Unique & boutique 14-day New Zealand tour

Queenstown

Day 1: Touchdown in New Zealand

Arrive at the Queenstown airport ,where your Super Shuttle driver will welcome you for transfer to your hotel in the city. Settle in at your hotel and relax after the long journey.

Queenstown - Glenorchy

Day 2: The great NZ outdoors

Following a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, it’s time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Spend a full day experiencing the stunning Mount Aspiring National Park by boat. This unique tour combines exhilarating wilderness jet boating with exploring a World Heritage landscape in an inflatable canoe. The full-day tour includes all equipment and a delicious buffet lunch. In the evening, spend some time soaking in the Onsen Hot Pools with complimentary snacks and drinks included. At the hotel enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés.   

Queenstown - Clyde

Day 3: Gold towns & horse rides

After breakfast, pick up your rental car and hit the road to the historic gold-rush towns of Clyde and Maniototo. Cruise through the small towns of Ophir and Cromwell and into Pinot Noir country to visit some of the local vineyards. In the afternoon, take a two-hour horseriding trip in Hidden Valley. This gold-mining valley has both historic interest and beautiful mountain views. Your horse will be specially chosen to suit your riding experience and the trip is suited to all levels of rider, including beginners. Afterwards, head back to Queenstown to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés at the hotel.

Doubtful Sound

Day 4: Cruising the Fiordland

Following breakfast, hit the road again towards Manapouri and the Fiordland National Park. After meeting at Pearl Harbour on Lake Manapouri, you’ll be boarding your boat for a cruise along the Doubtful Sound. You’ll overnight on board in an ensuite cabin with lunch and dinner served in the ship’s dining room. Stops and activities change depending on the weather and the season but could include fishing, lobster potting or visiting a seal colony. The lake and landscape views are dramatic, whatever the season.

Tekapo

Day 5: Mountain drive

Wake to a light breakfast and a leisurely cruise back to Deep Cove, through Willmott Pass and Lake Manapouri. Arriving in the early afternoon, you'll set off on a scenic drive to Lake Tekapo in the mountains. The journey will take you through a stunning landscape of mountains, lakes and flower meadows. 

Check into your hotel in Tekapo, then relax in the midst of the mountain scenery. 

Cass Valley

Day 6: Wilderness expedition & stargazing

Enjoy breakfast this morning, then let someone else take the wheel on a Cass Valley backcountry tour. You’ll be travelling through the high-country wilderness of Mackenzie County in a 4WD, allowing you to concentrate on the stunning scenery of this remarkable and remote region. Look out across mountains, lakes and glaciers as you traverse rough tracks and river crossings. Along the way, you’ll learn about the interesting geology, ecology and history that has shaped this part of New Zealand’s South Island.

Return to the hotel to relax after your adventure. This evening, after dark, embark on a unique stargazing and hot spring experience at Tekapo Springs. Learn about the night sky from an expert guide then soak up the balmy waters as you float under the stars.

Geraldine

Day 7: Road trip to Geraldine

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, then set off for your next destination – a scenic drive of around two hours to reach the little Kiwi town of Geraldine. Along the way, you might like to visit the local hot springs, follow a hiking route to some dramatic viewpoints around Mount John or swim in the lake at Willow Bay.

After you’re done, check in at your hotel and stroll around the town.

Greta Valley

Day 8: Waipara Valley wine drive

Today, head off after breakfast through the nearby wine region of Waipara Valley. This is a relatively new wine region, established in the 1970s and specialising in silky pinot noirs, citrussy chardonnays, zesty Rieslings and delicate pinot gris. For tastings, we recommend Greystone Wines, Terrace Edge Vineyard and Muddy Water Wines. For lunch, Fiddler’s Green Vineyard & Bistro is a great bet. We also suggest dropping in at the Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park for stunning landscape views and art.

Afterwards, settle into your accommodation for the next two nights, where dinner awaits. 

Kaikoura - Greta Valley

Day 9: Helicopter picnic

The ocean calls today with the chance to discover Kaikoura’s marine wildlife. Set off after breakfast; you might like to sea swim or head off-shore by boat to spot dolphins and whales. Fishing or coastal walks in search of seals are also good options.

In the afternoon, you’ll be whisked away on a helicopter picnic to Mount Fyffe, high above the ocean. Tuck into a delicious picnic hamper and wine, accompanied by breathtaking views.  

Later, head back to your accommodation for dinner and another night of relaxation. 

Christchurch - Rotorua

Day 10: South/North Island Hop

Today is a travel day as you move from the South Island to Rotorua on the North Island. Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation, drop off your rental car at Christchurch Airport (around an hour's drive away), then hop on your flight (lasting 1 hr 40).

On arrival, pick up your new rental car at Rotorua Airport and cruise on over to your hotel for check in.

Rotorua

Day 11: Maori culture in Rotorua

Rotorua is the heart of Maori culture in New Zealand and the best place to experience it first-hand. First up, head to Hell’s Gate geothermal area, used by the Maori for its health benefits for over 800 years. Follow the geothermal trail through mud pots and steaming vents before soaking in thermal mud and mineral waters. In the afternoon, join a Maori Cultural Experience for singing, dancing and celebrations that will change with the seasons.

The rest of the evening is free for you to explore the town at your own pace.

Auckland

Day 12: Exploring Auckland

After breakfast today, set off on a scenic three-hour drive to the characterful North Island city of Auckland. Check in at your hotel, then head out to explore the city. Get to know some of the local neighbourhoods, stroll down to the beach for a swim then stop for a coffee and watch the world go by.

In the evening you’re booked for a delicious meal at the acclaimed Ahi Restaurant, which features authentic seasonal dishes utilising locally-grown produce.

Waiheke Island

Day 13: The Island of Wine

Known as New Zealand’s 'Island of Wine', Waiheke has become home to a dedicated group of award-winning wine producers. Today, you’ll catch a ferry from Auckland to Waiheke (45 minutes) for a small-group wine tour of the island. Visiting three top vineyards, you’ll sample a range of their wines and learn about the wine-making process and the island's history from your expert local guide. Lunch will be included and you’ll spend around five hours on the island before catching the boat back to the mainland.

Head back to your hotel in Auckland to relax or explore the city some more. 

Auckland Airport

Day 14: Homeward bound

Savour one last breakfast in New Zealand before dropping off your rental car at the airport and checking in for your flight home.