New Zealand Travel Tour 597

1. Red eye flight to New Zealand. || 40.79044105082745, -111.97689527014873

1. Arrival in Queenstown

2. Transfer to hotel for check in. || -45.0378006918237, 168.64206096130857

3. Meet and Greet. Transfer from airport to hotel for check in. || -45.0378006918237, 168.64206096130857

4. Lake Wakatipu Tour with Gourmet Dinner (arrive to meeting point on own, Uber works well). || -45.059772457006524, 168.6238721820205

This evening, board the TSS Earnslaw vintage ship to cruise the Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. At Walter Peak High Country Farm’s Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, enjoy a dinner service featuring the finest local produce, expertly grilled over a wood-fired BBQ. Relax in the historic Colonel’s Homestead, where colonial architecture, manicured gardens, and breathtaking alpine views set the scene for an unforgettable dining experience. Our seasonal menu showcases a selection of fresh salads, vegetables, succulent meats, and seafood, with vegetarian dishes and indulgent desserts to not miss out on. Walter Peak High Country Farm, on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu, is steeped in history. Its sheltered bays were used as camping sites by Maori travelling to the Mararoa and Oreti Rivers on Moa hunting and pounamu (greenstone) gathering expeditions. European settlement commenced in the 1860s with initial farming attempts by Von Tunzelman. Stock deaths, snowstorms and lack of money eventually forced him off the land. Following a quick succession of owners, Walter Peak Station was taken over in the late 1880s by the Mackenzies. This family is credited with developing many of the principles of successful high-country farming during their 80 years working the property. At its peak, the station was one of New Zealand’s most famous, with 170,000 acres, 40,000 sheep and up to 50 full-time employees. The original homestead block of Walter Peak Station is now known as Walter Peak High Country Farm. Over time, various permanent homes were established, and these included the Colonel’s Homestead with its beautiful lakeside gardens. Originally built in 1902, it was carefully reconstructed in 1977 following an accidental fire. After your meal (included), enjoy a sheep shearing and farm dog demonstration and wander through the beautiful lakeside gardens before cruising back to Queenstown. Upon return to the main town wharf, walk back to the hotel.

5. Night in Queenstown

1. Breakfast at hotel. || -45.0378006918237, 168.64206096130857

2. 8:30 AM - Hotel pick up and bus transfer to Milford

3. 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM - Full Day in Milford. || -44.57866218328576, 167.804894543322

The journey travel southwest, with views of Lake Wakatipu and green farmland of Southland, towards Fiordland region.  We stop at Te Anau for a morning coffee or tea (optional) and photos of Lake Te Anau.  From here we travel another 2 hours to Fiordland National Park and Milford.  The journey is very panoramic: see Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley and cross the Homer Tunnel to descend to the fiord between mountains and deep forests.  On a rainy day, there are many waterfalls that can be seen from the coach windows. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Milford Sound with a relaxed and scenic cruise that explores the full length of this iconic fiord. As you journey through its breathtaking landscapes, a specialist nature guide will share fascinating insights into the region’s history and wildlife. Feel the cool mist of cascading waterfalls up close, marvel at towering rock faces, and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Lunch included onboard. 

4. Fly back to Queenstown

In the afternoon, fly back to Queenstown by plane, and enjoy the views of the glaciers, valleys, Dart River and mountains, a bird eye view of Lake Wakatipu before landing at Queenstown Airport. This 35’ flight is weather dependent.

5. Free time

6. Night in Queenstown

1. Breakfast at hotel. || -45.0378006918237, 168.64206096130857

2. Free day

Spend the day as a free day relaxing at the hotel or exploring on your own.

3. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Optional 2 Hour Jet Boat Tour (arrive to meeting point on own, Uber works well). || -44.83553313661503, 168.38622607742246

This will be an additional $103.70 per person including transfers to/from central Queenstown location to Shotover Base aprox 15’ from CBD.

4. Free time

5. Night in Queenstown

1. Breakfast at hotel. || -45.0378006918237, 168.64206096130857

2. 7:00 AM - Transfer from hotel to airport (on own)

3. 9:20 AM - 11:10 AM - Flight to Auckland

4. 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM - Flight to Rotorua

5. Arrival in Rotorua. || -38.10833050767791, 176.3156064896219

Rotorua, a town set on its namesake lake on New Zealand's North Island, is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. It’s also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, with traditional wood carving and weaving schools.

6. Rental car pick up

7. Hotel check in. || -38.13828686031998, 176.2558386609584

8. Free time

9. Night in Rotorua

1. Breakfast at hotel. || -38.13828686031998, 176.2558386609584

2. 8:00 AM - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland with local guide (arrive to meeting point on own). || -38.35805826674248, 176.36894148113905

We depart to visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland., 27 kms from Rotorua. Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. You are introduced to a uniquely different natural landscape – the key to what you see lies below the surface – one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand, extending over 18-sq. km. The Lady Knox Geyser is presented daily at 10.15am. This unique geyser can reach up to heights of 10-20 metres. See and learn about the magnificent workings of the Lady Knox geyser from our wonderful team. After this experience, we have a look at the Blue and Green Lakes.

3. Optional Skyline Gondola in Rotorua with Buffet Lunch (arrive to meeting point on own). || -38.11027580044847, 176.22189389462014

Then we take your to Skyline Gondola in Rotorua, where a buffet lunch is served in the restaurant at the top, with panoramic views. This will be an additional $62 per person.

4. 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Te Ra Guided Tour with Buffet Dinner (arrive to meeting point on own)

Discover awe-inspiring geysers, bubbling mud, and lush native bush during our guided Te Rā experience. Get up close to Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit the kiwi in a specially designed nocturnal enclosure at the Kiwi Conservation Centre, dedicated to preserving this iconic bird. Dive deeper into Māori heritage at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where students hone traditional skills in weaving, wood, stone and bone carving. Our wānanga (school) serves as a beacon for indigenous culture. Our knowledgeable guides will share their Māori traditions and heritage with you, passing down ancestral stories and insights along the way. Savour a delicious buffet at the Pātaka Kai Restaurant & Bar, which overlooks a geothermal wonderland. Enjoy freshly sourced produce, traditionally cooked meats and vegetables, kai moana (seafood), and a selection of sweet desserts. Be captivated by a cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. The performance includes a pōhiri (traditional Māori welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (chant), poi, and haka. Wrap up the evening with a stroll back into the geothermal landscape while sipping on hot chocolate. Experience a night that will enlighten you - see, hear and taste Māori culture

5. Free time

6. Night in Rotorua

1. Breakfast at hotel. || -38.13828686031998, 176.2558386609584

2. 8:30 AM - Depart from Rotorua

Depart Rotorua to travel to Matamata, a region of farms and racing horses industry. 

3. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - The Hobbiton Movie Set (arrive to meeting point on own). || -37.87137367816241, 175.6832452780703

Visit Hobbiton Movie Set where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies were filmed. When location scouts found the Alexanders' spectacular 1250 acre sheep and beef farm just outside of Matamata, it was clear this would be the perfect setting for Sir Peter Jackson's adaptation of these classic works by J.R.R. Tolkien. Stroll through the setting and discover the magic of these hobbit holes. Located on Bagshot Row™, these Hobbit Holes offer an authentic glimpse into the charming dwellings of Hobbits going about their daily lives in the Shire™. Mind your head as you wander and weave through the maze of rooms and hallways, all constructed with a Hobbit’s stature in mind. Intricate hand-painted details and carvings adorn the walls, complemented with a plethora of colourful hand-stitched linens and decorative flourishes throughout. Hints of the inhabitants’ family lineage is seeded throughout, with heirlooms and trinkets from generations of Hobbits from yesteryear, a well-stocked pantry with all the fixings to cater for their seven daily meals, and a cracking hearth all give a peek into the lives these halflings lead…Enter one of them to see the interior décor.  Sip an ale or ginger beer at the Green Dragon Pub.

4. Hobbiton Buffet Lunch (arrive to meeting point on own)

5. 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Waitomo Cave Guided Tour (arrive to meeting point on own). || -38.26056713082737, 175.10364671366915

Discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display. Explore the cave by foot before embarking on a boat ride, gliding silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Experience the serene ambience as you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours are made up of two levels. The upper chamber is dry and decorated with stunning, delicate cave formations, and the lower level consists of stream passages, glowworms and the Cathedral, the tallest chamber in the cave. We travel along the underground steam onboard a small boat in silence, to appreciate the “starry night” at the cave. 

6. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Drive to Auckland

Continue your journey to Auckland for aprox 2 hrs

7. Arrival in Auckland and hotel check in. || -36.85270278983111, 174.76070697624255

8. Free time

9. Night in Auckland

1. Breakfast at hotel. || -36.85270278983111, 174.76070697624255

2. 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Auckland Tour with local guide (arrive to meeting point on own). || -36.851828758578584, 174.76898038282462

We travel up the main shopping area of Queen St, past Auckland University and through Auckland’s historic areas and into the city park known as The Domain where there are some great photo opportunities. We continue through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, known for its historic buildings, before heading over the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore. Here you can stroll on a beautiful beach with views out across the Waitemata harbour to Rangitoto Island. Next there is a short drive through historic Devonport to get to the panoramic views over Auckland that you can only get from the extinct Devonport volcanoes – often considered the best views of Auckland city and harbour. Then travel back over the Harbour Bridge to stop at Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere, with views through the yacht masts to the city skyline and views back to the harbour bridge.

3. Free time

4. Night in Auckland

1. Breakfast at hotel. || -36.85270278983111, 174.76070697624255

2. Free day

Spend the day as a free day relaxing at the hotel or exploring on your own.

3. 10:00 AM - 4:45 PM - Optional Waiheke Island (arrive to meeting point on own). || -36.79553768011473, 175.10115018433441

Check in at Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal. 10 AM Waiheke ferry to Waiheke Island. Upon arrival, meet your coach for a tour of the island renown for their craft and wineries, and laid-back life, also home to some luxury lodges. Enjoy an olive oil tasting at Allpress Olive Groves, followed by a two-course lunch and a glass of wine at Batch Winery. Head up to Cable Bay Vineyards for a tasting and finally wind your way back to your last stop with a wine tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard. At 4 PM, the tour ends at Matiatia Ferry Terminal to catch the Fullers360 Waiheke Walk-up ferry from pier 1, back to downtown Auckland. (Wineries to visit will be confirmed upon booking request, as it may varies from time to time due to private events and weddings). This will be an additional $160 per person. 

4. Optional All Black Experience Auckland Tour (arrive to meeting point on own)

Your time at the All Blacks Experience will include a 90 minute guided tour where you learn what it takes to make, shape and be an All Black. This will include learning the story and feeling the passion behind the All Blacks haka, up close and personal. You can then test your rugby skills against All Blacks and Black Ferns in our hands on, interactive zone. This will be an additional $42 per person.

5. Optional Weta Unleashed Experience (arrive to meeting point on own)

A jaw-dropping, senses-shattering, awe-inspiring adventure into the heart of movie magic! Get hands-on and immerse yourself in an extraordinary world of practical effects, props and larger-than-life sets. On our award-winning tour, you can explore three movie projects imagined by our crew and uncover how we bring big screen concepts to life. Discover a mind-blowing world of robots, monsters, dinosaurs and more—step right into the action to see, play and experience movie-making up close. This tour will be an additional $34 per person.

6. Free time

7. Night in Auckland

1. Breakfast at hotel. || -36.85270278983111, 174.76070697624255

2. Transfer from hotel to airport

3. Rental car return

4. Flight check in. || -45.019611867405004, 168.74527072380565

5. Departure from New Zealand