11-Night Iconic & Unexpected New Zealand

Day 2

Accommodation

5-Star View Hotel - Rotorua, North Island

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after  PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before  AM.

Included Unique Activities

Footwhistle Glowworm Cave Tour

Enjoy a scenic shuttle ride for the 3.5 kilometre to the cave while your experienced guide reveals the rich history of Waitomo.  On arrival, take a short walk through breath taking New Zealand native bush to the cave entrance.  The guide will light candles setting the scene for an intimate cave experience.  See glowworms and cave formations up close and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave (also known to local Maori as Te Anaroa Cave).  Around a corner lie the bones of one of New Zealand's lost treasures, the ancient Moa.  Formation lights cast a warm glow over the stunning cave formations as the guide tells of the insect life that lives here - titiwai, the glow worm and tuna, the eel.  After enjoying a relaxed stroll through the cave, be seated in Footwhistle's Cathedral to see it lit up by a dazzling magnesium torch.

Overnight Location

Rotorua, North Island

On the map: Rotorua is a small town set on Lake Rotorua - on New Zealand’s North Island - and is roughly 228 km (142 miles) southeast of Auckland. 

Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is the centre of an extensive thermal region. Geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's frightening yet fascinating power. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or take advantage of the area’s surrounding lakes, which offer some of the world's best trout fishing. Not only is Rotorua a center for stunning geological sites, the city is home to the deeply-rooted Maori people. Here you can enjoy the culture and entertainment of these native peoples - try a hangi feast cooked in the steaming ground or take a tour of an authentic pre-European village. For those who are looking to experience a thrilling adventure, Rotorua is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and offers everything from bungy jumping and luging to zorbing and ziplining! No matter how you choose to spend your time here, Rotorua is sure to bring you the perfect blend of adventure and culture.

Day 3

Accommodation

5-Star View Hotel - Rotorua, North Island

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after  PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before  AM.

Included Unique Activities

Rotorua Lakes, Mount Tarawera, Orakei Korako by Helicopter

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed there you will ferry to cross the river and begin your land based tour. Here experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farms and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to our Lakefront pier.

Duration: This tour is approximately 2.5-3 hours in duration, includes approximately 20-minute landing on Mount Tarawera and 1-1.5 hours touring the Valley, and includes check-in and briefing.

Please note: Individual passenger weights must be advised at the time of booking and all passengers will also be weighed prior to the flight. Any deviation from the initial declared weight (within reason) may result in a flight being re-scheduled or a surcharge being applied.

Behind the Scenes at The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour

Go behind the scenes with New Zealand's national animal at the purpose-built Kiwi Conservation Centre - created solely to try and stop the extinction of this unique species. Here you will gain first-hand insight into the conservation efforts being made to increase the numbers of kiwi eggs being hatched and returned to the wild.

This distinctive tour offers the opportunity to join the husbandry team in a staff-only area where the kiwi chicks are cared for until they are ready to go to RainbowSprings' outdoor enclosures. From here you are guided through into a nocturnal house to view kiwi in a more natural environment behind glass. In the wild, only 5% of kiwi chicks reach 6 months of age - this is because of the introduced predators, such as the stoat. If kiwi is removed from the wild at this vulnerable age and released into the wild at a stoat-proof 1kg they have a much improved 65% survival rate. The tour concludes in a display area where you are able to complement your kiwi-learning with audio-visual material.

Every Behind the Scenes Tour booked is a 100% donation to the kiwi conservation program, which helps ensure the nature park's ability to research, house and feed these precious birds so that we can continue to play a vital role in their survival.

Suggested Sightseeing

Rotorua, North Island

On the map: Rotorua is a small town set on Lake Rotorua - on New Zealand’s North Island - and is roughly 228 km (142 miles) southeast of Auckland. 

Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is the centre of an extensive thermal region. Geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's frightening yet fascinating power. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or take advantage of the area’s surrounding lakes, which offer some of the world's best trout fishing. Not only is Rotorua a center for stunning geological sites, the city is home to the deeply-rooted Maori people. Here you can enjoy the culture and entertainment of these native peoples - try a hangi feast cooked in the steaming ground or take a tour of an authentic pre-European village. For those who are looking to experience a thrilling adventure, Rotorua is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and offers everything from bungy jumping and luging to zorbing and ziplining! No matter how you choose to spend your time here, Rotorua is sure to bring you the perfect blend of adventure and culture.

Day 4

Accommodation

4-Star Art-Deco Hotel - Napier, North Island

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 10 AM.

Included Unique Activities

A Twilight Odyssey (Wine and Dine Tour)

Take a scenic drive through the vineyards as you learn about the region and its wines. Enjoy a full interactive wine tasting alongside gourmet platters at Vidal Estate. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views from Te Mata Peak while enjoying a glass of bubbles as the sun sets from 399m above sea level (overlooking the glimmering lights of the Twin Cities in winter). Proceed to Craggy Range or Elephant Hill for the main course served with wine. Finish the evening at the country’s oldest and grandest winery the Mission Estate for dessert and dessert wines.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup/drop off. Progressive Three Course Dinner @ NZ’s Top Winery Restaurants. Sightseeing with Fully Guided Commentary. Interactive Wine Tasting & Platter. Champagne Sunset from Te Mata Peak. Main Course with 3 Wines. Dessert & 2 Dessert Wines

Overnight Location

Napier, North Island

On the map: Set in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island, Napier is known for its art deco landmarks. The city is roughly 220 km (137 miles) southeast of Rotorua and 320 km (199 miles) northeast of Wellington. 

Napier and its neighbour Hastings, are rich farming lands supporting vast orchards, vineyards and sheep farming. Wool and fruit growing are the backbone of the region's economy and Napier is quickly gaining an international reputation for winemaking. The town is home to many fine wineries, fabulous restaurants, bars and cafes. After the violent earthquake of 1931, and subsequent fires, most of Napier’s commercial heart was destroyed. Napier’s harbour sustained a massive upheaval and 4000 hectares of new land was formed. The people of Napier rebuilt their city which has lent an art deco flavour to the downtown area. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s; Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco. Napier's Art Deco style is unique with its Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay - a famous New Zealand architect. For those lucky enough to visit in the month of February, be sure to check out the annual Art Deco Festival - a stylish celebration of all things 1930s!

Day 5

Accommodation

Award-Winning Luxury Inn - Christchurch, South Island

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Half Day Ancient Maori Village Tour

Hinewai and Cameron, your hosts, provide visitors with an authentically unique and inspiring cultural experience, journeying through Hinewai's ancestral mountains, lands, waters, that connects your being to their being.

This tour takes you to a prominent site in local Maori history. The fortified hilltop villages of Otatara and Hikurangi are the largest of its kind in pre-European New Zealand. On arrival to the site, you will receive a powhiri (a traditional Maori welcome ceremony) and guided around the fortified villages by the descendants of the people who occupied it hundreds of years ago.

You’ll view untouched house and food storage pits that were carved into the hillside, including the kumara (Māori sweet potato) gardens and storage pits. The story of the last epic battle fought around this site, involving over 2000 men, will be told on the upper Hikurangi Pa village as the backdrop for this amazing tale. Visitors can handle ancient weaponry to help visualize the attack with a 360-degree view of the Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy tasting traditional food and beverage delicacies that contributed in Hinewai's ancestor’s superior physique.

The tour ends in observing the traditional practice of trapping and releasing tuna/eel in the local ancestral river and the planting of a native tree along the riparian margin.

Important note: This tour involves uphill and downhill walking on formed, unpaved footpaths. Some, but not all, areas can be reached by vehicle. For a full appreciation of this tour and the sites visited, a good level of fitness is necessary.

Flight from Napier to Christchurch

Today you'll fly from Napier to Christchurch,

On arrival at Christchurch Airport and after completion of customs formalities, make your way into the arrivals hall. Here you will be met by your driver for the South Island and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Your driver will be holding a sign with your booking name detailed.

Christchurch Vintage Bike Tour

There is a lot of construction activity and plenty of new landscaping worth crediting, plus a combination of heritage sites that have found a new lease of life and state of the art buildings to admire. The city is made for biking and our local guides will wind through the alleyways, cycleways and carve through the city pointing out interesting facts and history, especially around the changing urbanscape.

Hagley Park opens up for easy cycling and a chance to see how the city’s residents utilize the park for sporting and social activities. We visit C4 Coffee HQ and indulge with a coffee and spy the roastery. For all the foodies out there: given interest and time we also have a number of great food/coffee places to suggest throughout the tour.

(Easy riding, throughout flat streets and bike-friendly trails)

Dinner at Pescatore

This evening enjoy a dinner at your hotel restaurant, Pescatore. 

Christchurch's only 2 Hat Restaurant in the 2018 Cuisine Good Food Awards, Pescatore continues to earn its position as one of New Zealand's best contemporary dining experiences. The setting is luxurious and modern, offering a minimalist approach to formal dining that is thoughtfully comfortable and uncluttered.

Overnight Location

Christchurch, South Island

On the Map: Known for its English heritage, Christchurch is a city located on New Zealand’s South Island. The city is roughly 483 km (300 miles) northeast of Queenstown and 415 km (258 miles) south of Nelson. 

Often referred to as the Garden City, Christchurch features majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, the most notable of which is expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. Bordering the park, you will find the botanical gardens and the Gothic revival building which houses the Canterbury Museum. The Avon River gently winds its way around these inner city landmarks and out through sprawling suburbs to the Pacific Ocean. In contrast to this flat cityscape and the surrounding Canterbury Plains, the skyline to the south is dominated by the tussock and rocky outcrops of the Port Hills. The hills separate the city from the volcanic Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour, where English settlers arrived by ship in 1850 to establish New Zealand’s first city. Visitors to Christchurch today will witness a virtual rebirth of the city as demolitions, repairs, and rebuilding occurs following several earthquakes in late 2010 early 2011. Visitors can explore this unique city by way of a double-decker bus, vintage bicycle, gondola, tram or classic Edwardian punt (a type of boat). No matter how you choose to explore Christchurch, it is sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Day 6

Accommodation

Secluded View Lodge - Stewart Island, South Island

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Flight from Christchurch to Invercargill

Enjoy a scenic 1-hour 20-minute flight from Christchurch to Invercargill. On a clear day the flight is spectacular, with the Southern Alps to the west of the flight path.

Flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island

Enjoy a scenic 20-minute flight, taking you past world record holder Burt Munro's test track, Oreti Beach and mainland New Zealand's southernmost town, Bluff and Foveaux Strait, where the world-famous Bluff Oysters are harvested. A courtesy van will meet you off the airplane, pick up your bags, and transfer you to our depot on the waterfront in Halfmoon Bay.

Overnight Location

Stewart Island, South Island

On the map: Stewart Island is New Zealand's most Southern island and is home to many native birds, including the country's icon, the Kiwi. The waters are startlingly clear and offer great opportunities to snorkel, dive or kayak. The small township of Oban sits among the native bush and offers a wide variety of accommodation and activities.

Day 7

Accommodation

Secluded View Lodge - Stewart Island, South Island

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Included Unique Activities

3.5 Hour Private Ulva Island Guided Walk

Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary is a unique predator-free environment, with easy walking tracks where you can take time to enjoy and discover the temperate Gondwanaland rainforest.  Your guide is an experienced bird, wildlife and natural history specialist, bringing their love of this special Island to ensure a memorable experience.  Discover the rare and endangered birds and plants at close quarters and take away the knowledge that you have glimpsed a part of a unique and primeval world.

Evening Kiwi Guided Walk

Departing Oban at dusk on the Foveaux Express, cruise past historic settlement sites on The Neck and learn about Stewart Island’s rich history and nature along the way. Once at Little Glory Cove undertake a 45 minute guided bush walk by torchlight with your specialist guide through spectacular coastal forest to a secluded sandy beach where Kiwi are often found searching for food after nightfall. Here, in the darkness, guests can witness the Southern Brown Kiwi in its unspoilt natural habitat. The native name for these amazing creatures is Rakiura Tokoeka (pronounced Rucky-oo-ruh Taw-kaw-eck-uh). They are the Stewart Island variety of Brown Kiwi and are found nowhere else. After searching for Kiwi, return to the vessel along the forest track, cruise back to Oban and enjoy complimentary tea and coffee onboard.

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and warm clothing. Please ensure footwear and clothing is adequate for mud, rain, wind, and sand.

Day 8

Accommodation

5-Star Ideal Heritage Lodge - Te Anau, South Island

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 10:30 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Ferry from Stewart Island to Bluff

Zip across Foveaux Strait between Stewart Island and Bluff on comfortable catamarans. During the trip, keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly sea birds such as Mollymawk (Albatross) and Titi which often follow the vessel. Complimentary tea and coffee available.

Departs from Stewart Island Visitor Terminal, Main Wharf, Halfmoon Bay.

Invercargill to Te Anau

Travel north across the fertile Southland plains, one of the most productive areas in New Zealand to the junction of Lumsden.  The road branches west to Lake Manapouri, one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand, continue on to Lake Te Anau, the South lsland's largest lake and the gateway to spectacular Fiordland.

Overnight Location

Te Anau, South Island

On the map: Located on the Te Anau lakefront, a short stroll from the Te Anau town centre, Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas is perfectly situated for you to make the most of this beautiful area. If you need an escape from everyday life, and a chance to indulge yourself with a relaxing holiday, this is the place for you. Te Anau is widely considered the 'Gateway to Fiordland', being the closest town to Milford Sound, a scenic 2½ hour drive away.

Day 9

Accommodation

5-Star Ideal Heritage Lodge - Te Anau, South Island

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 10:30 AM.

Day 10

Accommodation

Stunning Overnight Cruise - Te Anau, South Island

Check in policies:

Your vessel will anchor overnight in one of Doubtful Sound’s hidden arms with opportunities to go kayaking or to explore the shoreline on the tender craft.

Included Unique Activities

Te Anau to Queenstown

Depart Te Anau and drive through farmland and tussock country to Mossburn.  The road continues on through undulating countryside around Kingston, at the southern end of Lake Wakaitipu.  The route then skirts the shore between the lake and the sheer faces of the Remarkable Range with snow-capped alpine peaks ahead, to the resort town of Queenstown.

Overnight Location

Day at Leisure in Queenstown, South Island

During your leisure time you might want to travel up Bob’s peak by Gondola to enjoy spectacular views across Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkables Range in the distance.  

Maybe visit the Kiwi & Birdlife Park, a sanctuary for rare, endangered and common New Zealand bird species including of course our national icon the Kiwi. 

If walking is of interest to you then you may like to take a lakeside stroll to the Queenstown Gardens, or take a guided ½ day nature walk through native Beech Forest enjoying morning tea on the lakeshore listening to Native bird calls. 

If all these leisurely pursuits become too much then Queenstown has more adrenalin pumping activities than most towns.  You can jetboat up narrow river chasms, bungy jump, luge ride, go whitewater rafting, river surfing, abseiling, mountain biking, tandem parachuting and parapenting, to name just a few of the options available to you.

This evening is at your leisure. Enjoy dinner in town (by complimentary shuttle service from and to the lodge) or choose your choice of cuisine from the varied menus provided by local restaurants and the team at Azur will do the rest. Your meals will be elegantly plated and presented by candlelight – perhaps complemented with a bottle of fine New Zealand wine.

Te Anau, South Island

On the map: Located on the Te Anau lakefront, a short stroll from the Te Anau town centre, Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas is perfectly situated for you to make the most of this beautiful area. If you need an escape from everyday life, and a chance to indulge yourself with a relaxing holiday, this is the place for you. Te Anau is widely considered the 'Gateway to Fiordland', being the closest town to Milford Sound, a scenic 2½ hour drive away.

Day 11

Accommodation

Stunning Overnight Cruise - Te Anau, South Island

Check in policies:

Your vessel will anchor overnight in one of Doubtful Sound’s hidden arms with opportunities to go kayaking or to explore the shoreline on the tender craft.

Included Unique Activities

High Country Queenstown

This morning you will be picked up for your private half day tour out to the high country. Your guide will take you out to Mount Nicholas to experience the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountain peaks, beautiful river valleys, the beautiful colours of Lake Wakatipu and the rich New Zealand forest. Enjoy getting off the beaten track in a 4WD vehicle and get to know the Central Otago back country, only a stone’s throw away from the lively adventure resort that is Queenstown. 

Lunch out on farmland with memorable views will be included on your tour today.  

Dinner at Rata

Set Menu, shared bites followed by a choice of entree, main and dessert

A modern light-filled eatery tucked away in the centre of bustling Queenstown, surrounded by an urban forest of native trees with a backdrop of  some of the regions oldest historic buildings. 
Rātā creates genuine dining experiences featuring well balanced and inspired New Zealand cuisine, coupled with generous service. Rātā is delicious, inventive, generous & adventurous.

Day 12

Depart From

Depart from Queenstown Airport, South Island

Return to Queenstown Airport at least two hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.