Day 1
Arrive today in the “City of Sails,” Auckland. Auckland often takes a backseat to the natural wonders at its doorstep, but it is a cosmopolitan and picturesque city with many opportunities to explore museums, nightlife, and native bush island destinations. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the city center, within minutes of all the major sights. Relax this afternoon and shake off the jet lag.
Hilton Auckland
Day 2
Today you will pick up your rental car and drive to the Coromandel Peninsula. This off-the-beaten-path land is filled with green hills and beautiful bays. Head to our favorite hidden beach for a swim and a picnic or join the tourists at Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot tub in the sand.
970 Lonely Bay
Day 3
Today, make a short drive to one of the most picturesque spots on the Coromandel, Cathedral Cove, a hidden beach surrounded by carved out sandstone rock formations. It is only reached by foot or by boat. Join in your full-day sea kayaking tour and make your way along the magnificent volcanic coastline to Cathedral Cove. Modern sea kayaks allow you to venture into sea caves and blowholes that others simply cannot get to.
970 Lonely Bay
Day 4
Today, you will drive to Rotorua. Home to the best geothermal sites and the most accessible Maori cultural experiences, its many rewards are worth the visit. Your hotel room has lovely views of Lake Rotorua, created by a volcanic explosion long ago (or created by the tears of a scorned lover, according to Maori legend).
The Springs Bed & Breakfast
Day 5
Embark on a full-day geothermal tour of Rotorua. Learn about volcanology, New Zealand’s flora and fauna, and Maori history in Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland. As you venture through the natural geothermal parks, you will see volcanoes, geysers, mud pools, and hot springs. Then, you will have the chance to see incredible hot water springs and hot lakes on a walking tour of Waimangu Valley. After your adventure, unwind at the world-renowned Polynesian Spa, where you can bathe in a hot mineral rock pool while looking out over the lake.
The Springs Bed & Breakfast
Day 6
Today, you will fly down to the South Island and arrive in Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough wine country. This area is the largest producer of white wines in New Zealand and home to the country’s most famous sauvignon blancs.
Marlborough Vintners Hotel
Day 7
Experience the icons of Marlborough today as you tour through the famous Marlborough wine region and the majestic Marlborough Sounds, where forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays. Enjoy a range of wine tastings before eating lunch on the waterfront. Then, cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds to Havelock, known as the greenshell mussel capital of the world. Here, you’ll visit a greenshell mussel farm and taste a local delicacy, freshly steamed mussels, matched perfectly with a complimentary glass of sauvignon blanc.
Marlborough Vintners Hotel
Day 8
Today, drive to the quaint seaside town of Picton. Hop a water taxi to your oasis for the next 3 nights, the Bay of Many Coves Resort. This luxury accommodation offers unrivaled tranquility in a pristine natural setting.
Bay of Many Coves Resort
Day 9 – 10
Spend these days at your leisure and explore this adventurer’s paradise at your own pace away from the crowds. Swim with dolphins, hike the Queen Charlotte Track, sail on the sounds, or check out the glowworm caves. Alternatively, you can simply relax and enjoy the amenities of the resort. You can also take a seaplane to a private beach for a picnic lunch and feel like you are the only people in the world.
Bay of Many Coves Resort
Day 11
Take the water taxi back to Picton and transfer to the Blenheim airport, where you’ll catch your flight to Queenstown. A delight for scenery lovers and adrenaline junkies alike, Queenstown is the outdoor adventure capital of the country, if not the world. There is an endless supply of activities to fully experience the stunning natural landscape and to get your adrenaline flowing. The feeling is that of a small frontier town, with stunning mountains surrounding it and placid Lake Wakatipu alongside.
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Day 12
Today, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Helicopter to a remote alpine area with Over the Top Helicopters and enjoy your private “picnic on a peak,” a leisurely champagne luncheon with amazing views of the The Remarkables mountain range. You and your partner can revel in the stunning scenery before calling on the helicopter to return you to civilization. Don’t forget your camera!
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Day 13
Today is a special day as you venture to one of the most remote and scenic locations in New Zealand, the Fiordlands, with Real Journeys. Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Manapouri. Cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri and then board a catamaran to explore the waterways of one of the most serene and isolated fiords, Doubtful Sound. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery, including waterfalls, rainforest, and mountains all the way out to the Tasman Sea. Keep your eyes open for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and when in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Day 14
Enjoy a day of rejuvenating spa treatments at Millbrook Resort, with private transfers to and from. Enjoy a full body exfoliation in the steam room before moving on to a dual relaxation massage and an hour-long, customized facial. After your relaxing treatments, sit back and enjoy the tranquil surroundings with a glass of champagne and a fresh fruit platter.
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Day 15
Today, you will be privately transferred to the airport, where you will begin your journey home.
