BRAND NEW FOR 2027: Expedition Cruises!

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

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, 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

"Italy anniversary trip"

Jan Pepe

GA

Ellie did a fabulous job helping me put together the perfect trip for my clients. She paid such great attention to the details I sent her, and my clients said the trip was AMAZING! Thank you Ellie!!!

"mom and daughter trip"

Tracy Layton

Ireland

What an amazing trip! I chose Authentic because the itinerary sounded exactly what we wanted to see. But what made this the trip of a lifetime was our driver/guide, Colm Dunlea. He was absolutely incredible. The stories he told, the little side trips he took us on, the tips he gave us as we arrived in each of the towns/cities, the pictures he took and all of the extras he gave us were just so very much appreciated. I am forever grateful to Colm Dunlea for all he did. He was BRILLIANT!!!

"85th birthday gift celebration"

Patricia Slota

Montague Michigan

Our trip to Ireland was beyond amazing. Each day brought new vistas filling us all with the heart of this beautiful land, The accomadations were just magical and each one had a lovely history of its own. The tour itinerary was well designed to teach us about Irelands different areas and history. Special praise to our ProCar chauffer / guide, Mr. Declan Cummins for going way above to care for each traveler . ( We were a varied group.) He is a huge asset to your company, We all grew very fond of him by weeks end. Thank you all for creating this wonderful adventure. I'd do it over again in a heartbeat!

"Denmark Vacation"

Eric Jensen

Minneapolis, MN

My clients' 'Denmark in the Spring' trip exceeded expectations — from the seamless logistics to the curated experiences in both Copenhagen and Aarhus, every detail was thoughtfully arranged. Their drivers and guides were exceptional, bringing the destinations to life in ways they couldn't have discovered on their own. They returned home already dreaming of their next trip.

"Mom and daughter trip"

Jill Loveless

Wisconsin

My client and her mother contacted me about travel to Ireland. They wanted something private and special. I met my Authentic Vacations' sales rep the night before and decided to send in a request. Best decision ever! Lauren L. received my request and immediately sent me an email with a few ideas, we talked on the phone and within 2 days I had a winning itinerary.

Fast forward. My client emailed me on arrival day and was very pleased with the service. She emailed me again on the last day and raved about their driver Colm Dunlea.

Working with Authentic Vacations was effortless. I highly recommend them and plan to use their service again.

"Family Vacation"

Denise Ferraro

New York

As a travel advisor, this was the first Ireland trip I entrusted to Authentic Vacations, and they knocked it out of the park. The clients loved having a private driver, thought the hotels were ideal, and a castle stay was the perfect ending to the trip.

"Birthday Family Trip"

Joan Cook

Illinois

My group of 10 returned from a week in Ireland where I hired a driver through Authentic Vacations. Delcan went above and beyond as I had 2 80+ women in the group that could not walk long distances. He found wheelchairs at every venue. My clients said he was very kind and friendly. Thank you to Jennifer at Authentic Vacations who made this experience a memory of a lifetime.

"Family Adventure"

Loryl Haggard

Fort Thomas, KY

Amber M. does the best job bringing my ideas to life for my clients. She truly builds the best curated trips and makes me look like a rockstar. From start to finish - she is there every step of the way. Having her and Authentic's support is awesome! Thank you for another excellent adventure!

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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!