Auckland, known as "Tamaki Makaurau" and the "City of Sails", is one of the world's most livable cities and a marine playground with two harbors—Manukau on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata on the Pacific Ocean. Its warm climate and diverse geography foster a vibrant lifestyle with a multicultural blend of cuisine, music, art, and culture.

You are greeted at Auckland Airport and taken directly to your hotel by a private transfer. After you have checked in, shake off the travel jet lag with an exciting America's Cup sailing excursion. From the port, board an ultra-high-tech America’s Cup yacht. Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional sailors, this experience allows you to sail these grand-prix racing machines without any prior sailing experience. With guidance from the professional crew, you will become part of the team sailing this authentic race vessel. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders to hoist the mainsail, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the action as you cruise the beautiful Waitemata Harbor. The duration of this intimate, shared group experience is roughly two hours.

Make yourself at home in Fable Auckland after today's events. This luxury boutique hotel is superbly situated in the heart of Auckland’s Queen Street, the most vibrant and dynamic precinct.

Please note that the check-in time at the hotel is 3:00 pm. Early check-in can be arranged for your arrival day in advance for additional cost.

Discover Auckland's highlights in a day packed with contrasts. This morning, experience the best sights of Auckland City combined with an afternoon Wilderness experience in two small group guided tours. Start exploring Queen Street, Auckland's main shopping hub, and then pass through the serene Domain Park. Continue to the historic suburb of Ponsonby before crossing the Harbor Bridge to Auckland's North Shore. Enjoy a stroll on a pristine white sand beach, followed by a coffee break. Head to the summit of Mt. Victoria for breathtaking views of Auckland City and Devonport. Return via the Harbor Bridge, finishing with a visit to Westhaven Marina, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

A 30-minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you in the afternoon to the Arataki Centre, the gateway to the rainforest, where the sweeping decks give breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the local history and admire the traditional Māori carvings that stand guard here. With your knowledgeable guide, your eco-tour continues to the lush rainforest, where you hear native birdsong as you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand’s famous Kauri trees and giant tree ferns. Head further west and experience the power of the wild and rugged West Coast. Enjoy the sensation of the dark sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most breathtaking beaches on the planet.
 

After breakfast, You will be transferred to pick up your rental car and begin your drive south on State Highway 1 through Papatoetoe and Manukau, then ascend the Bombay Hills into the Waikato region. Your destination today is Rotorua, with a stop in Waitomo for a unique experience.  Before reaching the town of Hamilton, pass into "King Country," an area rich in history and natural beauty. King Country, once a stronghold of independent Māori, resisted European influence until 1883 is home to the Waitomo Caves complex.

Explore the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where underground rivers disappear into the earth. Each cave offers unique experiences, making it a must-visit destination. Although they are not strictly speaking "worms," they are a type of fungus gnat that is native to the area. They are luminescent both during the larval stage and imago. Your local Maori guide will explain the history of these sacred grounds and the biology of the glowworms that will lead you onto a spectacular boat ride through the majestic ‘Cathedral’ with millions of luminescent larvae—a truly magical experience.

From Waitomo, head east on the "Thermal Explorer Highway." Depending on the weather, you will likely smell Rotorua before you arrive. The Rotorua region is rich with geothermal activity releasing hydrogen sulfide, giving the area its distinctive smell.

End your day settling in a boutique hotel located in Rotorua. Rotorua is surrounded by mountains, rivers, native forests and 18 freshwater lakes. Rotorua is also known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, all due to its unique location within the Pacific Ring of Fire. This part of New Zealand is one of the world’s most concentrated and accessible geothermal areas. There is no better place in New Zealand to experience well and alive Maori culture, hospitality, and food. Rotorua is a mountain biking mecca and trout fishing on the lakes and tributary rivers is among the best in the world.

Auckland to Waitomo and Rotorua (330 km / 205 miles, 4.5 hours)

Today, get ready to explore the Maori Cultural hub of New Zealand. Visit Te Puia Geothermal area, home to the mighty Pohutu Geyser and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Feel the power of nature as the geyser roars to life. Explore the stunning landscape with your Māori guide and learn about the geothermal valley's secrets. Witness the artistry of Indigenous weavers and carvers, shaping the future of Māori crafts.

Next up, enjoy a small group guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery after lunch. In this immersive 1-hour guided tour, go behind the scenes and join the hatchery team to learn about the incubation and chick-rearing techniques of New Zealand's national bird from global experts. While only staff handle the chicks, you may get a chance to snap a photo after their health check. Explore the interactive Kiwi burrow and watch adult Kiwi in the Nocturnal House. All funds support the National Kiwi Recovery Trust.

Finally, experience a traditional Māori evening at Mitai Village for an introduction to Māori culture and food. Witness the arrival of the ancient waka (canoe) on the Wai-O-Whiro stream and learn the secrets of traditional hangi cooking and 'ta moko', Maori Tattoo art. Experience the thrill of a cultural performance featuring weaponry, poi dance, and the spine-tingling 'haka'. The evening concludes with a traditional hangi dinner, offering an unforgettable taste of Māori heritage with the Mitai family.

Today, enjoy a 1-hour scenic overland drive from Rotorua to Taupo. Continue your journey south towards Taupo on the adequately named “Thermal Explorer” highway. Stop by any geothermal wonders along the way, such as Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu Valley, or Craters of the Moon near Taupo. Reaching Taupo, you will enjoy splendid views of Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in the southern hemisphere, and, weather permitting, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngaurohoe in the distance.

Experience the beauty of Lake Taupo, the largest volcanic crater in the world, with a scenic sunset cruise. Sail around the well-known Māori Rock Carvings under the floodlights, sipping wine and enjoying traditional Kiwi music. Relax on a cozy, covered catamaran and take in the stunning views on this all-weather evening tour. Perfect for unwinding in a picturesque setting. Stay at a five-star hotel on the shores of Lake Taupo to cap off your day.

 

Savor the breathtaking 6-hour land journey from Taupo to Wellington after breakfast today. Head south from Taupo, climbing above the lake towards Turangi. Beyond Turangi, enter the dramatic Rangipo Desert along the iconic Desert Road. Despite high rainfall, the pumice and volcanic ash keep the landscape arid and barren. The route ends in Waiouru, home to New Zealand's National Army Museum, before descending into the dairy heartland of Manawatu-Wanganui. Pass through rural towns like Taihape and Levin, then continue towards the busier roads of the Wellington region, arriving at the city's harbor.

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, blends culture, history, and nature in a compact city perfect for walking. Nestled between a sparkling harbor and green hills, it offers vibrant dining, craft beer, and a rich arts scene. Ride the cable car to Kelburn Hill for stunning city views. Don’t miss Te Papa, the renowned interactive National Museum. Afterward, unwind in a boutique hotel close to cafes, restaurants, and the waterfront.

"He toi whakairo, he mana tangata"—Where there is excellence, there is human dignity. On this day, experience the living and breathing culture of the Māori people through the taonga (treasures) in New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa. Experience the living and breathing taonga of te iwi takekate (first peoples of the land). From great journeys across vast oceans to hopeful visions for the 21st century, these taonga speak to historical and contemporary Māori perspectives. This is the ideal tour for those looking for an introduction to Māori culture to hear intimate stories and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s Indigenous people.

In the afternoon, explore Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary at twilight as the sanctuary shifts from day to night. Listen to the evening chorus of native birds and watch as they return to their nests. As night falls, spot kiwi and ruru (morepork) awakening in the serene forest. This immersive twilight tour is a refreshing and unforgettable experience.

After breakfast, take the interisland car ferry from Wellington to Picton and continue to Marlborough. Known for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc and fresh seafood, Marlborough boasts New Zealand’s largest wine region with over 65 wineries. Explore cellar doors and enjoy top-notch dining. Blenheim, the region's main town, basks in a sunny climate, often recording the most sunshine in the country. For outdoor enthusiasts, Marlborough’s sunken valleys offer scenic beauty best explored by boat, ferry, or kayak. The 67-kilometer Queen Charlotte Track winds through coastal forests and ridges, providing stunning views of Queen Charlotte Sound.

End the day in one of Blenheim's five-star hotels. Just a short stroll from Blenheim's town center, the Chateau Marlborough is a premier boutique hotel offering enviable attention to detail and luxurious accommodations for its guests, with views over Seymour Square Gardens.

Discover the Marlborough wine region and its wineries today. This is the ideal full-day tour for wine enthusiasts who want to learn more about the region, the wineries, the wines, and the people who make them. In a guided small group, you will get a “Taste of Marlborough” through a select number of boutique and iconic wineries, a group of wineries selected for their history, fabulous service, and stunning range of wines. You will meet great people who know about wine and love sharing their passion for with visitors. Light winery lunch included today. Wineries regularly included in the tour are Forrest Estate, Cloudy Bay, and Fromm.

This morning, leave Marlborough and travel toward Kaikoura today, with your final destination being Christchurch. If time permits, stop at Lake Grassmere on the way tot Kaikoura, known for its pink salt ponds and piles of locally produced sea salt. Continue through rural New Zealand, passing small towns and crossing the Waima River. As the highway turns into a scenic coastal road, pause at Ohau Point for stunning Pacific views and the chance to spot New Zealand fur seals.

A whale-watching tour is scheduled for your arrival in Kaikoura today. Whale Watch Kaikoura, owned by the indigenous Kati Kuri, offers an award-winning marine experience. If conditions are right, get up close with the Giant Sperm Whale, the world's largest toothed predator, year-round. With typically 1-2 whale sightings per tour, witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Kaikoura’s coast is a migration path for 80% of the world’s whale and dolphin species, so you may also spot blue whales, humpbacks, or dolphins. This unforgettable tour is New Zealand’s premier marine life experience.

After lunch in Kaikoura, enjoy a 3-hour scenic drive to Christchurch. Wind between cliffs and ocean, on a road rebuilt after the 2016 Kaikoura earthquakes. Continue south to Waipara, a boutique wine region with over 90 family-owned wineries. Cross the Waimakariri River and pass through the lush farmland of Canterbury Plains, with its dairy, crop, and sheep farming, before arriving in Christchurch, your final destination for the day.

After breakfast, join a guided small group Christchurch City Tour (3 hours) to orient yourself in the city. Christchurch remerged as a fresh and new city after the devastating 2010-2011 earthquakes. The destruction of several landmark historic buildings, such as the Christchurch Cathedral, has led to the development of new city plans like the newly designed Avon River waterfront, a bold public art program, and innovative use of public space. Experience the beauty of Hagley Park, the Avon River and Botanic Gardens, and the recently reopened Regent Street with its distinctive Spanish Mission-style architecture. Time permitting, head to the Port Hills, which overlook Christchurch and present stunning views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Lyttelton Harbor, and the Southern Alps.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the city, or surrounding area as you please. 

Enjoy a 4-hour scenic drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo.  Todays drive is one of the most scenic sections you can drive in New Zealand, so take your time and enjoy the road. Begin on the “Scenic Inland Route” passing through the lush farmlands of Canterbury Plains. Cross the Rakaia River and marvel at the stunning Rakaia Gorge. Stop in Geraldine for coffee or lunch and explore its local shops. Drive into the Mackenzie High Country towards Lake Tekapo for breathtaking views and an utterly unique experience. The spectacular Southern Alps frame the grasslands and desert-like scenery that changes here.

Lake Tekapo, part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, offers stunning stargazing and striking turquoise waters tinted by glacial rock flour. The historic Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, frames a breathtaking view of the Southern Alps. On this day, stay in luxury at Grand Suites Lake Tekapo, offering premium accommodations in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin.

Experience stargazing like never before with "The Summit Experience" at Lake Tekapo. From Mt. John's peak, 1,029 meters high (3,375 feet), enjoy unmatched 360-degree views of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Expert guides bring the Southern skies to life through lasers and powerful 16" telescopes, revealing the Milky Way, distant planets, and galaxies. This 1-hour 45-minute tour includes transport, telescopes, and extreme cold weather jackets. The terrain requires moderate fitness, but an alternative accessible tour is available. If weather conditions prevent stargazing, an indoor excursion at the Observatory will be available.

Enjoy a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Lake Tekapo to Wanaka. Start the drive by passing the striking turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. If time allows, take a detour towards Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak, for stunning views at Peter's Lookout. Continue south, stopping at Omarama to explore the unique Omarama Clay Cliffs, ancient formations shaped by glaciers over a million years ago. The route offers a journey through iconic landscapes featured in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films, with breathtaking views at every turn.

From Omarama, ascend through the Lindis Valley to Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's major alpine crossings. On the descent, enter Central Otago, where the landscape shifts dramatically, known for its vibrant skies, hot summers, and cold winters. 

You will be staying in a charming, independently owned resort located beside one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Wanaka, nestled within the spectacular Southern Alps on the South Island, only 2 km from the charming downtown of Wanaka.

Get ready for breathtaking scenery on your drive to Wanaka. Begin your day with a cruise on the pristine waters of Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. A guided walk to the spectacular summit reveals the island’s secret: a lake on top of an island! Enjoy ‘high tea’ up close and personal with rare native birds, including weka, wood pigeon, and bellbird. Plant a tree as part of this unique eco experience.

After lunch in one of Wanaka’s many fine cafés of your choosing, board a comfortable all-terrain 4WD vehicle and experience Wanaka’s spectacular lakeside scenery and insight into authentic farming life. West Wanaka Station, also known as the "high country farm," is a 30,000-acre property that is off-limits to the general public. It boasts some of New Zealand's most breathtaking scenery and an intriguing natural and human history. Apart from enjoying the glorious views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of Mount Aspiring National Park and Lake Wanaka, you can feed alpacas, sheep, and horses, see Red Deer and Angus in their natural environment, and listen to your local guide’s storytelling.

This morning, drive 1.5 hours from Wanaka to Queenstown via Cardrona on the Crown Range Road. Pass through the historic village of Cardrona, a gold mining site turned ski destination. Continue uphill through Central Otago's tussock high country to the 1,076-meter pass, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Descend toward Queenstown, stopping in Arrowtown, a beautifully preserved gold rush town with a rich Chinese heritage from the 1862 gold discovery.

This afternoon, experience class III-V whitewater rapids on the Shotover River, one of the most scenic rafting sections in the world. The rapids can change daily, but rest assured your guides are expertly trained and have a keen sense of adventure. They will guide you through canyons and help you navigate rapids. To finish, ride through the famous 170-meter Oxenbridge tunnel.

On this day, stay in a small boutique hotel that provides a niche luxury experience just a 2-minute walk from 34 of 38 Queenstown’s vibrant town center.

Experience the thrilling Dart River adventure in Mount Aspiring National Park. Sail along the glacier-fed, braided Dart River for a half-day Wilderness Jet Boat excursion in breathtaking surroundings. This tour takes you far into the UNESCO World Heritage area, up to 90 km of river, making this adventure the longest jet boat ride in the region. Your guides will share stories about the area's rich history and the legends of the Maori people as you explore this energetic environment. With ever-changing landscapes, no two trips are the same, making each adventure unique and unforgettable.

Start your day with a luxury coach pickup from your Queenstown hotel, heading to Milford Sound through some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. Journey past Alpine plains, turquoise lakes, and mountain peaks, stopping at highlights like Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, and Mirror Lakes. At Milford Sound, embark on a 1-hour, 45-minute small boat cruise to explore the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and iconic Mitre Peak. Watch out for wildlife like fur seals, dolphins, and penguins.

*Weather permitting, you have the option to fly back to Queenstown by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft and take in the grandeur of this special landscape from above (cost on request). Return to Queenstown around 6 pm for a leisurely evening exploring the town.
 

After breakfast, travel back to Queenstown Airport, return your rental car, and catch your international flight for your return journey home.