Ultimate New Zealand

Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland. World-class activities, island getaways, black sand beaches and exceptional dining mean this sophisticated and adventurous harbour city has something for everyone. Enjoy your two-night Scenic Special Stay in the heart of the city. Celebrate the start of your journey and the wonders ahead at tonight’s welcome dinner. (D)

Today, enhance your Auckland visit with your choice of these Scenic Freechoice activities. (B/D)

Freechoice:

• America’s Cup Sailing Experience: This special adventure allows you to sail on an authentic America’s Cup yacht and be part of the crew. Take the helm or simply sit back and enjoy the ride as you sail through Auckland’s beautiful harbour.
• The Waiheke Gourmet Food & Wine Tour: Try some of Waiheke Island’s locally produced goods, accompanied by wines from the island. Succulent oysters, award-winning olive oils, honey and cheeses are all a part of this tour.
• Waitakere Wilderness Experience: Take a half day guided tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and the lush rainforest. Leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the magnificent Waitakere Ranges. Experienced guides tell the story of the forest that covers this land with its unique flora and fauna.
• Auckland City Revealed: The Auckland city tour showcases the highlights of Auckland and takes you on a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and the sights, as well as how people in Auckland live and play. This small group tour is Auckland’s only scheduled city sightseeing tour that includes a drive to the top of a volcanic cone.
• Flavours of our City Walking tour: A city walking tour of Auckland while learning about its culture and history and tasting some of the delightful sweet and savoury food on offer. Visit a purveyor of artisan products and try award winning cheeses, honey and jams.
• All Blacks Experience & Weta Workshop Unleashed: Whether you have an interest in rugby or not, this full sensory, interactive experience allows visitors to connect with New Zealand and Maori art and culture, hear from our legends and gain insights into Kiwi lifestyle, attitude and humour.

Freechoice Dining: Choose between a local restaurant , Orbit 360 at Sky City, or dinner at the hotel’s Grand Millennium Brasserie.

• Tony’s Original Steak and Seafood Restaurant: Tony’s original Steak and Seafood Restaurant is Auckland’s oldest restaurant, an icon of the dining scene since the early 60’s. Famous for perfectly cooked steaks and tasty seafood, complimented by warm surroundings.
• Orbit Restaurant: Orbit offers a modern dining experience in a relaxed, open atmosphere with a delicious New Zealand-inspired à la carte menu that features the best local and seasonal produce. Situated at the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower, the dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience with amazing 360° panoramas of the city, the Hauraki Gulf and beyond.
• Grand Millennium Ember Restaurant: Situated in Auckland’s city centre at The Grand Millennium hotel, enjoy dinner at the Grand Millennium Ember Restaurant. Admire the warm décor, open design and bold flavours within this relaxed atmosphere.

Travel north towards the Bay of Islands to the town of Paihia. The ‘Jewel of the Bay Islands’ features golden beaches, a huge variety of water activities and is near the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Visit the Kauri Museum to learn about the history of the local pioneers and their inventive uses for the amazing kauri, “the greatest tree in New Zealand”. (B/D)

Enrich: The sense of awe you feel as you see the mighty Tane Mahuta kauri tree for the first time is unforgettable. Listen to stories from your local Maori guide about the ‘Lord of the Forest’.

Sunset Drinks: Watch the sunset with a drink on the terrace of your hotel.

Stay three nights in Paihia.

Elevate your stay in Paihia with your choice of these insightful Scenic Freechoice activities. (B/D)

Freechoice:

• Darryl’s Lunch Cruise: Cruise the calm inland waterways of Opua and Okiato, passing Omata Estate Vineyard to Kororareka Oyster Farms. Enjoy an included lunch of distinctive New Zealand flavour, whilst taking in the beautiful view of the local landscape with native bush, birdlife and marine wildlife.
• Russell Mini-Tour: Experience New Zealand’s past and present on a mini-tour of Russell. Known until the early 1840s as Kororareka, Russell was the first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand. See many of Russell’s iconic locations such as the Christ Church and the historic Pompallier House.
• Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise: Discover the spectacular scenery in an area that is soaked in rich culture and history and encounter diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings. Visit the iconic ‘Hole in the Rock’ and, if conditions permit, travel through it.
• Taste the Bay Tour: Taste the Bay is a unique tour showcasing some of the finest produce that the far north of New Zealand has to offer. Discover and taste locally made avocado oil, Manuka honey, Makana chocolate and local wines.

Today, enjoy breakfast in this seaside town before venturing to the very tip of the North Island, Cape Reinga. (B/L)

Enrich: Journey to the top of New Zealand – Cape Reinga. Enjoy the thrill of travelling along Ninety Mile Beach and marvel at the immense sand dunes.

Enrich: This morning, discover the birthplace of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a M-aori guide. This is considered the most important historical site in the country. Find out why on this meaningful tour.

Afterwards, bid farewell to Paihia as you depart for Whangarei, where you’ll learn first-hand the connection between art and nature at the Hundertwasser Art Centre. On display are works by the eponymous artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser as well as contemporary Maori artists that showcase architecture in harmony with nature and individual creativity. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a return stay at your hotel in Auckland. (B)

Take a trip to Middle earth with a visit to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Built for the filming of director Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, a Hobbiton™ tour takes you behind the scenes of the phenomenally successful movies and into a world of magic and adventure. Set in the heart of the picturesque Waikato region, Hobbiton™ is a must for fans of the Tolkien universe.

Then head to Rotorua, home of Maori culture and bubbling hot springs. Be immersed in both as you explore this geothermic hotspot, located within the Pacific Rim of Fire. Unique cultural experiences, such as hangi feasts cooked underground or village tours, provide deep insights into Maori history and lifestyle. The thermal pools themselves are an integral part of Maori healing.

Later, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery, the largest in the world, and discover how these unique birds are reared. The National Kiwi Hatchery hatches close to 120 chicks every year as part of a breeding program designed to protect this national icon. Tonight, enjoy your two-night stay in Rotorua. (B/L/D)

This morning, take a nature discovery treewalk along Rotorua’s mighty redwoods. Visit Te Puia Rotorua Geothermal Park, where you’ll witness bubbling mud ponds and powerful geysers of steam erupting from deep below.

During your time in Rotorua, enjoy your choice from the following Scenic Freechoice activities. (B/D)

Freechoice:

• City and Lakes Tour: Unlike any other tour in Rotorua, this is the best way to see the city and experience the beauty of the surrounding lake district all at once. Take a thrilling ride aboard an authentic WWII amphibious landing craft on this sightseeing adventure, enjoying the sights of Rotorua by land and water.
• Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa: Situated on the foreshore of Lake Rotorua, unwind in a therapeutic and rejuvenating experience, drawing on the centuries old legacy of Ngati Whakaue practices and culture.
• Gondola Ride & Volcanic Hills Winery: Sample carefully crafted Volcanic Hills wines from New Zealand’s most recognised and respected wine region, all while enjoying panoramic views over Lake Rotorua.

Enrich: Tonight, immerse yourself in Maori traditions at an authentic hangi dinner. This traditional method of cooking involves heated rocks in an umu, a pit oven buried underground. Meat and vegetables cooked in this style are made tender and filled with a smoky flavour.

You may choose to take a floatplane flight over the volcanic Mt Tarawera (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

See the force of nature at Huka Falls, New Zealand's most-visited natural attraction. More than 220,000 litres of water flow down the 11-metre-high waterfall every second.

Visit the magnificent Lake Taupo. Created by a volcanic eruption almost two thousand years ago, Lake Taupo’s prodigious size means it’s closer to an inland sea than a lake. Swimmers will discover warm currents flowing through the lake, a reminder of its geothermal origin.

Afterwards, you'll head to Hawke’s Bay and the beachside city of Napier. Filled with gorgeous Art Deco architecture from the 1930s, Napier is an architect’s dream. It’s also home to wineries, phenomenal dining and boutique shopping.

Be immersed in Napier’s culture and visual splendour with your choice of these Scenic Freechoice activities. (B/D)

Freechoice:

• Art Deco Walking tour: Discover the fascinating story of Napier’s heritage on a guided walking tour. Levelled by a devastating earthquake in 1931, the town was completely rebuilt within the contemporary style of the times, Art Deco.
• Vintage Car Highlight tour: Enjoy a mini tour of Napier in a luxurious 1930s vintage car. Learn of the city’s heritage and view some of its most famous landmarks.
• Aquarium tour: Join one of the Aquarium’s team as they take you behind the scenes to learn about Korora – Little Blue Penguins. You’ll learn on the rescue, rehabilitation and release work by their dedicated team, along with how conservation is key to protecting these precious little birds. There’ll also be an opportunity to explore the Aquarium and learn more about its inhabitants.

Enrich: Meet the makers at a special wine tasting and dinner tonight at the multi award-winning Mission Estate Winery, an iconic New Zealand landmark.

Enjoy your overnight stay in Napier.

Head south to the town of Greytown in the Wairarapa region. Here, the stunning architecture continues. Greytown is well known for its carefully restored Victorian buildings, as well as a vibrant shopping scene and a wide variety of cafes and restaurants.

Continue on to the nation’s capital Wellington for your two-night stay. Overlooking Wellington Harbour, your hotel is close to many of the city’s finest attractions. (B/D)

Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. This colourful waterfront city lies on the southern end of the North Island, and provides a compelling mix of nature, creativity and culture. Street art abounds, and the story of New Zealand is told across a range of world-class museums. The Wellington Cable Car is a great way to take in the scope of this compact city. (B)

Enrich: Take an in-depth journey of Te Papa, New Zealand's interactive and immersive national museum, to discover the treasures and stories of the country and its people.

Say goodbye to the North Island as you travel across the Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. Your destination is Blenheim, a city set among an abundance of wineries and restaurants. Marlborough is renowned for its wines, and Blenheim provides a stunning showcase for these top drops.

Enhance your stay in Blenheim with your choice of these Scenic Freechoice activities. (B/D)

Freechoice:

• Wine Tasting Marlborough Wineries: Marlborough is a place of rugged natural beauty, with vineyards bordered by the ocean and the Wither Hills Mountain ranges. On a tasting tour, discover the pioneering spirit and history of this area, famed for its Sauvignon Blanc wines.
• Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre presents the outstanding Knights of the Sky exhibition. Enjoy a guided tour featuring Sir Peter Jackson’s own collection of WWI aircraft and artefacts.

Stay overnight in Blenheim.

Please Note: Select departures will instead overnight in Kaikoura.

After a sumptuous breakfast, depart Blenheim along the spectacular East Coast, where rugged mountains meet the ocean. You’ll pass stunning beaches, forests and waterfalls, and perhaps even spot some of New Zealand’s amazing wildlife along the way.

Later, you’ll arrive in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island and a vibrant example of resilience. Christchurch’s arts scene is one of the most eclectic in the country, with boutique galleries and street art all over town. Charming and quirky cafes are a common sight, while the Riverside Market and the restaurant-filled Terrace are unmissable.

Experience how Christchurch is recovering and enjoy a two-night stay. (B/D)

Freechoice Dining: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel’s restaurant.

• Gumption Restaurant & Bar: With its modern and charming atmosphere, dine at the Gumption Restaurant & Bar serving rich robust flavours and delicious New Zealand produce.
• Botanic Garden Bar and Dining: Enjoy a meal in a casual, contemporary space unique to Christchurch. A menu that is light and healthy yet diverse in flavour.
• Francesca’s Italian Kitchen: Francesca’s Italian Kitchen celebrates the rich heritage of classic Italian cooking, combined with amazing locally grown ingredients to provide a unique dining experience.

Today, enhance your Christchurch stay with your choice of one of the following Scenic Freechoice activities. (B)

Freechoice:

• Punting on the Avon: Enjoy one of Christchurch’s iconic tourist attractions as a skilled punter propels you along the Avon River. Travel past trailing willows, woodlands and the leafy banks of the Botanic Gardens or through the city of Christchurch on board a classic punt.
• Botanic Gardens Tour: Explore the Botanic Gardens including commentary by your expert guide and driver. Discover the natural beauty, history and culture of this central city oasis while at the same time being taken around the gardens in comfort and style.
• Christchurch Sightseeing Tour: A half day sightseeing tour of Christchurch highlighting both the damage to the city inflicted by several large earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and the rebuild currently in progress, together with the surviving beauty of the city and the historical landmarks.
• Akaroa Day Trip with Nature Cruise: Explore the historic French settlement of Akaroa, set on a long harbour, surrounded by volcanic hills, and experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on a two-hour nature harbour cruise.
• International Antarctic Centre: Take a ride on the Penguin Express to the Antarctic Centre. The centre provides an exciting experience where you can discover the enchanting penguins, seals and other wildlife and learn about life on this vast continent.

Join the TranzAlpine this morning for your rail journey across the Southern Alps. One of the world’s great train journeys, TranzAlpine takes you from coast to coast across the South Island. Along the way, you’ll pass the patchwork countryside and braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains and the gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River.

Once you arrive, it's time to see the ever-changing face of the imposing Franz Josef Glacier for yourself. This World Heritage area is just five kilometres from the town of Franz Josef and offers a unique look at a relic of the last ice age.

Enjoy your overnight Special Stay. This luxurious and sustainable haven is surrounded by native West Coast rainforest.

You may choose to take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder of a landing in this natural alpine landscape (additional expense, please book prior to departure). (B/D)

Enjoy a ride on the fully enclosed Haast River Safari jet boat for a closer look at the glacial valley of the South Westland World Heritage area. Stay warm and dry as you cruise past spectacular mountain views, rushing waterfalls and lush native forests.

Afterwards, you'll head to the alpine city of Queenstown for a three-night stay. (B)

Welcome to Queenstown, the South Island alpine village that’s the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Today, elevate your Queenstown stay with your choice of these exciting Scenic Freechoice activities. (B/D)

Freechoice:

• Dart River Safari: Travel to the frontier township of Glenorchy and discover a unique and dramatic environment in the pristine Dart River Valley. Combining breathtaking World Heritage-listed scenery, exhilarating wilderness jetboating and Maori heritage, this is an inspiring adventure.
• Boutique Winery Tour: Enjoy a relaxed tour visiting a selection of Queenstown’s award-winning boutique wineries. Sample fine wine and food, with wine barrel-cooked tasting dishes including both traditional and wild foods.
• Shotover Jet Adventure: As the accelerator hits the floor, your adrenaline hits the roof as you power through the Shotover River and deep into the nearby canyons. It’s an amazing ride, as your driver skilfully whips past rocky outcrops.
• Safari of the Scenes Tour: Step into the real locations of films such as ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies. Bring the films to life with authentic replica props, dress up and take photos or simply soak up the breathtaking mountain and forest scenery.
• Skyline Gondola: Take a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola and enjoy spectacular views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
• Skippers Canyon: Discover this gold mining area on a tour offering some of the most spectacular remote mountain scenery and historic sites at every corner. Travel in a comfortable 4WD minibus.

Freechoice Dining: Take a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak, dine at a local restaurant or enjoy dinner at your hotel.

• TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak Station: Relive the elegance of bygone days with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, followed by a carvery style dinner at Walter Peak High Country Station, featuring an expansive array of local produce.
• Boardwalk Restaurant: Located in one of Queenstown’s most iconic waterfront sites and offering a contemporary blend of fresh seafood, meats and local produce.
• The Observatory Restaurant: Located within The Millennium Hotel Queenstown, The Observatory Restaurant lives up to its name. Serving up some of the finest contemporary New Zealand cuisine and carefully curated wines, all while you enjoy the refreshing alpine views.

Enjoy a day at leisure to discover Queenstown. Best known for its thrilling skiing scene, Queenstown also offers an incredible assortment of scenic walks and hikes, a thriving boutique winery scene, jet boats and kayaking, and of course, spectacular views at every turn. (B)

Visit the lakeside town of Te Anau, a visually remarkable gateway to Fiordland National Park, where you'll witness the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound. Stand in awe of the towering cliffs, peaks and waterfalls as this natural wonder unfolds around you. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a Special Stay surrounded by the majesty of Milford Sound on board the Milford Mariner. Anchor in a sheltered cove where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area in a small boat or kayak and learn about your surroundings from the resident specialist nature guide. Then settle in for a three-course buffet dinner prepared by the Mariner’s on-board chef. (B/D)

Awake to stillness and breathtaking beauty in Milford Sound. Then it’s time to cross the South Island again as you head to New Zealand’s oldest university city, Dunedin.

Here, you’ll enjoy a two-night Special Stay. Centrally located, this hotel enjoys views of the harbour and the city. (B/D)

Welcome to Dunedin, which sits on a sheltered harbour. Rich in heritage and stunning scenery, Dunedin is renowned as the wildlife capital of New Zealand. Look for well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the world’s steepest street and the world’s smallest and rarest penguins as you explore this beautiful city.

Today, make the most of your time in Dunedin with your choice of these Scenic Freechoice activities. (B)

Freechoice:

• Tour of Larnach Castle: This superbly crafted building, built in 1871, showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques. Enjoy your guided tour of the castle and view the beautiful surrounding gardens. Learn of Larnach’ s history and the amazing story of how this stunning piece of architecture was built.
• Northern Royal Albatross Tour: Situated on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, learn about the secret lives of the albatross and gain an intimate knowledge of these amazing birds with your expert guide. Witness the fascinating social and family life of the breeding colony.
• Heritage Walking Tour: Explore the heritage of Dunedin, once New Zealand’s largest and wealthiest city, and discover one of the finest collections of Victorian and Edwardian buildings in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour: Take a half-day cruise to discover the natural beauty and wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. View the only mainland nesting place of the Northern Royal Albatross in the world and discover the harbour’s volcanic geology and its Maori and European history.
• Speight’s Brewery: Be introduced to the origins of Speight’s Brewery and the history of beer in New Zealand. After your tour, enjoy an included hearty meal at the Speight’s Ale House within the brewery, where you will find generous helpings of great southern fare.

Visit the Moeraki Boulders, a unique sight featuring huge spherical boulders scattered across a sandy beach. Cross the mountainous, fertile, sheep-filled farming land of Central Otago en route to the heady alpine landscape of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, where the mountains touch the sky. Enjoy a Special Stay. (B/D)

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Built in 1935, the Church of the Good Shepherd acts as a memorial to the pioneers of the surrounding Mackenzie region. A popular and charming tourist attraction, the Church holds regular Sunday Services.

Then, travel through the patchwork countryside and past the braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains on your way to Christchurch. This agricultural hub produces more than 80% of New Zealand’s grains, crops and seeds.

You’ll arrive Christchurch for your Special Stay. (B/D)

It’s time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand and head home with stories for life.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)