New Zealand Panorama
Day 1 | Welcome to Queenstown
Your journey to the Islands of New Zealand kicks off in Queenstown (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). The the evening is free for you to enjoy one of its many lakefront restaurants and bars. Why not try some of the famous New Zealand lamb with a Pinot Noir from the local Otago wine region?
Hotel: Millennium
Day 2 | Meet Local Farmer Laura
Get a feel for real New Zealand farm life with what awaits today. Begin the day with an immersive experience with your host, Southern Girl Laura. Born and raised on a sheep and deer farm in the deep south of New Zealand, you’ll Connect with Locals as passionate Laura shares her story of her life growing up in the country before you have the chance to try your hand at sheep mustering, whip cracking, and the chance to feed and pet the sheep, horses, and goats. After this fun insight into the real New Zealand, you’ll leave feeling more like a local than a visitor and ready for a scenic afternoon. Jump right in travelling to the historic gold mining heritage of Arrowtown. Learn the town’s history when in 1862 thousands flocked to Arrowtown to strike it rich in gold mining. Stroll through town admiring the dozens of buildings from the gold rush era and more recently restored historic cottages, churches, and new boutiques and shops. Don’t miss the Chinese Settlement at the edge of the Arrow River made of restored shelters and buildings originally constructed in 1868.
The next part of your adventure, it’s all aboard the
vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw heading across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner, piled high with ribs and salad. After dinner at this historic homestead, learn about life on the farm watching the sheep dogs in action before the scenic cruise back to your Queenstown hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Hotel: Millennium
Day 3 | Queenstown, It’s All Yours
Say ‘good morning’ to Queenstown with a full day of ways to play in this adventure capital. How about an Optional Experience of a thrilling, adrenalin-rush jet boat ride with Skippers Jet or an excursion through Skippers Canyon? If you’re looking for another type of adventure, consider a journey through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park for an unforgettable cruise on heritage listed national park Milford Sound/Piopiotahi past sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls. This stunning landscape—shared by dolphins, penguins, and seals—showcases the beauty of New Zealand. Or tempt your taste buds on a wine tour of the Otago region renowned for Pinot Noir,
Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. You’ll visit and tour three premium boutique vineyards and enjoy a wine paired platter lunch. However you explore, there’s plenty of adventure to be had and shared with your travel mates after a full day.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Millennium
Optional Experiences:
Appellation Central Wine Tours – Boutique Wine Tour – An afternoon amongst the boutique vineyards and splendid alpine scenery of Central Otago. Taste wines at 4 premium vineyards over two contrasting wine regions, learn about the wine and pioneering history and visit the Historic Precinct of Old Cromwell. Includes a delightful platter lunch and a glass of wine with lunch.
Adult: 219.00 NZD
Pure Glenorchy – Lord Of The Rings Scenic Tour – Lord of The Rings Scenic Tour: Visit the stunning locations from Lord of The Rings. Encounter lsengard, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains, Ithilien and many more. Experience the absolute beauty of the Dart River Valley and our closest world heritage area. Learn about the remarkable history and unique culture of Glenorchy. Our tour feature’s some of the world’s most spectacular scenery visiting Mt Aspiring World Heritage Area, Glenorchy, The Dart River Valley and Paradise. Encounter ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys.
Adult: 180.00 NZD
Milford Sound Day Trip – Enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of our modern, spacious vessels. Our Scenic Cruise vessels have purpose-built observation lounges and large decks, so you can be sure you’ll get some great viewing opportunities. You’ll see the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins. During the cruise, our friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.
Adult: 219.00 NZD
Day 4 | Auckland, New Zealand’s Largest City
With fond memories of your time in Queenstown and its surrounds, it’s a change of scene today departing Queenstown and flying north to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails.’ As you fly in over the harbour, admire the city’s namesake sailboats and get excited for Auckland’s rich Maori history paired with its cosmopolitan vibe. Settle into your hotel in the heart of the city’s Federal Street— a hotspot for food lovers offering plenty of options. The evening is yours to enjoy in Federal Street or to head downtown for waterfront dining. You could even choose to dine in the towering Skytower for rotating, 360- degree views across the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: The Grand by SkyCity
Day 5 | Rotorua, Centre of Maori Culture
Journey through King Country, which was at the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s. Join a Local Specialist in in a starry wonderland – a cavernous galaxy of twinkling glowworms, in shades of iridescent green and blue, lighting up the Ruakuri Caves in Waitomo. This evening, you’ll Dive Into Culture and Mā ori traditions at Te Puia. Learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes a dinner of hangi- inspired cuisine and a spellbinding cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the powerful Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with hot chocolate you’ll view one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands – featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud, and beautiful native bush.
Meals: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Hotel: Millennium
Day 6 | Rotorua’s Natural Wonders
It’s you’re final full day on your tour and it’s a big one. Begin at the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn everything about the New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Watch kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and newly hatched kiwi chicks. Your Local Specialist will tell you all about their kiwi bird breeding programme, ‘Operation Nest Egg’ and how your visit contributes to it. After a morning learning about the kiwi, you’re off to Dive Into Culture at the Living Mā ori Village Whakarewarewa for more insights into the Mā ori people. Soak in this beautiful land of geothermal fields and steaming lakes that the Tū hourangi Ngā ti Wā hiao people have been living on since 1886. Take the trails and gain an appreciation of the Mā ori’s connection to this land. You’ll cap off your day joining your Travel Director and companions for a Farewell Dinner at Poco Tapas & Wine, where the menu is designed for sharing.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Hotel: Millennium
Day 7 | Farewell Rotorua and Auckland
Savour your last morning of your New Zealand tour over a final delicious breakfast with your travel mates. Then bid farewell as you are transferred from Rotorua to the Auckland Airport for your onward flight (flights to depart after 2pm).
Meals: Breakfast