New Zealand: Highlights

Discover Auckland’s black sand beaches and exotic rainforests in style! As you drive out in your luxury vehicle, enjoy the majestic skyline over Auckland Harbour Bridge. See some of the most charming, colonial homes in Parnell suburb and visit the Auckland Museum for a bit of enthralling history. Witness the wild beauty of the ancient volcanoes on the Rangitoto Island and stop over at the Titirangi (Fringe of Heaven) artists enclave to soak in some of the local Maori culture. Explore the mystic Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa rainforest and its famed Kauri trees. As you reach the scenic West Coast, stroll through the Arataki Visitor Center to learn more about the indigenous flora and fauna of the Waitakere Ranges. A lazy spin through Tamaki Drive to take a dip in the cool, blue waters of Mission Bay is the perfect end to this enriching, luxury tour! (Full Day; Shared Activity & Transfer; Group size: 2-15 guests; Lunch, snacks & refreshments included; Fitness level: Moderate; Please wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, sun hat, sunscreen and carry a swimming gear, in summer).

Enjoy the All Blacks Experience in the landmark Sky Tower. Learn all about the renowned rugby team and go on an interactive journey that celebrates New Zealand’s heritage and achievements in the sport. Your tour kick starts with an introduction to rugby. Displayed on a wall are the names and numbers of all the All Blacks, who have played for the country since 1905. Then, there’s the scoreboard wall, which records All Blacks wins with black boot sprigs. Along the way, you’ll learn about the game’s history. Participate in some speed tests on a screen and visit a replica Eden Park locker room. Learn about two different hakas that the All Blacks perform. Sit in a booth and hear a rousing speech from Buck Shelford, a rugby legend. After, walk through the ‘tunnel’ and onto the ‘field.’ You’re now the opposition that stands ready to face the haka. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: till 30th Sep, Mon & Thu hourly departures, 1000- 1500 hrs, Tue & Wed 1100 & 1300 hrs, Fri-Sun hourly departures, 1000-1600 hrs, from 1st Oct, Thu-Mon hourly departures,1000-1600 hrs, Tue & Wed 1100 & 1300 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 26 ppl; No transfers; Starting point: SKYCITY precinct, 88 Federal Street; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Min age: 6 yrs; En route activity: no)

Journey through the heart of North Island, visiting two iconic attractions – Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton, en route from Auckland to Rotorua. You will be picked up from your hotel in Auckland and driven through the picturesque Waikato countryside to Waitomo Caves. Enter the caves to see myriad stalactites and stalagmites. Walk down some steps into an area called the Cathedral, an acoustically superior underground venue, surrounded by a 50-foot-tall limestone formation. Then, take a boat ride through tunnels lit up by constellations of glow worms. While gliding on the inky underground lake, your guide will tell you all about the creatures adorning the ceiling and walls. Next, head to the Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour through The Shire. Explore the gardens and proceed to Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interiors of a hobbit dwelling. Stroll past orchards and vegetable patches, while the guide recounts anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about the trilogy. Finally, continue on your scenic drive to your hotel in Rotorua.(En route activity; Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are not included)

Experience the fascinating steam and sauna ambience of the North Island’s famed volcanic valley on this day tour of the geothermal activities at Rotorua. After an early morning breakfast at your hotel, set off to explore the wonders of the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Reach the spectacular Lady Knox Geyser in time to watch its daily morning performance. The valley’s boiling mud pools, volcanic fumaroles and towering geysers erupt daily in a powerful mist of sulphuric steam and fury. Discover the unique plant and animal life that have adapted themselves to this steamy world of hot springs and hissing lakes. Walk among the valley’s singular geological features and dense rainforests that are also home to flocks of exotic birds. Return to your hotel after a day of exploring brilliantly painted silica terraces, boiling crater lakes, pools and streams. (Shared Activity; Duration: 4.5 hrs; Time of Day: 0800 hrs; Fitness level: Moderate; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Experience indigenous culture and cuisine on this immersive tour of Tamaki Maori village. Begin your evening with a short presentation about the history of the Maori people. Afterwards, set off on the short drive to the village, which lies deep within the forest. After a traditional welcome ceremony known as powhiri, explore the hamlet. Learn about local customs and etiquette from your guide. Get a glimpse of ancient traditions and life in pre-European times while traditional Maori musical instruments play. At the wharenui or meeting house, watch a fascinating display of haka song and dance. Settle down to a traditional hangi feast featuring local delicacies that have been slow-cooked in underground earthen ovens. (Duration: 4 hrs; Evening activity; Shared activity & transfers; Meals included: dinner; Fitness level: easy; All entry fees are included; Pick up and drop off at centrally located city hotels)

Discover the scenic beauty of Milford Sound via three different modes of transport – by coach, on a cruise, and by flight. Get picked up from your hotel in Queenstown and settle in for the coach ride along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Drive past the picturesque farms in the countryside and stop briefly at Te Anau, before continuing on. Take in the sight of towering mountains, rugged valleys, and lush forests. See cascading waterfalls and glacial lakes with their mirror-like surfaces. At Milford Sound, step into a leisurely cruise into the fjord. Learn about the flora and fauna of the region from the specialist nature guide on board. You could also walk up to the wheelhouse to speak with the captain. Enjoy a boxed lunch as you glide past the scenery. After you disembark, if the weather is good, you will be taken to Milford airport to board a fixed-wing aircraft for a scenic flight back to Queenstown. Enjoy aerial views of the region for about 40 minutes before you land at Queenstown airport. (Duration: full day; Time: 0700 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Meals included: boxed lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Min age: 5; Starting point: Queenstown Visitor Centre, 110 Beach Street, Queenstown; Scenic flight included; Flight is weather dependent; Please bring warm clothing, waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes and insect repellant)

Queenstown is the perfect spot for those who love the great outdoors. While the Shotover River is known for white water rafting and jet boating excursions, the riverside Historic Tunnel Walk also makes for fascinating exploration. The gentle Time Walk Trail on Queenstown Hill Recreation Reserve winds through pine forests to the landmark Basket of Dreams sculpture. Take the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak, and enjoy panoramic vistas of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. You could also have lakeside picnics at Queenstown Gardens and visit the Queenstown Golf Club. Later, head to Marine Parade to relax on Queenstown Beach, and dining at the iconic Bathhouse Cafe. You can savor celebrated pinot noir varietals from the Central Otago Wine Region and distinct craft beers across Queenstown. Cruising across Lake Wakatipu onboard the century-old TSS Earnslaw is a sought after Queenstown experience. Winters here offer fantastic snowboarding and skiing opportunities, and lively après ski gatherings. (Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees & meals not included; Fitness level: easy)