zSpectacular New Zealand from North to South

Auckland is a most extraordinary city comprised of 50 islands, 3 lovely harbors, 2 mountain ranges and 48 volcanic cones! Upon arrival in this welcoming city, we’ll embark on guided sightseeing tour including the bustling city-center, picturesque waterfront and Sky Tower, the tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere. Check in to the deluxe Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel and get to know your fellow travelers at this evening’s congenial welcome dinner. Meals D

After breakfast, we’ll check out from our hotel and depart Auckland, traveling southward through the lush Waikato region to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. An underground boat ride reveals the amazing site of the cavern roof aglow with millions of worms! We continue our scenic journey across rugged the landscapes of the Mamaku Ranges to the geo-thermal resort town of Rotorua. Check in to the inviting Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort where you’ll have time to refresh before dinner.  Meals B+D

After breakfast, our guided sightseeing tour showcases one of New Zealand’s most famous and unique regions. Our exploration begins at the Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland, celebrated for its spouting geysers and bubbling mud pools! Set in the lovely Government Gardens, the Rotorua Museum offers a fascinating look into the geology, history and indigenous Maori culture of the region. We’ll finish our exploration on a delightful note with a relaxing dip in the warm thermal waters of the Polynesian Pools overlooking beautiful Lake Rotorua. We return to Auckland via the fertile and picturesque farmlands of the Central Waikato region and check in once again at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel with time to relax before sitting down to another congenial dinner.  Meals B+D

After breakfast, we’ll be escorted to the airport for our flight to Queenstown where we’ll be warmly greeted and taken to the 5-star St. Moritz. Our stylish boutique hotel offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. Later, we’ll sample the boutique wines of a local winery and explore Arrowtown, founded in the heady days of the Gold Rush! A thrilling jetboat ride on the Shotover River is followed by a more tranquil excursion aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a turn-of-the-century steamer. We’ll cruise across Lake Wakatipu to an authentic high-country homestead where we’ll see highly trained sheep dogs in action and enjoy a lakeside dinner. Meals B+D

Our 4WD adventure to Genorchy immerses you in the magnificent scenery made famous in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Spend the morning surrounded by forests and soaring mountains before returning to Queenstown. Meals B+D

This afternoon’s gondola ride is a great way to take in the spectacular mountains and pristine waterways that surround Queenstown. At the Kiwi Birdlife Park, we’ll have a chance to observe and learn about some of New Zealand’s most fascinating wildlife species including the Brown Kiwi, Tuatara lizard, and the colorfully plumed Rainbow Lorikeet. After sightseeing, we’ll return to our hotel for dinner and a free evening. Meals B+D

After breakfast, we’ll depart our hotel and skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu as we make our way into Fiordland National Park to embark our overnight cruise aboard the comfortable Milford Mariner. Settle in to your private outside cabin and get set for the adventure of a lifetime! As we journey the full length of Milford Sound, our ship’s expert naturalists are on hand to explain the history and geology of the region and to answer our questions. We’ll have plenty of time to take in the fjord’s pristine waterfalls, rainforests and soaring mountain peaks - and with sharp eyes, we’re bound to observe seals and possibly even dolphins and penguins. Anchoring in a sheltered cover, we’ll be able to join our naturalist guides to explore in the Mariner’s tender or by kayak. This evening after a delicious carvery buffet, we can relax in the company of our fellow passengers or hit the deck to observe the constellations of the Southern Sky.  Meals B+D

After a hearty breakfast onboard the Mariner, we’ll step off ship and journey to Te Anau, an alpine region of unparalleled beauty set on the shores of one of New Zealand’s deepest lakes. Enjoy lunch and a brief tour on a working rural property, before we journey into the spectacular Kawarau Valley, home to the famous Bungy Bridge where two daring adventurers launched the worldwide bungee jumping craze in 1988. We’ll continue to Oliver’s Hotel, set on an authentic 19th-century homestead in historic Clyde, arriving in time for dinner and a relaxing evening. Meals B+L+D

With fruit orchards, waterways and rolling hills, Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s loveliest areas. We begin our exploration at a busy farmers market in Cromwell on the shores of Lake Dunstan. Then we’ll visit an orchard and winery where we’ll have a chance to sample the region’s delicious bounty.  Meals B+D

After breakfast, we’ll journey through the imposing Linda Pass to reach New Zealand’s highest mountain. We’ll check in to the Hermitage Hotel in time for dinner. Tonight, the absence of ambient light makes the Aoraki MacKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve one of the best places to view the Southern Constellations. Meals B+D

With its lovely parks, fine Anglican Cathedral and handsome Gothic buildings, there’s a very English ambience to Christchurch. Upon arrival, we’ll set out to see the town’s architectural landmarks and the Botanic Garden. Delight in casual conversation and dinner with a local family in their home and overnight at the George Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel overlooking Hagley Park on the River Avon. Meals B+D

Our New Zealand adventure ends today after breakfast.  Meals B