Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland, New Zealand. Meet your guide and fellow travellers at your hotel reception at 2:30pm and embark on your Flavours of our City with The Big Foody Food Tours. This is a laid back walking tour is a wonderful way to experience flavours of our city whilst getting familiarized with the downtown area. Sampling some great national and international produce as we weave our way through the arcades and alleys of the city centre we hear about the history, culture, characters and architecture of Auckland while tasting some of the most delicious foods. Tonight enjoy a fabulous Welcome Dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travel companions at Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill. Auckland's premier waterfront dining destination. With panoramic harbour views from our all-weather deck, every detail is crafted to make your dining experience memorable-from our commitment to sustainability to the use of the finest quality seasonal produce.
Hotel: MSocial Hotel Auckland (4 Star Rating)
Functionally chic, this boutique hotel features 190 rooms and suites and overlooks the vibrant Princess Wharf which is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences.
Choose to stay connected both online and offline. Enjoy free Wi-Fi during your stay, relieve the stresses of the day at the 24-hour gym or treat yourself to some of the best cuisine from around the world at M Social Restaurant. Alternatively, catch up with friends - both old and new - over a drink at M Social Bar while watching the ships come in.
Located near Auckland's main strip, the hub of the city centre with its abundance of designer fashions, lively nightlife, shows, theatre and live music, this vibrant hotel exudes youthful energy. Don't miss a visit to the Sky Tower for the best views in town or wander through the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, with its world-class collections and exhibitions from New Zealand and around the world.
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Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2: Explore Waiheke IslandToday starts with breakfast at your hotel. This morning you will catch the ferry from downtown Auckland to beautiful Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island boasts 92km of pristine beaches, stunning coastal headlands, wineries, olive groves and seaside villages and is approximately a 40-minute cruise from Auckland. One of New Zealand's most popular destinations, Waiheke Island has been rated as one of the top island escapes in the world. Today, you will visit some of Waiheke's top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Along the way enjoy a commentated scenic drive, learning about the Island's history, geography, people and culture from your knowledgeable local guide. After your wine tasting experience sit back, relax and enjoy a lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer at a favourite local restaurant before heading back to Auckland on the ferry, arriving at approximately 5.30pm. The evening is free to explore Auckland's nightlife and restaurant scene on your own.
Hotel: MSocial Hotel Auckland (4 Star Rating)
Functionally chic, this boutique hotel features 190 rooms and suites and overlooks the vibrant Princess Wharf which is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences.
Choose to stay connected both online and offline. Enjoy free Wi-Fi during your stay, relieve the stresses of the day at the 24-hour gym or treat yourself to some of the best cuisine from around the world at M Social Restaurant. Alternatively, catch up with friends - both old and new - over a drink at M Social Bar while watching the ships come in.
Located near Auckland's main strip, the hub of the city centre with its abundance of designer fashions, lively nightlife, shows, theatre and live music, this vibrant hotel exudes youthful energy. Don't miss a visit to the Sky Tower for the best views in town or wander through the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, with its world-class collections and exhibitions from New Zealand and around the world.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Auckland to RotoruaTravel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills as you approach "The Shire". Enjoy commentary on the way to Hobbiton with insights into the areas you are travelling through, along with some background on the movies. On arrival at Shire's Rest, you embark on your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, and the party tree. At this stunning location, you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Continue on to Rotorua. Check in to your accommodation with time to freshen up before an amazing evening at Te Puia. Explore the stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools, and feel the natural power of Pohutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere! Your guided journey takes you through the geothermal valley, where you'll also visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Savour a delicious buffet at our Pataka Kai Restaurant & Bar, which overlooks a geothermal wonderland. Enjoy freshly-sourced produce, traditionally cooked meats and vegetables, kai moana (seafood), and a selection of sweet desserts. Be captivated by a cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. The performance includes a pohiri (traditional Maori welcome), waiata (song), moteatea (chant), poi, and haka. Wrap up the evening with a stroll back into the geothermal landscape while sipping on hot chocolate. Experience a night that will enlighten you - see, hear and taste Maori culture.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (4 Star Rating)
Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and just a short stroll from the city centre, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly destination offering comfort and convenience in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Perfect for leisure and business travellers, our hotel is within walking distance of Polynesian Spa, Rotorua’s vibrant dining scene, and local attractions.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Rotorua to NapierThis morning before departing Rotorua, enjoy the Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. Your 2 hour restorative journey is the ultimate cultural wellness spa experience. Unique in the world, this multi-sensory wellness experience blends cultural commentary with the healing elements of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam. Purposefully curated to relax and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit this 7-step therapeutic journey draws on the centuries-old legacy of Ngati Whakaue practices and culture. Travel via Taupo which sits on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. From Taupo you'll travel over the Ahiminawa Ranges to Napier. Napier has the highest concentrations of Striped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco building styles in the world. The commercial centre was completely rebuilt following a catastrophic earthquake in 1931. Napier is also at the centre of one of the largest and most vibrant wine-producing areas in New Zealand. This evening dinner is at your hotel and afterwards the night is at leisure on your own in Napier.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier (3 Star Rating)
Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, with our Napier hotel enjoying a premium waterfront location on Napier's Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay and guests are treated to sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street and is located in close proximity to many of Napier's attractions.
We invite you to enjoy quality 4-star hotel accommodation of an international standard. From the moment you step into our spacious, light-filled lobby, you will experience our commitment to quality and customer service. If you fancy waking up to serene ocean views, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is the perfect place to start your day in Hawke’s Bay. Simply leave the curtains open, roll over in bed, and soak it all in. See you soon.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5: Napier SightseeingAfter breakfast, experience Art Deco Napier with a luxurious vintage car tour and an exclusive guided walk featuring some of the city's most iconic buildings. Discover Napier's Art Deco heritage in style in a luxurious 1930's vintage car. Your deco- dressed driver will transport you back in time as they relay the history of the area. Your journey will take you through Napier's famous Art Deco Quarter, and includes visits to the world-renowned Municipal Theatre or the Bluff Hill Scenic Lookout and includes plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs. This afternoon visit a selection of local wineries in the region along with a delicious lunch. Later on you will have the opportunity for free time or perhaps some further sightseeing, followed by the evening at leisure.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier (3 Star Rating)
Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, with our Napier hotel enjoying a premium waterfront location on Napier's Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay and guests are treated to sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street and is located in close proximity to many of Napier's attractions.
We invite you to enjoy quality 4-star hotel accommodation of an international standard. From the moment you step into our spacious, light-filled lobby, you will experience our commitment to quality and customer service. If you fancy waking up to serene ocean views, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is the perfect place to start your day in Hawke’s Bay. Simply leave the curtains open, roll over in bed, and soak it all in. See you soon.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Napier to WellingtonNext stop, Wellington! Leaving the 1930's inspired city of Napier you will travel through the countryside of the Hawke's Bay and Manawatu regions, then along the Kapiti Coastline into the capital city of Wellington. Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and exploring on foot is relatively easy. You can easily stroll the famous cafes and restaurants within the city and New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, is also close by. On arrival in Wellington, take an orientation tour through the CBD (Central Business District, or Downtown), the waterfront, Mt Victoria including a one-way tour in the Wellington Cable Car. One of the city's most iconic experiences, Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital. For over 120 years, the Cable Car has trundled up and down the Kelburn hillside. The five-minute trip has become a Wellington must-do for tourists. The views of the city below and harbour and hills beyond are, predictably, spectacular. This evening is at leisure to enjoy Wellington on your own.
Hotel: Rydges Wellington (3 Star Rating)
Rydges Wellington is centrally located on downtown Featherston Street with a unique combination of harbor and city outlooks. Our Wellington accommodation is within walking distance to Lambton Quay, Sky Stadium, Queens Wharf, and Wellington Railway Station making it ideally positioned in the heart of the capital. View features and amenities.
This 4+ star hotel offers 280 Wellington accommodation rooms for business and leisure guests with the benefits of modern facilities including FREE WI-FI throughout, and fantastic leisure facilities. All rooms feature flat-screen televisions and kitchenettes. There are 19 apartment-style suites, perfect for your long Wellington accommodation requirements with washer and drier facilities available. Rydges Wellington is your landmark Wellington accommodation in the Capital.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7: Wellington to MarlboroughStart your day with breakfast at your hotel before visiting Te Papa. The Introducing Te Papa Tour provides an overview of Te Papa's highlights, Maori taonga (treasures) and New Zealand history and allows plenty of time to explore Te Papa on your own! The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the national museum of New Zealand. New Zealand's geology and natural environment and the stories of New Zealand's indigenous people, the Maori, are celebrated in Te Papa's permanent exhibitions, while Te Papa's Marae is a vibrant contemporary meeting house and a living communal centre, unique in a museum. An exciting range of exhibitions display New Zealand's diverse art and visual culture and top-rating international exhibitions tour regularly. It is time to head to the South Island! Inter islander's Cook Strait ferries travel between Wellington and Picton New Zealand. The 92km voyage takes 3 hours and has been described as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world". All the ships have bars on board, cafes and food courts, cinemas on all 3 ships. Your trip across the Cook Strait will be both enjoyable and unforgettable. On arrival, we make our way to Blenheim. Situated on the fertile Wairau Plains in the Marlborough district, Blenheim's varied attractions include its wine industry, the waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, gourmet foods, adventure activities, relaxing recreation opportunities and much more. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Marlborough Blenheim (4 Star Rating)
A recent multi-million dollar renovation has left this contemporary property sparkling with style and comfort. Located in the heart of sunny Marlborough, the hotel is just minutes walk from the centre of Blenheim and puts some of New Zealand's finest food and wine virtually on your doorstep. Scenic Hotel Marlborough offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service. You're sure to feel refreshed with a visit to Scenic Hotel Marlborough.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Marlborough SightseeingAfter breakfast experience a unique NZ attraction - the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and the outstanding Knights of the Sky exhibition, featuring Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of WW1 aircraft and artifacts. The story of aviation in the Great War is brought to life in sensational sets created by the internationally acclaimed talent of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. A must-do for all visitors to Marlborough, you will be swept up in the displays and stories of a bygone era including the exploits of the Red Baron. Marlborough is best known for wine and the unique Marlborough Sounds - explore both on your exclusive Marlborough Tour. A Marlborough winery visit follows featuring wine tasting and delicious shared platters. Any additional lunch, if you need it, is at your own cost. Afterward, relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the exclusive afternoon Seafood Odyssea Cruise. As you cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound/Totaranui, sample local seafood such as local Salmon and Greenshell mussels, with Marlborough sauvignon blanc for the definitive wine/food match. Discover the natural beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound/Totaranui while relaxing aboard our well-appointed catamaran. Learn about the fascinating Marlborough Sounds from our knowledgeable crew and take in the picturesque scenery, keeping an eye out for local wildlife including seals, dolphins and birds.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Marlborough Blenheim (4 Star Rating)
A recent multi-million dollar renovation has left this contemporary property sparkling with style and comfort. Located in the heart of sunny Marlborough, the hotel is just minutes walk from the centre of Blenheim and puts some of New Zealand's finest food and wine virtually on your doorstep. Scenic Hotel Marlborough offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service. You're sure to feel refreshed with a visit to Scenic Hotel Marlborough.
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Meal(s): Lunch, Breakfast
Day 9: Marlborough Region to KaikouraThis morning we depart for the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura, taking in a stunning scenic drive along the way. Kaikoura's environment is truly spectacular - the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. Kaikoura's special talent is marine mammal encounters - whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. There are cafes, restaurants and shops to explore. On arrival in Kaikoura, on arrival in Kaikoura, you will embark on your activity (which has been organized directly by your tour driver/guide earlier in the tour, or if you choose, the day is at leisure. Activities include - Whale Watch Cruise, Wings Over Whales Scenic Flight, Dolphin Watch Cruise or Zip Lining. Activities are weather dependent. Tonight is a special night, you will experience a night at Hapuku Kitchen, a celebrated Kaikoura dining experience showcasing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, inventive cuisine, warm hospitality, and an intimate atmosphere reflecting local coastal heritage.
Hotel: Sudima Kaikoura (5 Star Rating)
Located on the shoreline, Sudima Kaikoura is a brand new 4.5-star hotel with stunning views of mountains and sea. It’s just a short walk from the township’s retail centre and main activity and attraction booking centres. With state-of-the-art facilities it is the first hotel of this size and quality in Kaikoura, making it the place to stay for visitors to the region.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Kaikoura to ChristchurchAfter breakfast, we head for Christchurch, taking in breathtaking views of the Kaikoura mountain ranges along the way. Enroute we visit Tawanui Farm. The Tawanui farm experience gives you an in-depth look at a working New Zealand farm. Meet the farm dogs, see them working the sheep and cattle and learn about regenerative farming practices. From here we jump on Energy Jet (dependent on river conditions) for an exciting blast up the Hurunui River followed by a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch. Embrace a total, rural New Zealand experience with a family who has lived in the Cheviot area for five generations. We then continue onto Christchurch. Christchurch blends English heritage with modern innovation, offering peaceful gardens, vibrant street art, and a rejuvenated city centre framed by the Southern Alps and the meandering Avon River, Enjoy an orientation tour of the city before a little time to freshen up for you tonight, a progressive dinner with Amiki Tours. A culturally immersive Christchurch experience blending storytelling, Maori heritage, local cuisine, hidden city gems, and passionate guides sharing authentic narratives.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (4 Star Rating)
The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions
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Meal(s): Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Christchurch to QueenstownToday we experience the beauty of the South Island on a scenic tour drive from Christchurch to Queenstown. Today is a long driving day, however the stunning and iconic New Zealand scenery is the experience. You will witness the incredible views of the Canterbury Plains, including a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo. You will proceed past stunning lake and mountain vistas, including New Zealand's southern alps and see Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. In Queenstown check in to your hotel and the evening is at leisure to explore the many fantastic restaurants and famous Alpine scenery.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (4 Star Rating)
Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping, entertainment, and outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting, and jet boating. The popular ski destinations of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona are also close by. Our 220 guest rooms and suites, meetings facilities, business center, gym, feature contemporary city-inspired design.
Our luxury hotel also offers accessible rooms for our special needs guests with our friendly staff on hand to assist you anytime. Most of our accommodation also offers scenic views of Queenstown city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your trip. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. We are firmly committed to sustainability best practices, constantly reviewing and improving operations to minimize the impact on the environment.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 12: Day at Leisure and group dinner in QueenstownEnjoy a relaxed day at leisure, allowing time to explore at your own pace. You may choose to unwind at your accommodation, stroll through local shops and cafés, or simply soak in the surrounding scenery. For those seeking activities, optional experiences such as jetboat rides, wine touring, bicycle rides or self-guided walks can provide a deeper connection to the destination while maintaining a flexible, unhurried schedule. Later, take a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola and enjoy the stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! You'll be carried above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, where you'll enjoy a spectacular panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown. Tonight we enjoy our last dinner together as a group with a BBQ dining experience at Walter Peak Country Farm which incorporates a scenic lake cruise, gourmet barbecue feast, farm show, and relaxed alpine atmosphere.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (4 Star Rating)
Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping, entertainment, and outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting, and jet boating. The popular ski destinations of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona are also close by. Our 220 guest rooms and suites, meetings facilities, business center, gym, feature contemporary city-inspired design.
Our luxury hotel also offers accessible rooms for our special needs guests with our friendly staff on hand to assist you anytime. Most of our accommodation also offers scenic views of Queenstown city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your trip. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. We are firmly committed to sustainability best practices, constantly reviewing and improving operations to minimize the impact on the environment.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Explore Milford SoundDepart Queenstown and travel to Milford Sound via Te Anau. Enjoy the stunning landscapes along the way on this 5 hour drive. Enjoy the best of Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most iconic sights with a leisurely and picturesque cruise. Exploring the length of the fjord you'll learn about the history of the region from your specialist nature guide. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fjordland crested penguins. Experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you'll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day. This is the perfect way to experience what's been called the "eighth wonder of the world". A picnic-style lunch on your cruise is included. At the end of your, return to Queenstown by coach. We strongly recommend choosing to upgrade your return journey to a scenic fixed wing or helicopter flight, this must be prebooked and is weather dependant on the day of travel. Tonight, your last night on tour, is at your leisure to enjoy Queenstown.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (4 Star Rating)
Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping, entertainment, and outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting, and jet boating. The popular ski destinations of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona are also close by. Our 220 guest rooms and suites, meetings facilities, business center, gym, feature contemporary city-inspired design.
Our luxury hotel also offers accessible rooms for our special needs guests with our friendly staff on hand to assist you anytime. Most of our accommodation also offers scenic views of Queenstown city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your trip. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. We are firmly committed to sustainability best practices, constantly reviewing and improving operations to minimize the impact on the environment.
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Meal(s): Lunch, Breakfast
Day 14: Depart QueenstownEnjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning at the hotel. This is the end of your New Zealand Odyssey.
Meal(s): Breakfast
