Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
After arriving in Auckland, you'll check into your hotel and meet your guide and fellow travelers over welcome drinks at the hotel bar. Then you'll head to a nearby restaurant for dinner featuring local cuisine before calling it a night.
Included Activities
- Welcome drinks at hotel bar
- Welcome dinner at nearby restaurant
- Day 2
Auckland to Waiheke Island
Breakfast at your hotel kicks things off, then it's a 40-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island. You'll take a guided bus tour of the island and stop at Stonyridge for lunch and wine. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own or with your guide before heading back to Auckland on the evening ferry.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Stonyridge accompanied by a glass of wine)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Ferry transfer to Waiheke Island
- Guided bus tour of Waiheke Island
- Lunch and glass of wine at Stonyridge
- Waiheke hop-on-hop-off bus access
Optional Activities
- Independent island exploration
- Extended island stay
Landmarks Stonyridge Waiheke Island 
- Day 3
Hamilton
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll board a coach heading to Sanctuary Mountain with a stop for morning tea or coffee along the way. A two-hour guided tour takes you through ancient forests where you'll learn about indigenous plants, wildlife, and Maori herbal medicinal practices. You'll check into your Hamilton hotel in the afternoon and have time to explore the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Coach transfer to Sanctuary Mountain
- Morning tea/coffee break
- Two-hour guided tour of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Optional Activities
- Hamilton city attractions and experiences
Landmarks Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari - Day 4
Hamilton
Breakfast at your hotel starts the day, then you'll travel by coach to Zealong Tea Estate for a 1.5-hour tour, tea ceremony, and high tea experience. At 1pm you'll head to Hamilton Gardens for a 75-minute tour of the highlights. The museum comes next where you can browse at your own pace. Your afternoon is free to enjoy Hamilton however you like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Coach transfer to Zealong Tea Estate
- 1.5-hour Zealong Tea Estate tour and tea ceremony
- Signature High Tea experience
- 75-minute Hamilton Gardens Highlights tour
- Hamilton Museum visit
Optional Activities
- Afternoon exploration and activities in Hamilton
Landmarks Zealong Tea Estate Hamilton Gardens Hamilton Museum - Day 5
Hamilton to Ohakune
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll head to Hamilton Frankton Station and board the Northern Explorer train for the Scenic Plus dining experience with unparalleled views and great food. You'll arrive at Ohakune Station and take a scenic drive along Ohakune Mountain Road. Check-in to your accommodation includes a two-course dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Scenic Plus dining experience onboard train), Dinner (Two-course dinner)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Coach transfer to Hamilton Frankton Station
- Northern Explorer Scenic Plus train journey
- Scenic drive along Ohakune Mountain Road
- Two-course dinner at accommodation
Landmarks Ohakune Mountain Road - Day 6
Ohakune
Breakfast at your accommodation gets you started before visiting Forgotten World Gardens in Taumarunui to spend a few hours exploring. You'll have lunch at Laurens Lavender Farm with a hot meat dish and salads, then walk through the fragrant lavender fields and visit the shop. You'll return to Ohakune in the evening with time to relax in hot tubs or explore town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Hot meat dish accompanied by array of refreshing salads at Laurens Lavender Farm)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at accommodation
- Coach transfer to Taumarunui
- Visit to Forgotten World Gardens
- Lunch at Laurens Lavender Farm with hot meat dish and salads
- Walk through lavender fields
- Visit to lavender shop
- Coach transfer back to Ohakune
Optional Activities
- Hot tub relaxation at accommodation
- Evening exploration of Ohakune
Landmarks Forgotten World Gardens Laurens Lavender Farm - Day 7
Ohakune to Wellington
After breakfast at your accommodation, you'll explore Tuaroa with the option to ascend Sky Waka on your own for views (at your cost). From National Park station, you'll board the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus train to Wellington, with afternoon tea and dinner served onboard. A transfer takes you from Wellington Station to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Scenic Plus dining experience onboard train), Afternoon Tea, Dinner (Onboard train)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at accommodation
- Coach transfer to Tūroa
- Coach transfer to National Park station
- Northern Explorer Scenic Plus train journey
- Afternoon tea on train
- Dinner on train
- Transfer from Wellington Station to hotel
Optional Activities
- Sky Waka ascent at Tūroa (at own cost)
Landmarks Tūroa 
- Day 8
Wellington
Breakfast at your accommodation is followed by a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum. You'll join a 90-minute Maori Experience Kinaki Tour led by a Maori guide covering indigenous tools, foods, and medicines, plus a traditional food tasting. The afternoon is yours to explore Wellington. Later you'll gather at the hotel lobby for an included dinner at a Wellington restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at renowned Wellington restaurant with vibrant New Zealand flavors)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at accommodation
- 90-minute Māori Experience Kīnaki Tour at Te Papa
- Traditional food tasting at Te Papa
- Dinner at renowned Wellington restaurant
Optional Activities
- Afternoon exploration of Wellington attractions
- Optional activities available
Landmarks Te Papa - Day 9
Wellington to Picton
You'll meet early in the hotel lobby for transfers to the Interislander ferry terminal. On the ferry during your scenic journey, you'll have breakfast and access to the Premium Lounge with complimentary bar service. After docking in Picton at midday, you'll board the Mailboat Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds with Beachcomber Cruises, including a packed lunch. You'll arrive at Portage Resort for a three-course dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in Premium Lounge on Interislander ferry), Lunch (Packed lunch onboard Mailboat Cruise), Dinner (Three-course dinner at Portage Resort)
Included Activities
- Transfer to Interislander ferry terminal
- Interislander ferry crossing with Premium Lounge access
- Breakfast in Premium Lounge
- Beachcomber Cruises Mailboat Tour through Marlborough Sounds
- Packed lunch on mailboat
- Three-course dinner at Portage Resort
Landmarks Marlborough Sounds Picton - Day 10
Picton
You'll wake to breakfast at Portage Resort overlooking Kenepuru Sound, then Beachcomber Cruises picks you up for a Paua Pearl Farm Tour with morning tea and tastings. Back in Picton, you'll join Sounds Connection for an afternoon that includes a three-course lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro with wine pairings, plus tastings at two more wineries and a stop at Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory. Your evening is free to explore Picton.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at Portage Resort with view into Kenepuru Sound), Morning Tea (Morning tea at Paua Pearl Farm), Lunch (Three-course lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro with glass of wine paired with main meal)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at Portage Resort
- Beachcomber Cruises transfer to/from Pearl Farm
- Paua Pearl Farm Tour with morning tea
- Paua tastings
- Three-course lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro with glass of wine
- Included tastings at two additional wineries
- Stop at Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory
Optional Activities
- Evening exploration of Picton
Landmarks Paua Pearl Farm Allan Scott Wines Bistro Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory - Day 11
Picton to Kaikōura
You'll have a free morning in Picton to explore this coastal town at your own pace, with breakfast at your hotel. Then you'll board the Coastal Pacific train in Scenic Plus class, enjoying a light lunch with beverages and afternoon tea while taking in the views. You'll arrive in Kaikoura late afternoon with a transfer to your hotel and an included dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Light lunch with beverages on Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train), Afternoon Tea, Dinner (Dinner at renowned Kaikōura restaurant with regional flavors)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train journey
- Light lunch on train with beverages
- Afternoon tea on train
- Transfer from train to hotel
- Dinner at renowned Kaikōura restaurant
Optional Activities
- Morning exploration of Picton
Landmarks Kaikōura 
- Day 12
Kaikōura to Christchurch
Breakfast at your hotel is followed by a dolphin viewing adventure with Encounter Kaikoura. You'll return at noon and have the afternoon to explore Kaikoura's streets and waterfront on your own, with lunch options at local spots (at your cost). Late afternoon you'll board the Coastal Pacific for Scenic Plus with dinner and drinks included as you travel along the coast. A coach transfer takes you to your Christchurch accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner on Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Dolphin viewing adventure with Encounter Kaikōura
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train journey
- Dinner on train
- Drinks on train
- Transfer from Christchurch Station to hotel
Optional Activities
- Afternoon exploration of Kaikōura
- Leisurely lunch at local eateries
Landmarks Kaikōura - Day 13
Christchurch
After a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation, you'll join a cultural food walking tour of Christchurch blending history, storytelling, and local tastings led by knowledgeable locals. Your afternoon is free to explore as you wish, whether visiting Quake City Museum, Ravenscar Museum, punting the Avon River, riding trams, or taking the Gondola. You'll gather for dinner with your tour group at a Christchurch restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Local tastings as part of cultural food walking tour), Dinner (Dinner at renowned Christchurch restaurant)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at accommodation
- Cultural food walking tour of Christchurch
- Dinner at renowned Christchurch restaurant
Optional Activities
- Quake City Museum visit
- Ravenscar Museum visit
- Avon River punting
- Iconic trams ride
- Gondola ascent for panoramic vistas
Landmarks Quake City Museum Ravenscar Museum Avon River Christchurch Gondola - Day 14
Franz Josef
You'll board the TranzAlpine train in the morning with Scenic Plus including breakfast and lunch. After arriving in Greymouth, you'll transfer to Hokitika for a pounamu (jade) experience with Rachel from Hokitika Scenic Tours and a local Iwi member, then a guided walk around the Hokitika Gorge loop track. Mid-afternoon, coaches head to Franz Josef where you'll check in and have an included dinner at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Sumptuous breakfast on TranzAlpine train), Lunch (Lunch on TranzAlpine train), Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Breakfast on TranzAlpine train
- TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train journey
- Lunch on TranzAlpine train
- Transfer from Greymouth to Hokitika
- Pounamu (jade) experience with Rachel and local Iwi member
- Guided walk around Hokitika Gorge loop track
- Coach transfer to Franz Josef
- Dinner at hotel
Landmarks Hokitika Gorge - Day 15
Franz Josef
Breakfast at your hotel is included, with an optional helicopter tour available for aerial views (at your cost). You'll travel by scenic coach to Okarito village for the Okarito Heritage EcoTour combining a walking tour with a lagoon boat tour, learning about history and biodiversity. Lunch featuring local delicacies is included. You'll spend about two hours exploring Okarito before returning to Franz Josef where afternoon activities are optional.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch featuring local delicacies at Ōkārito)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Coach transfer to Ōkārito
- Ōkārito Heritage EcoTour walking portion
- Ōkārito lagoon boat tour
- Lunch featuring local delicacies
- Coach transfer back to Franz Josef
Optional Activities
- Helicopter tour of Franz Josef and surrounding landscapes (at own cost)
- Afternoon activities and relaxation in Franz Josef
Landmarks Ōkārito - Day 16
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Breakfast at your hotel is included before you head out for the Haast River Safari through pristine wilderness and rapids. You'll stop at the Fruit Emporium for locally sourced items and refreshments. You'll arrive in Queenstown where you're staying at Naumi The Dairy Hotel. Your evening is yours to explore Queenstown's food scene or simply relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Haast River Safari Experience
- Stop at Fruit Emporium
Optional Activities
- Evening exploration of Queenstown
- Culinary experiences in Queenstown
Landmarks Haast River Fruit Emporium 
- Day 17
Arrowtown
You'll have a leisurely morning with a continental breakfast at Naumi Hotel, then explore Queenstown at your own pace with optional activities available. Around noon, Ayrburn Arrowtown coaches collect you for a wine tasting paired with buffet lunch and time to wander the charming Arrowtown township before returning to Queenstown. You'll end the evening with happy hour at Naumi's lounge featuring complimentary drinks and canapes.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental breakfast at Naumi Hotel with croissants, cold meats, and cereals), Lunch (Buffet lunch at Ayrburn paired with wine tasting)
Included Activities
- Continental breakfast at Naumi Hotel
- Coach transfer to Ayrburn Arrowtown
- Wine tasting experience at Ayrburn
- Buffet lunch at Ayrburn
- Coach transfer back to Queenstown
- Complimentary drinks and canapés at hotel happy hour
Optional Activities
- Morning exploration of Queenstown
- Queenstown optional activities
Landmarks Arrowtown Ayrburn - Day 18
Departure from Queenstown
You'll have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, enjoying the last moments of your stay. Check out when you're ready, and your included departure transfer will take you to your next destination as you reflect on your journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Departure transfer from hotel
