Melissa Allen
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Auckland Arrival
Welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand), the land of the long white cloud! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Auckland. After a long day of travel, you'll have time to unwind in your luxurious room.
In the evening, you can set out to explore Auckland's rich and diverse culinary scene, or check out the waterfront in the Viaduct Harbor and Wynyard Quarter precincts. In Auckland, you're never far from nature, and there are lots of great parks and beaches to enjoy as well.
Overnight Hotel So Aukland
Day 2
Waiheke Island
After breakfast, it's time to discover New Zealand's gourmet food and wine scene. Begin the day at a boutique vineyard, where you'll have a guided wine tasting, complemented by delightful snacks like Te Matuku Bay oysters and local Waiheke honey. Popular wines grown in this area include Syrah, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Rosé.
Next, you'll head to the award-winning Allpress Estate for an olive oil tasting and an introduction to the island's renowned olive oil production. Continue to a second vineyard for a wine and food pairing, followed by a relaxed, family-style lunch made with seasonal produce. Your last stop will be The Heke, where you can either enjoy a small-batch craft whisky tasting or, if you'd prefer, a glass of wine.
Overnight Hotel So Auckland
Day 3
Harbor Dinner Cruise
You have the morning and afternoon to explore Auckland at leisure. Originally settled by the Māori, today, Auckland is New Zealand's largest city. It features a unique blend of Māori heritage, maritime history, and diverse Pacific cultures. Depending on your mood, you might take in the waterfront around the Viaduct, enjoy harbor views from the Sky Tower, or explore neighborhoods like Ponsonby with their mixes of shops, galleries, and cafés.
In the evening, hop aboard a boat for a night in the harbor. As you depart, you'll savor canapes and a welcome drink. Sail past iconic landmarks and watch the city lights sparkle while the knowledgeable crew shares more about the city's history. You'll be served a delightful dinner and dessert above deck, so that you can take in the city views while dining.
Overnight Hotel So Auckland
Day 4
Rotorua
After breakfast, you'll have a private transfer to Rotorua. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours. Along the way, stop at Hobbiton, the location of the famous Peter Jackson film, The Lord of the Rings. Stretch your legs as you enjoy a tour of the movie set! As you walk through the set with a knowledgeable guide, you'll find yourself immersed in the colorful, charming world of the Hobbits. Walk the same paths that Bilbo and Frodo once did!
Continue to Rotorua and check into your lodge. Settle into your Executive Suite and take in the picturesque views of Lake Tarawera from your private deck. You'll then visit Wai Ariki Spa for a two-hour restorative journey wellness experience before returning to your lodge in time for pre-dinner drinks and a five-course meal made with local, seasonal produce.
Overnight Solitaire Lodge Rotorua
Day 5
Rotorua Highlights
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where you'll witness a spectacular showcase of New Zealand's unique geothermal elements that have been shaped by centuries of geothermal activity. Be sure to check out the largest mud pool in New Zealand! It was originally the site of a large mud volcano, which was destroyed through erosion in the 1920s.
You'll then meet your driver and head to Te Pua a Tāne Rainforest to learn more about Māori culture as you immerse yourself in the surrounding forest. You'll be welcomed into the ngahere (forest) with a mihi whakatau and karakia before beginning a guided walk. Along the way, you'll encounter towering trees, follow a rongoā (medicinal plant) trail, and learn how these plants have been traditionally used, while listening for native and endangered birdlife. Your guide will share the story of Whirinaki Te Pua a Tāne and the deep connection Māori have with the forest as a source of sustenance, materials, and spiritual meaning. The experience includes whakataukī (proverbs) and a period of forest bathing, incorporating traditional instruments and chants.
Overnight Solitaire Lodge Rotorua
Day 6
Hawke’s Bay Wine Country
This morning, you'll drive to Hawke's Bay, a gorgeous region on the eastern side of the North Island known for its beaches and wineries. As you journey through wine country, make stops and look out at the verdant vineyards surrounding you.
After about three hours, you'll arrive at your home for the next two nights, Breckenridge Lodge. With only five rooms, this boutique hotel is dedicated to personal attention and quality care. From your room, you'll have a view of the Chardonnay vineyard landscape.
Overnight Breckenridge Lodge
Day 7
Winery E-Biking
After breakfast, set out for a day of exploration with your private guide. Hop aboard your e-bikes and begin cycling along the Cape Coast in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's premier Chardonnay wine region. You'll make stops at six different wineries, where you'll learn about their production techniques, and, of course, taste the wines for yourself!
Cycle about 10 miles before returning to your lodge, then unwind and savor a fresh, seasonal meal in the evening.
Overnight Breckenridge Lodge
Day 8
Wellington
This morning, you'll have a four-hour drive through rolling hills and vineyards until you reach Wellington, New Zealand's capital city! Check into your hotel, nestled in the seaside neighborhood of Oriental Bay, and spend the rest of your day exploring the city as you'd like.
Wellington, considered the coffee capital of New Zealand, has so much to uncover. Stroll through the streets and stop at a café or restaurant that catches your eye, sampling the city's delicious coffee and cuisine. If it's a nice day, head down to Oriental Bay Beach to look out at the waves and enjoy the salty sea air. The city also offers a variety of museums and cultural landmarks to explore.
Overnight Oh-Tel Wellington
Day 9
Wellington Highlights
Today, you'll have another day of exploration in the city. We'll keep it flexible so you can shape the day to your interests, but we'll book two of our most recommended activities in the city. The first, the Te Papa Museum, is New Zealand's leading cultural museum, and it boasts over two million objects related to natural history, art, Māori knowledge, New Zealand's history, and Pacific cultures.
After taking time to explore, join a Weta Workshop. The workshop crew has brought beloved characters to life for films including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Avatar, The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit. During the tour, you'll have the chance to explore this world of creativity as you learn about the processes that the workshop's many departments use to bring the props, creatures, and costumes to life.
Overnight Oh-Tel Wellington
Day 10
From North to South
Today, you'll depart the North Island! Drive to the Wellington Ferry Terminal. From here, you'll catch the ferry to Picton, located at the top of the South Island. Drive off the ferry and head to the Marlborough Sounds region. From there, you’ll take a water taxi or helicopter to your luxurious home for the next two nights, Bay of Many Coves.
Nestled between a secluded bay and native flora, this enchanting property is the perfect place to unwind. Your one bedroom apartment features a private balcony, perfect for gazing out at the bay in a quiet atmosphere. Savor delightful dinners crafted from locally-sourced and sustainable produce and sip wines on the outdoor patio while watching the sun set.
Overnight Bay of Many Coves
Day 11
Queen Charlotte Sound
After breakfast, it's time to explore the gorgeous Queen Charlotte Sound, one of the main sounds, or inlets, of the Marlborough Sounds region. The area boasts 70 km of coastal track that you can explore on foot, by bike, by kayak, or by eco-cruise boat, as you'd like. Uncover historic bays and make stops to look out at skyline ridges and the Sounds themselves. Look out for the diverse flora, including rimu and beech trees, and fauna, including tui and bellbirds, that call the region home.
Return to your lodge, with another evening to unwind and enjoy the peaceful environment after your active day of exploration.
Overnight Bay of Many Coves
Day 12
Christchurch via Kaikōura
Today, you'll make the 4.5-hour drive from Marlborough Sounds to Christchurch. Stop in Kaikōura, a coastal town known for its abundant population of Sperm Whales! Upon arrival, join a boat of up to 12 people and get ready for some up-close encounters with these majestic creatures. You'll be in the VIP Captain's Cabin, situated in the wheelhouse alongside the captain and watch keeper, for greater comfort.
Around 80% of the world's whale and dolphin species migrate past Kaikōura's coastline; at any given time, there is the opportunity to spot other species of marine mammals, like Blue, Orca, and Humpback Whales, Bottlenose and Southern Right Whale Dolphins, and both Elephant and Leopard Seals. 75% of the world's pelagic sea bird species also fly through this region, including Wandering and Royal Albatrosses, Mollymawk Albatrosses, Petrels, Shearwaters, Prions, Fulmars, Gannets, Terns, and Herons.
After spotting a rich array of wildlife, you'll continue your drive to Christchurch. Check into your hotel and take time to freshen up before a historic dining experience this evening at the Christchurch Tramcar Restaurant. Hop aboard the tramcar and savor a 3-course dinner with a glass of sparkling wine as you slowly venture through central Christchurch.
Overnight The George Hotel
Day 13
Lake Tekapo
After a morning in Christchurch, take your time on the drive to Lake Tekapo. The three-hour journey takes you through some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery, including views of the towering Southern Alps. Upon arrival at Lake Tekapo, you'll be able to choose from a range of short walks at the lake. It's also possible to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, a charming building on the shores of the lake, with gorgeous mountains in the background.
Take time to rest before setting out late at night for a visit to Mount John Observatory, New Zealand's only professional research observatory, with the Dark Sky Project. Head up to the summit, where you'll find some of the clearest and darkest skies in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, astronomy experts will lead you on a journey deep into the cosmos with both the naked eye and powerful telescopes. Gaze up at the constellations, star clusters, and planets glittering far away from Earth. You might even catch a glimpse of a distant galaxy!
Overnight Grand Suites Lake Tekapo
Day 14
Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike & Aoraki
After breakfast, it's time to soar through the southern skies on board a helicopter, which will take you to the sparkling Tasman Glacier. Upon landing, set off on a guided two-hour hike, where you'll encounter the ice formations of New Zealand's longest glacier up close. Take in the striking views before returning to the start point via helicopter once more.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to explore the tallest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki (Mt. Cook). Set off along the iconic Hooker Valley Track Walk with a walking guide. They'll point out the area's unique flora and fauna and bring you to the best viewpoints to take in Mueller Glacier and Mount Cook.
Overnight Grand Suites Lake Tekapo
Day 15
Queenstown
Enjoy a leisurely morning after your days of adventure. Then, embark on a 3.5-hour drive to Queenstown, which will take you through more alpine scenery. Upon arrival in the adventure capital of New Zealand, you'll have the afternoon to unwind and enjoy your alpine lake escape at Rosewood Matakauri Lodge.
Take time to gaze out at Lake Wakatipu, with the Remarkables and Cecil Peak rising above the waterline. Savor meals crafted from ingredients foraged and harvested from the chef’s own garden. In the evening, sip a nightcap on your private balcony or curl up around your fireplace with a book in hand.
Overnight Rosewood Matakauri Lodge
Day 16
Adventure in Queenstown
Queenstown boasts a plethora of outdoor adventure activities that take you deep into the surrounding area's beautiful nature, with views of the Southern Alps always nearby. We suggest taking part in one of the region's most unique adventures: a wilderness jet experience!
Cruise along the glacier-fed Dart River into the UNESCO-recognized Mount Aspiring National Park, a remote spot comprised of mountains, glaciers, river valleys, and alpine lakes. Feel the rush of the boat skipping across the water as your guide shares stories that bring the region to life, from Māori legend to the area's Greenstone Trail. Spot wildlife sheltering along the banks and take in the vibrant colors of the surrounding plants and trees. This half-day experience is sure to be adrenaline-packed!
Overnight Rosewood Matakauri Lodge
Day 17
Milford Sound
To cap off an incredible adventure in New Zealand, you'll set off for a drive and fly experience to Milford Sound and back. Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of the South Island, well known for its towering Miter Peak, rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Meet your driver and hop into the glass-roof van for the drive to Te Anau, enjoying the mountain scenery along the way. From Te Anau, board your Milford Sound Cruise boat and sail along the waterways deep into the wilderness. Pass cascading waterfalls and dramatic fjord cliffs, and look out for the seals and dolphins that populate these waters. Depending on the season, you may even spot penguins, if you're lucky!
After the cruise, you'll choose to return to Queenstown by helicopter or fixed-wing flight. Enjoy the scenery from this unique perspective. Upon landing back at your hotel, you'll have the evening to celebrate and reflect on your journey.
Overnight Rosewood Matakauri Lodge
Day 18
Departure Day
After a final breakfast in New Zealand, it's time for your domestic flight back to Auckland. From there, catch your international flight home. Take memories of delightful cuisine and wine, vast landscapes, and vibrant culture home with you.
