Quintessentially  New Zealand

12 days/11 nights - Auckland to Queenstown

Themed package itinerary – or customize to create your own personalized dream vacation!

Canterbury lamb with Central Otago Pinot Noir. Bluff oysters with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Golden Bay scallops with Gisborne Chardonnay. For the gourmet connoisseur New Zealand is a food and wine paradise. Combine this with an abundance of flora and fauna, a fascinating Maori culture, dramatic scenery and a laid-back lifestyle which could only exist on the edge of the Pacific and you have the perfect way to relax and unwind whilst traveling through our great land.

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland - City of Sails! We recommend a visit to Waiheke Island, only 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. Sample excellent local Bordeaux style red wines on a Fullers Vineyard Tour (optional).

Day 2: Auckland/Waitomo/Rotorua
(226 miles) Today, travel to the captivating Waitomo Caves and experience a guided tour through the limestone caves and a boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto. Continue on to Rotorua. In the evening, enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert.

Day 3: Rotorua
Imagine: Cruising in style on board 50 feet of pure luxury. Catching trophy sized Rainbow Trout. Soaking in natural thermal waters, sipping champagne. Imagine: Testing your 4 wheel drive skills amongst prime Mamaku Forest or racing off road sprint cars. Imagine: Experiencing the thrill of helicopter flight for the first time. Arriving in ultimate style at an unknown secluded location. Trekking on the crater of an active volcano. All of this is possible on an Unforgettable Rotorua activity combo today.

Day 4: Rotorua/Taupo/Napier
(132 miles) Travel through forest plantations to Lake Taupo. Visit Huka Falls where an optional jetboat ride can be arranged. Continue on to the Hawke’s Bay, a region where orchards and olive groves are interspersed with award-winning vineyards, and the boundless Pacific delivers fresh seafood daily.

Day 5: Napier at Leisure
Explore Cape Kidnappers Reserve where the largest Gannet colony in the world is located. Enjoy lunch at one of the many wineries in the region or why not enjoy an optional guided walking tour of central Napier to view the many Art Deco buildings.

Day 6: Napier/Wellington via Martinborough
(212 miles) Travel south to Martinborough, home to over 25 boutique vineyards. Continue on to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington which is compact, cultured and full of character.

Day 7: Wellington/Blenheim
(79 miles) Take the time this morning to visit Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum, before taking the inter-island ferry across to the South Island. Sail through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to arrive in Picton, before continuing on to Blenheim – the heart of Marlborough.

 Day 8: Blenheim/Christchurch
(193 miles) Visit the Montana Wines Brancott Winery and take home some of New Zealand's most famous wines for your collection. Travel on to Christchurch via Kaikoura, famous for whale watching.

Day 9: Christchurch/Aoraki-Mt. Cook
(206 miles) Today you will cross the Canterbury Plains, through MacKenzie country via Lake Tekapo. Continue on to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Dinner is included this evening at the Hermitage Hotel’s award winning Panorama restaurant.

Day 10: Aoraki-Mt. Cook/Queenstown
(163 miles) During summer, we recommend an optional morning tour with Glacier Explorers to experience the Tasman Glacier, in the most unique way possible aboard an inflatable raft. This afternoon travel on through Lindis Pass to Queenstown making sure you stop at Mrs. Jones' Fruit Orchard in Cromwell.

Day 11: Milford Sound
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and through the Homer Tunnel. Emerge into the Cleddau Valley and join your Milford Sound Red Boat cruise to explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. Return to Queenstown.

Day 12: Queenstown
Sample the spectacular local Pinot Noirs this morning on an optional Queenstown Wine Trail before heading home.