Spectacular New Zealand (Fall 2019)

Day 1 : New Zealand Bound

Following our included flight to Los Angeles International Airport, we board an Air New Zealand flight bound for Auckland. Enjoy delicious meals and attentive service.

Day 2 : Arrive in Auckland

When we cross the International Date Line, we lose a calendar day.

Day 3 : Christchurch, South Island

This morning we clear customs in Auckland and fly to Christchurch located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. On arrival we clear customs and transfer to the Distinction Christchurch Hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

Day 4 : Glacial Lakes & Southern Alps

Day 4 : Glacial Lakes & Southern Alps

This morning we cross the picturesque patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains and enter the foothills of Geraldine and expansive Mackenzie Country. We stop to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Tekapo and view the bronze statue of a sheep dog, erected as a tribute to the important role played by these animals in the development of high country farming. We drive along the shimmering turquoise glacial waters of Lake Pukaki set against the spectacular backdrop of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps. We cross the Lindis Pass and tussock-covered plains of Mackenzie Country to the fruitlands of Central Otago, famous for the production of summer fruit - apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums. Our memorable day ends at the Heritage Hotel Queenstown for a relaxing two-night stay. The vistas from the Heritage Hotel provide a panoramic view of the towering 7,000-foot Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu.

Day 5 : Kiwi & Birdlife Park

Enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast featuring local produce at the Kiwi & Birdlife Park. After breakfast we have the rare opportunity to meet New Zealand’s most iconic bird. Specially designed nocturnal houses allow us to view the kiwi during the day. Later we visit the historic and picturesque “gold rush” settlement of Arrowtown and view the Kawarau River suspension bridge, the “World Home of Bungy Jumping.” The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital, offering jetboating, golfing, picturesque walks, and abundant restaurants and shops in one of the most scenic settings in the world.

Day 6 : Milford Sound Cruise

Today we travel through an ancient ice age region, crossing pasturelands on our way to Fjordland National Park. We journey through beech forests and the beautiful Eglinton Valley climbing to Homer Tunnel before descending through the spectacular Cleddau Canyon to reach Milford Sound. Our cruise takes us past Mitre Peak, which rises 5,560 feet, striking Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls, cascading more than 500 feet. The falls flow from valleys formed by receding glaciers. Watch for sea lions and a variety of birds. Our accommodations in Te Anau are at the Distinction Te Anau Hotel. The town is nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau with a spectacular backdrop of Mt. Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains.

Day 7 : Larnach Castle & Dunedin

Departing Te Anau, we travel through some of New Zealand’s most populated sheep country through Lumsden and Gore to historic Larnach Castle & Gardens nestled on the picturesque Otago Peninsula. With its exciting, sometimes scandalous, sometimes tragic history, its magnificent carved ceilings, antiques and breathtaking views, our guided tour of the castle and gardens offers a vision of the past and present. We arrive in Dunedin known for its Scottish heritage and Victorian and Edwardian architecture. We see some of the iconic city attractions such as Speights Brewery, Cadbury World, the University of Otago, and the World’s Steepest Street. Our comfortable accommodations for two nights are at the Distinction Dunedin Hotel.

Day 8 : Taieri Gorge Railway

Today we depart the historic Dunedin Railway on one of the world’s great train excursions through the spectacular Taieri River Gorge. We travel aboard restored carriages through stunning scenery, crossing graceful wrought-iron viaducts spanning deep ravines while listening to onboard commentary about the early pioneers and building of the line. Later we visit the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum dedicated to telling the story of the people of Dunedin and the surrounding area, whose character, culture, technology, art, fashion, and transport shaped New Zealand’s first great city.

Day 9 : Lake Taupo

Today we fly to North Island. Our destination is the town of Taupo that sits at the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake. Taupo is the home to award-winning attractions, activities, and breathtaking lake and mountain vistas. Our lodging for two nights at the Hilton Lake Taupo features spacious rooms overlooking the thermally heated pool.

Day 10 : Orakei Korako & Maori Concert

We begin with a visit to Orakei Korako, one of the finest thermal areas in the world. On our walk through the Hidden Valley we’ll see silica terraces, boiling pools, geysers, and an incredibly rare geothermal cave. Later we visit Lava Glass, glass blowing studio and their sculpture garden featuring over 500 glass sculptures. After lunch we cruise the Waikato River and see impressive Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. Tonight we enjoy a traditional authentic Maori hangi feast, a customary cooking method that involves preparing food in an underground pit oven, followed by a powerful cultural performance of song and dance.

Day 11 : Hobbiton & Hamilton Gardens

We travel to Alexander Sheep & Cattle Farm in Matamata, a combination working sheep farm and Hobbiton, The Shire from Middle-Earth. Our visit includes a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views of the Kaimai Ranges and a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. The set has been completely rebuilt for The Hobbit and remains as it was seen in these films and The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. During our tour we see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, double arched bridge and other structures and gardens built for the films. Later we take a pleasant countryside drive to the riverside city of Hamilton, one of the country’s fastest growing cities. We visit the international award-winning Hamilton Gardens. The gardens explore different civilizations, and recreate historically important garden styles from the farthest reaches of the world. Our lodging is at the Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hotel.

Day 12 : Auckland & Evening Flight

This morning we arrive in Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the Southern Hemisphere. We visit Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, one of Auckland’s top visitor’s attractions. We’ll see the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony display, the magical Seahorse Kingdom, and take an underwater journey to discover a diverse collection of aquatic life up close. We enjoy lunch at Skycity’s Fortuna Restaurant before we ascend Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower. The tallest man-made structure in New Zealand offers breathtaking views in every direction. We enjoy 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. Cross the International Date Line and regain a day arriving early in the afternoon. Overnight accommodations are included near the Los Angeles International Airport.

Day 13 : Homeward

This morning our adventure comes to an end, but the friendships and memories will last forever.