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For the 2022 itinerary of this tour, click here.
New Zealand Express — Plus
9 days, Auckland to Queenstown
Itinerary
Day 1Auckland
Arrive at any time.
Arrive in Auckland at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, opt to visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1.
If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour. OR, you can opt to wait until your tour begins, and book a ticket with your CEO (please note that there are limited tickets on the ground - which could result in you missing out if you wait to book with your CEO).
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour)
195NZD per personAs part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours.
Maritime Museum Visit
24NZD per personTour the museum’s seven galleries to learn more about New Zealand’s relationship with the sea. Be inspired by the country's most celebrated mariner, Sir Peter Blake, and his many accomplishments, and see maritime art that speaks to the sentiment of a nautical nation.
Waiheke Island Excursion
45-130NZD per personTake a ferry ride to Waiheke Island for a quick, fun getaway. Swim or kayak at white-sand beaches in the Hauraki Gulf. Tour the island's tracks and bush reserves, or sample your way through some of the island’s 19 boutique wineries (the island produces some of New Zealand’s finest reds).
Hobbiton Tour
112NZD per personEnjoy a 2-hour movie set tour and see where major scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed.
Day 2Auckland/Rotorua
Visit the Waitomo Caves, famous for their glow-worms and adventure activities. Continue to Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity and culture.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Waitomo Excursion - Ruakuri Cave
Walk through caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 120 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Rotorua
Take advantage of free time in the adrenaline capital of the North Island, and opt to go whitewater rafting, check out a geothermal park with technicolour pools, hit up a nearby spa, or journey to Middle-earth on an excursion to the Hobbiton Movie Set. This evening, learn more about Maori culture with a local experience and dinner.
Free Time
With lots to see and do in Rotorua, get out and explore!
Tamaki Maori Village
Visit the Tamaki Maori Village. Receive the traditional Powhiri welcome ceremony followed by a captivating stage performance explaining Maori history, myths and culture. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Hangi meal, similar to the Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potatoes (kumara), and lamb steamed over heated rocks.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Whitewater Rafting
125NZD per personGet your adrenaline fix on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, but don't forget to paddle!
Rotorua Canopy Tours
189-259NZD per personExperience life among the treetops of a Kiwi forest through this one-of-a-kind nature tour. Gain a whole new perspective on the plants, animals, and insects that call this environment home, and learn about conservation efforts to protect the region's subtropical forests. Opt to book the Original Canopy Tour (3 hrs) or the Ultimate Canopy Tour (3.5 hrs).
Mountain Biking
35-130NZD per personHead out on an exhilarating cycling adventure. Explore the stunning Redwood Forest on two wheels on what some call the world's best mountain biking trails. Whether you're a beginner or expert mountain bike enthusiast there's sure to be a trail perfect for you.
Hobbiton Tour
112NZD per personEnjoy a 2-hour movie set tour and see where major scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed.
Hot Springs
45-75NZD per personSoak tired muscles in the area's natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don't miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city's naturally heated waters.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Rotorua/Christchurch
Catch a flight to Christchurch on the South Island. Head out for an orientation walk with your CEO before enjoying a few hours to explore the city.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Spend the evening exploring Christchurch during free time.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Christchurch/Lake Ohau
Drive to beautiful Lake Ohau with a stop at Lake Tekapo along the way. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and admire the stunning alpine scenery that surrounds this local landmark.
Spend the afternoon hiking the region around Aoraki/Mt Cook. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Aoraki/Mt Cook Visitor's Centre.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Aoraki/Mount Cook Visit
Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
Stop by the visitor's centre to learn more about the region.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Lake Ohau/Queenstown
Drive to Queenstown, with a stop at Wanaka and a local vineyard for a wine tasting.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Winery Visit
Visit one of the vineyards in the beautiful Central Otago region, known for it's Pinot Noir. Learn about how this famous red wine is produced and, more importantly, sample some!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Doubtful Sound
Take in the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Keep an eye out for the waterfalls and wildlife in this breathtaking area. Return to Queenstown in the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place!
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 8Queenstown
Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving, paragliding, hiking or mountain biking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Queenstown, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like mountain biking, bungee jumping, and jet boating. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Paragliding
210NZD per personHang on! Get a birds-eye view of Queenstown on an exciting ride in the sky.
Scenic Horse Riding Tour
220NZD per personUnwind on a scenic horse trek through Queenstown’s stunning scenery.
Vineyard Tour
210-240NZD per personVisit vineyards in New Zealand's fastest growing wine region. Taste some of Queenstown's finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savour back home.
Bungee Jumping
265-450NZD per personAdrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss.
Gondola Ride
66-80NZD per personTake a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below.
Earnslaw Steamship Cruise
99-120NZD per personDiscover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103 year old traditional steamship. This 90 minute cruise highlights that stunning alpine scenery that surrounds Queenstown, and lets you check out the views while relaxing on deck.
Queenstown Jet Boating
169NZD per personJet boating is a typical New Zealand activity— go as fast you can in a boat over water. Hang on tight as you fly across the surface of the water. Shoot through narrow rocky gorges and dare to watch as the driver takes hairpin turns frighteningly close to the cliffs.
Shotover Canyon Swing
295NZD per personThe ultimate in adrenaline activities, this is the world’s highest cliff jump! Jump off a cliff and swing into a canyon on the 109m high Canyon Swing. This is sure to get your heart pumping!
Skydiving
430-535NZD per personEnjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown from an eagle's perspective. Suit up, get briefed and board the prop plane to soar high about the rugged alpine landscape. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Queenstown
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.