People ask is A&K the same company as Abercrombie and Kent? The answer is yes. Geoffrey Kent founded Abercrombie and Kent in Africa in 1962. The Kent family introduced luxury African Safari travel then over the years then expanded to all seven continents. A&K now offers luxury Expedition Cruising, Private Jet Travel Around the World, outstanding African expeditions to the last Continent of Antarctica. Pavlus Travel is a leader in providing the lowest prices for all A & K travel Worldwide travel be it a Tanzania Safari or any of their luxury European tours.
Day 1 - Auckland, 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.
Day 2 - Auckland
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.
Day 3 - Rotorua
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.
Day 4 - Rotorua
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.
Day 5 - Wellington
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.
Day 6 - Kaikoura
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.
Day 7 - Kaikoura
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.
Day 8 - Queenstown
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.
Day 9 - Queenstown
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.
Day 10 - Queenstown
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.
Day 11 - Queenstown
After breakfast, privately transfer to the airport to board
your departing flight.