New Zealand

Feb 12

March 1, 2026

Day 1

Arrivals in Auckland and check in at Sofitel Auckland Hotel.Auckland is the nation’s largest city and home to about 25%of the entire population of 5 million. There are interestingmuseums and scenic vistas around the city, as well asunique natural landmarks.After arrivals, enjoy a welcome meeting and dinner.

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Day 2

This morning take Fullers ferry for Waiheke Island. Our local guide will meet us at Matiatia wharf for a visit of Ostend market, Waiheke’s famous island event!

Next we visit Allpress Olive Oil, the first evoo on the island produced here. They are rated 98/100 making them one of the best producers in the world. Then a visit and tasting followed by lunch at Stonyridge Vineyard. Afterward, we will stop at “Island Gelato” for one or two of their 70+ homemade flavors!

We’ll take Fullers ferry back to Auckland and you are free for dinner this evening.

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Day 3

This morning we depart Auckland for beautiful Lake Taupo. When we arrive to the Lake Taupo marina we will enjoy a boat ride on the lake and/or kayaking.

Dinner will be at Bistro Lago. Overnight at Hilton Hotel Lake Taupo.

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Day 4

‍Today we head to Hawke’s Bay. This afternoon we will explore a few wineries of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest appellation. First, we have a visit and tasting at the country’s oldest and grandest winery,Mission Estate. Afterward, we continue to Church Road Winery for lunch, accompanied by their wines. After lunch, visit Te Mata peak before checking into Porter’s Boutique Hotel.

Dinner is on your own this evening.

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Day 5

This morning we depart Hawke’s Bay for Wellington with a stop in Martinborough for lunch at Union Square Bistro (on your own).

Arrival in Wellington and check in at Sofitel Wellington. This evening a guided walking food tour.

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Day 6

Free day in Wellington: visit Te Papa museum, Zealandia, ride the cable car to botanical gardens, etc.

Days 7, 8 flight from Wellington to Nelson

Private transfer and check in to Kimi Ora Eco Lodge (2 nights)

Free time to explore some of Golden Bay’s stunning natural attractions such as Te Waikoropupu Springs,Wainui Falls and World Heritage site Farewell Spit,and some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches.

Many great hiking options.

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Day 9

Board our private yacht to enjoy the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sound with the original and longest-running Greenshell Mussel Cruise, featuring freshly steamed mussels and salmon paired with aglass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc for the ultimate wine/food match. Cruise the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Learn about local history and the fascinating aquaculture industry from our knowledgeable crew, cruise past a mussel farm and take in the stunning scenery. Enjoy a guided walk through Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary. Afterwards we will transfer to and check into 14th Lane Urban Hotel in Blenheim.

Dinner is on your own this evening. There are several good restaurants within walking distance.

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Day 10

Free morning options: hiking, kayaking, fishing, wine tasting,Omaka Aviation Museum.

At noon we will head over to Clair Winery Vineyard Kitchenfor lunch paired with wines of the estate. Our next visit willbe at Forrest Estate in their beautiful park setting with apond, picnic tables and bean bag chairs for a siesta! Afterwards a visit to the Makana Chocolate Factory!

Tonight you will be free for dinner.

Day 11

Today we leave Blenheim for Kaikoura, wildlife capital for whales, dolphins and birds. 80% of world’s dolphin and whale species migrate through this area! Weather permitting, we will enjoy a whale watching tour from Kaikoura. Free for lunch before heading to Christchurch to check into Mayfair Hotel.

Dinner is on our own this evening.

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Day 12

Free day in Christchurch. Options: gondola ride, hopon hop off tramline, Taylor’s mistake hike, Zipline tour, visit Riverside market in the center of Christchurch, tour Bank’s Peninsula, have a beach day at Waimari or Sumner beach, botanical gardens, etc.

We will meet tonight at 7 pm for dinner at Goldfinch.

Day 13

Transfer to Mt Cook with a stop in Lake Tekapo for a walk along Pines beach walkway followed by lunch on your own. After lunch we continue to Mt Cook and check into Hermitage Hotel. Optional Tasman Glacier tour upon arrival at Hermitage Hotel (reservation required) or option to do one of the many hikes in the area or visit the Mt Cook Museum at the hotel. Buffet dinner at the Hermitage Hotel lodge. Option tonight to reserve “Stargazing under the largest darksky reserve” with the Hermitage Hotel astronomy guide.

Day 14

This morning we will drive south to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordlands and Milford Sound!

Free for a casual lunch on the shore of Lake Wanaka. Then we continue on to Te Anau and check into Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments. Tonight we will walk to dinner at the Fat Duck.

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Day 15

A full day Fiordland excursion: Milford Soundcruise, with several photo op stops between Te Anau and Milford Sound. Dinner is on your own tonight. Several restaurants within walking distance.

Day 16

Before we head to Queenstown, this morning we will visit the Te Anau glow worm caves for an underground boat ride through sculpted rocks, waterfalls, and whirlpools. After the tour, we will grab a quick lunch before meeting our driver to depart for Queenstown.

Check into Rydges Hotel. Tonight group dinner on the waterfront at Public Kitchen.

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Day 17 Last day in New Zealand

Free morning option to ride the skyline gondola up to Bob’s peak, steepest cable car in the southern hemisphere, forspectacular views of Queenstown and the surrounding area. At noon we head out for a day of wine touring with lunch in the vineyards.

This evening we will cruise Lake Wakatipu on the classic steamship “TSS Earnslaw” to Walter Peak for a gourmet bbq for our last night together in New Zealand.