New Zealand | Gardens, Culture and Natural Wonders

Today, begin your journey from your home departure city - destination: Auckland, New Zealand!

Cross the International Date Line today.

Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be taken to your hotel by a local representative. Early check-in has been arranged for your comfort. Spend the day relaxing before joining your fellow travelers and specialist guide this evening for a welcome dinner at Orbit 360° Dining, a restaurant at the top of the Sky Tower with a commanding 360-degree view of Auckland and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Accommodation in Classic rooms.

Start the day by traveling west of the city to visit the stunning Totara Waters, a 2-acre subtropical garden set on the upper Waitemata Harbor. Development began in 1999 by Peter and Jocelyn Coyle, who oversaw extensive plantings of rare and unusual species. Then, visit Beverley McConnell's 12-acre country garden known as Ayrlies, one of the most celebrated gardens in New Zealand. Maple woodlands complement large ponds connected by a tumbling stream and edged in hostas and irises. There are collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and masses of old roses, as well as vines that twine through trees and over pergolas. Wandering paths lead to some surprises, and garden seats take advantage of delightful vistas with distant glimpses of the sea. This evening, enjoy time at leisure.

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, travel through the rich Waikato countryside to Hamilton Gardens. The unique theme of Hamilton Gardens is "The Story of Gardens," which is explored through a series of five garden collections. Enjoy viewing the roses, as well as Camellia spp., Clivia spp., Xeronema spp., Niphidium spp., and Darmera spp., to name just a few. Hamilton Gardens was awarded the prestigious International Garden Tourism Award at the International Garden Tourism Network (IGTN) conference in France in October of 2014. From Hamilton, continue to Rotorua, the "Geothermal Capital of New Zealand." In the afternoon, relax at Polynesian Spa and enjoy everything from a massage to a soak in the natural mineral waters. Later tonight, have dinner on your own in Rotorua. Accommodations Superior Lake-facing rooms.

This morning, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about New Zealand's renowned kiwi conservation program while touring the hatchery, which has successfully hatched over 2,100 kiwi chicks. After a guided experience, explore the interactive kiwi burrow where it is possible to see the life cycle of a kiwi from egg to burrow. Have lunch on your own before visiting the Redwoods Treewalk experience; suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 245-foot-tall redwoods while taking eco-walks across suspension bridges and platforms intricately designed to honor and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Early in the evening, start your M?ori cultural evening with a traditional M?ori welcome followed by a wonderful performance where you will learn about the M?ori stories of long ago and take part in the ceremony. After, enjoy dinner cooked in an earth oven, a unique and tasty experience. Return to the hotel for overnight.

This morning, venture across the rich Waikato farmland to Taranaki and its largest city, New Plymouth. The area is dominated by the perfect cone of Mount Taranaki, with New Plymouth being the largest city in the region and known for its wonderful gardens. After arrival and check-in at the hotel, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Accommodations in Premium Suite rooms.

Today, take in a city tour of New Plymouth, featuring the gardens and beaches of this unique town. Enjoy visits to the following gardens: Pukekura Park with its many displays, the historical Tupare Grounds and Gardens, and the world-renowned Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, where you will see rhododendron and bush gardens, grass walks, mountain streams, and glass houses. Lunch will be in the garden café. Once you return to the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the late afternoon and evening at leisure.

This morning, depart New Plymouth and travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. En route, visit the amazing structure known as the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge for a photo stop, before continuing south to Wellington. Also en route, visit Otari-Wilton Bush Native Botanic Garden. This unique plant sanctuary of forest reserve and botanic garden covers over 247 acres and contains many threatened species. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800-year-old rimu, Dacrydium cupressinum. Walk along the magical treetop Canopy Walkway, 59 feet above the forest floor, or get down in the undergrowth on the Nature Trail. Later, you will be treated to the twilight tour of Zealandia, a fully fenced urban eco sanctuary where 18 species of native wildlife have been introduced back into the area - six of which were absent from the mainland for more than 100 years. Join your guide at the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary as it transforms from daylight to twilight during this special escorted walk. An experienced guide will lead your group into the sanctuary after closing time so you can witness the sights and sounds of the valley at dusk. See birds returning to the sanctuary to settle into their nests, the sight of the evening sky, and the changing sounds of birds from day to night. Look for endemic species such as weta, glow worms, tuatara, and more. Accommodations in Class Studio rooms.

This morning, take the Interislander Ferry from the North to the South Island. Travel through the Cook Strait and into Marlborough Sounds to Picton Gateway to the South Island. Lunch today is at Allan Scott Winery in the heart of Marlborough wine country, where you will have a taste of the wines before enjoying a lunch of local produce. You will then be given a guided tour of the vineyard to see the gardens before arriving at your boutique hotel for two nights. Accommodations in Superior rooms.

Start the day with a visit at Barewood, a classic potager garden where interesting color combinations using unusual herbaceous plants and shrubs can be seen in the different areas throughout the garden. You will see Malus spp., Wisteria spp., Clematis spp., Viburnum spp., Philiadelphus spp., Deutzia spp., Sambuscus spp., as well as Rosa and Iris spp. After visiting the garden, visit Hunter's Wines for a wine tasting and light lunch followed by a tour through the native garden. Finish the tour at the olive grove, where there is an opportunity to taste the locally produced oil. Enjoy a night at leisure to explore Blenheim on your own.

After breakfast, depart for Christchurch. Upon arrival, visit Mona Vale Estate, a 13.5-acre garden with landscaped lawns gently rolling down to the Avon River. From there, visit the Christchurch Botanical Gardens, a showcase of exotic and indigenous plants established in 1863. Six specialist houses contain collections of tropical and temperate plants, cool greenhouse flowering plants, cacti, succulents, ferns, and alpine plants. There are a variety of gardens, which include the rose, rock, water, azalea, woodland, and fragrant gardens. After checking into the hotel, return to the gardens for dinner at the famous Curators House restaurant. Accommodations in Superior rooms.

This morning, travel out to Governors Bay to one of New Zealand's most celebrated and internationally known gardens, Ohinetahi. The coastal setting and mountainous backdrop attracted architect Sir Miles Warren, who designed the garden along with some family members. Ohinetahi shows clearly how architecture in the form of imaginative garden structures and well-chosen plants can enhance a beautiful natural environment. From there, travel to French Farm Winery, situated on the banks of the Waimangu stream. Established by artist Nancy Tichborne, the garden contains dramatic herbaceous borders forming a natural, colorful amphitheater full of tulips, Iris spp., daylilies, and Dahlia spp., depending on the season. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the winery. The last stop on the peninsula is at Fishermans Bay Garden. Fishermans Bay Garden provides an opportunity to visit an idyllic garden of native and exotic plants while enjoying outstanding views of the Pacific coastline and the sounds of native birds, seals, and penguins in the bay below.

After checking out of your hotel this morning, begin the journey from Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, which takes you through the Mackenzie Basin to beautiful Lake Takapo. En route, stop at the market town of Geraldine, where you can taste some of the delicious pickles, chutneys, and cheese made by local producers at Barker's of Geraldine. Your first stop in Takapo is the stunning Church of the Good Shepherd, sitting on the shores of Lake Takapo. This historic church has beautiful views over the lake and its surrounding regions. Travel along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook Village situated at the base of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Tonight, there is an opportunity to take a stargazing tour. Accommodations in Premium Plus rooms Mt Cook View.

This morning, take the Glacier Explorer and cruise on the glacial Tasman Lake. Weave in and out of icebergs and learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape of the area. Then, retrace your steps and travel south through the town of Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. The original town of Cromwell was flooded to create the Clyde Dam hydroelectric plant. Some of the historic buildings were moved to the new town and can now be visited. The whole area is known for its fabulous fruit and wine. Wine tasting and lunch will be at one of the wineries situated on the banks of the Clutha River. Later, travel through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown before arriving at your centrally located hotel. Tonight, enjoy free time to explore the town for dinner on your own. Accommodations in Superior Studio rooms.

With The Remarkables mountain range towering around Queenstown, clear blue skies, and the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu at your doorstep, it is no wonder this town is the most beloved holiday destination on the South Island. Schedule activities of your choosing for today. Queenstown is dubbed the "Adventure Capital of the World" because of the variety of exciting, unique activities available in the region. This afternoon, take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak, where you will enjoy a buffet dinner with amazing views of this gorgeous natural area.

Another magical day awaits you as you travel into Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Stop at Lake Te Anau before traveling through the Homer Tunnel, an engineering feat of its time. Your home tonight is the Milford Mariner, an overnight cruise. After settling in, cruise the length of Milford Sound, marveling at the towering cliffs, the beech trees hanging to the side of the cliffs, and the amazing wildlife. Settle into Harrison Cove, where there will be time to take the tender craft to explore the coastline in search of penguins and nesting birds. Enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by a lecture from the nature guide, where you will learn more about the local flora and fauna. Accommodatoins in Standard Cabins.

Enjoy a wonderful morning exploring another arm of Milford Sound. Then, say a fond farewell to the crew on the Mariner and have a leisurely drive back to Queenstown International Airport for a 2 pm arrival. Please book your flights departing from Queenstown and homeward bound after 4 pm.