New Zealand Highlights

Day 1 – Arrive Auckland, the City of Sails. You will be transported to your hotel in the heart of the city for check-in and dinner.









Day 2 - Wonders of Waiheke - Board a ferry for a ride to Waiheke Island for a day of natural delights. An island tour includes a close-up look at sugar-sand beaches, fertile farmland and some of the region's top wineries. A special lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard entices with a taste of the vine. The remainder of the day is spent on your own back in Auckland.














Day 3 - A day of Maori traditions - Travel to Rotorua today, rich in geologic history and Maori traditions. Have lunch at a working farm and country garden to experience an authentic glimpse of daily life and spend the afternoon at the Te Puia Maori Cultural Center. A private welcome presentation includes poi dancing and a moving rendition of the haka. Stroll through an array of cultural arts exhibits amidst bubbling mud pots and thermal geysers.




Day 4 - Mussels on Marlborough Sounds - Feel like a privileged member of the jet set today as you board a private plane for your flight to Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds on New Zealand's South Island. Besides producing great wine, this island boasts delectable freshly caught seafood, including green-lipped mussels. Sample them on a luncheon cruise that celebrates the bounty of land and sea before flying off to Wellington on this exclusive private charter. Stay two nights at an ideally located waterfront hotel.


Day 5 - Historic Wellington -  The city is known for its scenic beauty and its amazing five-story national museum. Touring the Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum is like actually experiencing thousands of years of New Zealand's history in person as motion simulators and interactive exhibits include you in the journey. The remainder of the day is free to make your own history.





Day 6 - Fly to Queenstown - Weather permitting, glimpse Mt. Cook from aboard our private plane as you fly to Queenstown. One of the benefits of flying in a private plane is the ability to circle sights you want to see; if feasible, the pilot will soar close to the mountain for you to get a better look. Your Queenstown hotel enjoys a premier city-center address overlooking Lake Wakatipu.















Day 7 - From jet-boating to sheep-shearing - Even if you're not all that adventurous, today's thrilling high-speed jet-boat ride down a river carved through the narrow, rocky gorges and canyons of Shotover River Canyon will be a highlight! Catch your breath on a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak Country Farm. Afternoon tea and a sheep-shearing demonstration round out the day's activities.

Day 8 - Milford Sound and Christchurch as you please – Our early morning charter flight takes you to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a scenic drive and luncheon cruise on Milford Sound. Soul-stirring scenery includes rainforests with cascading waterfalls, glacier-carved inlets and an occasional sunbathing seal. This afternoon's flight takes you to the garden city of Christchurch, where gracious willow trees line the banks of the Avon River. Join us for a farewell dinner tonight as we say hooray (goodbye) to the lands down under.

Day 9 – Christchurch – Transfer this morning to the airport for your flight home.

Price per person, double occupancy varies depending on season and whether you select this itinerary as an escorted tour or independent (on your own). This is only one of several itineraries available.  You can also combine it with an Australia Itinerary.



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