Grand New Zealand North and South

Continue your overnight flight to New Zealand. Enjoy inflight meals and services.

Overnight Onboard Flight

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Auckland

After breakfast, travel across the fertile Hauraki Plains to Thames, then continue up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. This coastal drive is particularly scenic, and on a clear day, you may spot Auckland’s SkyTower across the Firth of Thames. Experience a ride on the Driving Creek Railway, climbing 120 metres on a narrow-gauge line to the ‘EyeFull’ Tower, where panoramic views stretch across the countryside and the Hauraki Gulf. Continue east across the peninsula through beautiful landscapes to arrive at the resort town of Whitianga on Mercury Bay.
Overnight in Whitianga

After enjoying another delicious Kiwi breakfast, spend the day exploring the highlights of the Coromandel Peninsula. White cliffs, golden beaches, turquoise waters, and lush green forests define this region, with vivid scarlet pōhutukawa trees in bloom during summer. Visit Hot Water Beach, where warm mineral springs bubble up through the sand, allowing you to dig your own natural spa pool at low tide. Continue with a scenic walk to Cathedral Cove, taking time to appreciate one of New Zealand’s most photogenic beaches before returning along the same track. Later, travel to Cooks Beach, named after Captain James Cook, who sailed HMS Endeavour into Mercury Bay in 1769. Renowned for its long stretch of golden sand, it remains a popular summer retreat. From here, you may choose to take the short ferry back to Whitianga and walk to your accommodation or return with your driver.
Overnight in Whitianga

After breakfast, travel along the Pacific Coast Highway through the beachside towns of Whangamatā and Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, before turning inland for a well-formed bushwalk featuring scenic lookouts over Okere Falls. Continue to Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Māori heritage. No visit to Rotorua is complete without a stop at Te Puia, where you can explore active geothermal sites, visit the national centre for indigenous arts and crafts, and learn about Kiwi conservation projects. At Te Puia, it is tradition to welcome, guide, and entertain visitors as part of the family, creating a personal and memorable experience.

Overnight in Rotorua

A delicious breakfast awaits you at the hotel. Today you may choose between two excursions:

Option 1: Visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Explore the site of the 1886 eruption of Mt. Tarawera, which buried local Māori villages and destroyed the world-famous Pink and White Terraces, once considered the eighth wonder of the world. This catastrophic event transformed the landscape, creating the valley you now walk through, passing boiling craters and jewel-coloured steaming lakes. Take a cruise across Lake Rotomahana to the site of the old terraces, hear the story of Guide Sophia, and see the new silica terraces slowly forming.

OR

Option 2: Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set
Visit the enchanting setting of The Shire, featured in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit films. A guide will escort you through the ten-acre site, sharing fascinating insights into the movie set’s creation (this tour is joined by other visitors). Explore Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, The Millhouse, and other film structures, and see how Waikato farmland was transformed into Middle-earth. At Bagshot Row, enjoy an authentic glimpse into Hobbit life, including time to explore one of two beautifully detailed Hobbit Holes.

This evening experience and feast follows the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Immerse yourself in Māori song, tradition, and seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā, surrounded by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a natural amphitheatre. The hākari (feast) begins with forest horotai (canapés) and concludes with a lavish four-course fusion dinner. Hāngī is featured in seasonal menus, served al fresco when warm or in the wharekai (dining room) if cooler.

During summer, Tū Te Rā celebrates harvest and ancient Māori concepts of warfare and peace. In winter, Tū Te Ihi honours the Matariki star cluster with ritual, energy, and storytelling. Return hotel transfers are included, and other travellers will join this experience.

Overnight in Rotorua

After breakfast, visit the powerful Huka Falls before taking in the vast expanse of Lake Taupō more inland sea than lake—whose waters abound with trout. Across the lake rise the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe, and Tongariro within Tongariro National Park. Continue to Napier, home to one of the world’s most complete collections of Art Deco architecture. This vibrant seaside town was virtually destroyed following the devastating 1931 earthquake and rebuilt in the contemporary style of the era, now celebrated as Art Deco. This afternoon, explore Napier on foot with a local guide who brings the city’s history and architecture to life. Conclude the day with dinner at Mission Estate, New Zealand’s oldest winery

Overnight in Napier 

Enjoy breakfast before you travel through the vineyards and orchards of Hawke’s Bay and the bush-clad ranges of the Wairarapa en route to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Upon arrival, admire the city’s impressive Parliament Buildings, including the iconic Beehive. From the Kelburn lookout, take the Wellington Cable Car down into the central city precinct before visiting Te Papa, one of the world’s most engaging museums. Te Papa offers rich insights into New Zealand’s land, the spirit of its diverse peoples, unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and distinctive popular culture.

Overnight in Wellington

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast followed by one of the world’s most scenic ferry journeys, travelling through the waters of Cook Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound, often accompanied by playful dolphins riding the bow waves. On arrival in Picton, continue a short distance to Blenheim, located in the heart of Marlborough wine country. Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the region’s premier wineries, celebrated for its world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc. From Marlborough, travel on to the Nelson district, a sunny corner of the South Island and your base for the next two nights.

Overnight in Nelson

Enjoy a morning cruise to explore Abel Tasman National Park, a pristine wilderness of golden coves, turquoise lagoons, and forested ranges. Travel by boat to view Split Apple Rock, New Zealand fur seals, and idyllic beaches including Anchorage, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Awaroa, and Tōtaranui. After the cruise, return to Nelson for an orientation tour of the city, followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Nelson 

After breakfast, depart Nelson and travel through farmland, pine plantations, and the Rai Valley to Marlborough wine country. Continue south along the eastern coastline, wedged between the Pacific Ocean and rugged mountains, to reach Kaikōura, where the mountains meet the sea.
Today, choose between two excursions:

Option 1: Whale Watch Cruise

Embark on a 2-hour Whale Watch cruise aboard a modern, purpose-built catamaran for a close encounter with the giant sperm whale in its natural environment. The nutrient-rich waters around Kaikōura support abundant marine life, including Dusky Dolphins, rare Hector Dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, sea lions, and numerous seabirds, including the tiny Little Blue Penguin.

OR 

Option 2: Wings Over Whales

Take to the skies on a 30-minute flightseeing tour in a high-wing aircraft for an aerial perspective of Kaikōura’s marine environment. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, towering mountains, and sparkling Pacific Ocean, combining spectacular scenery with incredible opportunities to spot whales and dolphins from above.

Overnight in Kaikoura 

Your day will begin with a delicious breakfast before you depart from Kaikoura, setting off along a scenic coastal road where ever-changing seascapes and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean accompany you. The journey then turns inland, climbing through the rugged Hundalee Ranges before descending into the gentle, rolling farmland of North Canterbury. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming rural towns en route to Christchurch. In the afternoon, enjoy a tranquil punt ride along the River Avon, guided by traditionally dressed boatmen in elegant Edwardian attire, as you glide through the serene surroundings of the Botanic Gardens. Later, step aboard a beautifully restored heritage tram and experience a stylish journey through Christchurch’s evolving city centre.

Overnight in Christchurch

Your day will begin with a delicious breakfast before you depart from Christchurch, embark on the renowned TranzAlpine rail journey across the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Along the way, enjoy views of the Canterbury Plains, farmland, and the dramatic gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then ascends into the Southern Alps, offering spectacular alpine scenery. On arrival in Arthur’s Pass, reboard your coach to continue to the West Coast, passing historic towns and reaching Hokitika, known for its galleries specializing in pounamu (greenstone) jewelry and artworks. Continue south through forests and farmland, with the Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, arriving at Franz Josef and then the remote village of Fox. Witness the enormous rivers of ice from the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, which descend from vast snowfields in the Southern Alps almost to sea level.

Overnight in Fox Glacier

Enjoy an early breakfast and have your camera ready for a morning stroll at Lake Matheson, where calm conditions create a perfect mirror reflection of Mt. Cook. Continue via Haast Pass, following the river road alongside icy rivers and deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park. The scenery brightens as you reach the picturesque Lake Wānaka, its waters reflecting surrounding mountain peaks, which in winter provide excellent skiing, and the charming resort town of Wānaka.

Overnight in Wanaka

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast overlooking the lake. You may choose between two excursions:

Option 1: Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk

Join a passionate local eco-guide for a boat cruise from Wānaka to the predator-free Mou Waho Island. From the beach landing, a walking track climbs through native vegetation, alive with birdsong, leading to the island’s hidden treasure—a small lake with its own tiny islands. The 3 km return track is uneven in places; hiking poles are provided, and your guide moves at the pace of the group, with regular breaks and seating. At the lake, you can relax, swim, or continue to the summit for sweeping 360-degree views of Lake Wānaka, the surrounding mountains, and the Arethusa Pool below. Contribute to the island’s future by planting a native tree on this important conservation refuge, home to the Buff Weka, a charismatic flightless bird thriving thanks to the sanctuary’s protection program.

OR

Option 2: Rugged Off-Road Adventure with a Kiwi Twist

Experience a blend of stunning scenery, history, heritage, and farming life as you explore the remote backroads of a traditional New Zealand High Country farm overlooking Lake Wānaka. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and wild river valleys, observe farm animals such as Red Deer, cattle, and sheep in their natural environment. Visit historical sites and gain insight into the lives of Wānaka’s first farmers. Two optional walks through pristine alpine meadows and lakeside forests offer a deeper appreciation of the region’s heritage, farming life, and breathtaking scenery.

This afternoon is at your leisure to relax or enjoy activities of your choice.

Overnight in Wanaka

Begin the day with an indulgent breakfast before departing Wānaka. Your first stop is the much-photographed Cardrona Pub, followed by a scenic drive along the Crown Range Road to historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath the peaks surrounding the sparkling Arrow River. Continue along the road framed by the Remarkables mountain range and the stunning Lake Wakatipu, passing through a glacial-formed valley now transformed into farmland, before arriving at Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest freshwater lake by volume and the gateway to Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Te Anau, explore Fiordland’s wild beauty by jet boat, travelling from the glistening lakefront along the quiet banks of the Waiau River to the secluded shores of Lake Manapouri. Experience a hidden world of solemn mountains, wild forests, and rich natural history. Visit a 220-acre working support farm featuring a fully restored 100-year-old woolshed for an authentic Southland experience. Meet a local farmer, learn about New Zealand’s agricultural heritage, and enjoy demonstrations of sheep-shearing and dog-mustering.

Overnight in Te Anau 

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on one of New Zealand’s most scenic journeys from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Situated within Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, this region is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere, featuring lofty mountains and deep valleys carved by Ice Age glaciers. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world,” Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Board a comfortable vessel for a cruise past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea, keeping an eye out for seals and dolphins often spotted in the fiord’s waters. After the cruise, retrace your route back to Te Anau, travelling via Cleddau Gorge, Homer Tunnel, and the picturesque Eglinton Valley, before continuing across Southland farmlands and around Lake Wakatipu to arrive in Queenstown.

Overnight in Queenstown 

In the morning after breakfast, at the arranged time, you will be picked up and transferred to Queenstown Airport for your flight back home.