2023 Land Arrangements: From $8,400.00 per person
Auckland/Rotorua/Lake Taupo/Napier/Wellington/Abel Tasman/Punakaiki/ Franz Josef
Glacier/Wanaka/Te Anau/Milford Sound/Queenstown/Twizel/Mt. Cook/Christchurch
This journey takes you through some of our favorite places and spaces in the North and South Islands, discovering fantastic coastlines and immersing you in Maori culture and history. Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park with opportunities to swim in its dazzling turquoise lagoons.
Day 01+02: USA/Auckland
Depart the USA on your flight to New Zealand. Cross the International Date Line and lose a day.
Day 03: Auckland
Arrive in New Zealand. Haere mai – welcome! Spend day at leisure exploring City of Sails’.
Accommodations: M Social Hotel (B)
Day 04: Coromandel Peninsula
Cruise across Hauraki Gulf to Coromandel Peninsula. Enjoy panoramic views and scenic drives.
Accommodations: Ocean Resort (B)
Day 05: Coromandel Peninsula
White cliffs, golden beaches, inviting turquoise waters and green forests are the colors of the Coromandel. Visit Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove walk.
Accommodations: Ocean Resort (B)
Day 06: Rotorua
Continue by coach to Rotorua. This is the epicenter of New Zealand’s geothermal activity and also a thriving cultural hub.
Accommodations: Prince’s Gate Hotel (B)
Day 07: Rotorua
Choice of two excursions: Visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton movie set.
Evening visit to a Maori village for formal welcome, cultural performance, storytelling and Hangi.
Accommodations: Prince’s Gate Hotel (D,B)
Day 08: Napier
Visit Huka Falls then Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier. Visit NZ’s oldest winery and enjoy dinner.
Accommodations: Scenic Hotel Te Pania (D,B)
Day 09: Wellington
Travel to Wellington and enjoy day at leisure.
Accommodations: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (B)
Day 10: Cook Strait and Nelson
Cruise through waters of Cook Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound to South Island. Enjoy wine tasting in Marlborough. Continue to Nelson.
Accommodations: Heritage Rutherford Hotel (B)
Day 11: Abel Tasman
Three options for activities: a 3-4 scenic cruise (no walking) or Walking Option 1: Astrolabe Beaches and Bays (2.5 hour walk) or Walking Option 2: Forest and Swing Bridge (4 hour walk).
Accommodations: Heritage Rutherford Hotel (B)
Day 12: Punakaiki
Enjoy a visit to the Pancake Rocks.
Accommodations: Punakaiki Resort (B)
Day 13: Fox Glacier
Journey to the Southern Alps with a visit to Hokitika that specializes in galleries and greenstone. Optional helicopter ride to West Coast glaciers (extra cost).
Accommodations: Distinction Hotel (B)
Day 14: Wanaka
Visit Lake Matheson. Head over Haast Pass into Mt. Aspiring National Park and on to Lake Wanaka.
Accommodations: Edgewater Resort (B)
Day 15: Wanaka
Choice of two excursions: take a lake cruise to a conservation island or experience a scenic 4WD adventure.
Accommodations: Edgewater Resort (B)
Day 16: Te Anau
Visit Arrowtown en route to Te Anau.
Accommodations: Distinction Hotel Luxmore (B)
Day 17: Milford Sound & Queenstown
Enjoy cruise on the iconic Milford Sound. Continue to Queenstown.
Accommodations: Scenic Suites (B,L)
Day 18: Queenstown
Enjoy the day at leisure.
Accommodations: Scenic Suites (B,L)
Day 19: Mt. Cook & Twizel
Drive through Central Otago countryside and past Aoraki/Mt. Cook. Finish in Twizel.
Accommodations: Mackenzie Country Hotel (B)
Day 20: Rural Canterbury
Visit a local home and learn secrets of making Pavlova – a kiwi dessert. Photo opportunity to Lake Tekapo. Continue across high country plains. Option to stay in a home with home cooked meals or local hotel.
Accommodations: Ashburton (D,B,)
Day 21: Christchurch
Drive to Christchurch and the enjoy day at leisure with a farewell dinner.
Accommodations: Distinction Hotel (D,B,)
Day 22: USA
Depart on your flights back home.
END OF ARRANGEMENTS
2023 Land Arrangements: from $8,400.00 per person sharing double/twin
DEPARTURE DATES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
(B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner