Signature Cities of New Zealand 13 Days / 12 Nights

Day 1 : Arrive Queenstown

After you clear Customs and Immigration, collect your luggage and transfer to the domestic terminal for your flight to Queenstown.

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a 4-night stay. The remainder of your day is free to relax or explore at your leisure.

Hotel : Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown or Similar

Day 2 - Queenstown (B)

Experience the best of Queenstown on this half-day sightseeing tour, blending breathtaking views, history, wine, and water. Begin with a panoramic lookout, then stop at the Shotover River before enjoying free time in charming Arrowtown.

Next, visit Gibbston, home to the world’s first commercial Bungy jump and renowned cool-climate wines. Savor a wine tasting (with non-alcoholic options) and a cheeseboard at a scenic winery.

Wrap up your adventure with a picturesque 30-minute boat cruise across Lake Wakatipu, ending at Queenstown’s vibrant waterfront.

Hotel : Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown or Similar

Day 3 - Queenstown (B)

Doubtful Sound, one of New Zealand's most remote fiords, offers a rare wilderness few get to experience, made accessible through our unforgettable single-day adventure. Travel by coach to Te Anau before joining a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, then journey over the epic Wilmot Pass through lush Fiordland rainforest. Enjoy a 3-hour cruise along Doubtful Sound’s 40km stretch of pristine waterways surrounded by untouched nature, towering peaks and powerful waterfalls. Doubtful Sound is home of abundant native wildlife, like bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins. Experience one of the most expansive and awe-inspiring fiords in this epic wilderness before returning to Queenstown.

Hotel : Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown or Similar

Day 4 - Queenstown (B)

Today is free to explore Queenstown and surrounds at your leisure. There is plenty to do and see in Queenstown from Bungy jumping to jet boating, wine tastings and guided hikes. Ask one of our Destination Specialists what options are available to suit.

Hotel : Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown or Similar

Day 5 - Queenstown - Wellington (B)

Transfer from your hotel to Queenstown Airport for your flight to Wellington. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a 3-night stay.

Hotel : Rydges Wellington or Similar

Day 6 - Wellington (B)

Today you will explore Kapiti Island and experience a critically important predator free nature reserve and local hospitality. Once on the island, your guide will walk with you, share the rich human and ecological stories, and help you identify the flora and fauna. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Lodge, immersed in one of the most diverse nature reserves in New Zealand. Encounter some of the most beautiful and endangered birds up close and personal as you share the space with the locals before returning to Wellington.

Hotel : Rydges Wellington or Similar

Day 7 - Wellington (B)

This morning, savor the flavors of Wellington on a guided foodie tour. Skip the tourist traps and uncover Petone’s best culinary spots, with hassle-free pickup and drop-off included. Enjoy a curated tasting experience, no need to worry about extra costs, as all tastings and lunch are covered. Indulge in craft beer, chocolate, cured meats, Lambrusco, coffee, yogurt, and more, making this a delicious and effortless way to explore Wellington’s vibrant food scene.

Hotel :  Rydges Wellington or Similar

Day 8 - Wellington - Rotorua (B,D)

Transfer to Wellington Airport for your flight to Rotorua. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a 2-night stay.

This evening join a Te Pā Tū 3.5 hour evening experience that change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (village) - its towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Traditional hāngi joins seasonal Māori delicacies prepared with fusion cooking techniques. Cultural knowledge unique to each season is shared through rituals, songs, stories across the evening as is local, seasonal kai (food) - plentiful and delicious. Kai horotai (indigenous canapes) are followed by a torch lit walk to a lavish 4-course Māori fusion feast.

Hotel : Regent of Rotorua or Similar

Day 9 - Rotorua (B,L)

Visit Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks; Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Mt and boiling mud-fields Your local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. View volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes of farmland, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activities; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colorful hot springs and moon-like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley the guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886.

The remainder of your day is free to explore Rotorua – perhaps relaxing in one of the mineral or mud pools.

Hotel : Regent of Rotorua or Similar

Day 10 - Rotorua-Auckland (B,L)

Pack your bags and join the vehicle that takes you to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Arrive at Shire’s Rest and embark on a Hobbiton Movie Set tour, the world’s largest permanent “green set.” A highlight is stepping inside an authentic Hobbit home, followed by a complimentary ale, cider, or ginger beer at the Green Dragon Inn. Enjoy a buffet lunch in the Party Marquee, then browse the gift shop with a NZ$10 souvenir voucher before continuing to Auckland. Check-in to your hotel for a 3-night stay.

Hotel : Fable Auckland or Similar

Day 11 - Auckland (B)

Set between 53 dormant volcanic cones and two harbors—the sparkling Waitematā and brooding Manukau—Auckland, the City of Sails, is a vibrant blend of history and modern life. This morning tour takes you through the heart of the city, past Queen Street, Auckland University, and the Domain before heading to Ponsonby’s charming historic buildings.

Cross the Harbour Bridge to explore Auckland’s North Shore, where you’ll stroll along a white sandy beach with time for coffee. Then, take in breathtaking panoramic views from Mt Victoria before returning via Westhaven Marina, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest marinas.

Enjoy free time in Auckland this afternoon to explore or relax.

Hotel : Fable Auckland or Similar

Day 12 - Auckland (B,L)

Make your way to the ferry terminal for a scenic transfer to Waiheke Island. On arrival you will meet your guide for a Gourmet Food and Wine Tour. Visit three vineyards each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany their wines. Treats may include oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, Waiheke olive oil and Waiheke honey. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch, served family-style at the third vineyard overlooking the vines (dietaries catered for). From here you will have time to explore Oneroa Village where you can walk along Oneroa Beach, visit some of the local shops including Island Gelato, The Waiheke Wine Centre and the Island Grocer or choose to sit in a café/bar overlooking the bay before being returned to the ferry terminal for your transfer back to Auckland

Hotel :Fable Auckland or Similar

Day 13 - Depart Auckland (B)

After breakfast, you have free time until you transfer to Auckland Airport for your return flight back 

·      Domestic New Zealand flights Queenstown to Wellington and Rotorua

·      4-nights Queenstown, Heritage Hotel Queenstown, Deluxe Room with Balcony

o   Half-day Best of Queenstown tour

o   Full-day Doubtful Sound Cruise and Coast Experience

·      3-nights Wellington, Rydges Wellington, City View King

o   Full-day Kapiti Island Nature Tour

o   Taste Buds for Foodies Experience

·      2-nights Rotorua, Regent of Rotorua, Superior Room

o   Te Pa Tu Evening Experience

o   Eco Thermal Park Tour

·      One-way Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton

·      3-nights Auckland, Fable Auckland, Classic King Room

o   Half-day Auckland City Revealed

§  All Blacks Experience

·      Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour including ferry transfers

·      Private airport/hotel transfer throughout

·      Breakfast daily

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.