Auckland and Waiheke Island set the tone

The adventure began in Auckland, known as the City of Sails, where sparkling harbours, waterfront dining, and panoramic viewpoints provide a fitting introduction to New Zealand. Beyond the city, a short ferry crossing brought the group to Waiheke Island, home to more than 30 wineries and cellar doors, along with beautiful beaches, such as Oneroa, Palm Beach, and Onetangi. Our Travel Counsellors explored the island from above on a scenic zipline experience and sampled some of the wines that have helped make Waiheke one of New Zealand's most popular food and wine destinations.

Middle-earth and Māori traditions in Rotorua

Travelling south through the Waikato countryside, the group stopped at Hobbiton Movie Set, where visitors can walk through Bagshot Row, step inside a Hobbit Hole, and enjoy a drink at the famous Green Dragon Inn. From there, the journey continued to Rotorua, a region known for its geothermal activity, bubbling mud pools, and steaming landscapes. Here, Travel Counsellors experienced Te Pō at Te Puia, an evening of storytelling, haka, waiata, and Māori traditions that offers a meaningful connection to the history and heritage of the local iwi. As one Travel Counsellor reflected, "I'd heard great things about Rotorua before the trip, but experiencing Te Pō really brought the destination to life. It wasn't just about seeing the performances, it was understanding the stories and traditions behind them." The experience was complemented by opportunities to explore Rotorua's famous Redwoods Treewalk and spa experiences.

Wildlife encounters and Christchurch's new chapter

A behind-the-scenes visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery provided a fascinating look at New Zealand's conservation efforts, including the work being done to improve kiwi chick survival rates. The group then flew south to Christchurch, a city that continues to evolve following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Alongside striking modern architecture and colourful street art, the team joined an Āmiki Cultural Food Tour, learning about the stories of Ōtautahi, traditional Māori customs, and the significance of places woven throughout the city. The day concluded with dinner aboard the iconic Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, combining local cuisine with a moving tour through the city streets.

From glaciers to Queenstown

The South Island's scenery took centre stage as the group boarded the renowned TranzAlpine railway, travelling through Canterbury's plains and into the mountains before reaching the rugged West Coast. In Franz Josef, a helicopter flight delivered sweeping views of the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, with a snow landing providing a close-up perspective of these remarkable natural formations. The route to Queenstown showcased some of the country's most spectacular landscapes, passing through Haast Pass, Wanaka, and Lake Hayes before arriving at the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the towering Remarkables mountain range.

Milford Sound and star-filled skies

The final days brought some of New Zealand's most famous scenery into focus. A premium journey to Milford Sound included a drive along the spectacular Milford Road, a cruise beneath Mitre Peak and Pembroke Glacier, and a scenic flight back across the Southern Alps. Back in Queenstown, the group explored a region known for everything from adventure activities and wine tasting in Gibbston Valley to heritage experiences in Arrowtown and cruises aboard the TSS Earnslaw.

The trip concluded in the Mackenzie Region, where the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo sit against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. With a visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook and an evening spent beneath the stars of the UNESCO-recognised Dark Sky Reserve, it was a fitting finale to an unforgettable New Zealand journey. "There were so many standout moments on this trip, but sitting under the stars in Tekapo is something I'll remember for a long time," said one Travel Counsellor.

To book your adventure to New Zealand, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.