Spectacular New Zealand
Exceptional Accommodations
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Huka Falls River Cruise
Pasture-to-plate Lunch at The Red Barn
Kiwi Park
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Natures Wonders Argo Wildlife Tour
Embark on a thrilling wildlife adventure aboard an all-terrain Argo 8-wheeler at the Reid family farm. Ride along the Otago Peninsula coastline for breathtaking views and get up-close to extraordinary animals in their natural habitat. While venturing through this expansive conservation property, learn about the life and habitat of the world’s smallest penguins, New Zealand fur seals, cormorants, and some of the world’s rarest penguins, the yellow-eyed penguins
Milford Sound Cruise in Fiordland National Park
Embark on a mesmerizing journey within the breathtaking landscapes of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, a haven for Mother Nature’s spectacular beauty. Climb aboard a glass roof boat for a cruise in the glistening waters of Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most famous natural wonder. Glide through the majestic fiords for picture-perfect views of the enchanting landscape that boasts towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests plunging into the deep blue waters below. While enjoying our relaxing excursion on these serene waters, witness the extraordinary life of the sound - playful seals, dolphins, various birds, and maybe even an elusive penguin. We also get an unrivaled opportunity to view the iconic Mitre Peak rising dramatically from the fiord as well as Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls, dropping over 500 feet from valleys formed by receding glaciers.
Larnach Castle & Gardens
Explore the only castle in New Zealand, a lavish dream home built in 1871 by over 200 workmen for the Larnach family. Marvel at the intricate interior, created from the finest materials around the world by master European craftsmen, hear scandalous stories of the past, learn about Dunedin’s history, and stroll through the expansive, award-winning gardens.
Māori Cultural Performance & Feast
Discover the sounds, traditions, clothing, and cuisine of the impressive Māori culture at The Haka Shop in Taupo. Learn firsthand what it means to be part of this culture as our friendly hosts, Snow and Dinny, greet us before our guided walk of the land to learn the history of their tribe, weaponry, and weaving. Our savory dinner is an authentic hangi feast, cooked in an underground pit oven with an infusion of local flavors. Afterwards, enjoy a moving performance of song and dance that celebrates their heritage, including the powerful haka, a ceremonial war dance.
- Day 1: Depart the USAFollowing our included flight to California, we board our overnight flight for Auckland. Enjoy delicious meals and attentive service en route to our destination.
- Day 2: New Zealand BoundWhen we cross the International Date Line, we lose a calendar day.
- Day 3: Christchurch, South IslandUpon arrival, we clear customs in Christchurch on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. We transfer to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.
- Day 4: Glacial Lakes & Southern AlpsThis morning, we travel through picturesque patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and enter the Geraldine foothills within expansive Mackenzie Country. We stop to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking Lake Tekapo’s pristine waters where we view the bronze statue of a sheep dog, symbolizing the important role these animals have played in the development of high-country farming. We then drive along Lake Pukaki’s shimmering, turquoise glacial waters while enjoying the spectacular backdrop of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. Our journey continues over Lindis Pass and through the tussock-covered plains of Mackenzie Country to the Fruitlands of Central Otago, famous for its summer fruit production including apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums. We make a stop at Jones Family Fruit Stall, a family orchard that got its start 40 years ago with a small fruit stall. Our memorable day ends in Queenstown, situated on the rippling shores of Lake Wakatipu and set against the dramatic 7,000-foot Remarkables mountains.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 5: Kiwi Park & QueenstownOur day begins with a private, homemade breakfast featuring local produce at Kiwi Park. Afterwards, we have the rare opportunity to meet New Zealand’s most iconic bird, the kiwi, in specially designed nocturnal houses that allow us to view them during the day. Later, we visit the historic and picturesque “gold rush” settlement of Arrowtown, and stop at the Kawarau River suspension bridge where bungee jumpers come for thrills from all over the world. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital with jet boating, golf, picturesque walks, and abundant restaurants and shops in one of the most scenic settings in the world.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 6: Milford Sound CruiseToday, we travel through an ancient ice age region by first crossing pasturelands on our way to Fiordland National Park. We journey through beech forests in the beautiful Eglinton Valley to Homer Tunnel before descending through Cleddau Canyon, reaching Milford Sound. Our cruise takes us past Mitre Peak, rising over 5,500 feet, as well as the phenomenal Stirling and Bowen Falls. Cascading at more than 500 feet, these falls flow from valleys formed by receding glaciers. Watch for majestic wildlife throughout our journey, such as sea lions and a variety of birds. Our accommodations tonight are in Te Anau, the town nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau with a spectacular backdrop of Mount Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: Larnach Castle & DunedinDeparting Te Anau, we travel through some of New Zealand’s most populated sheep country, taking us through Lumsden and Gore to the historic Larnach Castle and Gardens nestled on picturesque Otago Peninsula. With its exciting and at times scandalous and tragic history, our guided tour of the castle and gardens offers a vision of the past and present. Marvel at magnificent carved ceilings, antiques, and breathtaking views. We arrive in Dunedin, known for its Scottish heritage and Victorian and Edwardian architecture. We witness some of the city’s iconic attractions such as Speights Brewery, the University of Otago, the world’s steepest street, and First Church of Otago.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 8: Natures Wonders and Toitū Settlers MuseumToday, we travel to Natures Wonders for an amazing wildlife experience. This family-owned conservation has a focus on restoring nature, with all native trees planted on the 650 acres of protected land. Throughout our guided tour, we see some of the world’s rarest penguins in their natural habitats, along with fur seals and albatross. Later, we visit the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum dedicated to telling the story of the Dunedin people whose character, culture, technology, art, fashion, and transportation shaped the surrounding area and New Zealand’s first great city. We then return to the hotel and gather for an included dinner this evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: Lake TaupoThis morning, we fly to the North Island and transfer to the quaint town of Taupo located on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake. Taupo is home to award-winning attractions, activities, and breathtaking lake and mountain vistas. Our lodging for two nights is at the Hilton Lake Taupo, featuring spacious rooms overlooking the thermally heated pool. Enjoy an included dinner tonight at a local eatery.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 10: Orakei Korako & Maori PerformanceWe begin our day with a visit to Orakei Korako, one of the finest thermal areas in the world. On our walk through the Hidden Valley, we see silica terraces, boiling pools, geysers, and a rare geothermal cave. After lunch at leisure in Taupo’s town center, we cruise the Waikato River and witness the impressive Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural wonder. Tonight we enjoy an authentic Māori hangi feast. Learn the customary cooking method of preparing food in an underground pit oven, followed by powerful song and dance performances from their culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 11: Hobbiton™ & The Red BarnWe spend the first half of our day at Alexander Sheep & Cattle Farm in Matamata, a working sheep farm and home to Hobbiton™, The Shire™ from Middle-earth™. Our visit includes a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre farm with spectacular views acrossthe Kaimai Ranges and a guided tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The set has been completely rebuilt and remains as it was seen in these films. During our tour, we see Hobbit Holes™, The Green Dragon Inn™, the mill, the double-arched bridge, and other structures and gardens built for this beloved imaginary world. For our delightful Farewell Lunch, we enjoy a traditional pasture-to-plate meal at The Red Barn, a 500-acre working dairy farm. Originally built at the turn of the previous century as a livery stable for horses journeying across the greater Waikato, The Red Barn showcases the very best of New Zealand cuisine and country hospitality. Later we take a pleasant drive to Cambridge in the heart of rural Waikato, a picture-perfect country town characterized by quaint charm and tree-lined streets. Tonight, we have the evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 12: Auckland & Evening FlightThis morning, we travel to Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the Southern Hemisphere. We visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, one of the city’s top attractions. Here, we view the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony display and the magical Seahorse Kingdom, then take an underwater journey to discover a diverse collection of aquatic life up close. After an included lunch, we ascend Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower, the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand, offering breathtaking views in every direction. Later, we embark on a brief sightseeing tour of the city including American’s Cup Village, lively Queen Street, and the Harbor Bridge before heading to the airport for our evening flight to Los Angeles. We cross the International Date Line and gain a day, arriving early in the afternoon.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 13: Homeward
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night at Distinction Christchurch Hotel
- 2 nights at Millennium Hotel Queenstown
- 1 night at Distinction Te Anau Hotel
- 2 nights at Distinction Dunedin Hotel
- 2 nights at Hilton Lake Taupo
- 1 night at Hidden Lake Hotel in Cambridge
- 1 night near the Los Angeles International Airport
Attractions & Highlights
- New Zealand’s Southern Alps feat. Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
- Queenstown & Lake Wakatipu
- Kiwi Park
- Milford Sound Cruise feat. Fiordland National Park
- Larnach Castle & Gardens
- Dunedin guided city tour
- Natures Wonders Argo Wildlife Tour
- Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
- Lake Taupo
- Orakei Korako Thermal Park
- Huka Falls River Cruise
- Hobbiton™ Movie Set
- SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
- Auckland Sky Tower
13 Excellent Meals
- Dinner at MacKinnon Restaurant in Te Anau
- Dinner at Parcels Restaurant in Dunedin
- Māori cultural performance & feast
- Pasture-to-plate lunch at The Red Barn
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport