From Auckland to Queenstown, New Zealand's jaw-dropping landscapes welcome you. You'll discover Maori traditions, enjoy a wine tasting in Picton and cruise through Milford Sound. The Southern Alps, the pancake rocks of Punakaiki, the redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest, the fjords of Te Anau Lake—this voyage is an outdoor lover's dream!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Overnight Flight

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled flight aboard an internationally recognized airline. Cross the International Date Line and “lose” a day.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 2 - Overnight Flight

In flight to New Zealand.
Meals included: breakfast (in flight)

Day 3 - Auckland

Welcome to New Zealand! A Go Ahead representative helps you transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Auckland. Behold the fantastic vista of the cityscape and Auckland’s twin harbors from the volcanic slopes of Mount Eden. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 4 - Rotorua

This morning, you’ll transfer to Rotorua, stopping to tour the Waitomo Caves, known for their remarkable glowworms. You’ll descend into these caverns where you’ll board a boat for a subterranean cruise. Arrive in Roturua later today, a city built on a geothermal hot spot and a mecca for adventurers and outdoor lovers the world over.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 5 - Rotorua

Situated in a breathtaking valley, Rotorua is the gateway to the North Island’s Bay of Plenty region. Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Rotorua, including the Government Gardens, a public park and site of great historical importance to the local Maori people. You’ll escape among the towering redwoods of the Whakarewarewa Forest, located just five minutes from the city’s center, and view the cerulean waters of nearby Lake Tikitapu. After the conclusion of your tour, the rest of the afternoon is free at leisure. A popular attraction is the Rotorua Museum of Art and History, located within the famous Bath House at Government Gardens. Or, you might embark on an optional half-day Cultural Tour highlighting the ancient and current traditions and rituals of the Maori people. Tonight, savor an included traditional Maori Hangi feast.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$79 USD

Maori Cultural Tour Te Puia, located in Rotorua’s spectacular geothermal valley, is the premier Maori cultural center. Watch master artisans at work at the national schools of carving and weaving. Visit the Rotowhio Marae, a traditional meeting house and courtyard, and marvel at the world-famous Pohutu geyser, which erupts up to 20 times a day. Learn about Maori history and customs at Ohinemutu Point and gaze on the pristine beauty of four lakes: Tarawera, Okareka, Tikitapu and Rotokakahi.

Day 6 - Wellington

Travel south to Wellington along the edge of the stark Kaimanawa Range. You’ll stop at Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Wellington later today, the capital of New Zealand, where you may wish to visit the Parliament Building or Te Papa, the remarkable national museum of New Zealand.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 7 - Nelson

Board a ferry for a scenic cruise across the Cook Strait to South Island. Disembark in Marlborough, a region renowned for its sauvignon blanc, where you’ll visit the town of Picton for lunch and an included wine tasting. Continue on to Nelson to settle into your hotel. One of the sunniest places in New Zealand, Nelson is the closest thing to a big city you’ll find in the “Top of the South,” the fertile lands on the southern edge of Tasman Bay.
Included meals: breakfast, wine tasting

Day 8 - Nelson

Today, travel through the vineyards and orchards surrounding Nelson en route to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. After free time for lunch, you’ll board a catamaran for a relaxing journey through the South Island’s pristine coves and turquoise waters. You’ll see Kaiteriteri Beach, Torrent Bay and Bark Bay, and the world-famous Split Apple Rock. Tonight, dine with a Kiwi family at a home-hosted dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 9 - Nelson

Embark on a scenic transfer along the South Island’s west coast today. You’ll pass through the dramatic Buller Gorge before breaking out to the edge of the Tasman Sea. Then you’ll turn south as you make your way toward the distinctive “pancake” rocks and tidal blowholes of Punakaiki.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 10 - Fox Glacier

This morning, transfer to the quaint, sleepy town of Fox Glacier. You’ll drive through countryside that once hosted New Zealand’s West Coast Gold Rush, stopping to take photos along the way. This afternoon, you’ll venture to Fox Glacier itself, which descends from the peaks of the Southern Alps to the rainforest below. Consider an optional Fox Glacier Helicopter Ride to better appreciate the glacier’s monumental size. Back at your hotel you’ll savor an included dinner tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$179 USD

Fox Glacier Helicopter Ride Get close to the ice falls of Fox Glacier and experience the solitude of a snow landing in this natural alpine wonderland.

Day 11 - Queenstown

Embark on a scenic journey to Queenstown this morning. Pass by the placid waters of Bruce Bay, Lake Paringa and Lake Moeraki before crossing the Southern Alps via the Haast Pass. Before reaching Queenstown, you’ll witness the Kawarau Gorge, the birthplace of bungee jumping. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 12 - Queenstown

Depart early this morning for a full-day included excursion to see the breathtaking scenery of Milford Sound. The journey takes you through the Five Rivers farming region and around the shores of Te Anau Lake and into fjord country. After climbing to the Homer Saddle and driving through the Homer Tunnel, follow the beautiful Cleddau River into Milford Sound. On arrival, board a boat for a cruise around the Sound. Created during the Ice Age, the fjord around which you’ll travel knifes out into the sea between native forests and sheer cliff faces. This is some of the most memorable scenery in the world, and the view of the mile-high Mitre Peak is truly unforgettable.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 13 - Queenstown

Enjoy Queenstown at your leisure. You might ascend nearby Bob’s Peak via the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views of the city. Consider joining our optional excursion to Walter Peak. This excursion begins with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu, followed by a high-country dinner and a sheepdog demonstration. The excursion concludes with a scenic cruise back to Queenstown.
Included meals: breakfast

$99 USD

Walter Peak Board the steam-powered TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu. Your destination is Walter Peak, one of New Zealand’s most famous sheep and cattle stations. You'll enjoy dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and watch a sheap-shearing demonstration before embarking on another scenic cruise back to Queenstown. Please note: From May through July, the cruise portion of this excursion will not be offered. A wind- and waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Day 14 - Christchurch

Enjoy another scenic drive, passing the blue waters of Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo before continuing through the Mackenzie Country, famous as a location for filming The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This evening, reminisce with your fellow travelers at an included Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 15 - Christchurch

This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home; or, if you’re continuing your vacation, board your flight to Fiji.
Included meals: breakfast