New Zealand Highlights: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown & Milford Sound

Days 1 & 2 - Depart the USA

Your adventure to one of the world’s most spectacular destinations begins today as you depart the United States on your international flight to New Zealand. Stretching over 1,000 miles from north to south, New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich Māori heritage, award-winning wines, and warm hospitality. During your overnight journey, relax with onboard meals and entertainment while anticipating an unforgettable exploration of both the North and South Islands. Over the next two weeks, you’ll discover vibrant cities, pristine lakes, towering mountains, ancient forests, geothermal wonders, and charming villages that have made New Zealand one of the world’s premier travel destinations.

Today you’ll cross the International Date Line on your journey to the Southern Hemisphere, losing a calendar day as you travel toward New Zealand. Although the day disappears from the calendar, the excitement continues to build as you approach a country famous for its dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and friendly Kiwi culture. Enjoy the comforts of your international flight as your adventure draws closer.

Day 3 – Arrive in Auckland

Kia Ora—and welcome to New Zealand!

Upon arrival at Auckland International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your Tour Director before beginning an orientation tour of New Zealand’s largest city. Often called the “City of Sails,” Auckland is beautifully situated between the sparkling waters of the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours and is home to more boats per capita than almost anywhere else in the world. Built upon more than fifty ancient volcanic cones, the city combines cosmopolitan sophistication with spectacular natural surroundings.

As you travel through the city, admire modern skyscrapers standing alongside historic neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and bustling waterfront districts. You’ll gain your first impressions of New Zealand’s relaxed lifestyle while learning about Auckland’s fascinating history as both a Māori settlement and one of the country’s most important commercial centers.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy time to relax and settle in before gathering this evening for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. This is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted while looking ahead to the incredible experiences awaiting you throughout the journey.

Overnight: Grand Millennium Auckland

Meals: Dinner

Day 4 – Waiheke Island: Vineyards, Olive Groves & Coastal Beauty

Following breakfast, board a ferry for a scenic cruise across Auckland’s beautiful Waitematā Harbour to picturesque Waiheke Island, widely recognized as one of New Zealand’s premier wine destinations. Covering approximately 35 square miles, the island is renowned for its stunning beaches, rolling vineyards, olive groves, native forests, and relaxed seaside villages.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide for a scenic tour showcasing the island’s breathtaking coastline and panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf. Visit charming Oneroa Village, where boutique galleries, cafés, and artisan shops line the waterfront, reflecting the island’s creative spirit and laid-back atmosphere.

Continue to one of Waiheke’s boutique wineries, where you’ll sample award-winning New Zealand wines while learning about the region’s ideal grape-growing climate. Later, visit a local olive oil mill to discover how premium extra virgin olive oils are produced, accompanied by a tasting of these distinctive local products.

Enjoy a leisurely two-course lunch paired with a glass of regional wine or beer before boarding the afternoon ferry back to Auckland. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the waterfront, visiting nearby shops, or simply relaxing after a wonderful introduction to New Zealand’s culinary delights.

Overnight: Grand Millennium Auckland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Rotorua

Depart Auckland this morning, traveling south through the city’s suburban neighborhoods before crossing the Bombay Hills into the fertile Waikato region. This lush countryside is famous throughout New Zealand for its rolling emerald-green pastures, dairy farms, and picturesque rural landscapes that have become iconic symbols of the country.

Your destination is the internationally renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves, one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural attractions. Formed over millions of years, these ancient limestone caverns feature magnificent chambers adorned with delicate stalactites, stalagmites, and towering limestone columns sculpted by nature over countless centuries.

During your guided tour, learn about the geology and history of this underground wonderland before boarding a small boat for one of New Zealand’s most magical experiences. As you glide silently along the underground river, thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the cave ceiling, creating the breathtaking illusion of a brilliant night sky deep beneath the earth.

Leaving Waitomo behind, continue across the forested Mamaku Ranges into Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal region and one of the country’s most significant centers of Māori culture. Steam rising from the earth and the unmistakable scent of geothermal activity announce your arrival in this fascinating city. After checking into your hotel, enjoy dinner and prepare for several days exploring this remarkable region

Overnight: Millennium Rotorua

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Rotorua's Geothermal Wonders & Māori Traditions

After breakfast, set out to discover why Rotorua is considered the cultural heart of New Zealand and one of the world’s most fascinating geothermal destinations. Your sightseeing tour showcases the city’s beautiful lakes, lush forests, and steaming geothermal landscapes that have shaped life here for centuries. Along the way, stop at the magnificent Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, where towering California Redwoods, some planted more than 120 years ago, create peaceful walking trails beneath a soaring canopy. The contrast between these giant trees and Rotorua’s volcanic landscape makes this one of the region’s most photographed locations.

Continue to The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, New Zealand’s most visited archaeological site. Here, you’ll hear the compelling story of the devastating 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, one of the country’s greatest natural disasters, which buried the thriving village beneath volcanic ash and forever altered the surrounding landscape. During your guided visit, explore the museum exhibits, view artifacts recovered from the site, walk among the excavated village remains, and enjoy the scenic Waterfall Trail leading to beautiful Te Wairoa Falls.

Late this afternoon, experience one of New Zealand’s most memorable cultural attractions with a visit to Te Puia, home of the renowned Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Accompanied by your guide, explore a remarkable landscape of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, colorful silica terraces, boiling springs, and the famous Pōhutu Geyser, which can erupt nearly 100 feet into the air. Visit the prestigious New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where master carvers and weavers preserve traditions that have been passed down through generations.

As evening falls, enjoy the acclaimed Te Pō Experience, an immersive celebration of Māori culture. Feast on a sumptuous buffet featuring traditional hāngī, where meats and vegetables are slow-cooked underground using heated volcanic stones, alongside a variety of contemporary New Zealand cuisine. Following dinner, gather inside the beautifully carved Te Aronui-a-Rua Meeting House for an inspiring cultural performance featuring traditional waiata (songs), mōteatea (chants), graceful poi dances, and the powerful haka. It is an unforgettable evening that offers meaningful insight into the history, traditions, and enduring spirit of New Zealand’s indigenous people.

Overnight: Millennium Rotorua

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Hobbiton Movie Set Experience

Today’s excursion takes you into one of the most beloved film locations in the world as you journey through the rolling countryside of the Waikato to Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata. Nestled among lush green hills on the Alexander family sheep farm, this enchanting setting became the Shire in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, captivating millions of movie fans around the globe.

Upon arrival, board a shuttle that transports you through the picturesque farmland while your guide shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about how acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson transformed this peaceful working farm into the magical home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. During your guided walking tour, stroll along winding pathways past dozens of colorful Hobbit Holes tucked into the hillsides, including the famous Bag End™, home of Bilbo Baggins.

Your visit also includes entry into one of the beautifully detailed Hobbit homes at Bagshot Row™, offering a rare glimpse inside these charming dwellings. Every room has been meticulously designed with handcrafted furnishings and delightful details that bring Tolkien’s fictional world vividly to life.

Continue past the Mill and across the iconic double-arched stone bridge before arriving at the famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive complimentary beverage brewed especially for Hobbiton guests. A festive buffet lunch awaits in the adjacent Party Marquee, overlooking the tranquil lake made famous in the films. Filled with hearty fare worthy of Hobbits themselves, lunch provides the perfect conclusion to your Middle-earth adventure.

Return to Rotorua during the afternoon, where the remainder of your evening is yours to relax or perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque lakefront.

Overnight: Millennium Rotorua

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 – Fly to Queenstown & Walter Peak Farm

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Queenstown, beautifully situated on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps. Widely regarded as New Zealand’s premier alpine resort, Queenstown effortlessly combines breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, fine dining, and sophisticated wine culture.

After arriving and checking into your lakeside hotel, you’ll have time to relax before this evening’s unforgettable excursion aboard one of New Zealand’s most treasured historic vessels.

Board the beautifully restored TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship launched in 1912 that has carried passengers across Lake Wakatipu for more than a century. As the ship glides across the pristine waters, admire spectacular views of the surrounding Remarkables mountain range while listening to the rhythmic sound of the ship’s original steam engines.

Upon arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the region’s oldest working sheep stations, step into the elegant Colonel’s Homestead for a gourmet barbecue dinner featuring premium New Zealand meats, fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and delicious local desserts. Watch as chefs prepare many of the dishes before your eyes, creating an authentic farm-to-table dining experience.

Following dinner, enjoy an entertaining demonstration showcasing traditional sheep shearing and skilled farm dogs before boarding the TSS Earnslaw for your return cruise. As Queenstown’s lights begin to sparkle across the lake, relax to live piano music or step onto the open decks to admire one of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine evenings.

Overnight: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – Queenstown, Arrowtown & Central Otago Wine Country

This morning, discover why Queenstown has earned an international reputation as one of the world’s most scenic resort towns. Your sightseeing tour introduces you to this vibrant lakeside community before ascending aboard the Skyline Gondola, one of the steepest cable car rides in the Southern Hemisphere. At the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range, Cecil Peak, and the surrounding alpine valleys. It’s the perfect vantage point to appreciate the extraordinary beauty that has made Queenstown famous around the world.

Continue to the nearby historic village of Arrowtown, founded during the Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s. Stroll its beautifully preserved main street lined with heritage cottages, boutiques, cafés, and galleries while learning about the colorful stories of the prospectors who once sought their fortunes here.

Later, travel into the renowned Central Otago wine region, the southernmost commercial wine-producing area on Earth. This cool-climate region is celebrated worldwide for producing exceptional Pinot Noir along with Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. At Kinross Winery, enjoy a guided tasting featuring a carefully selected range of premium local wines while learning how the region’s unique climate, soils, and elevation contribute to their distinctive character. A leisurely lunch overlooking the surrounding vineyards completes this delightful culinary experience before returning to Queenstown for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – Milford Sound: New Zealand's Natural Masterpiece

Today’s full-day excursion is undoubtedly one of the highlights of your New Zealand journey. Depart early for the scenic drive into Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, one of the largest protected wilderness regions in the Southern Hemisphere.

Travel along one of the world’s most scenic highways, passing shimmering lakes, ancient beech forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain passes as you journey through the charming lakeside town of Te Anau toward Milford Sound. Along the way, your Tour Director will point out countless waterfalls, glacier-carved valleys, and spectacular viewpoints that make this drive almost as memorable as the destination itself.

Upon arrival in Milford Sound, board your comfortable cruise vessel for an unforgettable voyage through one of the world’s most breathtaking fjords. Towering nearly a mile above the water, the iconic Mitre Peak dominates the landscape while countless waterfalls cascade down sheer granite cliffs into the deep blue waters below. Rainfall is frequent here, creating hundreds of temporary waterfalls that transform the scenery into a living masterpiece.

As your cruise ventures toward the Tasman Sea, enjoy a picnic lunch while watching for New Zealand fur seals basking on rocky outcrops, playful dolphins swimming alongside the vessel, and perhaps even the elusive Fiordland crested penguin. Every turn reveals another spectacular vista, making Milford Sound one of the most photographed natural attractions in the country.

Following your cruise, retrace your journey through Fiordland National Park, arriving back in Queenstown this evening. After a memorable day immersed in some of New Zealand’s most magnificent scenery, enjoy dinner at your hotel and reflect on an experience that many travelers consider the highlight of their visit.

Overnight: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Queenstown at Leisure

After several days of spectacular sightseeing, today is yours to experience Queenstown at your own pace. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu and framed by the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, Queenstown offers an ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and alpine charm. Whether you prefer thrilling outdoor activities, scenic excursions, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this vibrant resort town, there is something for everyone.

Adventure seekers may wish to experience one of Queenstown’s legendary jet boat rides through narrow river canyons, soar above the Remarkables by helicopter, or take on the challenge of white-water rafting or the world’s first commercial bungy jump. For those seeking a more leisurely day, browse the town’s boutique shops and art galleries, relax at a lakeside café, or stroll through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens.

Several optional excursions are also available (additional cost), including a scenic 4WD journey into the breathtaking landscapes made famous in The Lord of the Rings films, a wilderness adventure into Mt. Aspiring National Park aboard a Dart River jet boat, or a winery tour showcasing additional Central Otago vintages. However you choose to spend the day, Queenstown’s magnificent setting provides an unforgettable backdrop.

Overnight: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 – Lake Tekapo & Christchurch

Depart Queenstown this morning and begin one of New Zealand’s most scenic overland journeys as you travel north through the spectacular landscapes of Central Otago. Follow the rugged Kawarau Gorge before passing the tranquil waters of Lake Dunstan and crossing the historic Lindis Pass, where rolling golden hills and expansive mountain vistas showcase the unique beauty of the South Island’s high country.

Continue through the small rural communities of Omarama and Twizel before passing the remarkable canals and hydroelectric system that help power much of New Zealand. Along the shores of brilliant turquoise Lake Pukaki, enjoy magnificent views toward Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, whose snow-capped summit often reflects beautifully in the glacier-fed waters.

Arrive at stunning Lake Tekapo, one of the country’s most photographed destinations. Here you’ll visit the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, perched on the lake’s edge, and admire the beloved bronze Sheepdog Memorial, honoring the working dogs that helped pioneer the Mackenzie Country.

A special highlight awaits as you are welcomed into a local home overlooking the lake. Experience genuine Kiwi hospitality while learning how to prepare New Zealand’s iconic Pavlova, the country’s famous meringue dessert, before enjoying a delicious homemade lunch accompanied by panoramic alpine views.

This afternoon, continue across Burkes Pass and the fertile Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch, New Zealand’s beautiful Garden City. Enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure to explore nearby restaurants or take an evening stroll through the revitalized city center.

Overnight: Distinction Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 – Christchurch

Following breakfast, discover the remarkable city of Christchurch, where historic elegance and contemporary innovation blend beautifully following the city’s inspiring recovery from the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. During your sightseeing tour, view many of Christchurch’s landmarks, including the striking Cardboard (Transitional) Cathedral, the moving Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, elegant parks, and the picturesque Avon River that winds through the city’s heart.

One of today’s highlights is a peaceful punt ride along the Avon River aboard a traditional flat-bottomed boat. Guided by your Edwardian-attired punter, drift quietly beneath graceful willow trees through Hagley Park’s beautifully landscaped gardens while learning about Christchurch’s rich history and English heritage.

Overnight: Distinction Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14 – Akaroa Wildlife Cruise

Following breakfast, travel approximately 90 minutes to the charming harbor town of Akaroa, nestled within the dramatic volcanic landscape of Banks Peninsula. Settled by French colonists in the 1840s, Akaroa retains its distinctive European character with charming colonial buildings, colorful gardens, boutique shops, and waterfront cafés.

Board a modern Black Cat Cruises catamaran for an unforgettable wildlife cruise through spectacular Akaroa Harbour. Your skipper shares fascinating commentary as you search for the incredibly rare Hector’s dolphin, the world’s smallest and one of its rarest dolphin species, found only in New Zealand waters. Keep watch for New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins, seabirds, and dramatic volcanic cliffs that surround the sheltered harbor.

Enjoy free time to explore Akaroa’s delightful streets before returning to Christchurch in the late afternoon

Overnight: Distinction Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15 – Auckland & Farewell Celebration

This morning, transfer to Christchurch Airport for your flight to Auckland. Upon arrival, continue your exploration of New Zealand’s largest city with a guided sightseeing tour showcasing many of Auckland’s most scenic neighborhoods, beautiful waterfronts, and coastal bays. Known worldwide as the “City of Sails,” Auckland’s harbors, marinas, and volcanic landscapes create one of the most picturesque urban settings in the Southern Hemisphere.

A highlight of the afternoon is a visit to the outstanding Auckland War Memorial Museum, one of New Zealand’s finest cultural institutions. During a guided highlights tour, explore fascinating exhibits that tell the story of New Zealand’s natural history, early Māori settlement, European colonization, and the diverse Pacific cultures that have shaped the nation. The museum’s outstanding Māori collection—including intricately carved meeting houses, ceremonial canoes, and treasured artifacts—provides a deeper understanding of the country’s rich indigenous heritage.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve shared—from glowing underground caves and geothermal landscapes to alpine lakes, majestic fjords, and charming seaside villages—as you celebrate an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most beautiful countries.

Overnight: Grand Millennium Auckland

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 – Return Home

After breakfast, bid farewell to New Zealand as you transfer to Auckland International Airport for your flight home. As you cross the International Date Line once again, you’ll arrive back in the United States the same day, bringing with you wonderful memories of spectacular landscapes, fascinating Māori traditions, world-class wines, abundant wildlife, and the warm hospitality of the Kiwi people.

From the glowworm-lit caverns of Waitomo and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the dramatic beauty of Milford Sound, the vineyards of Central Otago, and the charming harbors of Akaroa, this journey has showcased the very best of both New Zealand’s North and South Islands. It’s an adventure filled with unforgettable scenery, meaningful cultural experiences, and lasting friendships that will inspire memories for years to come.

Meals Included: Breakfast