Welcome to New Zealand! Auckland is a colorful, vibrant city, often called the ‘city of sails’. It features a spectacular setting on sparkling Waitemata Harbor, and its major landmarks are the Harbor Bridge, the Sky Tower and Rangitoto Island, the region’s youngest volcano. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent harbor, enjoy the many and varied activities of the city, or walk and hike in the nearby hills where native flora and fauna abound.

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will be waiting for you and will whisk you away to your luxury boutique accommodation. Brand g suggests everyone arrive by no later than noon today in order to be ready for this afternoon’s activities, for which we will leave the hotel around 1pm.

After a rest, you’ll visit Auckland Museum, where upon arrival, you are treated to a performance of traditional song and dance by a Maori cultural group. Next, visit the museum galleries to see artefacts collected by the Museum over the last 150 years: these items, be they carved, woven or otherwise, provide descendants with tangible links to their past. Our tour concludes at Auckland Sky tower for a visit to the observatory deck to enjoy panoramic 360˚ views of Auckland.

This evening, you’ll enjoy a welcome gathering and dinner at The Boathouse, located within the Park Hyatt Auckland. Enjoy this stunning setting, with views across Wynyard Quarter’s Lighter Basin, as you toast your first evening together.

(Dinner)

Accommodation: Park Hyatt Auckland

After an included breakfast,  join Brand g for a short walk to the Waterfront, where you will ferry to Waiheke Island for an unforgettable gourmet food and wine tour. Upon arrival to Matiatia, commence your privately guided tour of Waiheke Island. On the way, stunning scenery is around every corner, and you will be entertained by your guide’s commentary on the history, geography, culture, people and produce of Waiheke.

Upon the start of your wine tour, you first visit the Mudbrick, set amongst beautifully manicured gardens with sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland City, Mudbrick Vineyard offers one of Waiheke’s most iconic wine tasting experiences. The elegant cellar door invites you to sample a refined selection of wines, including estate-grown Viognier, Chardonnay, Syrah, and classic Bordeaux blends, alongside aromatic varietals sourced from Marlborough.

Later, you visit Allpress Olive Oil where the first olive oil in the North Island was produced. Here you will learn how the oil is produced and taste a range of different oils, including the peppery Greek-style Koreneiki, the Spanish-style Picual, or the Tuscan-style Frantoio, as well as island blends.

After,you enjoy lunch at Batch Vineyard. Batch is the highest vineyard on Waiheke Island, with great views back to Auckland City. Their chefs use fresh produce, free range and organic where possible, and add freshly picked herbs from their kitchen garden.

Following lunch you visit Oneroa Village where you can walk along Oneroa Beach, visit the local sculptor and jewelry makers in the local art galleries, browse the boutique shops or sit in a café/bar overlooking the bay.

You depart Waiheke onboard the ferry back to Auckland. Then tonight, meet your fellow travelers in the hotel lobby for the short walk to dinner at a local restaurant.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation: Park Hyatt Auckland 

In the morning after breakfast,you depart from the Auckland Hotel for Rotorua, New Zealand’s cultural heartland. Here, the earth’s crust is so thin that its molten heart bubbles and steams at the surface. Often called ‘Sulphur City’, this town on an active fault line and the area’s bizarre natural wonders have fascinated visitors since the 1840’s. Home to one-third of the country’s Maori population, Rotorua holds a strong sense of Maori community and culture.

You’ll journey south through lush rural farmland to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Hidden on private farmland near the town of Matamata, you will find the carefully created ‘village’ of the Academy Award-winning movies, the Lord of the Rings trilogy. During your private guided tour of this awe-inspiring location, learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing, piece of Middle-earth. Be inspired as you see firsthand the incredibly well-designed sights of the Hobbit Holes, the Mill and even the Green Dragon Inn. A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to go inside a Hobbit hole. This interactive part of the tour gives you the chance to explore inside a Hobbit home.

Conclude at the Party Marquee, where a full themed and unforgettable dining experience awaits.

After lunch, you travel south to Rotorua, the cultural hub of New Zealand. Upon arrival at the Rotorua hotel, check-in and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Later, you enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation: Pullman Rotorua Hotel

Enjoy a morning at leisure, and lunch on your own.

This afternoon, you depart the hotel for an ‘Insiders’ private tour of Rotorua.

Your first stop today is to the Te Paratehoata Marae (Tūnohopū), Ohinemutu for a cultural, spiritual and educational experience. You will be welcomed to Ohinemutu, a living Māori geothermal village and home to Ngāti Whakaue. Ngāti Whakaueis a sub-tribe of the Te Arawa waka (canoe) which journeyed from the Pacific homeland of Hawaiiki to New Zealand around 1350 A.D. You will be hosted by Ngāti Whakaue descendants as you are welcomed onto Te Paratehoata Marae (gathering place).

Next, you visit a Maori family home for a unique cultural connection. For over 170 years, Te Arawa (confederation of local Māori tribes) has warmly welcomed and hosted people from all over the world. It is a tradition they call manaakitanga. You will be met by a well-known Māori family member, where you will enjoy a home hosted dinner and a 30-minute cultural engagement – gaining a genuine insight into the local way of life and Rotorua’s famous guiding and hosting legacy.

Later, transfer to Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, where you’ll have exclusive use of the Sanctuary.  Uniquely built on the legacy of Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing practices and manaakitanga – the centuries-old and internationally-renowned Ngāti Whakaue concept of welcoming manuhiri (visitors).

After, you return to the hotel for dinner and a restful night.

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Accommodation: Pullman Rotorua Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Wellington. On arrival, enjoy a private tour of Wellington’s own world of moviemaking. Wellington is home to an entire community of creative Weta Workshop artisans, who’ve brought life to such films as the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Hobbit trilogy, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, and many others. Learn about the real props, costumes and creatures created for your favourite films. Interact with cool stuff from the creative departments, and catch an artist at work on the tour stage. Then enter a world of miniatures and model-making, as you discover the filmmaking technique of miniature effects and learn how they are built for hit TV and film productions.

After, enjoy a delicious lunch before transferring to your beautiful accommodations.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation: Intercontinental Wellington

Today, following breakfast, enjoy a full-day walking tour of Wellington. As the capital of New Zealand, Wellington has a fascinating history and eclectic modern vibe. Home to politicians, academics, artists and artisans, this is a city where everyone is engaged with what makes New Zealand ‘tick’.

You begin with a 90-minute Māori Experience Kinaki Tour at Te Papa Tongarewa – Museum of New Zealand, where expert guides share stories of the taonga (treasures) held in the national collection. Through this interactive cultural experience, discover the rich traditions, values and history of the Māori people, and gain a deeper understanding of their place in contemporary New Zealand. After, you visit the Parliament, where your guide will take you on a guided walk of Parliament and the National Library (home to the foundation documents of New Zealand – including the Declaration of Independence 1835, Treaty of Waitangi 1840 and the Suffragette Petition 1893).

After lunch,  you continue with a ride on the funicular railway, which has been in operation since 1902 for magnificent views across the region. From the top station, stroll through the Wellington Botanic Garden, discovering heritage trees, native flora and colorful seasonal plantings before descending back toward the city.

Your day concludes with a curated walk-through central Wellington, focusing on highlights such as Civic Square and the vibrant waterfront precinct.

Upon returning to your hotel, the remainder of the day and dinner are on your own.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Accommodation: Intercontinental Wellington

Early this morning, experience one of the world’s most beautiful ferry rides. Your vessel, the Interislander, crosses the Cook Strait from Ferry to Picton. Premium Lounge Access is included today which provides comfortable seating with a complimentary buffet and bar included. There really is no better way to cross Cook Strait!

Upon arrival to the south island, the incredible views continue as you step aboard the Coastal Pacific train for our journey to Christchurch. Your train journey is perfectly scheduled to pass through the idyllic Canterbury Plains as the sun sets; we arrive in Christchurch just after it sinks beyond the horizon.

While you ease back and enjoy the seaside scenery and intimate views of Marlborough’s world-famous vineyards, they’ll be serving you a menu filled with freshly picked ingredients from the lands you pass through. The Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus experience introduces you to the natural flavors of the Pacific Ocean and the Marlborough and Canterbury regions.

Upon completion of our journey, you settle in for a restful night in Christchurch.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation: Hotel Montreal Christchurch 

This morning, following breakfast, you set off to discover the reimagined city center of Christchurch, where pedestrian-friendly streets, modern design, and heritage elements blend together. Your will hear stories of the city’s past and its remarkable transformation, giving you a deeper appreciation of Christchurch as you stroll through its lively squares and public spaces. You will also explore iconic landmarks such as Cathedral Square, the Transitional “Cardboard” Cathedral, and the buzzing Riverside Market precinct.

Next, you take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola, which provides panoramic views of the city, harbor, and surrounding mountains, with optional short walks at the summit to explore the lookout and nature trails followed by a relaxed lunch at The Curator House restaurant located right in the Botanic Gardens, Curator’s House offers a unique dining experience.

After lunch, enjoy the Punting on the Avon – a 30-minute ride in a flat-bottomed boat, poled along the river by a guide. It is a relaxing way to see the Botanic Gardens and central Christchurch from the water.

Tonight is at leisure, and dinner is on your own.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Accommodation: Hotel Montreal Christchurch 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you begin your journey to Mount Cook via Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives.  

Your first stop today is the charming township of Geraldine, where you will enjoy lunch at a local café. Afterward, you continue into the Mackenzie Basin and pause at Lake Tekapo, famous for its remarkable turquoise waters and breathtaking alpine backdrop. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the scenery before continuing to Lake Pukaki, with its sweeping views across to Aoraki Mount Cook.

After checking into our hotel and some time to refresh, join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation: The Hermitage Mount Cook

Today after breakfast, you take an hour’s journey to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The road in will take you alongside beautiful Lake Pukaki to Mt. Cook Alpine Village. Enjoy a 25 minute alpine walk through the National Park. Then, board your boat and commence your hour-long cruise on the Tasman Glacier Lake.  Experience the enormity of New Zealand’s largest glacier. The towering ice wall is really quite incredible, with an astonishing history. The glacier lake freezes over in winter, so the start of the season is subject to the lake thawing. On this tour, you will explore and learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across the terminal lake. Upon return to the hotel, you are free for lunch on your own and an afternoon at leisure.

This evening, you’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel, followed by an evening under the clear skies of Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve with a Big Sky Stargazing experience. Using telescopes and expert guidance, spot planets, star clusters, and the Milky Way for an unforgettable night.

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Accommodation: The Hermitage Mount Cook

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll leave the Mount Cook National Park and travel to Queenstown. Go through the lakeside town of Twizel and then pass through the gliding capital of New Zealand—Ōmarama—before ascending the Lindis Pass. Follow the road to Cromwell, located at the head of the Kawarau Gorge, where you stop for a lovely lunch at Carrick Winery.

Continue toward the Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand’s premier wine-growing regions. Visit the picturesque Arrowtown, an old gold mining settlement that retains much of its early character. It was the discovery of gold in Arrowtown which led miners by the thousands into the district, and resulted in the formation of settlements adjacent to the gold diggings. From 1869, there was a small community of Chinese miners living in Arrowtown.  

See the historic Kawarau Bridge, where you can bungee jump, or just relax and watch others take the plunge. Approaching Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range comes into view as you arrive in the adventure capital of the world. 

Upon check-in at the hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure, and dinner tonight is on your own. 

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Accommodation: QT Queenstown Hotel