Welcome to New Zealand and its largest city, Auckland, often referred to as the "city of sails." Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodations, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.

This morning visit Auckland’s youngest and largest volcano, Rangitoto, which formed during an eruption only 600 years ago. The 853-foot peak is a steep-sided scoria cone formed by the accumulation of scoria lava thrown out by fire fountaining from its large central crater. Take a 25-minute cruise across the spectacular Waitemata Harbor, and upon arrival join up with the local guide to explore the rugged lava crops and native bush while the guide talks about the history and geology of this island. This afternoon, take a ferry to Waiheke Island, where you can choose between taking a tour of the island or enjoying a relaxing lunch in a local vineyard.

Today your driver will pick you up after breakfast and you’ll journey across the rolling farmland of the Waikato region to the mystical Waitomo Caves. Take a guided tour in the spectacular Glowworm Cave, with its majestic and ornate cave decorations, the deep limestone shaft known as tomo, and the equally magnificent Cathedral cavern, where New Zealand’s own opera diva Kiri te Kanawa once performed. From here head to Hobbiton for a tour of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations. Continue on to Rotorua, where you’ll check in and have dinner tonight at your centrally located hotel. Rotorua was the first home of the Maori people when they arrived in Aotearoa ("Land of the Long White Cloud") in the13th century.

This morning visit Te Puia Geothermal Valley. Here, the hot rocks located close to the surface heat roundwater, which boils to the surface as hot springs. When the water rises as steam it bursts out of the ground. Learn about traditional Maori arts and crafts, see weavers in action, and maybe try this for yourself. Then explore the Government Gardens Museum, with the afternoon at leisure to perhaps visit the beautiful Redwood Forest or take a trip to The Buried Village to see New Zealand’s very own Pompeii. Tonight visit the Maori village of Tamaki and experience a traditional Maori welcome, followed by an opportunity to learn some of the games and crafts of pre-European Maori. Interact with local Maori to learn a little more about the effects of colonization on the local population. Dinner is a traditional Hangi, a meal cooked in an earthen oven underground---a unique and tasty experience!

This morning visit Kiwi Encounter for the chance to see conservation in action. Kiwi eggs are taken from the forest and hatched in a safe environment. Once the chicks are big enough to survive they are placed back in the forest. Later transfer to the Rotorua airport to connect with your flight to the capital, Wellington. Upon arrival in Wellington your local guide will transfer you to your centrally located hotel. Dinner is at your leisure tonight.

This morning visit Te Papa (The Museum of New Zealand). Your guide will take you through the museum focusing on New Zealand’s natural history. Later enjoy free time with options such as taking the cable car for great views over the city, walking through the beautiful botanical gardens, or visiting Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary. Tonight try dinner at one of the many cafés and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.

This morning taking the Interislander Ferry through Wellington Harbor, over the Cook Strait, and into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to Picton Gateway, and then on to the South Island where your driver/guide will meet you. Marlborough wines are known the world over (especially the sauvignon blanc), and today after sampling some of the wines enjoy lunch among the vines. Later continue to Nelson, where dinner is at your leisure tonight.

Today your driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Kaiteriteri Beach. Join the sea shuttle to travel into beautiful Abel Tasman National Park, where you’ll spend the day. Choose one of three walks on offer. Kayaking is also available at an additional cost. Later, head back to your hotel. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.

This morning transfer to the airport to connect with your flight to Queenstown. Your guide will be there to meet you upon arrival. First stop is a visit to historic Arrowtown, which rose to fame when gold was discovered in the Arrow River in 1962. Miners from all over the world arrived to make their fortune, and the population grew to 7,000. Today Arrowtown still has some buildings remaining from this time and is a picturesque town with lovely shops and cafes to enjoy. Travel into Queenstown and take a small tour of the town before checking into your centrally located hotel. Dinner tonight is your choice; there are many different types of restaurants to choose from, all of which are within walking distance from your hotel.

Spend today at leisure or take one of the many optional excursions on offer (at extra cost). Try the Dart River jet boat safari, take a wine tasting tour of the Central Otago vineyards, hire a bike, or if you feel adventurous, try a bungee jump. Tonight take a gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, with time to take in the fantastic views over the remarkable mountain range, Lake Wakatipu, and the town before enjoying a fantastic buffet dinner.

A magical day is in store as your drive takes you deep into the mystical wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Pass
through the famous Homer Tunnel before emerging into the sound, which runs 9.3 miles inland from the Tasman
Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces rising almost 4,000 feet. Lush rainforest clings to these cliffs while penguins, seals and dolphins frequent the waters. Join the Milford Mariner, where you have a very special dinner, bed and breakfast experience with time to enjoy the spacious viewing decks. Marvel at the towering cliffs and thundering waterfalls while cruising to the open sea, with a nature guide to point out the sea life and unique flora and fauna. Anchor for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove and have time to do a little exploring of your own in the vessel’s kayaks and tender craft.

After breakfast take the spectacular drive via the Devil’s Staircase to Queenstown, where you will be dropped off at the airport to catch your domestic flight back to Auckland and then connect with your international flight home.