B,D)

Day 8: Christchurch – Canterbury Farm Tour w/lunch – Food & Culture Tour

After breakfast this morning, you are on your way to a local Canterbury farm, Middle Rock. Take a 3-hour tour and view seasonal farming activities, sheep dog mustering, sheep handling and lamb feeding. A gourmet BBQ lunch is served with the family in the homestead kitchen.

Back in Christchurch, enjoy an evening with local aficionados Amiki who will host you on a historical, cultural and food journey of the city.  Discover cultural treasures hidden in plain sight and experience the many flavors the city has to offer. This 2.5-hour inner city walk with food tasting stops is a perfect way to explore the inner city of Ōtautahi/Christchurch.  Experience the guiding principles of manaakitanga (hospitality) and whanaugatanga (connection) as you learn how important the act of sharing kai (food) is for Māori. Your guide will share Māori and settler stories demonstrating how we are all kaitiaki (guardians) for the future. Along the way, enjoy personally picked iconic kiwi flavours and tastings created by locals with their own beautiful stories. (B,L,D)

Day 09: Christchurch – Greymouth – Franz Josef – TranzAlpine Train w/lunch

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Christchurch train station.  Today, enjoy a ride on the TranzAlpine Train Greymouth. Travel from one coast of New Zealand to the other on the Tranz Alpine today, one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. This rail trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 19 tunnels and 4 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.  Scenic Plus offers an all-inclusive experience on the unique TranzAlpine scenic rail journey to invigorate all the senses! Feast your eyes on epic scenery while you savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with sumptuous wine and beer all from the comfort of your luxurious seat – a hosted dining experience like no other.

Departing Greymouth, head south to arrive in Hokitika. From here, arrive in Franz Josef, the first of the West Coast’s two well-known Glacier settlements. Franz Josef township is located amid a range of natural attractions, such as rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes. The town’s main highlight, however, is the majestic glacier of the same name. It was first explored by local Maori tribes (iwi), and in 1865 by geologist Julius von Haast, who named it after the Austrian emperor Franz Josef.

Check into the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier for a two-night stay. This property sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and is just moments from one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier.  Dinner is included this evening at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Franz Josef – Half Day Nature Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a Half Day Franz Josef Nature Tour.  Explore the majestic West Coast temperate rainforest as you approach the towering Franz Josef Glacier – one of the lowest-lying and most unusual glaciers in the world. This tour is beautiful in blue skies or magical misty rain – you will feel like you are in Narnia or Lord of the Rings! At your own pace, wander past gorgeous glacial rivers, and streams and through beautiful podocarp forests; discover hidden natural treasures such as native snails, wild mushrooms and dozens of species of orchids. Relish the sound of the native bird songs and waterfalls; spot a Chamois or a Tahr on the towering snow-capped mountains above while drinking a cup of tea.  You can also visit the Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint Walk.

For the more adventurous, there is an optional Helicopter tour available (additional cost).

This evening, dinner is at your own leisure. (B)

Day 11: Franz Josef – Queenstown 

After breakfast and check-out of your hotel, depart by coach to Queenstown, visiting Haast enroute for a river safari. Discover the unique geological characteristics of the Haast River Valley. The area is also rich in cultural history – learn how hardy pioneers carved out an existence in this remote area and eventually achieved access by road. Fully enclosed jet boats, designed specifically for the Haast River, allow great visibility enabling a close encounter with Nature at its very best – yet passengers remain warm, dry and comfortable.

Arriving in Queenstown, check into the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside for a three-night stay. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this Queenstown hotel is centrally located just one minute from many shops, restaurants, nightlife and activities. Step outside your door and into the heart of Queenstown with easy access to all that this premier lake and alpine resort has to offer.  Dinner is on your own this evening. (B)

Day 12: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Lake Cruise w/lunch

Today, leave the picturesque resort town of Queenstown and make your way to the gateway of the Fiords, Te Anau. The first part of your journey will skirt Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the rugged Remarkable Ranges until you arrive in Kingston, the home of a remarkable vintage steam train. From here, continue through to Mossburn and into the tussock covered hills. Once the highest point is reached there are magnificent views of the mountains of Fiordland to the north, south and west. After a few miles the wide panorama of Lake Te Anau comes into view. The road from Te Anau to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives.

Enjoy a Milford Sound Cruise to the mouth of the fiord. Your vessel stops at various points and offers excellent views of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Keep a look out for seals basking on the rocks, dolphins and penguins. Enjoy scenic highlights such as Mitre Peak and Pembroke Glacier. A boxed lunch will be included today.

Following the cruise, travel through the Cleddau Canyon to the Homer Tunnel before continuing through farmland and tussock country to Mossburn. Arrive back in Queenstown where you enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B,L)

Day 13: Queenstown – Shotover Jet Boat Tour – Kinross Winery Lunch & Tasting – Earnslaw Walter Peak Evening Gourmet Barbecue Dinner Excursion

Embark on your 1-hour Shotover Jet tour. Board your jet boat at Shotover Beach on the banks of the Shotover River, known as the world’s richest gold bearing river. The Shotover’s rugged canyons have been carved over thousands of years by billions of tons of glacial water sluicing from the heart of the Southern Alps. Once at the river, board the Shotover Jet for the ride of your life. Skim past rocky outcrops at close range as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds and hold on tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360° spin!

Continue to Arrowtown, a quaint village steeped in gold rush history. Wander its picturesque streets, where heritage buildings evoke a sense of old-world charm, and enjoy leisurely shopping at boutique stores.  Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at Kinross Winery.

After lunch, return to the hotel to relax before dinner.  Tonight’s feature is the Earnslaw Walter Peak Evening Gourmet Barbecue Dinner Excursion. Step aboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a 40-minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Disembark at Walter Peak to the recently refurbished Colonel’s Homestead and be seated for dinner. Relax in the unique ambience in front of a roaring open fire and soak in the views from this stunning lakeside setting while the chefs prepare a gourmet BBQ on the grill and local wine to enjoy. After the meal, take an entertaining farm experience which gives an insight into life in the New Zealand high country including a sheep shearing demonstration (seasonal). The night-time cruise home is magical. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Depart for Home

Today, it is time to depart New Zealand.  You will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your return flight home. (B)

Tour Map