South Pacific:New Zealand
A Taste of Two Islands
Tour Highlights:
• Explore Rotorua in depth with your guide, a noted authority on its history and people, who personally takes you to the fascinating Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve, and to Ohinemutu, a Maori village that has been continually inhabited for 600 years.
• Discover the charming city of Napier, which was destroyed in a 1931 earthquake but was rebuilt to become what is now the most complete and significant group of Art Deco buildings in the world.
• Enjoy Queenstown, New Zealand’s ‘Adventure Capital,’ known for its outdoor lifestyle and adventure sports from skiing to skydiving to mountain biking.
• Set out on a cruise to savor three of the areas popular icons – the peaceful Marlborough Sounds, its exquisite Greenshell mussels and the delightful Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
• Sample lovely wines, savor gourmet meals, and stay at distinctively New Zealand properties, both historic and luxurious.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland, New Zealand
Your incredible journey of discovery begins with an early arrival into Auckland, New Zealand’s most cosmopolitan city, known as ‘the city of sails’ and the Polynesian capital of the world. You are met and chauffeured to your five-star accommodations – the Langham Hotel, known for its superior service and luxurious elegance. Enjoy a day and evening at leisure to explore Auckland or relax.
The Langham Auckland, Club Room
Day 2: Auckland
This morning, set out to discover of the city that is both sophisticated and relaxed. As you move through the city, your guide shares stories that bring the history of this dynamic city to life. This evening is at your leisure to visit one of the many fabulous restaurants Auckland has on offer. We recommend heading to Ponsonby Road or down on the waterfront to the Viaduct Basin.
The Langham Auckland, Club Room (B, L)
Day 3: Auckland / Rotorua
This morning, your full-size, automatic car will be delivered to your hotel. Set out on a scenic drive south to Rotorua, setting your own leisurely pace. Along the way, take the opportunity to visit the natural wonder of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. A guided tour of the caves by boat takes you through stunning underground scenery and its naturally formed light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. The myriad of glowworm lights will leave you in amazed silence! Continue on through the fertile New Zealand countryside to arrive in the Rotorua and your hotel overlooking Lake Rotorua.
Accolades Boutique Hotel, Deluxe Room (B)
Day 4: Rotorua.
Today is free to enjoy Rotorua and your personal interests. Go out and explore or stay in where the whole house is yours to enjoy – soak up the beautiful view from the expansive decks, curl up with a book or just relax in this peaceful interlude.
Accolades Boutique Hotel, Deluxe Room (B)
Day 5: Rotorua
The focus today is on Maori culture and the region’s natural geothermal activity. Your Maori guide from Ohinemutu village is a noted authority on Rotorua’s history and people. Enjoy a personal tour of Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve, and Ohinemutu, an authentic Maori village in the heart of Rotorua, inhabited for more than 600 years by the same Maori tribe. Your host presents an enjoyable, informal lecture on geothermal activity and escorts you on a private tour of the Rotorua Museum of Art and History.
Accolades Boutique Hotel, Deluxe Room (B, L)
Day 6: Rotorua / Napier
Board a short flight to Napier in the heart of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Country. This charming little city is also known as New Zealand’s Art Deco capital. Following a tragic earthquake and fire in 1931, most of Napier’s buildings were destroyed. The city rebuilt in the style popular at the time. The city now represents the most complete and significant group of Art Deco buildings in the world. You are welcomed and escorted to your accommodation, the County Hotel, the only example of the Victorian-Edwardian classical revival style that survived that earthquake. The former county council building houses a boutique hotel and popular restaurant. Original Edwardian Gothic features with Art Deco influences have been preserved, including the high ceilings and wood paneling.
The County Hotel, Luxury Room (B)
Day 7: Napier
Today is a feast for the senses. Experience a snapshot of Hawke's Bay – the food, the wine and the people. Begin the day with a spiritually moving Maori welcome on top of legendary Te Mata Peak. Listen to local folktales for insights into the ancient Maori culture. Meet food producers and taste their delicious products as well as sample some award-winning wines. Visit local, contemporary artists, many influenced by Maori traditions.
The County Hotel, Luxury Room (B)
Day 8: Napier / Christchurch
Fly to South Island and the city of Christchurch. With its abundance of colonial architecture in the central city, Christchurch is often described as ‘the most English city outside of England.’ You are met at the airport and chauffeured to your accommodation for the next two nights. Otahuna Lodge is an historic country estate set in a secluded valley amid 110-year-old gardens.
This afternoon, you can choose an optional cooking lesson from Otahuna’s delightful head chef. While creating delicious dishes under Chef Jimmy’s watchful eye, learn how Otahuna supplies almost all of its own fresh produce from the gardens. Sample your masterpiece at tonight’s evening meal.
Otahuna Lodge, Suite (B,D)
Day 9: Christchurch
Today is yours to do with as you wish. Enjoy an old-fashioned game of croquet, make use of the lodge’s complimentary mountain bikes or swimming pool. There are spa facilities for a relaxing massage. You can learn something about natural horsemanship from Otahuna’s own horse whisperer, and enjoy a private ride around the picturesque valley. (Optional)
Otahuna Lodge – Suite (B,D)
Day 10: Christchurch / Southern Alps
Your day starts with a privately guided tour through history at the Canterbury Museum, home to the Scott and Shackleton Antarctic Expedition exhibit. Shiver as you peer into the huts of the first Antarctic explorers, and marvel at their heroic deeds in the last great wilderness. This afternoon, your chauffeur drives across the Canterbury Plains to Grasmere Lodge, a 13,000-acre high country retreat where luxury and natural splendor come together in the heart of the Southern Alps. Grasmere Lodge offers an unparalleled experience, from its dramatic location near Arthurs Pass to its ever-changing climate to its emphasis on quality and peaceful comfort. Tonight, get acquainted with your genial hosts during cocktails, followed by a five-course, gourmet dinner.
Grasmere Lodge, Lodge Room (B, D)
Day 11: Southern Alps
Grasmere Station, a working ranch, is steeped in history. After breakfast, enjoy a 4-WD tour of the ranch and its lovely vistas. The area was first explored by Europeans in 1857, and the original two-room, cob-and-slab hut, dating from 1858, is still contained within the larger house. Learn about the ranch and the history of the region. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own, or experience great outdoors of the South Island’s high country today. You can choose to try your hand at fly fishing in the company of your friendly, experienced fly fishing guide (Optional). All equipment is included as well as a picnic hamper for lunch. This evening, join fellow guests for dinner, or if you would like some private time, Grasmere has other dining options, such as the fireside Hawdon room, or the conservatory beside the rose garden – perfect on late summer evenings. Catch any fish? Chef can prepare them any way you like.
Grasmere Lodge, Lodge Room (B, L, D)
Day 12: Southern Alps
Today, you are free to pursue your own interests. Grasmere Lodge offers optional activities such as horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, canoeing and mountain biking. You can even engage in that most quintessential of New Zealand experiences, sheep shearing, depending on the season.
Grasmere Lodge, Lodge Room (B, D)
Day 13: Southern Alps / Queenstown
The clean air and bright skies of the South Island high country conspire to bring your senses to life. Meet your escort, who takes you along the beautifully scenic route back to Christchurch, where you board your flight to Queenstown, New Zealand’s ‘Adventure Capital.’ Known for its outdoor lifestyle and adventure sports, Queenstown’s outdoor activities include: skiing, snowboarding, white-water rafting, sky diving, ballooning, hang gliding and mountain biking. Born as a 1860s gold mining camp, the city’s compact downtown is energized by a permanent buzz emanating from a lively café/bar scene and excellent shopping areas. Your hotel is superbly located.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, Lakeview Room (B)
Day 14: Queenstown / Milford Sound Excursion
Today you are off on a full-day excursion to the magnificent Milford Sound. Fly from Queenstown, and gain stunning aerial views of the alpine scenery, lush forest and finally Milford Sound. Board a luxury vessel to cruise the full length of the extraordinary sound to the Tasman Sea. A comprehensive commentary is provided throughout the cruise, and there is ample time to view the waterfalls, lush mountain landscapes and wildlife.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, Lakeview Room (B,L)
Day 15: Queenstown
Choose from the wide range of activities available in Queenstown. Jet boat the famous Dart River, take a breathtaking ascent to the top of Bob’s Peak on the Skyline Gondola (2,592 feet), cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw Steam Ship, or see some of New Zealand’s native wildlife at Kiwi Birdlife Park. You can also elect to tour a local winery such as Chard Farm, half an hour outside Queenstown.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, Lakeview Room (B)
Day 16: Queenstown / Blenheim.
Board a domestic flight to Blenheim, in New Zealand’s Marlborough region. Over 70 wineries, a selection of boutique breweries and even a world-class distillery add to the incredible range of cafes and restaurants, making Marlborough a "Gourmet Paradise." You are met and escorted to your warm accommodation. From its individually designed rooms to the charming gardens; from the European influenced formal lounge to the large country kitchen, Brookhurst Boutique Accommodation offers sumptuous decor in stylish yet relaxed surroundings. You are welcomed with grace and elegance. Tonight join your hosts for a delicious home-cooked meal.
Brookhurst Boutique Accommodation, Gold Room (B, D)
Day 17: Blenheim.
This morning, discover some of the region’s finest wines. After lunch, board a cruise boat that takes in the three icons of Marlborough – the Marlborough Sounds, the Greenshell mussels and the stunning Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The Marlborough Sounds hosts over two hundred mussel farms, where native green-lipped mussels are cultivated. Cruise one such mussel farm to learn about the importance of this local export and sample the local favorite – freshly steamed mussels matched perfectly to a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Brookhurst Boutique Accommodation, Gold Room (B, L)
Day 18: Blenheim / Auckland / depart New Zealand.
Your New Zealand vacation reluctantly concludes this afternoon as you fly to Auckland to connect with your international flight home. (B)
Rates/Departures:
Please call one of our destination experts to get all the details.