Essence of New Zealand 10 Days / 09 Nights

Day 1 : Arrive Auckland

After you clear Immigration and Customs meet your driver in the Arrivals Hall for your private transfer to your Auckland accommodation for a 3-night stay. This afternoon head to Level 4 of the SkyCity Entertainment Precinct and experience first-hand the excitement and emotion of game day. The All Blacks Experience immerses you in the history, culture and people who have made the All Blacks such an important part of New Zealand’s story. Go behind the scenes with the players, test your knowledge of the game and put your skills to the test against the best in the world. You don’t have to be a rugby fan to experience the first-hand excitement and emotion of the game.

Hotel : SkyCity Hotel Auckland or Similar

Day 2 - Auckland (B)

Experience the best sights of Auckland City in the morning. Auckland is set on 53 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbors, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it is New Zealand’s largest and busiest city. The morning tour is a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and sights as well as see how Aucklanders live and play.

Travel up Queen Street, through Auckland’s central business district, past Auckland University and through the inner-city park, known as the Domain. Continue through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland’s North Shore. Stroll on Narrow Neck Beach in historic Devonport. Travel back over the Harbour Bridge to Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere. Then visit the Auckland Fish Market, before continuing to the Viaduct Harbour.

The remainder of your day is free to explore Auckland at your leisure.

.Hotel : SkyCity Hotel Auckland or Similar

Day 3 - Auckland (B)

Today is free to explore Auckland and surrounds at your leisure. Ask our Destination Specialists about a wine tour on Waiheke or perhaps a visit to one of the local museums. Experience Auckland’s foodie side or take to new heights at the Skytower.

Hotel : SkyCity Hotel Auckland or Similar

Day 4 - Auckland – Waitomo - Rotorua

Today visit two of the North Island’s most popular attractions from Auckland in a single day. Your tour takes you to several natural wonders, such as rivers, natural geothermal pools, and the renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Continue to Rotorua where your guide takes you past many of its famous and historical sites, including Lake Rotorua, The Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Thermal Springs, and Polynesian Spa, before dropping you at your accommodation.

Hotel : Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua or Similar

Day 5 - Rotorua (B,D) 

Enjoy a free day in Rotorua to experience the city your way. Perhaps visit one of the local hot pools or mud baths. Take a cruise on Lake Rotorua, visit the mighty Redwoods. Go white-water rafting or ziplining or visit a living Maori Village.

Make your way to Te Puia at 4pm for an evening of culture, kai and connection. Explore the amazing landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools, and feel the natural power of Pōhutu Geyser– the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere! Get up close and personal with one of the national treasures in our brand-new Kiwi Conservation Centre. Visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and Āhua Gallery. After working up an appetite enjoy a mouth-watering buffet at our world famous Pātaka Kai Restaurant & Bar, followed by an exhilarating cultural performance and then if you want more, head back down into the geothermal wonderland featuring the world famous Pōhutu Geyser.

Hotel : Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua or Similar

Day 6 - Queenstown (B)

Transfer to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Queenstown. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for a 4-night stay. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax and explore the town center.

Hotel : QT Queenstown Hotel or Similar

Day 7 - Queenstown (B)

Start your day by meeting your friendly local guide at or near your Queenstown accommodation. Travel in style in a premium Mercedes van designed for touring with only 16 seats onboard. The first leg of our journey to Milford Sound transports you from Queenstown through the picturesque Southland farming country and the charming town of Te Anau, where we’ll make a brief stop by the lakeside for refreshments (not included). Continue to Fiordland National Park and the renowned Milford Road. This corridor to the fjord unveils a different side of New Zealand, with its majestic mountains, winding rivers, and the cheeky Kea bird. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a nature cruise that takes you beneath the towering peaks of the fjord. This small boat cruise, accompanied by a knowledgeable onboard nature guide, allows you to explore the edges of the fjord, revealing its impressive waterfalls and unique wildlife, which may include dolphins, penguins, fur seals, and native birdlife. After your cruise, rejoin the van and enjoy the return journey to Queenstown.

Hotel : QT Queenstown Hotel or Similar

Day 8 - Queenstown (B)

Join us for a fully guided sightseeing adventure in a premium vehicle with complimentary Wi-Fi. Your journey begins with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range—arguably the best panoramas in Queenstown.

Next, visit Arthurs Point to see the historic Edith Cavell Bridge and the Shotover River, known for its gold mining past and thrilling jet boat rides.

From there, explore the charming township of Arrowtown. Enjoy around 45 minutes to wander the historic streets, browse boutique shops, grab a coffee, or try gold panning.

Then head to the Gibbston Valley, home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump and famous Lord of the Rings locations. Enjoy a wine tasting and cheeseboard (non-alcoholic options available) at a local winery with stunning vineyard views.

To finish, swap land for water with a scenic 30-minute cruise on Lake Wakatipu, returning you to the heart of Queenstown.

The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Hotel : QT Queenstown Hotel or Similar

Day 9 - Queenstown (B)

Today is free to explore Queenstown and surrounds at your leisure. Go Bungy jumping, zip-lining, ride to Gondola, enjoy a wine, beer or gin tasting tour. Ask our Destination Specialists how we can customize your stay to suit.

Hotel : QT Queenstown Hotel or Similar

Day 10 - Queenstown (B)

Your New Zealand vacation concludes today when you are transferred to the airport for your flight back.

·      One-way flight from Rotorua to Queenstown

·      One-way private arrival transfer Auckland Airport/Hotel

·      3-nights Auckland at Sky City Auckland Hotel, Premium King Room

o   Auckland City Revealed Tour includes hotel transfers

o   All Blacks Experience includes 45-minute guided tour and 15-minute interactive zone

·      Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Tour includes hotel transfers from select hotels, admission fees and snacks

·      2-nights Rotorua at Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Superior King

o   Te Po Combo includes hotel transfers, guided walk, hangi dinner and cultural performance

·      One-way private departure transfer Rotorua Hotel/Airport

·      Round-trip private transfers Queenstown Airport/Hotel

·      4-nights Queenstown at QT Queenstown, Alpine King Room

o   Best of Queenstown Tour

o   Milford Sound Small Group Glass Roof Tour includes hotel transfers from designated pick-up points, 2-hour small boat nature cruise and a packed lunch

·      Anything not mentioned in Inclusions

*Prices are quoted in NZD and are ‘from’, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplements apply. Other date ranges are available, however seasonal surcharges apply. Advertised pricing reflects low season pricing. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice.