The Long White Cloud

Upon your arrival in Auckland, you'll be greeted with a private transfer to QT Auckland hotel for a Welcome Reception with drinks and canapés.

Explore Auckland starting in historic Parnell, renowned for its boutiques and galleries. Discover New Zealand's cultural heritage at Auckland Museum in the Domain's beautiful surroundings. Wander along the waterfront, enjoying views of the harbor and the lively ambiance of Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour. Experience Mission Bay and Bastion Point for their seaside charm and views over Waitemata Harbour. Visit the magical Hobbiton Movie Set for "Lord of the Rings" fans, followed by a scenic drive to Tauranga. Enjoy dinner at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, surrounded by coastal scenery.

Day 3 Tauranga to Rotorua Explore Mount Maunganui, a volcanic cone, which offers panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty. Continue to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where passionate conservationists reveal how they are saving the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a seasonal canapé and complementary chef choice aperitif, and three-course dinner.

Enjoy a day of leisure at your own pace in magnificent Rotorua. Why not relax in one of the many natural hot springs or go on a leisurely stroll around Lake Rotorua to see the serene views. The day is yours to enjoy.

Today, you’ll be guided on a tour of Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Together with a packed lunch and your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rainforest on a cultural walking tour where if you’re lucky you might sight an endangered bird. Relax with whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range Winery, New Zealand's 2024 top restaurant, in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak.

Gannet Safaris Overland at Cape Kidnappers offers exclusive access to New Zealand's largest privately-owned nature reserve. Explore pristine coastline, farms, and native bush by 4x4 to reach the Gannet Colony. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Cape Sanctuary's conservation, aiding the return of these seabirds through extensive native tree planting. Then, travel to Napier and relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide fascinating commentary as you are driven in style. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild of Napier in the Art Deco style.

Upon your arrival in Wellington see the city sights. Visit Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand, a treasure trove of over 800,000 artworks, scientific specimens, historical archives and artefacts or take in the views on a historic Wellington Cable Car ride; the choice is yours today.

Set off on a scenic journey as you cross the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry, bound for Picton. From there, a private sea transfer awaits to whisk you into the serene beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound. Your destination - the remote and tranquil Furneaux Lodge.

Explore Marlborough Sounds at your leisurely pace. Hike the scenic stretch of Queen Charlotte Track or enjoy fishing at Furneaux Lodge with provided equipment. Alternatively, join a Paua Pearl Tour guided by the owners, learning about New Zealand's Blue Pearl cultivation. See paua at different growth stages, from larvae to mature shells with pearls, gaining insights into this unique marine industry (own expense).

Depart from the tranquil Marlborough Sounds and travel to Picton, where you'll begin your journey southward towards Christchurch. En route, pass through the coastal town of Kaikōura, renowned for its marine life and stunning coastal scenery.

Begin your day by exploring Christchurch's city sights before journeying to the brilliant blue waters of Lake Tekapo. You'll visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing your adventure to the exquisite Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat. Here, you'll indulge in a sophisticated High Tea complemented by local sparkling wine, hosted by the owners who will share stories of their land regeneration efforts. Conclude your day at the charming Lake Ohau Lodge, nestled in the Mackenzie High Country and surrounded by breathtaking wilderness.

Travel through Lindis Pass to Cromwell. Visit Mrs. Jones Orchard for fresh produce, then explore the Highlands Museum, a paradise for car enthusiasts and novices alike. See Michael Schumacher’s Benetton Formula One car, learn about New Zealand motorsport history and see unique exhibits. Next, enjoy a special wine tasting experience and delicious lunch at Gibbston Valley's Kinross cellar door. Continue your journey to Arrowtown, rich in gold rush history, before reaching scenic Queenstown for the night.

Today, explore Queenstown at your own pace. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station (own expense). As the day winds down, prepare for an unforgettable evening at the Bathhouse, an elegant dining establishment spectacularly situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Savor a sumptuous meal while taking in vast, serene lakeside views, creating a perfect finale to your day.

Start your day with a scenic drive along the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local farm, tasting authentic regional flavours. Journey through Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing glaciers, mountains, and Mirror Lake before entering the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. Spend an exclusive overnight experience on the renowned Milford Mariner, waking up amidst stunning landscapes. The cruise allows ample time to admire the fiord’s waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife like seals, penguins, and dolphins. Experience the ship's amenities including spacious decks, a dining saloon with a bar, and an observation lounge. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, and your choice of cooked breakfast included.

Leave the serene beauty of Fiordland National Park for the picturesque town of Wānaka, nestled among the Southern Alps. Spend the afternoon at Edgewater Lake Wanaka Hotel, exploring the scenic surroundings. This idyllic town blends natural splendour with leisurely pursuits. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and wine, enjoying the serene backdrop of Lake Wānaka.

Start your journey with a scenic drive from Wānaka, passing Lake Hawea and the picturesque settlement of Makarora amidst alpine scenery and lush rainforest. Reach Haast on the West Coast, with diverse landscapes to captivate your senses. Enjoy a thrilling Haast River jet boat adventure through pristine waterways surrounded by wilderness, offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty. Arrive in Franz Josef and settle into the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat. In the evening, savour a sumptuous dinner with wine in the serene ambiance of this forest sanctuary.

Begin your day at a leisurely pace, soaking in the spectacular surroundings of Franz Josef. Then, explore this captivating region with a local guide, who will illuminate the wonders of its majestic glaciers, lush rainforests, and uniquely varied landscapes.

Leave Franz Josef for Hokitika, joining an informative walking tour led by a local history expert. Learn about the West Coast's rich heritage, from shipwrecks to gold miners and pounamu hunters. Then, embark on the scenic TranzAlpine journey from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch. Marvel at the Southern Alps' breathtaking peaks and valleys along one of the world’s most scenic train routes. Arrive in Christchurch for a memorable Celebration Dinner, raising a toast to your unforgettable journey.

As your extraordinary journey draws to a close, enjoy a seamless transfer to Christchurch Airport. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories made during your exploration of New Zealand.