Day 1:   Today you arrive in Auckland.  Upon arrival you’ll be met at the airport by your private tour operator.  This tour is designed with your interests in mind and to showcase Auckland including selected historical and cultural sites of significance, cityscapes, harbor views and coastlines, views of ancient volcanic peaks and parks with unique flora and fauna in and surrounding New Zealand’s largest city.  This is the perfect way to spend your first day in New Zealand, sit back, relax, enjoy the views and get a feel for Auckland. (2 nights Auckland)

 

Day 2:  Enjoy a harbor cruise this morning on the sparkling waters of Auckland's beautiful Waitemata Harbour. View all the highlights of the harbor’s 70 square miles, including Rangitoto Island, Bean Rock Lighthouse, and Devonport's North Head volcanic cone. Cruise under the Auckland Harbour Bridge and finally past Viaduct Basin.  After lunch you’re off on a food tour, the perfect way to take in sights, tastes and history of the city.  The tour includes a visit to one of the city's finest purveyors of artisan products, locally made chocolates, visit to one of the cities favorite eateries and world class ice cream. Conclude the tour relaxing with a local wine or beer sampling.

 

Day 3:  After leaving Auckland, you head to Rotorua on a fully guided private tour.  On the way you will stop in Matamata, commonly known as Hobbiton to view the Hobbiton Movie Set. Not only movie fans will enjoy this unique experience with inside views of the Hobbit village, astonishing facts about the filmmaking and just spectacular landscape all around! Following your Hobbiton tour you will continue to Rotorua. (2 nights Rotorua)

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Day 4:  Rotorua is famous for geothermal activity.  You’ll get to see this firsthand on a half day tour of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.  You’ll see gushing geysers, boiling mud, lakes, craters, steaming vents and mineral terraces. Then enjoy the Waimangu Volcanic Valley nature walk amidst a stunning volcanic landscape.  Keep an eye out for native birdlife as you walk.   This evening you have an indigenous evening experience with a combination of cultural storytelling, entertainment and a traditional hangi dinner.

 

Day 5:  A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Wellington. This afternoon you get to discover Wellington with a half day tour visiting the city's highlights. Travel around the earthquake-scarred South Coast to see the site of the Wahine ferry disaster and the distant ranges of the South Island, overlooked by coastal houses perched on the steep, rocky hills. Enjoy views from the top of Mount Victoria and ride the famous Wellington cable. Visit the magnificent Parliament buildings, the Beehive, and timber-built Old St Paul's Cathedral before visiting the national museum of Te Papa. 

 

Day 6:  Visit the production studios of WETA workshop made famous by the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.  The tour includes a behind the scenes film showcasing the company's history before a workshop technician takes you on a tour filled with real films props and working artists. See and learn about the creative process from start to finish and relive the magic of countless movies.  Spend this afternoon at leisure.

 

Day 7:  Leaving Wellington today you’ll be transferred to the Wellington ferry terminal for your ferry transfer to Picton.  Collect your hire vehicle and drive to Abel Tasman National Park.  (3 nights Abel Tasman National Park).

 

Day 8:  ­­­­You have a wonderful day exploring the Abel Tasman National Park today.  Start with a scenic cruise from Kaiteriteri Beach past the islands and golden coves of the Astrolabe Roadstead to Torrent Bay where you will kayak towards Sandfly Bay. Lunch is on a secluded beach along the way. Paddle out to Pinnacle Island to view the seals, keep an eye out for Blue Penguins and other sea birds. In summer there is an optional 2 hour walk from Torrent Bay to Anchorage Bay where you are picked up and returned to Kaiteriteri Beach.

 

Day 9: You have the day at leisure today.  Spend it walking on Abel Tasman’s spectacular walks or if you prefer head to Mapua and Ruby Coast and explore these popular holiday spots for locals. You’ll find restaurants, art galleries, wine bars and a craft brewery.

 

Day 10:  Make your way to the airport for your flight to Queenstown. (4 nights Queenstown)

 

Day 11:  You’ll be collected from your Queenstown accommodation today for your transfer to Milford Sound Flights. Today is a half day tour to Milford Sound starting with scenic flight where you can enjoy panoramic views of spectacular alpine scenery including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest. In Milford Sound you join a nature cruise, the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. View spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and towering peaks.  Look for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins. Afterwards be transferred back to Milford Airport for a scenic return flight to Queenstown.

 

Day 12:  Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and today you get to experience a combination of activities.  The trip features the world-famous ultimate jet boat experience - Shotover Jet where you take a unique breathtaking ride through dramatic and narrow canyons. Next is an adventure tour in the New Zealand backcountry in specialized 4x4 vehicles. Explore the abandoned gold mining area of the Arrow River and film locations used in Lord of the Rings'. Enjoy a tea break and try your hand at gold panning.

 

Day 13:  Today is at your leisure.  We recommend boarding the TSS Earnslaw at Steamer Wharf for a cruise on Lake Wakatipo.  You’ll enjoy spectacular views of Cecil and Walter Peaks and the western shores of the lake. Ride the Gondola for amazing views of Queenstown, ride the luges and go stargazing at Skyline Queenstown.

 

Day 14:  Today you begin your journey home with a transfer from your accommodation to Queenstown Airport.