New Zealand

The Primary Tour Itinerary Includes:

Beginning in Auckland the tour winds it’s way through much of the North Island to Wellington on the southern tip of the island, where we cross the Cook Strait to the rugged South Island.

North Island Highlights

January 18, 19, 20

Auckland is the nation’s largest city and home to about 25% of the entire population of 5 million. There are interesting museums and scenic vistas around the city, as well as unique natural landmarks. We’ll do a day trip to Waiheke Island, across the sound, to visit one of the world’s smallest wine regions for a tasting tour and magnificent lunch at a vineyard. We’ll also have a private seafood cooking lesson and dinner with "Big Foody Tours".

Lodging: Sofitel Inner Harbor (3 nights)

January 21,22

Napier will be our next stop, on the east coast at Hawke's Bay. The town of Napier was leveled by an earthquake in 1931 and was rebuilt in an Art Deco motif, which makes fora unique ‘out of the past’ experience. Hawks Bay is famous for vineyards (the earliest wine producers in New Zealand started here). The area makes some fine wines and is the ‘fruit basket’ of New Zealand. It is also home to the production of “Manuka Honey” We will do a full day wine tour and visit a producer of Manuka honey.

Lodging: Napier Crown Hotel (2 nights)

January 23, 24

Wellington will be last stop on the North Island. On the drive from Napier to Wellington we will stop for lunch in the dusty old agricultural town of Martin borough, which is reminiscent of the colonial days, but fast becoming an important wine village. From here will cross an imposing mountain pass, before gently coming down to the plain that surrounds the inland side of Wellington. The nation's capitol is built on hills surrounding a picturesque harbor that opens to the rugged Cook Strait. The lively waterfront is full of shops and restaurants and home to one of the finest cultural museums in the world.

Lodging: Sofitel Wellington (2 nights)

South Island Crossing to Marlborough Sound

We will traverse the wild Cook Straight in a large ferry with First Class tickets. This 3.5 hour journey begins over the rough open waters of the straight that separates the North & South Islands and crosses into the tranquil Marlborough Sound.

January 25, 26

Blenheim is our first stop on the South Island. The sleepy city supports the serious wine producing Marlborough Wine Appellation. We’ll do a full day tour combining Marlborough wines and a “Green Mussel” Cruise exploring the aquaculture that has grown up on the waters of the Sound.

Lodging: Exclusive use 14th Lane Urban Hotel (2 nights)

January 27, 28

Then it’s on to Christ church, the largest city on the South Island and apart from the devastating earthquake of a few years ago, it remains a vibrant city supporting agriculture and shipping. It is especially noted for its botanical gardens and distinct architecture. We will stop in Kaikoura for a whale watching tour on our way!      

Lodging: Mayfair Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)

January 29

Kiwis love their “Pies”. On our journey from Christchurch to Mt Cook we will pay a visit to one of the perennial pie contest winners. Mount Cook National Park is an iconic natural treasure with Glacier Fields surrounded by some of the most rugged landscape in the country. The scenic drive across sheep, cattle and wine country offers a panorama of the diversity of South Island Landscape. We will have time for a boat ride to see Tasman Glacier icebergs with our local guide before dinner at the lodge.

Lodging: Hermitage Lodge (1 night)

January 30, 31

This morning we depart Mt Cook for Te Anau, gateway to the Fiord lands. From here we will take a day trip to gorgeous Milford Sound aboard a small ship.  

Overnight Fiordland Lakeview Motel (2 nights)

February 1

We will venture out to the Glow Worm caves for a tour of the underground river, waterfalls, and amazing glow worms before departing for Queenstown. Queenstown is billed as the Outdoor Adventure Capitol and it doesn’t disappoint. Bungy jumping, hang gliding, rock climbing, river rafting, and hiking are just some of the activities that attract adventure seekers from around the world. You will have enough free time to embark on whichever of these activities you choose!

Overnight Crown Plaza Hotel (1 night)

February 2

Tour ends after breakfast. We are available to help with individual departures or post-tour planning.

Pricing for Double per Person, Double Occupancy: $8,650

Single Supplement: $2,100

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Reservation & payment terms:

Non-refundable deposit of $1500 per person with reservation, payable by personal check, Zelle, or wire transfer.  (We recommend purchasing trip insurance)

Final payment due September 15, 2023

Includes:

All in-country transportation, 4 & 5 star accommodations, admissions and activities listed above.

Meals: Breakfast daily, 6 lunches, 10 dinners, wine included.

Fully escorted by: Kathleen Cavalier and Troy Granucci

Not included: Tips and incidentals.

Note: This price is based on March 2023 exchange rates and may need to be adjusted to cover currency fluctuations prior to the tour commencing.