SAVE UP TO $1,000 PER PERSON: Book Your 2027 Expedition Cruise

Your adventure begins in Auckland, the melting pot for 190 ethnicities. This exciting diversity is reflected in the lively arts and cultural scene, craft markets, and outstanding local food and wine. You’ll also find extraordinary natural features, including forty-nine dormant volcanoes. The entire city is a banquet. 

While in Auckland, you’ll cruise to Waiheke Island. Delight in beaches, olive groves, laid-back seaside villages, and wine tasting at three boutique vineyards. A guide will let you in on Waiheke’s secrets.

Say farewell to Auckland, pick up your rental car, and head to Waitomo. Be prepared for the magic that is Footwhistle Glowworm Cave. Warm lights cast shadows over formations, glowworms, and lost treasures. Stay in Rotorua, renowned for the intersection of geothermal activity and Māori culture. For a full day, you’ll be part of an Eco-Cultural experience near an active Māori village, ending after a visit to the pristine lakes of this amazing volcanic region.

Queenstown is nestled in a magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges, with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range rising from Lake Wakatipu. Travel the lake in a glass-roof coach, visit the Underwater Observatory, and soar over stunning alpine scenery. This rare New Zealand adventure is for those who love to dig deep when they travel, and come home with their senses renewed.

PLAN AND BOOK

Included Unique Activities

  • Visit three Boutique Vineyards and Enjoy Tastings & an Excellent Platter Lunch on a Small Group Tour of Waiheke Island
  • Glide by Boat through the Enchanted Glowworm Caves of Waitomo
  • Enjoy a Full Day Experiencing Maori culture and the geothermal regions of Rotorua and see how they are intricately entwined
  • Travel along Lake Wakatipu in a Glass-Roof Coach, Enjoy Lunch & a Boutique Cruise Traversing Milford Sound, and Fly over Stunning Alpine Scenery on a Full-Day Nature Discovery Tour
Essence of Wine Tour

Essence of Wine Tour

Waitomo Glowworm Cave Guided Tour

Waitomo Glowworm Cave Guided Tour

Rotorua Cultural Eco Tour Full Day

Rotorua Cultural Eco Tour Full Day

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, & Fly Tour

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, & Fly Tour

Take the Ferry to Waiheke Island

Take the Ferry to Waiheke Island

Accommodations

2 Nights

Central Harbor Hotel

2 Nights

Stunning Attractions Hotel

3 Nights

5-Star Boutique Hotel

Transportation and Guides

  • Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer on Arrival and Departure
  • Ferry between Auckland and Waiheke Island
  • Rental Car with Automatic Transmission for 3 Days

Meals Included

  • Delectable Breakfast Each Morning

Points of Interest

  • Sky Tower
  • Okahu Bay
  • Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
  • Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
  • Rotorua
  • Te Puia & Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley
  • Lake Wakatipu
  • Queenstown
  • Te Anau & Fiordlands
  • Milford Sound

Mount Eden, North Island

Auckland Art Gallery, North Island

Sky Tower, North Island

Waiheke Island, North Island

Waitomo Caves, North Island

Waitomo, North Island

Lake Wakatipu, South Island

Milford Sound, South Island

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2026

Available Dates

Oct, Nov, Dec

From $4,895 per person

2027

Available Dates

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

From $5,385 per person

Your Price Includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 7 Nights in Authentic Superior Hotels

TRANSPORTATION

  • Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer on Arrival and Departure
  • Ferry between Auckland and Waiheke Island
  • Rental Car with Automatic Transmission for 3 Days

DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED

  • Delectable Breakfast Each Morning

INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

  • Visit three Boutique Vineyards and Enjoy Tastings & an Excellent Platter Lunch on a Small Group Tour of Waiheke Island
  • Glide by Boat through the Enchanted Glowworm Caves of Waitomo
  • Enjoy a Full Day Experiencing Maori culture and the geothermal regions of Rotoroa and see how they are intricately entwined
  • Travel along Lake Wakatipu in a Glass-Roof Coach, Enjoy Lunch & a Boutique Cruise Traversing Milford Sound, and Fly over Stunning Alpine Scenery on a Full-Day Nature Discovery Tour

POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Sky Tower
  • Okahu Bay
  • Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
  • Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
  • Rotorua
  • Te Puia & Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley
  • Lake Wakatipu
  • Queenstown
  • Te Anau & Fjordlands
  • Milford Sound
Prices Based On
  • All Taxes & Fees Included
  • Prices are Per Person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room.
  • Traveling Alone? No Problem. Just Ask Us for a Single Supplement Price.

"Belated Norway Honeymoon"

Brandi Moore

Georgia

This was my first experience working with Authentic Vacations and they did not disappoint! Amber was amazing!!! I was in over my head with a Norway itinerary, but she put my mind at ease. She was so patient! My clients made it very challenging. I was ready to give up after several attempts to create the itinerary they requested because each time they'd ask for another change. Amber did not waiver though. She knew just what to do and always had excellent recommendations. She listened and took the time to talk through the clients' requests with me. With the help of Amber and the local Nordics team I was finally able to give the clients the perfect itinerary. They were so pleased! This trip was on their bucket list and they had an amazing time. I really don't know what I would have done without Amber! I will definitely use Authentic again. I was so impressed with their process and the level of support. I never felt like just another email itinerary request. Working with Amber was like working with family and I knew both myself and the clients were in great hands. Thank you, Amber, for taking such good care of us and for making me look like a rockstar with these clients!

"Small Group Private Trip to Ireland/Scotland"

TJ Hayes

Florida

Amber and Authentic Vacations saved my group and my reputation with these clients when another "'reputable" supplier severely dropped the ball and botched the booking experience. Not only did they come in under budget BUT they added so many other experiences for clients. I knew nothing about Scotland and only a little about Ireland and she took that weight entirely off my hands. Clients are back and had a great adventure! Highly recommend Amber and the Authentic Vacations team. They made me look like a rockstar and clients loved their entire experience.

"Friend Vacation"

Melanie Carpenter

Ireland

Jennifer made me look like a rock star in my clients' eyes! 2 couples did an 8 day adventure in Ireland. They gave me their list of must see and dos and Jennifer filled in all the gaps and planned the best route. Her call with me prior to the clients' departure was super informative. She gave me times where they should plan on heading to their next stop on their busy days. All the extra little advice she gives is absolutely invaluable! So glad I have another set of clients heading to Ireland next year and that I get to work with her again!

"Anniversary"

Christopher Castelo

Philippines

It is lived up my expectation

"2026 Family vacation to Italy"

Richard Sasson

Oakland

Amber at Authentic Vacations was absolutely wonderful. She helped put together a great trip for the family. The feedback from the family is below:


From Marta: With the exception of a tour that was delayed, everything scheduled commenced on time. Our drivers and tour guides were outstanding! Hotel Corallo was heavenly and couldn’t have been better located. Hotel Quirinale needs to provide more storage space! Though the rooms were spacious, the furniture was not suitable for storing our clothes!


From Joseph: Richard was excellent. So thorough in every possible way, even stuff I didn't think of when I typically travel, and he was responsive to a few things that came up during our trip. Will be using him for our next trip.

"Italy Trip"

John Ambrose

Colorado

Jen set up everything and the trip was amazing. The hotels and places we visited were all awesome. Jen did a great job of selecting and creating our daily venues.

"Holiday break in Ireland"

Rodney Bates

Chum Creek, Vic. Australia

The trip to Ireland met every expectation and more. Everything happened as planned, fabulous hotels and locations, seamless arrangements for airport transfers and car hire, and made good use of the inclusions and itinerary suggestions. Our second trip with these guys, thoroughly recommend them for your next journey

"Birthday"

Karen Sanchez

NY

The clients had an amazing time. They even texted in destination to tell me how wonderful everything was. Adina was super knowledgeable and her planning was flawless.

1. Click the “GET QUOTE” Button Above.

Complete our inquiry form by selecting your departure date, and all other relevant fields. Be sure to let us know if you're traveling for a special occasion! We can adjust most of our vacation packages to suit your needs, based on the details you provide.

2. Online Account & Quote Created

Your request will be forwarded to our team of Destination Experts, and a price quote will be prepared, based on your submitted preferences and criteria. A free Authentic Vacations online account will also be created, allowing you to view and request changes to your quote at any time. Log into your account via “LOGIN” at the top of any of our webpages.

3. Fine-Tune Your Tour Quote

Work with your assigned Destination Expert to tweak your quote in any way you wish. Our customers continually tell us that our flexibility in this regard is exceptional – your Destination Expert’s sole brief is to create the perfect tour for you!

4. Reserve & Pay Online

Once your quote is 100% to your liking, you can pay for your package with your credit card via your Authentic Vacations online account. We also accept payment by personal check and wire transfer. We only require a 20% deposit to secure your vacation, and our Risk-Free Cancellation Policy provides you with complete peace of mind.

5. Print Your Travel Documents & Go!

Once your vacation has been paid in full, you will be able to print your travel documents directly from your online account. You’re ready to embark on your ideal, authentic vacation!!

Questions?

If you would prefer to discuss your perfect vacation on the phone, we would be delighted to hear from you! Our Destination Experts are standing-by and looking forward to speaking with you at any time during our business hours listed below. We also operate a very responsive and efficient Live Chat service on our website…instant gratification awaits!

Toll-free from the US and Canada: 1-888-443-5259 Rest of World: +1-707-687-0191

Hours of Business:

Monday – Thursday: 7:00am – 5:00pm PST

Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm PST

Saturday: 6:00am – 3:00pm PST

Sunday: 6:00am – 3:00pm PST

With offices in Scottsdale, San Francisco, London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Edinburgh, we can offer you unrivaled support while you are abroad. We truly believe all our clients deserve an extraordinary, authentic experience!