Day 1: Depart USA

This evening make your way to the Los Angeles for your overnight flight to Auckland.

Day 2: International Date Line

During your flight, you will cross the International Date Line.

Day 3: Arrive Auckland

After you clear Customs and Immigration, collect your luggage and transfer by a private vehicle to your hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 4: Auckland

Enjoy an amazing full day experience including lunch with the very best overview of Auckland City and its glorious West Coast. Marvel at views of several ancient volcanoes on the Auckland isthmus. Travel through the Auckland Domain with the Auckland Museum as its centerpiece, stopping to enjoy views of Auckland’s 2nd-largest volcano. Continue through the boutique suburb of Parnell, restored in the old colonial style and with many beautiful mansions. Explore Tamaki Drive, one of the world’s most beautiful city drives along Auckland’s waterfront, looking out at several of the stunning beaches along Auckland’s shoreline. See Mission Bay, arguably Auckland’s most well-known beach with lovely golden sand. Enjoy great views of the famous Hauraki Gulf and the mystical island volcano Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s largest and youngest volcano at 600 years old. Drive over the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, spanning the sparkling blue waters of the Waitemata Harbour dotted with white sails, from which you can marvel at the iconic view back to Auckland’s skyline. Visit the Arataki Visitor Centre at the gateway to Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa, the great forest of the Maori ancestor Tiriwa, also known as the Waitakere Ranges. Witness spectacular ocean vistas of both the Manukau Harbour and along Auckland’s wild West Coast. Get up close to some of New Zealand’s unique indigenous flora and fauna. View soaring cliffs, roaring surf and spectacular volcanic black sand beaches. Discover ancient native rainforest including our New Zealand Christmas Trees (Pohutukawa), Nikau Palms, our national icon the Silver Fern, plus our amazing Kauri Trees.

Day 5: Auckland

Today is free to explore the city at your leisure with with your Explorer Bus Pass.

Day 6: Auckland – Rotorua

Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching The Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way to Hobbiton with insights into the areas you are travelling through, along with some background to the movies. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. The tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink.

Day 7: Rotorua

This morning, visit Rotorua’s most natural and popular geothermal parks; Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Mt and boiling mud-fields The local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. See volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes of farmland, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colorful hot springs and moon-like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley your guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Te Puia with a highly experienced local kaiārahi/guide who has connections to the whānau/family of the Whakarewarewa and Rotorua communities followed by a cultural performance in the carved meeting house.

Day 8: Rotorua – Christchurch

This morning transfer to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Christchurch. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay. The remainder of your day is free to explore the city at your leisure.

Day 9: Christchurch

Today, head to the revitalized City Centre and discuss the rebuild and reinvention of our colorful City, now designed for walking. There are over 40 boutique vineyards within easy reach of Christchurch, a region renowned for producing aromatic wines, namely Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Your guide will carefully select 3 wineries whose tastings illustrate the caliber of New Zealand wine.

Day 10: Christchurch – Mt Cook – Queenstown

Today, your journey takes you through the picturesque Canterbury plains to Geraldine, where a quick morning tea awaits. Continue towards Lake Tekapo, passing stunning alpine views, and visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Lake Pukaki offers awe-inspiring photos with its vivid blue waters framed by Aoraki/Mt Cook. In the national park, enjoy 2.5 hours of free time for walks or optional activities like Tasman Glacier exploration. Admire Mt Cook’s majesty, then visit High Country Salmon before heading to Queenstown via the scenic Lindis Pass. Savor local fruit at Mrs. Jones Fruit Stall and behold Kawarau Gorge’s beauty before concluding your journey in Queenstown.

Day 11: Queenstown

Relax and relish a morning of guided sightseeing. Experience the excitement of Bungy jumping as intrepid thrill-seekers take the plunge from a dizzying 43-meter height. Next, indulge in a wine tasting at the scenic “Valley of the Vines” Gibbston region, hosted by Gibbston Valley Winery. Delve into the 1860s gold rush history and admire the charming colonial architecture of Arrowtown, with ample time to stroll along the main street and explore the Chinese Village. Conclude your adventure with awe-inspiring panoramic vistas from the Coronet Saddle lookout and a scenic journey back through the Shotover River Gorge.

Day 12: Milford Sound

Depart Queenstown early in a glass roof vehicle at 6.30am and enjoy a fully guided your to Milford Sound. This small group tour gives you the ability to get to know your driver and other guests, creating a more personal and memorable experience. Once in Milford Sound, we join a stunning two hour small boat nature cruise on the fjord – see waterfalls, fur seals, penguins and occasionally dolphins. Enjoy fun and informative commentary from your nature guide, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds.

Day 13: Queenstown

Today is free to explore Queenstown at your leisure or enjoy optional activities. This evening, indulge in a quintessential Kiwi experience at Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a delightful gourmet BBQ buffet meal awaits at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant. Dine amidst picturesque lakeside scenery, a serene escape from Queenstown’s hustle and bustle. Your journey includes a scenic cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship, adding to the charm of the day. While at the farm, be entertained by an engaging demonstration showcasing the remarkable skills of farm dogs at work, making it a truly memorable lakeside dining adventure.

Day 14: Depart Queenstown

Say goodbye to Queenstown and your New Zealand vacation. Transfer to Queenstown Airport for your return flights to the US.