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New Zealand Reflections from Auckland 28 May, 2025

Active & Adventure / New Zealand

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Amazing Experience

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Overview

Trip Overview

From top to bottom (or vice versa) this 7 day itinerary takes in the best of New Zealand’s vibrant cities and natural wonders including Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Milford Sound.

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland seduces visitors with its laid back pace, world class museums, galleries and gardens. Early arrivals can enjoy spectacular city views from Mt Eden, or visit historic Parnell Village.

Believed to be over two million years old, the Waitomo Caves are a major draw for visitors fascinated by their large population of glowworms and beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. You’ll have the chance to explore them on your way to Rotorua, where spouting geysers and boiling mudpools showcase geothermal New Zealand at its best. An included tour of this area includes Rainbow Springs, Te Whakarewarewa thermal reserve and Te Puia Rotorua. Also enjoy a traditional Maori concert and Hangi (feast) for a taste of New Zealand’s indigenous culture.

A Mecca for skiers, Queenstown puts you in the heart of the South Island’s mountain landscape. Less active travellers can enjoy an optional scenic helicopter flight, jetboat trip or Gondola ride to take in the sights. An included day trip takes you to Milford Sound, a breathtaking, 16km long fjord carved by glaciers out to the Tasman Sea. 

Highlights

Departures

Daily from Auckland.
This trip may also be taken in the reverse direction from Queenstown.

 

Trip Includes

  • Shared arrival and departure transfers in Auckland and Rotorua
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in Queenstown
  • 1 night first-class accommodation in Auckland
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Rotorua
  • 3 nights first-class accommodation in Queenstown
  • Shared Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves excursion
  • Shared Maori concert and dinner
  • Shared half day Rotorua tour
  • Shared full day Milford Sound cruise including transportation from Queenstown
  • 2 lunches, 1 dinner

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

Auckland Airport to Auckland - City Centre

 

Heritage Auckland Hotel

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

The Heritage Auckland is an ideal place to stay for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel is positioned overlooking Waitemata Harbour in the heart of Auckland's business district. The hotel is within walking distance of the city's many attractions, including the Sky Tower Casino, the shops of Queen Street and Auckland city's finest cafes and restaurants. It includes two distinctive accommodation wings, The Hotel (reflects delightful ornate touches carefully preserved from the building's past) and The Tower (offers a more contemporary design). They are connected by a walkway enabling guests to access the range of facilities available. Both have their own entrance and reception areas.

Heritage Auckland Hotel

Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton

This trip from Auckland to Rotorua includes the Hobbiton movie set tour. Departing from Auckland this is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton movie set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching the Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way down with insights about the areas you are traveling through and insights to the backgrounds to the movies. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee (which is included in the price) you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer. You will also get to walk through a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. At the end of your Hobbiton movie set tour you will travel on to Rotorua (drop off at selected inner city Rotorua accommodation included).

Evening Experience - Summer Harvest Celebration at Te Pa Tu The Gathering Place

Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting.  These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.    Summer: Tu Te Ra - Across this lunar phase, the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tu Te Ra celebrates abundant harvest and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace.    These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.   Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style. Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques. Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel offers sophisticated, luxury lodge style accommodation right on the edge of Lake Rotorua with a backdrop of mature gardens. The Black Swan fuses classic sophistication and contemporary chic to create a thoroughly modern and uniquely luxurious Rotorua lakefront Boutique Hotel with personalised lodge style service. Whether for business or pleasure, experience exceptional lakefront living, luxury accommodations, exquisite dining and the finest amenities.The Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel is a beautifully appointed 5 star property that offers the discerning visitor the opportunity to experience the comforts and hospitality of personalised luxury hotel accommodation, whilst enjoying an exclusive and intimate environment. The expansive grounds include rose gardens, sweeping lawns, swimming pool, secret grotto, sandy beach, private jetty, heli-pad and eight suites. Luxury accommodation comprises 8 beautifully appointed king/twin guest suites with stunning views over the lake or gardens.

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel

This tour visits Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks: Wai O Tapu, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Mt and boiling mudfields. Our local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. Your clients will see volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes of farmland, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moonlike landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Know geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley the guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886.  Tour costs include entry to both thermal parks. In the afternoon visit Rotorua’s most popular attractions Te Puia and views of the our beautiful lakes including Tarawera, Okareka and the Blue/Green lake. Spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand’s Maori culture and nature. Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. Includes visit to the wood carving school, arts and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving, boiling mud pools and NZ’s largest geyser Pohutu. Includes entry to Te Puia.  Upon conclusion of your tour you will be transferred back to your accommodation.

Rotorua - Outer Suburbs to Rotorua Airport

 

Queenstown Airport to Queenstown - City Centre

 

Heritage Queenstown

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

Heritage Queenstown

Depart Queenstown by coach and travel to Milford Sound via Te Anau. Upon arrival in Milford Sound, board a leisurely cruise allowing you to take in the natural splendor of this pristine corner of New Zealand. Exploring the length of the fiord, you'll learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins. The experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you'll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day. Upon conclusion of the tour you will return to Queenstown by coach.

Queenstown - City Centre to Queenstown Airport

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