Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland whenever your flight gets in, and your day is completely open until evening. There's nothing scheduled, so you can wander around the city on your own and get a feel for things. Maybe grab lunch somewhere local, walk around the waterfront, or just rest up after traveling. Later in the evening, you'll meet up with your CEO and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting to kick things off.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments), Hotel (Oaks Auckland Hotel)
Included Activities
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Optional Activities
- Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour) - 160 NZD per person
- Maritime Museum Visit - 20 NZD per person
- Day 2
Auckland to Rotorua
Head out early for the drive to Rotorua, but before you get there, you'll stop at Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through the underground and watch thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling like tiny stars. Then continue on to Rotorua, which sits right over an active geothermal zone, so you'll notice the thermal activity as soon as you arrive.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sudima Lake Rotorua)
Included Activities
- Waitomo Cave Excursion
Landmarks Waitomo Glowworm Caves Rotorua - Day 3
Rotorua
Spend the morning checking out Rotorua's geothermal features. You can walk around the bubbling mud pits and see the multi-colored hot pools, or if you want something more intense, go whitewater rafting instead. Later in the evening, head to a local Maori village for traditional ceremonies and entertainment, then sit down for a Hangi meal, which is traditional earth-cooked food.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Hangi meal at Maori village)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sudima Lake Rotorua)
Included Activities
- Mitai Experience
Optional Activities
- Geothermal Area Visit
- Whitewater Rafting - 89 NZD per person
Landmarks Rotorua Geothermal Area - Day 4
Rotorua to Wellington
This is a travel day heading south through the North Island toward Wellington, the capital. The scenery changes quite a bit as you drive, so you'll see different landscapes throughout the journey. You'll arrive in Wellington by evening, ready to settle in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington)
- Day 5
Wellington
Start with a guided walk through Wellington to get oriented and understand the city's laid-back but energetic vibe. After that, you've got the afternoon and evening free to explore on your own. Check out Te Papa Museum if you're interested in history and culture, or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens for views over the city.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington)
Included Activities
- Orientation With CEO
Optional Activities
- Te Papa Museum Visit - Free
- Wellington Cable Car - 4-7.50 NZD per person
- Zealandia - 9-95 NZD per person
- Weta Workshop Tour - 25-65 NZD per person
- Martinborough Wine Tour - 199 NZD per person
Landmarks Te Papa Tongarewa Museum Wellington Botanical Gardens - Day 6
Wellington to Kaikoura
Fly to the South Island and head to Kaikoura, a coastal town known for seeing whales and other marine animals. On the way, you'll stop at a local winery for a tasting session. By the time you arrive in Kaikoura, you'll be settled in and ready to explore the area.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The White Morph)
Included Activities
- Winery Visit
Landmarks Kaikoura - Day 7
Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs
You have a free morning in Kaikoura to decide what interests you. Go out on a whale watching tour if conditions are right, or swim in the ocean with dolphins if that's more your speed. In the afternoon, travel inland to Hanmer Springs and soak in the natural hot springs surrounded by forest, which is a nice way to relax after your morning activity.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs)
Optional Activities
- Whale Watching - 145 NZD per person
- Swimming With Dolphins - 170 NZD per person
- Scenic Flight - 135-180 NZD per person
- Hiking - Free
- Hot Springs
Landmarks Kaikoura Hanmer Springs - Day 8
Hanmer Springs to Franz Josef
Cross over the Southern Alps heading toward the West Coast, and the landscape shifts dramatically as you enter rainforest terrain. You'll end up near Franz Josef, home to one of the world's fastest moving glaciers. The drive itself is pretty scenic, and you'll get a sense of how wild this part of the South Island is.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Rainforest Retreat)
Landmarks Southern Alps Franz Josef Glacier - Day 9
Franz Josef
You have a full free day to do what you want around Franz Josef. If you're into adventure and have the budget, go heli hiking or take a scenic helicopter flight to see the glacier and surrounding peaks from above. Skydiving is another option if you're feeling brave. For something a bit more relaxed, try lake kayaking instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Rainforest Retreat)
Optional Activities
- Helicopter Hike - 459-539 NZD per person
- Franz Josef Kayaking - 99-129 NZD per person
- Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk - 79 NZD per person
- Franz Josef Quad Bike - 65-160 NZD per person
- Hiking - Free
- Horseback Riding - 65-150 NZD per person
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier - Day 10
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Travel to Queenstown, which is known as the adventure capital and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes. The town itself has great restaurants, bars, and a fun nightlife scene. There's always something happening here, whether you want extreme sports or just want to hang out and soak in the atmosphere.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Heartland Hotel Queenstown)
Landmarks Queenstown - Day 11
Queenstown
You're free to pursue whatever activities appeal to you. If you want adrenaline, bungee jump (Queenstown is where it was invented), go jet boating (also started here), or skydive. For hiking, there are plenty of trails around town. If you'd rather skip the extreme stuff, ride the gondola up to a nearby peak for views and a quieter afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Heartland Hotel Queenstown)
Optional Activities
- Bungee Jumping - 175-510 NZD per person
- Jet Boating - 149 NZD per person
- Skydiving - 299-439 NZD per person
- Gondola Ride - 35-56 NZD per person
- Paragliding - 210 NZD per person
- Vineyard Tour - 185-230 NZD per person
- Canyon Swing - 205 NZD per person
- Earnslaw Steamship Cruise - 55-95 NZD per person
- Scenic Horse Riding Tour - 165-325 NZD per person
- Ziptrek - 120-170 NZD per person
- Shotover Canyon Swing/Shotover Canyon Fox - 169-299 NZD per person
Landmarks Queenstown - Day 12
Fiordland National Park
Take a day cruise through Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound to see massive waterfalls dropping into the water and spot wildlife like seals and dolphins. The scenery is dramatic and you'll understand why this part of New Zealand is so famous. You'll be back in Queenstown by evening to enjoy dinner and more of the nightlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Heartland Hotel Queenstown)
Included Activities
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Landmarks Fiordland National Park Doubtful Sound - Day 13
Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook to Tekapo
Drive north through the center of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest mountain. In the afternoon, do some alpine hiking and visit the Visitor's Centre to learn about Sir Edmund Hillary and the mountain's climbing history. Later, take a scenic drive to Tekapo Village where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Godley Hotel)
Included Activities
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
- Aoraki/Mount Cook Visit
Optional Activities
- Hiking
Landmarks Aoraki/Mount Cook Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park - Day 14
Tekapo to Christchurch
Head to Christchurch, known as the Garden City and sometimes called a little piece of England in New Zealand. Start with an orientation walk with your tour leader to see the main sights. This evening is your final night with the group, so there's a group dinner or gathering to celebrate the end of the tour.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Bealey Quarter)
Included Activities
- Orientation With CEO
Landmarks Christchurch - Day 15
Christchurch
You're free to depart Christchurch whenever you need to. Head to the airport at your own pace or take some extra time to do any last minute exploring or shopping in the city before you leave.
- Meals
- Breakfast
