Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
Auckland
Auckland- Accommodation
- Hotel (Cordis)
- Day 2
Auckland
Auckland- Meals
- Dinner (Celebratory New Year's Eve dinner at Eight Restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Cordis)
Included Activities
- Guided city sights tour of Auckland
- Celebratory New Year's Eve dinner at Eight Restaurant
Optional Activities
- Freedom of Choice – Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise: Sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, spot volcanic peaks and admire the iconic city skyline from the water aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat
- Freedom of Choice – All Blacks Experience: Guided encounter connecting you to the history and culture of one of the world's greatest sports teams
- Freedom of Choice – Weta Workshop – Unleashed: Tour behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team to see how blockbuster films such as The Hobbit are created
- Freedom of Choice – Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo: Explore six stunning habitats showcasing native flora and fauna of New Zealand, including kiwi and kea
- Freedom of Choice – Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure: Half-day tour to Auckland's wild black sand beaches and lush rainforest with an experienced guide
Landmarks Auckland Harbour Bridge Auckland Zoo Weta Workshop - Day 3
Auckland to Rotorua
Auckland to Rotorua- Meals
- Lunch (Buffet lunch at The Party Marquee in Shire style featuring roasted meats, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Millennium Rotorua)
Included Activities
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Guided 12-acre tour with behind-the-scenes stories and memorable filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
- Hobbiton Banquet Lunch - Buffet lunch at The Party Marquee featuring roasted meats, fresh salads, and desserts
Landmarks Hobbiton Movie Set - Day 4
Rotorua
Rotorua- Meals
- Dinner (Three-course seasonal feast at Te Pā Tū with canapes and chef-curated aperitifs)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Millennium Rotorua)
Included Activities
- Agrodome Farm Show
- National Kiwi Hatchery
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve visit
- Te Pā Tū - Immersive Māori village experience with haka pōwhiri ceremonial greeting, traditional performance, storytelling, and song
- Te Pā Tū Dinner - Canapes, chef-curated aperitifs, and seasonal three-course feast
Landmarks Te Puia Thermal Reserve Agrodome - Day 5
Rotorua to Wellington
Rotorua to Wellington- Accommodation
- Hotel (InterContinental Wellington)
Landmarks Huka Falls Lake Taupō - Day 6
Wellington
Wellington- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner on board)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Coral Adventurer)
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour of Wellington highlighting Mount Victoria and waterfront
- Historic Wellington Cable Car ride for city views
- Welcome dinner on board Coral Adventurer
Landmarks Mount Victoria Wellington Cable Car - Day 7
Meretoto/Ship Cove
Meretoto/Ship CoveIncluded Activities
- Visit to James Cook memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove
- Walk through Motuara Island wildlife sanctuary
Landmarks Meretoto/Ship Cove Motuara Island Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound - Day 8
Kaikōura
KaikōuraIncluded Activities
- Whale watching excursion aboard catamaran with opportunities to see sperm, humpback, and pilot whales
- Onboard hydrophone experience to hear whales communicate
Optional Activities
- 3.5 kilometre peninsular track walk with breath-taking scenery, opportunities to spot cattle, sheep, sea lions, and bird life
- Free time in Kaikōura township
Landmarks Kaikōura - Day 9
Lyttleton to Christchurch
Lyttleton to ChristchurchIncluded Activities
- Scenic drive from Lyttleton port to Christchurch
- Self-guided exploration of Christchurch city centre
Optional Activities
- All-day hop-on hop-off tram tickets with live commentary through city centre highlights
- Visit Christchurch Museum
- Explore Botanic Gardens
Landmarks Christchurch Botanic Gardens Canterbury Museum - Day 10
Dunedin
DunedinIncluded Activities
- Guided city tour of Dunedin including highlights such as Ovelston House, Railway Station, Dunedin University, and Baldwin Street
- Special welcome presentation at Araiteuru community meeting space from Mārae member
Optional Activities
- Free time to discover the delights of Dunedin at your own pace
Landmarks Ovelston House Dunedin Railway Station Baldwin Street Dunedin University - Day 11
Stewart Island
Stewart IslandOptional Activities
- Guided discovery of Stewart Island
- Various hikes through Stewart Island suited to different interests and fitness levels
- Exploration of ancient forests
- Visit to Oban coastal town with Scottish settler heritage
- Learn about former whaling station and Norwegian Antarctic expeditions
Landmarks Stewart Island Oban - Day 12
Dusky Sound
Dusky SoundLandmarks Dusky Sound Acheron Passage Fiordland National Park Te Wāhipounamu - Day 13
Doubtful Sound
Doubtful SoundOptional Activities
- Easy short walk between Deas Cove and Neck Cove to see unique local flora and fauna
- Tender vessel cruise exploring Doubtful Sound coastline with tales of local history
Landmarks Doubtful Sound Thompson Sound Deas Cove Neck Cove - Day 14
Milford Sound
Milford SoundOptional Activities
- Tender vessel excursion to visit thundering waterfalls
- Tender vessel cruise exploring the rugged coastline with opportunities to spot fur seals, dolphins, and penguins
Landmarks Milford Sound - Day 15
At Sea
At SeaLandmarks Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island) - Day 16
Bluff to Queenstown
Bluff to Queenstown- Meals
- Breakfast
