Highlights of New Zealand
Programme Overview
Duration: 7 days
This itinerary is ideal for as a combined itinerary with Australia. Taking in Auckland in the North Island and Queenstown in the South.
Highlights: Auckland, Waiheke Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound.
Kia Ora & Welcome to New Zealand!
On arrival at Auckland International airport you will be met by your guide and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation. On arrival at your accommodation your room has been reserved for immediate check in.
Situated in the vibrant heart of Auckland the Langham Hotel, is located in the heart of the uptown commercial centre, just minutes from the main shopping and financial districts. The Concierge Club is New Zealand’s only property to offer a true “Butler” Service. The hotel houses the stunning Chaun Spa, stylish restaurants and friendly kiwi hospitality. It is within walking distance of the spectacular waterfront and the beautiful Domain – an extensive oasis of parks and gardens in the city.
Overnight: The Langham Hotel – Langham Hotel Club Room
Meal Plan: B
Auckland
This morning after breakfast you will be met by your guide. You will then spend the day exploring Auckland from a Maori perspective. Enjoy your Auckland orientation trip and go behind the scenes from the everyday traveller! First visit Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), originally the site of a Maori fortified village. See stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City and Rangitoto Island. Next you drive out to a boutique village where you can buy your lunch at a funky cafe, enjoy mixing with the locals and view some authentic Maori / New Zealand made arts and crafts. Then continue to the west coast, and through the beautiful native rainforest to our next stop, a bush walk set beside a fresh water stream. Here you will be able to walk amongst the plants and trees and learn some of our ancestral knowledge of the traditional Maori medicinal and practical uses for them. Learn about the Maori Creation stories and Tane Mahuta- the God of the Forest. We finish the day in the realm of Tangaroa God of the Sea with a walk along the velvety sands of one of Auckland's famous black sand surf beaches. Throughout the day your guide will share traditional Maori myths and legends with you and explain contemporary Maori culture.
Overnight: The Langham Hotel – Langham Hotel Club Room - Double
Meal Plan: B,L
Auckland – Waiheke Island - Auckland
This morning your chauffeur will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the Historical Auckland Ferry terminal to connect with the scheduled ferry to Waiheke Island.
Depart onboard a scheduled ferry cruise to Waiheke Island, a journey of approximately thirty minutes crossing the picturesque Waitemata Harbour. Disembark at Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island and meet your guide for an island tour including lunch, wine tasting and visits to private artist studios. Waiheke is an island of unique art, and breathtaking scenery which you will have time to enjoy before your leisurely journey back to the city by scheduled ferry to Princes Wharf.
Once the ferry has arrived in Auckland, you will be met at the wharf and transferred back to your accommodation.
Overnight: The Langham Hotel – Langham Hotel Club Room - Double
Meal Plan: B,L
Auckland - Queenstown
Meet your chauffeur in the lobby and transfer by private vehicle to the airport to connect with your domestic flight to Queenstown. On arrival in Queenstown you will be met and taken on an orientation tour of the Wakatipu Basin before being transferred to your accommodation.
Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by rolling farmlands and mountains. As well as being a base for countless outdoor activities Queenstown is well known for its shopping and recreation.
Sofitel Queenstown is located in downtown Queenstown. It offers 82 rooms and suites and features include ‘MyBed’, plasma TV, CD/DVD, espresso machine, mini bar, high-speed broadband, wireless LAN and air-conditioning. Double spa baths with LCD TV, shower, heated floor, bathrobes, slippers and amenities by Roger & Gallet. Sofitel offers 24-hour room service, with a daily changing breakfast menu, concierge service with valet car parking, ski drying and storage, fitness centre and Le Spa at Sofitel. Vie restaurant features contemporary New Zealand cuisine offering a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner and a degustation dining experience each evening. Relax in Nue Lounge and meander through the many books on offer in the Library.
Overnight: Sofitel Queenstown – Executive Room with Spa - Double
Meal Plan: B
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Meet your chauffeur in the lobby and transfer by private vehicle to the airport to connect with your Milford Sound Tour. Fly from Queenstown by fixed wing plane with spectacular panoramic views of spectacular alpine scenery, lush rainforest, and finally Milford Sound. Once on the ground at Milford board a luxury vessel for a cruise the full-length of Milford Sound. The vessel provides excellent viewing and there is plenty of time available to enjoy the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Return back to Queenstown by fixed wing plane (weather permitting).
On arrival back in Queenstown your chauffeur will be waiting to transfer you back to your accommodation.
Overnight: Sofitel Queenstown– Executive Room with Spa - Double
Meal Plan: B,L
Queenstown
Your full day scenic tour of this breathtaking region starts with a visit to the beautiful historic settlement of Arrowtown. Enjoy a stroll through the town’s main street, admire the local buildings, and browse for fine New Zealand products in the eclectic range of boutique stores and galleries. Delights include arguably the best New Zealand pie shop and hand-crafted Patagonia chocolates.
Soon after leaving Arrowtown you’ll enter the Gibbston Valley, stopping briefly at the Kawarau Bridge, where you can visit the home of the world’s first commercial bungy jump. You might even be tempted by an adrenalin rush of your own! Enjoy the Wine Makers Tour and lunch at the Gibbston Valley Winery. Located in the Kawarau Gorge a 20 minute drive from Queenstown, Gibbston Valley Winery is the world’s southernmost wine producing region. This small sophisticated winery and restaurant set in spectacular mountain surroundings.
The Wine Makers Tour is approximately one hour and it will be up to the wine maker and the interest of the clients and they will be in both t he cave and vineyard and will maybe do some barrel tasting plus taste some older vintages back at the cellar door. Lunch is included and will be from the A la Carte menu and is a choice of an entrée plus main or a main plus desert…To end tea/coffee will be offered plus a glass of late harvest Riesling.
After your time at Gibbston Winery return to Queenstown to take the Skyline Gondola cable car ride to Bob’s Peak for spectacular panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu.
After your sightseeing tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. We recommend that for your final night in New Zealand you enjoy dinner at one of Queenstown’s best restaurants on the Steamer Wharf. Wai specialises in seafood and will match local produce with the finest Otago wines while in a relaxed romantic environment with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and Cecil Peak. Reservations are recommended.
Overnight: Sofitel Queenstown– Executive Room with Spa - Double
Meal Plan: B,L
Depart Queenstown
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before being driven by private vehicle to Queenstown Airport where you will embark on your scheduled flight to your next destination.
Meal Plan: B