INSPIRING NEW ZEALAND

Journey down to Lake Tekapo, set in the heart of the Mackenzie District in Canterbury, where the lake’s striking turquoise hue comes from finely ground rock suspended in its glacial meltwater. As we travel across the braided Rakaia River and into Mackenzie Country, the landscape opens into sweeping high-country vistas. On the shores of Lake Tekapo sits the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, perfectly positioned against a backdrop of shimmering water and majestic mountains. Nearby, the famous bronze sheepdog statue pays tribute to the hardworking New Zealand Collie and the region’s pastoral heritage.

As night falls, we visit the Dark Sky Project for the Crater Experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory. Under some of the clearest skies in the world, we will gaze at planets, distant galaxies, and the luminous arc of the Milky Way, guided by expert astronomers who use handheld lasers to highlight the wonders above. Each night offers a completely unique sky, and while the outdoor stargazing experience is weather dependent, an engaging and immersive indoor alternative will be provided if conditions prevent observation.

This morning we travel from Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park along the brilliant blue shores of Lake Pukaki, the largest glacial lake in the Mackenzie District. Aoraki—“the cloud piercer”—rises ahead, creating a dramatic alpine backdrop. Guests who wish may take an optional helicopter flight for a closer view of Mount Cook and its surrounding peaks.

We then walk the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Track, passing the Blue Lake Shelter and climbing to a lookout on the moraine wall, where we can see the lower Tasman Glacier, its lake, drifting icebergs, and the mountains beyond.

Leaving Mount Cook, we follow Lake Pukaki to Twizel and continue south through Omarama, over the Lindis Pass, and on to Cromwell before reaching the alpine resort of Queenstown. En route, we’ll stop for a photo at the famous “That Wanaka Tree,” the much-loved willow standing alone in the waters of Lake Wanaka.

Enjoy some free time to stroll along the Wanaka waterfront before we continue toward Queenstown. Along the way, we stop at Mrs Jones Fruit Orchard, New Zealand’s fruit paradise, where you can sample and purchase a wide range of fresh and dried fruits. Our next stop is the Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre, the world’s original bungy site, where you can watch jumpers from the viewing decks or choose to take the leap yourself at your own expense.

We then visit Gibbston Valley Winery for a guided Wine Cave tour, offering insight into the region’s winemaking history and a tasting of three current-release wines inside a cave carved from solid schist. Continuing on, we explore historic Arrowtown, a charming former gold-mining village whose preserved main street and miners' cottages still reflect the character of the 1860s gold rush era.

Our day concludes with arrival in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World,” set on the sparkling shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by towering mountains.

Today we embark on a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. Our journey begins by following the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, then continues to the serene shores of Lake Te Anau. From there, we enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the dramatic Homer Tunnel, experiencing one of the most spectacular alpine drives in the world. The Milford Road showcases an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from open grassy plains and lush rainforest to towering peaks, glacial lakes, and alpine herb fields.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, we enjoy a relaxing cruise through this iconic fiord, surrounded by sheer cliffs and dominated by the towering silhouette of Mitre Peak, with the beautiful Bowen Falls cascading beside us.

This morning we transfer to Queenstown Airport for a domestic flight to Auckland or Rotorua. On arrival, we travel into Rotorua, the heart of Māori culture and a region known for its bubbling mud pools, active geysers, and natural hot springs. We stop at the Government Gardens and the Rotorua Lakefront for photos before continuing to Te Puia, home to the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, the famous Pohutu Geyser, boiling mud pools, native bush, and the Kiwi Conservation Centre.

In the evening, we experience Te Pō, an immersive Māori cultural event featuring a traditional pōwhiri, a warrior’s challenge, kapa haka performances, and a hāngī-inspired feast. The night concludes with a waka journey through the illuminated geothermal valley, where guides share stories and Māori mythology amid the valley’s dramatic natural beauty.

Start the day at the Agrodome Farm Show, featuring sheep breeds, sheepdogs, shearing, and cow-milking demonstrations, followed by a tractor tour of the farm to see a variety of animals including cows, llamas, alpacas, and ostriches.

Next, take the Skyline Rotorua gondola up Mt Ngongotahā for panoramic views, then enjoy the thrilling Skyline Luge* and a buffet lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant, highlighting fresh local produce.

The afternoon concludes with the Redwood Treewalk, a magical stroll across suspended bridges among towering 75-metre redwoods.

Step into the world of Middle Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, made famous by The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The tour begins with a drive through a scenic sheep farm, then winds through the charming hobbit holes, including Bag End, the Green Dragon Inn, the mill, and the iconic Party Tree, with fascinating stories of how Hobbiton was brought to life. A complimentary beverage is included at the end of the tour.

Afterwards, we travel back to Auckland for city sightseeing, taking in highlights such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, waterfront precincts, Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, Mission Bay, and Wynyard Quarter.