Magical New Zealand

We'll greet you as you arrive at Auckland Airport and take you to The Fable Hotel in the heart of the City of Sails. Once you have checked in, take some free time to shop or relax.

Are you ready for the seduction of a city where sleek urban vibes seamlessly blend with breathtaking nature? It's time to enjoy Auckland, New Zealand’s most populous city, a multi-cultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture!  World-class shopping and dining experiences are never too far from beautiful scenery, which includes harbors and islands, volcanic cones, native bush, and black-sand beaches.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail at the hotel, after which we will take a short walk to Kingi Restaurant, where you'll dine under shimmering chandeliers on sustainably caught local fish and other sumptuous fare. 

After an early breakfast, we begin our journey south to the Waikato. We'll watch a cooking demonstration with a Kiwi twist at a local chef and interior designer's home, followed by lunch in a unique country setting.

We'll reach Cambridge in the early afternoon. This charming town is known for its trees and champion horses. It was recently voted NZ’s Most Beautiful Town. Prepare to stroll past the village green and down the majestic tree-lined main street on a short orientation tour. We'll find lovely boutique shops, great restaurants, and bars here.

Dinner is at Alpino Tonight, the best Italian restaurant in town!

We'll start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Then, we’ll visit the local Farmers Market in Cambridge, before heading into Hamilton for an enjoyable hour roaming through the popular Hamilton Gardens.     

In the quintessential little town of Otorohanga, we'll walk through New Zealand’s largest free-flight dome aviary, listen to a keeper talk about the brown Kiwi, and see this unique flightless bird up close. The Kiwi is indigenous to New Zealand. We'll also see the tuatara, a native reptile that predates dinosaurs, and take a short drive to the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves.  

As our guide takes us deep into the cave, we'll see thousands of glowworms. Arachnocampa luminosa is endemic to New Zealand. These tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light. Did you know that the female glowworm has a unique ability? Despite the name, the glowworm is not a worm but a beetle. While males resemble typical beetles, the females are easily recognizable by the glowing light they emit. This glow attracts mates in the darkness of their grassland habitats. We'll discover the caves' historical and geological significance through informative commentary along the way. Then, we'll take a magical boat ride under the beautiful glowing lights.

Dinner is at Alpha Street Kitchen nearby. 

This morning, we traveled to Middle Earth. Even if you’re not a ‘Lord of the Rings’ fan, a visit to the Hobbiton movie set is a truly amazing experience. We'll stroll through the lush pastures of The Shire on a guided movie-set tour, past Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and on to the world-famous Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary beverage. 

We'll stop for lunch and enjoy free time to shop in the quirky village of Tirau, where we'll come face-to-face with corrugated characters. We'll also visit the magnificent St Faith’s Anglican church.

We have a special visit to Ōhinemutu Village this afternoon, where we'll see steaming vents, boiling pools of mud and water, and the natural beauty that Rotorua is renowned for. Walk through the village with a Māori guide and learn about the area’s cultural and historical significance and how the people continue using geothermal resources for daily cooking, bathing, and heating. 

The village is also home to two magnificent traditional Māori meeting houses, and we'll be invited into one of these. First, we will be briefed about the traditional Māori Whakatau process, a welcome ceremony that happens before the traditional call, known as Karanga, and followed by a speech they call whaikorero and chant acknowledging the deceased, the living and lifting of the tapu, spiritual sacredness of the occasion. 

Enjoy a hangi meal cooked in natural steam. Our hosts will share experiences about their lives in the area. This is a great opportunity to connect with them and gain insight into the Rotorua and Aotearoa way of life. 

After our meal, we'll meet Kapa Haka, Māori performing arts exponents, for an intimate cultural experience. You'll also learn how to use the poi in a mesmerizing rhythmical and geometric pattern. 

Arriving at Tikitere, we'll walk through clouds of geothermic steam and discover New Zealand’s most active geothermal reserve and mud spa, more commonly known as Hells Gate. Māori warriors used the nutrient-rich waters and mud to heal their battle-scarred bodies. This has been a popular spot for visitors to ease inflammation and rejuvenate skin for the past century.

Spend the morning soaking in the healing sulfur pool, exfoliate in the mud, stroll through the geothermal bushland, and feel completely refreshed! 

The afternoon is yours to enjoy your choice of activity! Rotorua has several thrilling activities, from ziplining to walking, cycling in the forest, riding on a WWII amphibious craft, museum visits, 3D Trick Art Gallery, and more.  

After dinner at Atticus Finch, we visit the Redwoods Forest for a night walk among the treetops on eco-suspended bridges and platforms. The massive trees are illuminated with beautiful lanterns designed by David Trubridge, creating a truly magical experience.

After breakfast, we'll fly to the South Island Te Waipounamu. 

We'll transfer to Christchurch's Observatory Hotel in the historic Garden City Arts Centre. 

We'll have free time at Riverside Market for lunch before sightseeing using two iconic modes of transport. You'll see Christchurch from different angles while learning about the history of this resilient city and how it was rebuilt.  

We'll tour Christchurch on a vintage tram. Our driver knows the local landmarks and will offer interesting commentary. We'll learn about the city's heritage and how it is changing.

At the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, a short, guided tour will provide insight into the meaning and history of this unique house of prayer built with cardboard after the Canterbury earthquakes. Art lovers can't miss the city's stunning architecture and the exceptional street art pieces by Wongi Wilson. It's a feast for the eyes!

Afterward, we'll relax on board a punt and view the city from the serene Avon River while your punter poles you along. Dinner tonight is at Inati Restaurant.

After breakfast, we'll journey across the Banks Peninsula, winding our way up the hill and across the top of the Peninsula before dropping down into O’Kains Bay. This beautiful part of New Zealand is home to several quaint historic buildings. The best little museum is brimming with nationally significant collections showcased in several heritage and replica buildings. 

We'll enjoy an early picnic lunch on a quiet beach bookended by steep hills. This afternoon we'll travel over the hill stopping at the top to admire the scenery below. In Akaroa, we visit the Giant’s House. Here, we’ll find a unique collection of sculptures and mosaics that pop with color. Enjoy the Garden of National Significance. 

Later this afternoon, we’ll board a comfortable sea vessel for a 2-hour harbor cruise. The aim is to meet the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins. The Hector are a cute and playful bunch found only in New Zealand waters. Of course, we can't guarantee you'll see them, but we have a 98% chance!   

Sit back and relax with complimentary refreshments and home-baked treats while cruising this particularly scenic harbor with its much-photographed dramatic ruggedness. We'll return to Christchurch, stopping en route for a casual bistro dinner in a pub with fabulous views. 

We'll set off early this morning for a day out in North Canterbury.

After breakfast, we'll drive through small towns, across braided rivers and acres of vines, through the Weka Pass with its unusual rock formations, and into the foothills to reach Hanmer Springs by mid-morning. You'll have free time in this pretty little spa village – take a soak in the hot mineral waters, browse the shops, have lunch in one of the cafes, or take a walk through the forest at the edge of the village.

We’ll make a couple of stops on the way back to Christchurch – firstly to the historic Hurunui Hotel for a refreshment and then to Terrace Edge Vineyard & Olive Grove for a tasting of thoughtfully prepared canapes matched with wines produced by this award-winning organic winery that overlooks the Waipara River.  

The venue for our final night together is just steps away from our hotel at The Cellar Door for dinner and your choice of a wine-tasting flight.

After breakfast, you can opt in for a trip to see the sunrise at New Brighton Beach and swim in the hot salted pools at He Puna Taimoana. 

After that, it's time to bid farewell to Aotearoa and catch your flight back home. As you leave, take memories of the breathtaking landscapes, the warm hospitality of the locals, and the uniqueness of your stay. It's time to say Haere ra to Aotearoa!

Book your flight home from Christchurch or ask our concierge to assist with a flight back to Auckland. 

After breakfast, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Queenstown. Adventure beckons. We'll begin with a tour of Queenstown, then enjoy free time before retreating to our hotel, the Kamana Lakehouse, to relax and gear up for the evening's journey.

Later in the afternoon, we'll board a vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, for a cruise across picturesque Lake Wakatipu. Behold the sight of coal being shoveled into the furnace of this exquisitely refurbished vessel that dates back to 1912. 

Our destination is Walter Peak, where we'll disembark to stroll around the beautiful gardens and watch an entertaining demonstration of a shepherd and his working dogs expertly rounding up sheep to be shorn. Walter Peak is a high-country station that farms thousands of merino sheep and cattle. It is an iconic piece of New Zealand history. 

We'll savor dinner at The Colonel's Homestead Restaurant, the perfect place to enjoy a delicious BBQ featuring a variety of local produce. Experience succulent meats cooked to perfection on a rotisserie or grill accompanied by a selection of delectable vegetables and salads, followed by irresistible desserts, New Zealand cheeses, and freshly brewed tea and coffee. 

Then, it’s time to board the steamship and return to Queenstown. There is a bar onboard and a pianist to entertain us!

After breakfast, we'll explore nearby Arrowtown. Located beside the Arrow River and surrounded by stunning natural beauty, this charming town boasts a rich heritage. Take a leisurely stroll down the main street. It's dotted with quaint miners' cottages and boutique shops. Enjoy a riverside walk and explore the old Chinese miners' village. We'll have free time to shop and explore the local area. 

Then, we'll enjoy a scenic drive across the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest main road, and a truly stunning drive to an altitude of 1121 meters. 

We'll have lunch at an iconic Kiwi watering hole The Cardrona Hotel. This is possibly one of the most photographed historic facades in the country. Wander around the hotel and read up on the history before relaxing in the gardens with your lunch. After lunch, we'll partake in a gin and whisky tasting at Cardrona Distillery. 

On our way back to Queenstown, we will stop at the Kawerau River, the world home of bungy jumping. AJ Hackett, a New Zealand entrepreneur, popularized the extreme sport of bungy jumping. In 1987, he made a bungy jump from the Eiffel Tower, and in 1988, he founded the first commercial bungy site at the Kawerau Bridge. We can watch people jumping off the bridge and hurtling 43m towards the river. If you're brave you can partake in this heart-pounding and exhilarating experience! 

We'll end the day with an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover River. A smart New Zealander invented the jet boat, making it easy for us to explore remote areas. The exhilarating ride through the canyon this afternoon will leave you breathless!

Tucked away amongst a maze of backstreets and historic buildings is a Rātā, where we will dine on genuine New Zealand cuisine with an inventive twist this evening.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Gibbston Valley, famed for its rugged schist mountains, swirling blue river, and award-winning Pinot Noir wines. 

At Kinross Winery, you’ll be introduced to several regional wines during an extensive tasting of the vineyards of Coal Pit, Hawkshead, Valli, Wild Irishman, and their own Kinross offerings. It's time to unwind with a glass of wine and enjoy live music and an amazing lunch experience!

Our final dinner is at Nest, Queenstown’s highest alfresco restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing excellent views of Lake Whakatipu.  

After enjoying your last breakfast in New Zealand take a moment to reflect on the journey, the landscapes, and the friendships that have blossomed along the way. With hearts full of memories and cameras full of snapshots, it's time to say goodbye to this land of stunning natural beauty and the companions who have shared these unforgettable moments.

After the farewells, we'll go to the airport. As you prepare to depart, take a moment to look back at the vistas of New Zealand one last time, carrying with you not just memories but stories and friendships that will last a lifetime.