New Zealand: A Private Grand Journey

Auckland

You will receive a welcome package on arrival which will include a welcome letter, detailed itinerary, voucher summary including supplier contact list as well as a 'sustainability pack' with reusable coffee mug and carry bag. No physical vouchers will be included. This will be available at your first hotel. Please request upon check in if not presented to you or in your room upon arrival. Your private chauffeur will meet you for a transfer between the airport and your hotel. Auckland’s dining scene offers an exciting mix of contemporary, casual, and fine dining experiences to suit every palate. For a relaxed brunch or market-fresh bites, Ponsonby Central, Matakana Markets on Saturday mornings, and Auckland Fish Market provide vibrant, fresh options. Casual yet flavorful options include Depot and One Tree Grill, while Prego and East – Sudima offer Italian and modern New Zealand cuisine in stylish settings. For elevated fine dining, Sidart, Clooney, The French Café, and Ahi showcase innovative menus with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Seafood enthusiasts will enjoy Oyster & Chop, Sails, and Masu, while plant-based diners can experience Bossi, which offers vegan options. Wine lovers will appreciate The Wine Room by David Nash for pairing exquisite vintages with thoughtfully crafted dishes. For a truly unique experience, Velskov Maori Private Dining provides an intimate exploration of Maori culinary traditions. From casual markets to Michelin-level sophistication, Auckland’s diverse restaurants promise a memorable culinary journey.

Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City (B) (Premium King)

Auckland

Meet your private guide at your city hotel to begin an exclusive half-day walking tour into the heart of Auckland. Nicknamed the "City of Sails" for its abundance of yacht marinas and its rich maritime history, Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most bustling city, often confused for its capital. Along with your guide, you'll not only discover the city's history, sights, and sounds, but you'll also experience a glimpse into daily Aucklander life. Delve into Princes Wharf, once a commercial wharf on the city's waterfront now re-developed into a dazzling hub of bars and eateries, looking out to Waitemata Harbor. Visit the NZ Maritime Museum and learn of the early arrivals to the country, from early Polynesians to the Europeans. Meander through the entertainment district of Viaduct Harbor, home to buzzing night life and gourmet experiences. Stroll through Auckland's entertainment district, Wynward Quarter for gorgeous skyline views and head just a few minutes east to explore they city's famous Laneways and the Britomart Pavilions, a chic hub for fashion and eateries, ideal for treating your palette to a sweet treat or adding a new accessory to your wardrobe. Your walking tour concludes with a return to your Auckland hotel. After arriving into New Zealand from North America, guests often find that jet lag begins to set in by the afternoon. Today, recharge for the days to come with a half-day at leisure. Should you be feeling energetic, Auckland is a vibrant city that is easily explored on foot.

Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City (B) (Premium King)

Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo Caves

This morning you will meet your private driver guide in the lobby of your hotel and begin your scenic journey from the city of Auckland to Rotorua. En-route the transfer will visit the Waitomo Caves that are famous for their glowworms. Lunch and entrance fees are not included. The transfer takes nine hours, depending on the type of touring in Waitomo. Admire the shimmering spectacle of Footwhistle Cave, home to a stunning glowworm display within the largest cave found in Waitomo. Led by your knowledgeable private guide, you'll enter this fascinating cave and learn of its rich history while viewing a magnificent display of the bio-luminescent insects, some mere inches away from you. Meander around the cave's corner to discover the remains of one of New Zealand's lost treasures - the ancient Moa, once the country's largest bird that fell extinct almost 600 years ago. Experience the soothing sounds of the cave's stream flowing below you in the darkness, as low lights cast a warm glow over stunning limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. After enjoying a relaxed stroll through the cave, you'll take a seat in Footwhistle’s cathedral for a short but breathtaking show as the cave is illuminated by a dazzling magnesium torch. Just outwith of the cave's entrance, a traditional Ponga hut offers a special tea tasting featuring kawakawa, a special herb to the Maori often used as a health tonic. A memorable experience for all, this glowworm cave adventure offers a relaxed atmosphere in which you can see how nature truly shines. Rotorua’s dining scene blends local charm, international flair, and scenic settings for every taste. Start with the Skyline Gondola, where a hilltop restaurant pairs sweeping views with contemporary New Zealand cuisine. In town, Atticus Finch offers vibrant share-style plates, Sabroso brings bold Latin flavors, and Ambrosia on Eat Streat delivers global dishes in a lively atmosphere. Families will love Eastwood at the Redwoods for wood-fired pizzas and relaxed dining or Secret Spot Hot Tubs for gourmet burgers in a casual outdoor space. The Fainting Goat serves hearty gastropub fare, while fine dining awaits at The Mains at On the Point, Urbano Bistro, and Barrel & Co., showcasing seasonal New Zealand ingredients. For refined evenings, POCO Tapas & Wine Bar and The Regent Room feature small plates and fine wines. Guests of Solitaire Lodge can enjoy an exclusive farm-to-table experience overlooking Lake Tarawera. From relaxed bites to elegant dining, Rotorua welcomes every palate with warmth and flavor.

Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua (B) (Superior), Auckland

Rotorua

After an early morning pick-up, journey through the forests and farmlands outside of Rotorua en route to Wai-o-Tapu, host to New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, colorful hot springs and the world-famous Lady Knox geyser, which – with luck – you’ll watch erupt before your eyes. Next, you’ll set off to Waimangu Thermal Valley where your experienced guide will provide details relating to the massive eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 and its long-lasting effects on the local environment while exploring the exotic, seemingly-lunar landscape. This tour departs at 8:00 am, takes approximately four hours and 30 minutes to complete, and operates with a maximum of 15 guests. Immerse yourself in a sensory journey at Te Pa Tu, a forest Pa (village) where culture, history, and cuisine come to life. Nestled among towering Tawa trees and illuminated by bonfires, this celebration and feast showcase the rich traditions of the Maori people, evolving with the seasons of the Maori lunar calendar. From November to April, during Summer's Tu Te Ra phase, the sun's energy and the abundance of harvest is honored, while delving into the history of Maori warfare and peace. From May to October, in Winter's Tu Te Ihi, it's a time to pay homage to the Matariki stars, symbolizing energy and passion. No matter the season, you'll savor Maori delicacies such as roasted tuna, creamy paua (abalone), smoked kahawai, and more, accompanied by torchlight guiding guests to a lavish yet relaxed four-course feast. Hangi takes center stage, complemented by fusion-style dishes like Wagyu picanha, watercress chimichurri, and kumara ice cream, each inspired by traditional ingredients and stories. Whether dining al fresco or in the wharekai (dining room), celebrate the spirit of hakari - feasting - and the essence of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua (B) (Superior)

Rotorua, Queenstown

A privately driven vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and hotel today. Board a flight in Rotorua with service to Queenstown. Please note that your flight will require a connection. Approximate flight duration is three hours and 35 minutes. This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately. Meet your driver for a private airport transfer. Queenstown offers an eclectic dining scene to suit every taste, from casual bites to refined gourmet experiences. For iconic local flavor, Ferg Burger delivers legendary burgers, while Erik’s Fish and Chips satisfies classic seaside cravings. Seasonal visitors can enjoy the Queenstown Food Truck Festival for lively street eats, or head to Remarkables Market in Frankton for fresh local produce and artisanal treats. For contemporary New Zealand cuisine, Rata, True South Dining Room, and Botswana Butchery showcase premium regional ingredients in stylish settings, while The Grille by Eichardts and Nest Bar & Kitchen offer chic interiors and inventive menus. Asian-inspired flavors shine at Blue Kanu, Madam Woo, and White & Wongs, providing bold tastes and creative presentations. For unique experiences, Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ on the lakefront combines stunning scenery with hearty fare, while Amisfield Winery & Bistro pairs fine wines with seasonal dishes. From casual to sophisticated, Queenstown’s diverse culinary options promise memorable meals for every palate.

Accommodation: QT Queenstown (B) (QT King Room), Rotorua

Rotorua, Queenstown

A privately driven vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and hotel today. Board a flight in Rotorua with service to Queenstown. Please note that your flight will require a connection. Approximate flight duration is three hours and 35 minutes. This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately. Meet your driver for a private airport transfer. Queenstown offers an eclectic dining scene to suit every taste, from casual bites to refined gourmet experiences. For iconic local flavor, Ferg Burger delivers legendary burgers, while Erik’s Fish and Chips satisfies classic seaside cravings. Seasonal visitors can enjoy the Queenstown Food Truck Festival for lively street eats, or head to Remarkables Market in Frankton for fresh local produce and artisanal treats. For contemporary New Zealand cuisine, Rata, True South Dining Room, and Botswana Butchery showcase premium regional ingredients in stylish settings, while The Grille by Eichardts and Nest Bar & Kitchen offer chic interiors and inventive menus. Asian-inspired flavors shine at Blue Kanu, Madam Woo, and White & Wongs, providing bold tastes and creative presentations. For unique experiences, Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ on the lakefront combines stunning scenery with hearty fare, while Amisfield Winery & Bistro pairs fine wines with seasonal dishes. From casual to sophisticated, Queenstown’s diverse culinary options promise memorable meals for every palate.

Accommodation: QT Queenstown (B) (QT King Room), Rotorua

Queenstown

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and travel from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through the scenic rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a short break at Te Anau, continue via the spectacular Milford Road to Milford Sound. Here you’ll board a vessel that hosts up to 150 guests, features three viewing decks, and embark on a relaxing cruise of Milford Sound. The cruise provides excellent opportunities to take in the incredibly scenery of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife, all while an on-board naturalist guide provides insights into the region throughout the journey. After the cruise, settle in for a coach transfer to Milford Airport to board a twin engine aircraft for the return flight to Queenstown (weather permitting). During this 35 minute scenic flight, take in panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery as you are returned to Queenstown.

Accommodation: QT Queenstown (B) (QT King Room)

Queenstown

Widely considered the world's adventure capital, Queenstown is the epicentre of activity in New Zealand. We would be pleased to assist with arranging further day tours in-advance ranging from jet boat rides to wine tasting. Alternatively, soak up the scenery from the comfort of your hotel. In the event that you have planned to visit Milford Sound by helicopter or light aircraft, this leisure day offers buffer time to re-schedule the flight in the event of inclement weather.

Accommodation: QT Queenstown (B) (QT King Room)

Queenstown

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel.