Day 1 - Arrive Auckland ex International Flight

You will be met by our Representative upon arrival in Auckland and welcomed to New Zealand. You are then transferred to your hotel, Ascot Metropolis. This high rise Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Auckland, and is within walking distance of Queen Street, the Viaduct Basin and Americas Cup Village. Enjoy a city highlights tour along the way. The balance of the day is free to adjust, relax and begin exploring the "city of sails" which lies at your doorstep.

Day 2 - Auckland

A full day to explore Auckland. You may choose to enjoy a sail on the Hauraki Golf, home to two American's Cup Yacht Races or perhaps a visit to Waiheke Island where wine, beaches and art commands the lifestyles there. Near by West Auckland offers the opportunity to see the black sand beaches and thick native bush that made the movie The Piano famous. There lies a large Gannet Colony too which is amazing to see from October through April when thousands of Gannets call this region home.

Days 3 to 4

Day 3

Driving from Auckland for approximately four hours to the breath taking Bay of Islands, today will give you many opportunities to stop, sightsee and enjoy some of the small towns along the way.

The remote four bed roomed Bay of Islands Lodge is situated in a private native bush reserve just a few minutes drive south of Paihia. If you enjoy seclusion, luxury, and soul-rejuvenating views of pure natural beauty, you will feel very comfortable indeed at this accommodation. The stunning surroundings and luxurious facilities create an overall sense of well-being.

Day 4 - Cruise in Bay of Islands

It's accelerated adventure all the way on board your full day cruise. Depart from the Opua Wharf at 8:45am on board the Tall Ship "R Tucker Thompson". Prepare yourself for the awesome Cathedral Cave and be illuminated by the Cape Brett Lighthouse. View some of Northland's finest maritime scenery. You will view places of interest throughout the journey with ample opportunity to take photos and videos.

Day 5 - Salt Air, Cape Reinga flight and 4WD Excursion

Depart from the lodge at 7:40am for your half-day fly/4WD excursion. Your north bound flight travels over some fantastic scenery which includes bush clad hills, the deep Whangaroa Harbour, unspoilt Doubtless Bay and of course the famous Ninety Mile Beach.

The 4 WD portion of this tour includes the Cape Reinga lighthouse with its' spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and mighty Pacific Ocean merging together. Then onto Taputoputo Bay for a quick swim if desired, before the adventure of Te Paki quicksand stream with its mighty sand dunes - sand sleds are provided if you are feeling adventurous!

The return flight follows the East coast of northland and takes in spectacular scenery such as Parengarenga Harbour, Great Exhibition Bay, Karikari Peninsular, Cavalli Islands and of course the Bay of Islands.

Days 6 to 7 - Huka Lodge

Day 6

Drive from the Bay of Islands Lodge to Kerikeri airport where you will return your rental vehicle. Depart from Kerikeri airport at 11:30am on NZ 8671 to Auckland, arriving 12:10pm. Connect to NZ 2353 departing at 12:35pm to Rotorua, arriving 1:15pm. Collect your 4WD rental vehicle at the airport and self drive from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, a one-hour drive.

You will have the opportunity to visit Huka Falls, no ordinary waterfall; you will be able to get close enough to feel the sheer power of the massive amounts of water gushing through the canal before plummeting over the edge of the cliff.

Huka Lodge is set in park-like grounds over looking the river. Considered one of the top 100 places to stay in the world, this exclusive lodge offers the best in service, food and style.

Day 7 - Half-day Lake Taupo trout fishing trip with Chris Jolley

Chris Jolly has 20 years experience fishing and cruising around Lake Taupo and has assembled a skilled team who will ensure your day is adventurous and enjoyable. You will have the remainder of the afternoon to explore the Taupo area at your leisure. Return to Huka lodge for the night.

Days 8 to 9 - Peppers on the Point - Lake Rotorua

Day 8

Drive one hour from Lake Taupo to Rotorua, New Zealand's "thermal wonderland". Peppers On The Point overlooks historic Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island and enjoys spectacular panoramic views. Once a Maori Pa site, the property is steeped in local history - of ancient battles, love and life. You will feel far away from the bustling crowd even though Rotorua City is just ten minutes drive away.

Day 9 Full day TeKiri Tour

Enjoy a full day guided private tour. Roger, your guide, will be offering Maori history, stories and legends throughout the day. You will see bubbling mud, geysers, sulphuric vents and formations. Then it's a four-wheel drive mountain tour. A bush camp lunch will be enjoyed and prepare you for the rest of the day. A stop at Tarawera Falls is also included. This tour takes in Rotorua's most beautiful scenery with a funny, informative and knowledgeable guide. This tour is a highlight for many guests!

Days 10 to 12 - Punatapu Lodge, Queenstown, South Island

Day 10

Drive to the Rotorua Airport where you will return your rental vehicle. Depart Rotorua on NZ 5001 at 9:15am to Queenstown, arriving 12:30pm. On your arrival at Queenstown Airport you will collect your next rental car and self drive to Punatapu Lodge. Set outside of the bustle of Queenstown in a remote valley, Punatapu Lodge is recommended by the Rob Report and Harpers. It is a food and art lover's heaven!

This lodge only catches glimpses of the lake but is surrounded by glorious mountains and bush and is a tranquil haven.

Day 11 - Dart River Fun Yaks

This morning you will be picked up at your accommodation and taken to the village of Glenorchy, you will board the jet boat for a ride up the Dart River (in less than 5 inches of water at times!).

A buffet-style wilderness picnic lunch will be enjoyed beside the river. Then you will travel down the river via inflatable canoes. You journey through rock gorges, down a slow scenic river absorbing the serene tranquility of this 'lost land'. This is a real family trip - there is a little excitement for everyone

Day 12 - Over The Top Helicopter flight

Today your helicopter flight will allow you to discover a labyrinth of valleys and mountains as you fly west over the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. See Lake Te Anau and follow the Milford Track past the Sutherland Falls on this extensive tour to Milford Sound. Walk through native rainforest, for a perfect photo opportunity. You will fly along the fiord to a seal colony or remote beach on the isolated coast of Fiordland. A glacier landing on the return flight will enable you to fill the ice bucket for your champagne luncheon at a gold miner's cottage hidden in the mountains.

Upon your return you have the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy Queenstown at your leisure. Queenstown is the adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere, so ensure you partake in adventures such as bunjee jumping, jet boating and kayaking too.

Day 13 - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Today you will self-drive from Queenstown to Manapouri, approximately a 2-½ hour drive.

Doubtful Sound is different from the Milford because there are three arms to this sound not just one like Milford. On this trip you cruise across Lake Manapouri, board a coach traveling past the moss forests before boarding your catamaran cruise through the Doubtful Sound. You moor at a sheltered point in the Sound where you have the opportunity to board a small boat to land on shore and/or kayak.

Enjoy the bird songs that break the silence of the Sound. Kayak your way around the still waters with bays harboring isolated beaches. Enjoy the wildlife in it's own environment. This is a really special trip that allows you, to just soak up the beauty of the sounds.

Day 14 - Fiordland Lodge

Arrive back at Manapouri. Drive 30 minutes to Te Anau and Fiordland Lodge. The newly opened Fiordland Lodge will offer peace, beautiful surroundings and views.

This evening your tour of the Te Anau Caves begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake. Upon arrival there is time to view informative displays at Cavern House before you are guided underground. As you explore by path and small boat, your senses will be overwhelmed. Observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glow worm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glow worms is a magical sight.

Day 14 to 15 - Hapuku Lodge - Kaikoura

Day 14

This morning you will self-drive from Te Anau to Queenstown airport, approximately a 1-½ hour drive. Return your rental vehicle here. Depart Queenstown on NZ 5042 at 12:55pm to Christchurch, arriving 1:55pm. You will uplift your next rental vehicle at Christchurch Airport and self-drive 2 hours up the east coast to Kaikoura.

The next two nights you will experience a New Zealand farm stay on a 2000-acre sheep and cattle farm just outside of Kaikoura. It is set in a picturesque valley and the near by lake offers great bird life plus walks with mountain and ocean views. Hapuku Lodge - One single and one twin room, Breakfast included.

Day 15 - Whale Watch and Swim with the Dolphins

Today may be one of the memorable moments of your vacation, Whale watching! This morning it is time to search for the mammoth mammals of the sea, the sperm and hump back whales. It is an amazing sight to see one of these creatures as it curves its body into the deep ocean followed by a flip from their enormous tail.

This afternoon you will have the opportunity to cavort with Dusky Dolphins one of the most playful of all. It takes a bit of persistence and silly antics when you are swimming but when the dolphins come over to check you out - it is all worth the effort!

Day 16 - Jet Inn Auckland Airport

Drive from Kaikoura to Blenheim, approximately a 2-hour drive. Return your rental vehicle here. Depart Blenheim on NZ 2166 at 4:30pm to Auckland, arriving 5:50pm. Overnight at the Jet Inn Auckland Airport.

Day 17 - Departure to Sydney and on to the U.S.

Check in at 8:00am for departure on NZ 9569 at 10:00am to Sydney.

Continue on with a trip to Australia less traveled!

There are many options - please contact us for other ideas…. Trek the Milford Track for example, hike or ski on Mount Cook or plan a special trip to visit the sites of Lord of the Rings!