New Zealand | Exploring Treasures of the North and South Islands

Depart United States

During the flight, cross the international dateline, an imaginary line on the surface of the earth that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and defines one calendar day from the next. Crossing the international dateline to New Zealand you lose a day (which you gain upon your return).

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, often referred to as the "City of Sails". Upon arrival and after clearing customs, meet your driver who will transport you to your accommodation. After settling in be sure to visit the highlights of the city, take a stroll around Auckland's vibrant waterfront or do a bit of shopping on Queen Street. This evening meet your guide and fellow travellers for a program orientation before visiting the Skytower and the Orbit restaurant for a welcome dinner.

After breakfast check out of the hotel and depart for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. A local guide will take you on a walking tour of this most famous natural wonder. Learn about the Maori Chiefs that first discovered the land and caving history prior to a meandering boat ride under the thousands of Glowworms that light up the cave ceiling. Continue towards Rotorua for a journey into Hobbiton, the beautiful piece of Waikato farmland that was transformed into "The Shire from Middle-Earth" for The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films. Your tour starts with a picturesque drive through a 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through a twelve-acre site recounting fascinating details of how The Hobbit holes, Mill and other structures were created.

Not only are you in the "Geothermal Capital of New Zealand" but Rotorua is the "Cultural Capital," today will be a day to experience the best of both! This morning visit Te Puia Geothermal Wonderland. A colorful valley shaped by volcanic activity. Here you will see the Pohutu Geyser that erupts once or twice every hour to a height of 100 feet. Stroll through the 500 bubbling mud pools and streaming hot springs, visit the Kiwi House to view the iconic native bird, and learn about weaving as well as bone carving at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. This evening visit the Mitai Maori Village. Experience a traditional Maori welcome followed by a time of interaction with the local people as you learn about their culture. Enjoy a Hangi dinner, a buffet feast having been cooked in an earthen oven. After this traditional meal the village people will accompany you through native New Zealand bush and point out some wetas (insects). The night will finish with a Maori dance performance, featuirng traditional storytelling.

Today say hello to the North Islands favorite summer holiday destination, Lake Taupo! En route stop at Huka Falls, the most photographed natural attraction in the country. For alternate viewing perspectives take one of many available short walks throughout the area. Once in Taupo you will kayak along the lake to the famous Maori rock carvings. Towering 330 feet above the waters, these masterpieces of Maori culture are an impressive sight to see. Your experienced guide will inform you of the meanings behind the carvings and their significance to Lake Taupo and the Maori people.

Set your compass to the south of the island, Wellington is your next destination. Your travels will take you through Tongariro National Park for great views of the three volcanoes. Keep an eye out for sightings of "Mt Doom" from the Lord of the Rings trilogies. Also roaming along this "Desert Road" are wild horses! Once you arrive you will have time to settle in at the hotel and explore the capital city.

This morning experience Wellington from new heights as you take a cable car ride from the heart of city center, up the hillside to the Botanic Garden perched high above the city. The Gardens feature a large Victorian-style glasshouse, the Begonia House, and the award winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Stroll along the Sculpture Trail and then visit the Cable Car Museum. This afternoon continue to explore Wellington at your leisure. Suggested is a tour of the Te Papa Museum with its several floors of 2,500 ancient artifacts. Tonight rejoin the group for an after-hours tour of the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary. This fully fenced urban eco sanctuary houses 18 species of native wildlife that have been reintroduced to the area - six of which were absent from the mainland for over a century. Hear the evening birdsong as you explore the valley by torchlight. An experienced guide will lead you on a search for some of the more unique species of Wellington's native forest.

Start the day early on the Interislander Ferry. Say farewell to the North Island as you sail over the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton. Enjoy the amazing and picturesque Marlborough Sounds on what has been named one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. The Interislander will take you to the top of the South Island, make your way through this world-renowned wine region and arrive in Nelson. Famous for its incredible wines and cuisine, Nelson is the place to be for a fancy dinner. Once settled into your accommodation you will experience the delight of an award winning dinner and wine tasting at a local winery.

Today spend the day in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman is the youngest national park and also the smallest but one of the most scenic. Some of the birds that frequent the park are petrels, shags, penguins, gulls, terns, and herons. Possums, wild pigs, deer, and goats also frequent the area. Various trekking tracks within the park are world renowned.

Today, follow the winding Buller River as it flows through the Buller Gorge to the west coast. Continue to Tauranga Bay to observe the fur seal colony before arriving in Punakaiki. Stroll around the famous Pancake Rocks, the stratified limestone formations which look like petrified pancakes, where undersea caverns and blowholes create spectacular water spouts. Afterwards continue your coastal route to Franz Josef, a quiet little town famous for its awesome scenery. Beyond towering mountains is the gorgeous Glacier Country. This evening relax at the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools.

Start the day with a hike through the Franz Josef Valley. Hike the ancient path where the glacier once stood through lush rainforest and alongside the Waiho River. Discover the legends and history of the glacier and learn about the Flora and Fauna you encounter on your way. After a brief climb you will be rewarded with views of the glacier's constantly changing terminal face. Afterward be sure to visit the Te Koha Carve Your Own Studio for some hands on fun. Using locally soured jade carve your own personalized souvenir. No artistic skill is necessary as much instruction is provided during this optional activity, at your own expense. This afternoon transfer to Wanaka, a beautifully picturesque town at the gateway of the Southern Alps' Mount Aspiring National Park.

Another magical day awaits you as you travel into Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Stop at Lake Te Anau before traveling through the Homer Tunnel, an engineering feat of its time. Upon entering Milford Sound there will be short walks to explore the surrounding area before boarding a spectacular catamaran for an informative nature cruise around the Fiord. Marvel at the towering cliffs dotted with hanging beech trees while exploring the coastline in search of dolphins, seals and in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins.

With the "Remarkables" towering around Queenstown, clear blue skies and the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu at your doorstep, it's no wonder this town is the most loved holiday destination on the South Island. Schedule activities of your choosing. Queenstown is dubbed the "Adventure Capital of the World" because of the variety of exciting, unique activities available in the region. Options include bungee jumping, skydiving, ATV tours, jet boat rides, and much more!

This morning step aboard the iconic steamship TSS Earnslaw for a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. The leisurely 90-minute cruise across the lake showcases some of Queenstown's spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown's living history - the 103-year-old TSS Earnslaw. Once you arrive at the base of the mountain, Walter Peak, you will participate in various activities at the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Help feed some sheep and deer as well as marvel at the sheep shearing, and farm dogs as they round up the animals. Take the Earnslaw back to the town center. This evening ride a gondola to the top of Bob's Peak for a farewell dinner while taking one last look at the gorgeous scenery below.

Today take a flight to Auckland for connection to your international departure.