New Zealand Panorama

Queenstown deserves its destination crown. And after private transfers on arrival, youl'l have plenty of time to explore at leisure. Later, meet your Travel Director for a welcome briefing Hit us up for dining recommendations. Stay: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

Arriving in New Zealand, the first thing you probably noticed is that there's a lot of farmland. Its fitting then, that one of the first visits you make is to meet a Southern local farmer at Real Country, where whip cracking and sheep mustering are part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience. Have demonstrations of Horse communication, working sheep dog mustering, and feed and interact with the friendly farm animals. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture.

Then you'll think you've stepped back in time when you arrive in the former gold-mining village of Arrowtown, where history and beauty merge to create an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the scenic Southern Alps, you can explore quaint shops and restaurants, all while taking in the stunning views.

Come dusk, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw; the only thing more inspiring than the surrounding peaks of the Remarkables is the festive atmosphere welcoming you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner at the Colonel's Homestead awaits. (B/D)

You clearly need more than one day to appreciate Queenstown and its surrounds. And when we say surrounds, we mean Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Today sign up for an optional tour to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Travel through World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park for exceptional views as you pass through dense rainforest and pass by towering mountains.

On arrival at Milford Sound/Piopiotahi embark on a cruise to experience the eighth wonder of the World. Don't be surprised if you see fur seals and local mountain parrots (the Kea), they are common here, playing in the wake of waterfalls. If you like things fast-paced, opt for wine tasting or jet-boating (all own expense). You are in the adventure capital of New Zealand, after all. (B)

Touching down in Auckland, you'll board your coach for the drive to Rotorua, the cultural capital, where you can immerse yourself in Maori history and culture. (B) Stay: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Your visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery is guided by passionate conservationists and will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand's national bird on this rewarding MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Rotorua's landscapes are reminiscent of a sci-fi movie set where mud pops from bubbling geysers and steam rushes skywards. See it firsthand on your visit to Whakarewarewa, the world's only living Māori village where people live on a daily basis, using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have for centuries.

This evening, embark on the Te Pō experience at Te Puia. Learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. Witness a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate, you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands. (B/D)

Set your GPS for the Waitomo Caves. While cruising cavernous limestone waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of tiny blue and green glowworms. Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, appears on the horizon, dazzling with not one, but two harbours.

This evening, share the stories of your New Zealand Panorama tour at dinner with your Travel Director and companions at The Grill, celebrating Aotearoa's culinary treasures. (B/D) Stay: Horizon by SkyCity Auckland

Short, sweet and packed with highlights – how else to describe this wonderful week? (B)