Wonders of New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland, where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, set out to explore must-see city highlights including the Harbour Bridge, Eden Park, Mount Eden and Bastion Point. Later, enjoy a guided, interactive experience that showcases New Zealand’s iconic rugby team, the All Blacks, on a privately guided tour that reveals what shapes their success and the story behind their pulse-pounding rendition of the haka, a Maori ceremonial dance.

Board a ferry to Waiheke Island for a day of private food and wine tastings. Enjoy locally-produced specialty foods, accompanied by wines from some of the island’s top boutique vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes that complement the experience. Then, enjoy lunch at one of New Zealand’s top vineyard restaurants. Return to Auckland for an evening at leisure.

Venture through the lush pasturelands of Waikato to rural Matamata, the iconic Middle-Earth film location featured in the smash-hit movie trilogy of The Lord of the Rings. Enjoy a private tour of Hobbiton, the movie set that helped bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary stories to vivid life for countless millions of viewers. Behold the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, the gardens of The Shire and other structures, which were built specifically for the films. Proceed to the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you can relax and enjoy a beverage before lunch. Afterward, proceed to Rotorua, the cultural heartland of New Zealand. Check in to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure before dinner together at a local restaurant.

Start your day with a guided geothermal walk for an up-close look at the bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers unique to this region. Then, partake in an A&K-exclusive experience as you enjoy a private tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery. Observe the inner workings of a kiwi nursery and hatchery — the largest of its kind in the world — and hear about the other work being done to conserve the small flightless bird that serves as a proud symbol of this island nation. Afterward, proceed to a local Maori village, where you are traditionally welcomed to the marea (gathering place). Learn about the special occasions celebrated there and discover the site’s enduring importance to the tribe. Cap off your visit with lunch hosted in a local private home, gaining insights into the day-to-day life of local people living in Rotorua. Your hosts will present a meal of locally sourced ingredients prepared with Maori traditional tastes and influences. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Fly to Wellington and, upon arrival, visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to view its vast collection of cultural and indigenous treasures. Ascend by cable car to a scenic outlook point for incredible views over Wellington Harbour and the city to cap off your inspiring day. This evening, gather for dinner together at a local restaurant.

This morning, fly to Blenheim, where you drive to the Omaka Heritage Centre for a behind-the-scenes tour. Afterward, privately explore one of the Marlborough’s premier wineries and vineyards, and savor a tasting of its fine wine. This afternoon, board the Coastal Pacific Train for a relaxing ride to Kaikoura, one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand’s railways. Gaze out as your train carries you along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches and between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. On arrival in Kaikoura, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure before dinner.

Embark on an exciting whale-watching cruise, seeking out a breathtaking up-close encounter with sperm whales, a deep-diving species that was the model for Moby Dick. You may also sight orcas, New Zealand’s tiny Hector dolphins or high-spirited dusky dolphins. Kaikoura also boasts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand, including 13 species of albatross, 14 varieties of petrels and seven types of shearwaters. Back on land, proceed to Hapuku Kitchen for an A&K-exclusive Chef ’s Table experience that finds you helping prepare a New Zealand dish using locally sourced ingredients. Start by savoring a three-course farm-to-table lunch accompanied by beer and wine. Then, join a chef who guides you around the property foraging in the on-site garden for fruits and herbs. Return to the kitchen with your harvest for a hands-on cooking demonstration under the chef ’s supervision, preparing a seasonal dessert. Cap off your culinary adventure by enjoying your delicious creation with a cup of herbal tea. Your evening is at leisure.

Drive to Christchurch for your flight to Queenstown, where you are met and transferred to nearby Arrowtown with time for lunch at leisure and exploring on your own. One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown was established in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush, and today features many quaint restaurants to choose from. Afterward, check in to your hotel and later gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

Board a flight to Milford Sound, taking in the stunning alpine views along the way. Upon arrival, board a vessel for a tour of the sound’s majestic scenery. Cruise New Zealand’s southern fjords amid towering cliffs, viewing sparkling waterfalls while watching for wildlife. Return by air to Queenstown. This afternoon, transfer to picturesque Kingston Station, a private 22,000-acre sheep and cattle farm with a rich history. Meet your hosts and learn from them what farming is like in modern New Zealand. Then, step out to see a working sheep dog muster a flock, and feed and interact with the friendly farm animals.

After a relaxing morning at leisure, enjoy one of these Design Your Day options. Embark on an Exhilarating Jet Boat Ride through the stunning natural scenery of the Shotover River Canyons. Tour the Otago Wine Region, visiting wineries and tasting wines, including the region’s renowned Pinot Noir. Hike the Shores of Lake Wakatipu through native beech forest and follow Twelve Mile Creek to view relics from the area’s historic old-mining era and take in lake vistas. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner.

After breakfast, privately transfer to the airport to board your departing flight.