Journey Through New Zealand

Travel across the international date line to New Zealand, arriving in Auckland on the North Island early on the morning of Day 3. After time to relax and freshen up at your hotel, take a casual walking tour of the neighborhood. This evening, gather for a briefing on the journey ahead, followed by a welcome dinner. (D)

This morning, tour Auckland, a stunning city flanked by two harbors and built atop more than 50 volcanic cones. With the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world, Auckland is as culturally fascinating as it is beautiful. A highlight of your tour is the visit to the Auckland Museum, home to a prized collection of Māori and Pacific Islander art and artifacts. Take in views of the city and the surrounding islands on a lunch cruise around glittering Auckland Harbour. Return to your hotel early this afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day to explore Auckland on your own. (B,L)

Travel to Rotorua today, stopping en route to explore the Ruakuri Caves, where otherworldly glowworms illuminate underground grottoes and passageways. Arrive in Rotorua, a center of the indigenous Māori culture and a geothermal landscape that steams, erupts, and bubbles with activity.  Late this afternoon, get acquainted with the area’s geology and its rich culture at Te Puia. Watch geysers explode and see traditionally carved Māori houses and handicrafts, then sit down to a typical hangi dinner and a cultural performance. (B,D)

Venture along the leafy paths of Paradise Valley Springs for a closer look at native flora, fauna, and birdlife. Tour the National Kiwi Trust and learn firsthand how injured kiwis—New Zealand’s flightless national bird—are rescued and rehabilitated here. (B)

Head south through spectacular scenery to one of New Zealand’s celebrated wine regions: Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at Mission Estate Winery, then continue to the seaside city of Napier. On a walking tour, discover a remarkable density of authentic art deco architecture, built in the 1930s after an earthquake leveled the city center. (B,L)

On your way to New Zealand’s capital of Wellington, visit a private farm to learn about the country’s vital sheep farming industry. Witness sheepdogs at work and watch a sheep-shearing demonstration before a barbecue lunch. Arrive in Wellington in the late afternoon and enjoy time at leisure before dinner together tonight on your own. (B,L,D)

A captivating waterfront city located on the southern end of the North Island, Wellington hums with creative energy. During your morning tour, hop aboard the historic Wellington Cable Car to take in panoramic views of the city and harbor. Visit the acclaimed Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, which features interactive exhibitions on New Zealand’s art, history, native cultures, and natural environment. Tour the city’s Parliament House with its landmark Beehive. Take the remainder of the day to discover more of the city at your own pace. You may wish to take a walk on the bohemian Cuba Street; see the kangaroos and wallabies at the Wellington Zoo; or stroll the lively waterfront area. Try out Wellington’s vibrant restaurant scene during dinner on your own.  (B)

Today, fly south to Christchurch, known as the “Garden City.” Visit the Botanic Gardens, the “green heart” of Christchurch dating to 1863, as well as Cathedral Square and Re:START Mall, the vibrant civic area that rose from the rubble of the 2011 earthquake. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Early today, embark the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s great rail journeys. Wind through the open farmland of the Canterbury Plain into the foothills of the Southern Alps, then ascend to the snowcapped peaks, traversing tunnels and bridges above deep gorges. Disembark in Arthur’s Pass, and board a motorcoach for the scenic drive to the village of Franz Josef, reaching the hotel this afternoon and dining there tonight. (B,D)

In Westland Tai Poutini National Park, encounter one of New Zealand’s most astonishing sights: Franz Josef Glacier, a mass of ice that descends from the peaks of the Southern Alps to a rainforest at sea level. With a local guide, take a walk through the Glacial Valley where you’ll have spectacular views of this natural wonder. Then visit the West Coast Wildlife Center to observe rare and endemic kiwis, a bird linked so closely to New Zealand’s identity that its residents are known colloquially as “Kiwis.” This afternoon, enjoy the splendid surroundings as you wish. (B,D)

Travel to Queenstown this morning, pausing in the lakeside resort of Wanaka for lunch on your own. Continue to the Central Otago region and visit Kinross Winery for a private tasting and tour. Late this afternoon reach Queenstown and your hotel, where you dine tonight. (B,D)

Prepare for jaw-dropping scenery on today’s exhilarating full-day excursion to Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound, both part of a World Heritage site. Travel by boat across Lake Manapouri then by coach over Wilmot Pass to reach the Doubtful Sound the deepest and longest of the region’s many fjords. Edged with mountains, rainforests, and waterfalls, Doubtful Sound is known as the “Sound of Silence” for its remarkable serenity. On a three-hour catamaran cruise, see enchanting woodlands featured in The Lord of the Rings films, and spot wildlife including dolphins, fur seals, Fiordland crested pen­guins, and perhaps whales. Return to Queenstown early this evening and have dinner on your own. (B,L)

After a leisurely morning, gather for an afternoon cruise on spectacular Lake Wakapitu aboard the vintage steamer TSS Earnslaw. The rest of the day is yours to tailor to your own interests. Choose from the many activities offered in this outdoor mecca—from jet boating and adventure sports, to fly fishing and art gallery-hopping. You may opt to ride the Skyline gondola for outstanding views of the city and the surrounding Southern Alps. Tonight, celebrate your New Zealand adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. (B)