Arrival to Auckland

Following your arrival to Auckland, relax after your long journey with a two-night stay at The Sofitel with a private transfer from the airport. The Sofitel's picturesque location on Viaduct Harbour places it within walking distance of many excellent dining and drinking places. Relax for the rest of the day and start taking in the refreshing New Zealand air while you readjust to the time difference.  

Overnight Stay at The Sofitel Hotel 

Auckland Sightseeing

You'll have a full day to yourself to do whatever you choose in the beautiful Auckland. Stop by the SkyTower, the tallest building in the area, for panoramic views of the South Pacific. The northern beaches feature extensive lengths of white sand, and there are markets there where you can buy everything from fresh produce to handmade jewellery. The waterfront promenades are lined with shiny boats, and the waterfront monument and Winter Gardens are well worth seeing.  

Extra : Take a ferry to Waiheke Island, where there are many little wineries and the weather is very pleasant for tasting wine. Visit the wineries with a knowledgeable guide and then have lunch at a top eatery on the island.  

Overnight Stay at The Sofitel Hotel

Take a Car to Rotorua

Pick up your rental car and head south for three hours to the geothermal splendour of Rotorua. Wai-O-Tapu, located in the city, is home to some of New Zealand's most impressive thermal springs as well as unique Maori culture (Sacred Waters). The Black Swan has a prime location on the shores of Rotorua's lake, complete with manicured grounds, rose gardens, and a private jetty. Relax for the rest of the day.  

Overnight Stay The Black Swan 

Rotorua

Your private tour guide will show you the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal area. This magical place is a gallery of the country's geothermal features, some of which are living, breathing masterpieces created over thousands of years by volcanic action. Mud pools, the largest in New Zealand, generated by the erosion of a mud volcano, are a sight to behold, as is the daily erupting of Lady Knox. Come back to The Black Swan this afternoon, and do as much or as little as you choose. 

Overnight Stay The Black Swan 

Hawkes Bay

Today you will visit Havelock North, on the east coast, about 20 minutes from Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand. Napier's downtown was levelled by a devastating earthquake in 1931, but the city quickly rebounded with modernist architecture. The skyline is still dominated by Art Deco buildings, and you won't find a more concentrated collection of this amazing style anywhere else. When you go to the Hawke's Bay area, you can stay at the Mangapapa Lodge. The lodge dates back to 1885 and features just twelve opulent rooms amid meticulously manicured gardens. Play some tennis on the lawn, go for a swim in the pool first thing in the morning, or unwind with a spa treatment in the sanctuary.  

Overnight Stay at Mangapapa Lodge

Napier Sightseeing

You're welcome to use today as you see fit to go sight-seeing at your own pace. You could take the short trip to Napier to explore the city's Art Deco buildings, or you may explore some of the area's lesser-known but highly-rated vineyards. When you get back to the hotel, rent a bike and pedal leisurely through Hawke's Bay.  

Overnight Stay at Mangapapa Lodge 

Martinborough

You'll finish your trip across the North Island in the quaint town of Martinborough. This picturesque town features colonial-style architecture and is located close to both world-class vineyards and gourmet restaurants set between picturesque patchwork meadows. Martinborough is located in the Wairarapa District and is home to roughly 30 wineries with smoothly operating cellar doors that swing open for tastings. The charming Martinborough Hotel, which has been welcoming guests since 1882, is where you will spend the following two nights. The hotel's history is celebrated throughout, from the battered old suitcase of a gentleman traveller that takes pride of place at the top of the stairs to the faded portraits and vintage sketches of local figures that adorn the walls.  

Overnight Stay at The Martinborough Hotel  

Vineyard Cycling

Gather your bicycles in the town square this morning, because you'll be doing some sightseeing on two wheels today. Flat country roads will lead you to vineyards and olive orchards, and then back to Martinborough for a satisfying meal at the Tirohaha Estate. After lunch, turn in your bikes and take it easy in the hotel's peaceful gardens.  

Overnight Stay at The Martinborough Hotel 

Leave for the South Island

Drop off your rental car in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, an hour after breakfast. Take the ferry to Picton in the Marlborough Sounds on the southern tip of the South Island, which is across Cook Strait. As you make your way slowly into the port, you'll witness steeply rising hills covered in forest as well as a coastline dotted with coves and sandy beaches. The natural beauty here is breathtaking. Pick up your rental car in Picton, and after about two hours of driving, you'll reach your destination of Kaikoura. Kaikoura is one of the best spots in the world to witness sperm whales, the ocean's largest mammal, so close to shore. Sightings are never 100% certain, however there is a 95% chance during the entire year due to the fact that some resident whales often swim close to the shoreline. You will be checking into the Kaikoura Boutique Hotel, located on the city's historic seafront, this afternoon.  

Overnight Stay at The Kaikoura Boutique Hotel 

Whale Watching in Kaikoura

Today, you will head to the jetty to participate in a magical whale-watching excursion. Kaikoura is home to the resident dusky dolphin, and if you're lucky, you'll see them as they leap, flip, and chase the boat just off the coast. It is typical to see newborn whales swimming with their mothers from September to December, while pod sizes peak in the Autumn and winter months. The garden city of Christchurch, with its many bike routes, botanical gardens, and ancient buildings, awaits you after you return to dry land. The George Hotel is a charming, award-winning boutique hotel with a view of Hagley Park.  

Overnight Stay at the George Hotel 

Beautiful Rail Ride Between Christchurch and Greytown

Early this morning, you'll board the TranzAlpine Train in Christchurch and ride for four hours through the Alps to the West Coast city of Greymouth. The train ride is renowned as one of the world's most beautiful because of the breathtaking scenery of the Southern Alps, alpine woodland, and rolling fields. It will take you around two hours to drive from Greymouth, where you will pick up your rental car, to reach Westwood Lodge via deserted, gorgeous roads. Westwood Lodge is located in a magnificent forest reserve with streams, lakes, and waterfalls not far from the World Heritage site of Westland National Park.  

Overnight Stay in Westwood Lodge

Franz Josef Heli Fly and Glacier Hike

This morning, you'll take a helicopter to Franz Josef for a guided two-hour walk, the pinnacle of glacier experiences. Members of the crew have been exploring this eight-mile-long glacier since 1990, enjoy the experience and join them, and equip yourself with crampons and glacier boots. After about 90 minutes on the trail, you'll catch a flight back to your starting point and continue on to Queenstown. After you get to Queenstown, head to Browns Boutique to settle in for the night.  

Overnight Stay at Browns Boutique Hotel  

Queenstown Sightseeing

You may spend the day doing whatever you wish in Queenstown. With its stunning scenery and abundance of thrilling sports like jet boating, trekking, horseback riding, and canoeing, this small town is sometimes called "the adventure capital of the country." Wanaka, a charming town on the lake of the same name, is a great place to go sailing or kayaking, and you can also enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the area's numerous boutique wineries.  

Overnight Stay at Browns Boutique Hotel  

Jet Boating in Queenstown

Get ready for your jet boat tour of the harbour after breakfast. From Queenstown to Lake Wakatipu, via the Dart River Valley, and finally into Glenorchy, you may take a thrilling shallow-water jet boat adventure that winds in and out of inlets fed by glaciers. Take in the stunning views before catching a transfer back to Queenstown. You're free to relax for the remainder of the day.  

Overnight Stay at Browns Boutique Hotel 

Free Day in Queenstown

Spend your last day in Queenstown at your leisure, discovering the surrounding area or arranging for more adrenaline-pumping activities. If adrenaline is what you are looking for,  start your day with a thrilling ride on the Queenstown Luge after witnessing the sunrise from Queenstown Hill. Spend the day riding the gondola to the top of the hills, cycling about, or hiking the six-hour Ben Lomond trail, which will reward you with breathtaking vistas of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. Now, pamper yourself with dinner at Rata, a local favourite known for its Michelin-starred dishes and impressive wine list.  

An alternative is to take a beautiful flight to Milford Sound, where you will soar over Fiordland's towering peaks and renowned glaciers. After a leisurely sail in Milford Sound and lunch, you can catch a flight back to Queenstown.  

Overnight Stay at Browns Boutique Hotel

Departure

Departure 

Return your rental car to the airport and get ready for your flight home.  

Depart