New Zealand offers such an incredible variety of experiences that it is sometimes called “The World in Miniature.” Take in a scenic view of Auckland and visit nearby attractions, including the quaint Victorian village of Parnell. Explore caves, observe native species in their natural habitats and soak in the waters of a Polynesian spa. Go tube rafting through the incredible Waitomo Caves to view the magical phosphorescent lighting created by glowworms, hike amidst Rotorua’s geothermal activity and attend a traditional Māori concert and hāngi dinner. Heli-hike on Fox Glacier and sample local wines in and around Queenstown. Visit New Zealand and experience a diverse culture, a wide variety of activities and awe-inspiring sights.
Language
English, Māori
Time Zone
GMT +13
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Average Temp
54° F
New Zealand Expedition
Maori & Milford
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Arrive in Auckland
Private transfer to hotel
Private half-day tour:
- Victorian Village of Parnell
- One Tree Hill
- Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Sea Life Aquarium
- Auckland Museum
- Devonport Marine Village
Accommodations: M Social Auckland
Day 2 – AUCKLAND / WAITOMO / ROTORUA
Private transfer to Waitomo Caves
Glow-worm cave tour options:
- Spellbound tour OR
- Blackwater rafting (supplement applies)
Private transfer to Rotorua
Accommodations: VR Lake Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – ROTORUA
Choose between two full-day private tours:
Option 1:
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland – Lady Knox Geyser
- Mangamate Falls & Whirinaki Rainforest
- Thermal pool baths
Option 2:
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Māori Arts & Crafts Institute
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Working dog & sheep-shearing demonstration
- Government Gardens
- Polynesian Spa
Evening: Traditional Māori Hāngi dinner
Accommodations: VR Lake Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – ROTORUA / CHRISTCHURCH
Private airport transfer for flight to Christchurch
Half-day private tour:
- International Antarctic Center
- Punting on Avon River
- Picnic lunch
- Heritage tram ride past Cathedral Junction, Gothic-style Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, New Regent Street.
Accommodations: Distinction Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – CHRISTCHURCH – AKARAO OR KAIKOURA
Choose between two full-day private tours:
Option 1: Akaroa
- Harbor Cruise OR Swim with Dolphins
Option 2: Kaikoura
- Whale-watching Cruise
Accommodations: Distinction Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – CHRISTCHURCH / TRANZALPINE TRAIN / FOX GLACIER
Private transfer to station for TranzAlpine train to Greymouth
Rental Car to Fox Glacier
Attractions en route:
- Reconstructed mining town
- Greenstone Jade Studio (Hokitika)
- Southern Alps
- Tasman Sea
Accommodations: Distinction Fox Glacier
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – FOX GLACIER / QUEENSTOWN
Heli-hike on Fox Glacier
Self-drive to Queenstown
En route:
- Haast
- Ancient Rainforest
- Westland World Heritage Visitors Center
- Haast Pass
- Lakes Hawea & Wanaka
Accommodations: Heritage Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – QUEENSTOWN
Drop off rental car / pick-up by private driver
Choose between two excursions:
Option 1: Mt. Aspiring National Park:
- Small group Routeburn track hike
Option 2: Private Queenstown Tour:
- Bob’s Peak
- Arrowtown – mining town
- Amisfield Vineyard Bistro & Gibbston Valley Wine Cave
Accommodations: Heritage Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 – QUEENSTOWN
Choose between two excursions:
Option 1: Dart River Safari:
- Jetboat to upper Dart River
- “Funyak” inflatable canoe down river
- Picnic lunch
Option 2: Mt. Earnslaw Station:
- 4×4 tour & bushwalk
- Cruise on TSS Earnslaw vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country station working farm
Optional horseback trek (supplement applies)
Accommodations: Heritage Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 – QUEENSTWON – MILFORD SOUND
Private transfer to Te Anau, Fiorland National Park & Milford Sound
- Nature Cruise past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea
- Scenic flight back to Queenstown
Accommodations: Heritage Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – QUEENSTOWN / NELSON
Transfer to airport for flight to Nelson
Private transfer to hotel
Private tour:
- World of Wearable Arts Museum
- Hoglund Handblown Art Glass Studio
- Classic Car Collection
- Wine tasting at local winery
Accommodations: Heritage Rutherford
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – NELSON – ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Full-day small group tour:
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Cruise
- Kayaking, snorkeling & hiking
Accommodations: Heritage Rutherford
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 – NELSON / AUCKLAND / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer to airport for flight to Auckland to connect with flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $11,200 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
Our trip to India was amazing. The guides were excellent, and we got top notch service in every city.
Janice L. & Richard M.
Scottsdale, AZ
When to go:
Best times are from October to April
What to eat:
Green-lipped Mussels, New Zealand Lamb, Pavlova (meringue with fruit)
What to pack:
Long & short-sleeved shirts & t-shirts; trousers, jeans, shorts, skirts; jacket, sweater & rain jacket; layering & waterproof clothing; shawl or scarf; swimwear; comfortable walking & hiking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter
