Classic New Zealand

Nau Mai Haere Mai Ki Aotearoa! Welcome to New Zealand! As you step onto the land of the Long White Cloud, your private transfer driver awaits to guide you to your Stay. Auckland, a city where urban allure meets natural splendor and affectionately known as the “City of Sails,” beckons with its tranquil harbors and bustling streets. Take this day to wander along the waterfront and explore.

Note: Check-in time at Stays in New Zealand is typically 3 PM. To help you start your journey in comfort and relaxation, your room is available for guaranteed early check-in on arrival.

Indulge in a personalized sightseeing and immersive adventure through Auckland’s region, where every moment is curated to your unique preferences. Your private tour is meticulously designed to cater to your tastes, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Today, explore Auckland city’s highlights before heading west to Muriwai, a dramatic haven of rugged coastline and the famed gannet colony. Witness the aerial antics of these majestic seabirds as they dance against the wild west coast backdrop. Next, discover the serenity of the Waitākere Ranges at the Arataki Visitor Centre, where sweeping vistas and insightful narratives invite connection with the region’s natural heritage.

This full-day private tour spans 6 to 9 hours, allowing customizable pacing including leisure lunch breaks. Your knowledgeable driver-guide manages the logistics, leaving you free to immerse deeply in each moment.

Today your private driver/guide will bring you to Spellbound Cave System. Here you will go on a tour with a specialist guide where the captivating glowworms illuminate the underground labyrinth and delve into this enchanting world.

After the Glowworm adventure, you will continue on to Rotorua.

Note: Your dedicated private driver/guide will accompany you from today until you’re dropped off at Rotorua or Auckland Airport for your flight to Queenstown, three days later.

This morning is yours to shape with your private driver-guide. Explore Rotorua and its surroundings at your own pace, following the places that interest you. For something more active, we can suggest and arrange an optional zipline adventure above the native forest.

As afternoon unfolds, step into the captivating geothermal valley of Te Puia. Explore native bush, bubbling mud pools, and the impressive Pohutu Geyser, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Journey through the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, witnessing master carvers and weavers skillfully preserving ancestral traditions.

The evening brings the acclaimed Te Pō Combo: a celebration of culture, kai, and connection. Relish a buffet feast featuring freshly sourced traditional fare in a setting overlooking geothermal wonders. Be swept away by a cultural performance within the intricately carved meeting house, where a pōhiri welcome, waiata (songs), mōteatea (chants), poi dances, and the iconic haka build a powerful narrative of Māori heritage.

Conclude with a gentle stroll through the illuminated geothermal landscape, sipping hot chocolate as steam curls around you.

Farewell the North Island, as you take flight to Queenstown, New Zealand’s alpine jewel and adventure capital. Upon arrival, your private driver escorts you effortlessly to your lakeside accommodation, where the majestic alpine panorama immediately captures your attention. Settling in, you have time to explore the lively town centre, where vibrant energy blends seamlessly with stunning natural beauty.

As evening approaches, ascend via the iconic Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak. From this elevated perch, delight in panoramic views across Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Fuel your sense of adventure with thrilling rides on the mountain luge, an exhilarating experience perfect for couples or friends alike.

Conclude your alpine evening with a sumptuous international buffet dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking vistas as you savor a diverse selection of gourmet dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Note: Your dedicated private driver/guide will accompany you from today until you’re dropped off at Christchurch Airport for your flight to back home, seven days later.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, a true masterpiece of nature’s grandeur. The road trip to Milford is an experience to cherish, winding through dramatic landscapes of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Revel in the changing vistas as you make your way to this iconic fjord.

So in the morning, early, you will set off by road to Milford Sound. Upon reaching Milford Sound, you will step aboard a scenic cruise to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise amidst towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene waters, surrounded by the sheer magnificence of Fiordland National Park.

After the cruise, return to Queenstown by road, making this a full day experience lasting approximately 12 to 13 hours, with an early start and late return.

Note:

• For those wishing to upgrade, cap off your day with a scenic helicopter flight back to Queenstown, soaring above alpine peaks and glaciers, weather permitting.
• The helicopter flight is weather-dependent and will revert to road transfer if conditions are unsuitable.

Today, Queenstown is your playground. With no set itinerary, you’re free to explore this adventure capital at your own pace with your private driver-guide. Wander along the lakefront, explore the town’s shops and galleries, or settle into a café with the mountains and Lake Wakatipu in view. There is no set itinerary or private driver-guide service today.

If you would prefer an arranged experience, we can suggest a private wine journey through Central Otago’s vineyards, or an evening cruise across the lake for dinner at Walter Peak. Both are optional and can be arranged separately.

Today, you’ll set off from Queenstown into Glacier Country. This road trip is as much about the journey as the destination. Wind your way past crystal-clear lakes and through rugged landscapes before ascending the dramatic Haast Pass. Travel through Mount Aspiring National Park, where towering peaks and native forests create a stunning backdrop. Continue along the wild West Coast, where the Tasman Sea crashes against rugged shores on one side and dense rainforests rise on the other.

Franz Josef, the gateway to Glacier Country, is one of the most unique glacial environments in the world.

Glacier Country is a unique area where rainforest meets ice, with a local population of only 750 people. Here you can explore remote, wild, and authentic landscapes in ways that suit your pace. Among the many experiences available, one stands out: a private guided eco valley walk which can be done in all conditions.

So today, you will go on a private guided eco valley walk in Fox Glacier valley. This is an easy walk covering a distance of 6.4 km (4 miles). This eco-tour is suitable for all ages and abilities through lush historic glaciated rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. See massive rata and rimu trees, moss-covered landscapes, and enjoy views of the upper Fox Glacier, the neve, and Mt Tasman.

You will learn about glaciation, geology, flora, fauna, and the history of the area from your local culture guide.

Today, you’ll be privately transferred to Greymouth to board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Christchurch. This journey is celebrated for its breathtaking views as you glide through the heart of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. Be prepared to be captivated by a living, ever-changing postcard of lush forests, dramatic gorges, and majestic peaks, showcasing the very essence of New Zealand’s natural splendor.

You’ll experience this journey in the Scenic Plus carriage, a purpose-built premium space designed to enhance every aspect of your trip. This refined rail experience offers expansive panoramic windows and thoughtful details that connect you deeply with New Zealand’s landscapes and stories. Throughout the journey, enjoy a full-service experience including drinks, snacks, and a meal.

The menu is inspired by and sourced from the regions you’ll pass through, providing a culinary experience that complements the stunning views outside.

As your Classic New Zealand journey comes to an end, you’ll be privately transferred to Christchurch airport for your flight home.

If you’re keen to stay longer, we can arrange a few more days exploring New Zealand. You could also continue to Sydney for three or four days before heading home. We can shape either extension around the time you have and what you would most like to experience.

Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey home.