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

This is a suggested itinerary for a private group with a minimum of 12 people traveling together. Some of these experiences are seasonal and may not be available. In those instances, we will source alternatives for your group.

Imagine an authentic tour of New Zealand. A trip that includes caves, lost treasures, and wine tasting at the top of the world. Perhaps you’d like unspoiled beaches, naturalists, and the wisdom of Māori guides. What could be better? Your New Zealand adventure begins in Auckland, a dazzling city of 49 dormant volcanoes and 190 ethnicities. 

From Auckland, it’s a short journey to Rotorua and Waitomo Caves. Enter a cave, lit by torches. Amazing. You’ll also take a helicopter tour and soar over pristine northern lakes, hot springs, and calderas—this is the New Zealand that few visitors get to see. Come with us to Fairy Springs and a Kiwi Hatchery. Once near extinction, these creatures have whiskers like a cat, massive feet, and they cannot fly. Being with them is a joy.

Two quite different experiences are up next. The first is a stylish, progressive dinner held at three of the top wineries in New Zealand. The next is a traditional Māori feast. Relax and feel time slip away. The city of Napier is a gem of Art Deco architecture, vintage fashion, and an extraordinary gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Christchurch is the place where urban innovation meets heritage. Go punting on the Avon River or explore the botanical gardens.

Stewart Island is a sanctuary of secluded bays, and you’ll discover rare birds with a knowledgeable guide. Feel the peace… From Te Anau, a catamaran sails you to an exclusive retreat; you may spot an albatross flying above. After a night spent cruising the Tasman Sea, you’re deeply aware of the magic here. Finally, you’re on to Queenstown, a vibrant city carved by glaciers and shaped by wild-eyed dreamers. Hop on a 4 x 4 for an off-road thrill through gold rush settlements and lush film sites. This extraordinary New Zealand vacation is pure wonder. 

Included Unique Activities

  • Private Introductory Auckland Sightseeing Tour
  • Footwhistle Glowworm Cave Tour
  • Experience a Helicopter Sightseeing Tour over Volcanos and Pristine Lakes
  • Behind the Scenes at The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour
  • A Twilight Odyssey Wine and Dine Tour
  • Half-Day Ancient Maori Village Tour
  • Christchurch Vintage Bike Tour
  • 3.5 Hour Private Ulva Island Guided Walk for 2
  • Evening Kiwi Guided Walk
  • Navigator Overnight Cruise Te Anau to Te Anau
  • Half-Day High Country Queenstown Tour
Footwhistle Glowworm Cave Tour

Footwhistle Glowworm Cave Tour

Auckland Introductory City Sightseeing Tour

Auckland Introductory City Sightseeing Tour

Rotorua Lakes, Mount Tarawera, Orakei Korako by Helicopter

Rotorua Lakes, Mount Tarawera, Orakei Korako by Helicopter

Behind the Scenes at The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour

Behind the Scenes at The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour

A Twilight Odyssey (Wine and Dine Tour)

A Twilight Odyssey (Wine and Dine Tour)

Half Day Ancient Maori Village Tour

Half Day Ancient Maori Village Tour

Flight from Napier to Christchurch

Flight from Napier to Christchurch

Christchurch Vintage Bike Tour

Christchurch Vintage Bike Tour

Accommodations

1 Night

Chic Heartfelt Hotel

2 Nights

5-Star View Hotel

1 Night

4-Star Art-Deco Hotel

1 Night

Award-Winning Luxury Inn

2 Nights

Secluded View Lodge

1 Night

5-Star Ideal Heritage Lodge

1 Night

Stunning Overnight Cruise

Transportation and Guides

  • Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer on Arrival and Departure
  • Private Luxury Air-Conditioned Mini-Coach Transportation with Knowledgable Driver-Guide
  • Domestic flights from Napier to Christchurch, Christchurch to Invercargill
  • Queenstown Jet Boat Airport Transfer

Meals Included

  • Delectable Breakfast Each Morning
  • A la carte Dinner at Sugar Club Auckland
  • Home-cooked Lunch at Crosshills Homestead, 
  • A Twilight Odyssey Wine and Dine Tour at NZ’s Top Winery Restaurants
    • Includes Interactive Wine Tasting & Platter. Champagne Sunset from Te Mata Peak. Main Course with 3 Wines. Dessert & 2 Dessert Wines
  • Dinner at Pescatore - Christchurch's only 2 Hat Restaurant in the 2018 Cuisine Good Food Awards
  • Dinner at Rātā - Set Menu, shared bites followed by a choice of entree, main and dessert

Points of Interest

  • Auckland
  • Ngaruawahia
  • Waitomo Village
  • Arapuni
  • Putaruru
  • Rotorua
  • Mount Tarawera and White Island
  • Waiotapu Thermal Region
  • Kaingaroa Forest
  • Napier
  • Te Mata Peak
  • Otatara and Hikurangi
  • Christchurch
  • Stewart Island
  • Oban
  • Lake Manapouri & Lake Te Anau
  • Queenstown

Rotorua, North Island

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2026

Available Dates

Oct, Nov, Dec

From $16,815 per person

2027

Available Dates

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

From $18,497 per person

"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!