New Zealand | Hiking Through Scenic New Zealand

Depart the US.

Overnight flight.

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival, after entering the Arrivals Hall, turn left to meet your driver to receive a private transfer from the Auckland Airport to the centrally located hotel for some time to rest. This evening have a welcome dinner and program orientation with your local guide at the hotel. Check in starts at 2 pm.

This morning visit Auckland's youngest and largest volcano, Rangitoto, which formed during an eruption only 600 years ago. The 853-foot-high peak is a steep-sided scoria cone formed by the accumulation of scoria (a type of volcanic rock) thrown out by fire fountaining from its large central crater. The specialist guide will point out various aspects of the Waitemata Harbor on your 25-minute cruise to the island. Begin walking through rugged lava crops and native bush until you reach the summit, where there are spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf. This afternoon experience a sailing excursion for fantastic views of Auckland Harbor and its iconic skyline.

Today travel through rich farmland to Waitomo, where you'll descend into the Waitomo Caves via a grand entrance. Follow the narrow paths down deep into the earth, finishing with a boat trip in the dark under a canopy of sparkling glow worms. Next journey to Matamata, also known as Hobbiton, to see where "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies were filmed. Walk through "Middle-earth" and also explore the hobbit holes. Whether you are a fan of the movies or not, admire the craft and creativity that have resulted in this fictional hobbit village in the middle of a dairy farm. Continue traveling inland to the volcanic heart of the North Island, Rotorua, a place of amazing landscapes where both physical and cultural forces are strong.

This morning, visit Te Puia Thermal Village to learn about the unusual features of this geothermal city. The hot rocks located close to the surface heat groundwater, which boils to the surface as a hot spring. The water rises as steam and bursts out of the ground as geysers. From here travel to the hotel and have time at leisure.

This morning get an early start traveling south to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This traverses the national park, is over 11 miles long, and travels through outstanding natural features, many with cultural significance. The guide will lead you and point out amazing sights to ensure nothing is missed. The trip will take around eight hours; once finished meet the driver and transfer back to the hotel.

Travel back to Rotorua and connect with your flight to the South Island's largest city, Christchurch. The city was devastated by an earthquake in 2011 and is now in the process of rebuilding. Take a tour to witness the city's renaissance before driving to Kaikoura, a fishing village on the coast that was also hit by an earthquake at the end of 2016. Dinner tonight is at the lodge's dining room, set among the treetops.

Lying hidden just offshore, the 1.2-mile-deep Kaikoura Canyon is one of the world's great undersea wonders. Two strong sea currents converge in this enormous trench and draw vast quantities of plant and animal nutrients to the surface in a great upwelling. Board a boat and travel 1.8 miles out to sea to the home of the giant sperm whale for the chance to view these great creatures up close. You may also encounter New Zealand fur seals, the endangered Wandering Albatross, and playful dusky dolphins. This afternoon visit a place where the land was uplifted six feet from the seabed by the 2016 earthquake and discuss the ecological impacts.

Today leave the coast and drive toward the Southern Alps (the backbone of the South Island). After stopping at the country town of Geraldine, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shore of Lake Tekapo. Established in 1935, this is the sole church in Lake Tekapo and continues to be a place of worship for local residents. Spend some time here enjoying the lake and then continue to the hotel.

This morning travel to the base of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Meet your local guide and after an explanation of the area begin walking to the Hooker Valley. Cross the first swing bridge, taking in views of Mueller Glacier before passing old moraine ridges and humps. There are three swing bridges on this walk, and the track ends at the glacier lake, where there are amazing views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and Hooker Glacier. Upon return, have some free time before joining the Glacier Explorer boat trip to the base of Tasman Glacier. Tonight go star-gazing with a local expert to see the amazing southern skies.

Take another beautiful drive today, continuing further south to Central Otago. After a short stop at an orchard, travel through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. Known as the "Adventure Capital of the World," Queenstown is also famous for its red wine, beautiful scenery, and great walks. The first stop is a guided tour and wine tasting at Gibbston Winery, one of the first wineries in this valley. Later stop to watch those brave enough to jump at the AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge.

Today travel across the lake on the TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 Edwardian vintage steamer, to Walter Peak Farm on the other side of the lake. Take a guided walking tour of the farmyard to see aspects of farm life and finishing with a morning tea of scones, cream, and jam. After the peaceful trip on the lake, take the adrenaline-pumping Shotover Jet boat ride through the Shotover Canyon, skimming close to the canyon walls on water that's just two inches deep. This afternoon enjoy time at leisure for optional activities (at additional cost). Options include Zorbing, a gondola ride from the top of Bob's Peak, and more. An alternate plan for the day in lieu of the above activities would be a hike on the Routeburn Track, weaving through alpine meadows along the Routeburn River, taking in views of Hollyford Valley and the Darran Mountains.

Spend a magical day driving to the mystical wilderness of Fiordland National Park. After passing through the famous Homer Tunnel, take a scenic cruise on Milford Sound. As you cruise below towering cliffs, experience the spray of a waterfall and watch for dolphins, seals, and bird life. Once anchored, there is time to kayak or take a tender to check out the flora and fauna in the area. After dinner, the onboard nature expert will give a presentation on the Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, followed by time for questions before you head to your cabin for a restful sleep.

Get an early start this morning, returning to the Queenstown, flights departing from Queenstown should be scheduled 2:40pm or later.