Contrasts of New Zealand

Welcome to Auckland! (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Your New Zealand tour kicks off in the City of Sails where, you'll meet your Travel Director and group for dinner at The Grill, as you look forward to your New Zealand adventures. (D) Stay: Horizon by SkyCity

After a relaxed start, set your sights firmly on New Zealand's national game: rugby. The interactive All Blacks Experience explores an introduction to the game as a part of New Zealand culture.

Afterwards, get the lay of the land on a city sightseeing tour viewing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, showing off views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. You pass the Auckland Museum, located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning 'hill of bitter memories' referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828.

You have some time free to explore. Perhaps stroll along Queen Street to find the perfect waterfront restaurant in Viaduct Harbour to enjoy water views while enjoying local oysters, crayfish, or New Zealand's native green lip mussels with a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Then stretch your legs popping into the many boutique shops. (B)

Get ready for a much-anticipated trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Upon arrival, set off on a guided tour through the 12-acre set. You'll have plenty of time for photo opportunities in the interactive hobbit hole. After a stop for lunch, continue to Rotorua.

This evening, embark upon the Te Po experience at Te Puia. Learn about Maori 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. 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) Stay: Millennium Rotorua

Your destination this morning in Rotorua is the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where you'll join a Local Specialist for a tour. Learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks at this national leader in kiwi husbandry. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only fun but will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand's national bird.

The feel-good vibes will follow you all the way to Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of New Zealand. It makes perfect sense – there are ski fields, white-water river and bridges strapped with bungy cords wherever you turn. And then there's the dining scene; Queenstown is home to some of the country's most awarded restaurants. Whether you're in the mood for bulging burgers or lakeside tapas, ask us for recommendations on this leg of your Queenstown New Zealand tour. (B) Stay: Millennium Queenstown

Today you'll head through stunning landscapes along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. Experience magnificent scenery afforded by the Mirror Lakes. Plunge through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak - named after its resemblance to a bishop's mitre headdress - and Lady Bowen Falls before arriving at World Heritage listed national park, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.

Experience all its beauty on a scenic cruise, which includes a lunch, past sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls watching for dolphins, penguins, and seals. Learn how the area was formed by glaciers and take plenty of photos of the stunning sights before returning to Queenstown.

The evening is free for you to stay in and relax or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking Lake Wakatipu. (B/L)

Rise and shine to your last day in Queenstown with plenty of choices on how to adventure. If you're a wine lover, join an Optional Experience touring three premium boutique vineyards in the famous Otago region known for Pinot Noir. Or feel the wind in your hair with an adrenalin filled jet boat ride on the mighty Shotover River.

You'll meet up with your group this evening over a Regional Dinner in nearby historic Arrowtown at the Postmasters Cottage built in 1907. Hear the story of the cottage from being almost demolished by developers to its rescue and purchase by the passionate local community. The restored cottage has now been embellished with verandas and gardens for you to sit down to fresh, local food and wines matched with classic Kiwi hospitality. (B/RD)

Today your New Zealand tour takes you to Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan, travelling to lovely Lake Tekapo. Visit Mrs. Jones' Fruit Stall to taste of some of the region's juicy stone fruit including apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums.

Is it Michael Schumacher's Benetton F1 car or the $4.2-million Aston Martin Vulcan that draws crowds to the Highlands Motorsport Museum? During your visit to this extraordinary space you'll have the chance to become familiar with some of the rarest cars in NZ motorsports history. There's just something about being in the same room as these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing. The museum is home to some of the rarest cars in NZ motorsport history but also some hidden gems. Visit the grounds of the quaint, lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd and see the friendly bronze sheepdog statue.

As evening falls, you're treated to a guided stargazing experience with a Local Specialist in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. See the famous Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way and getter a better look at these sparkling wonders with a powerful optical telescope. It may be a late night, but tonight's included star gazing experience at a purpose-built observation crater with expert astronomy guides is bound to be a highlight.

You'll conclude the day in a Stays With Stories accommodation at Peppers Bluewater Resort overlooking Lake Tekapo. In this area known for its dazzling night sky, there's plenty to enjoy just stepping outside your room. (B/D) Stay: Peppers Bluewater Resort

Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north through South Canterbury to Christchurch. Enjoy the city sights of the Garden City at the Cathedral, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral, in awe of its colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction that gives it the nickname “The Cardboard Cathedral.” See the city's top sites including Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, and Bridge of Remembrance. (B) Stay: Distinction

Travel through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill-country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884, with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool, and Angus cattle. Soak up the stunning scenery, meet the farm animals, and discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience.

Then visit a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it's time to relax over a platter-style lunch among the vines. A big day leads to a big evening, joining your Travel Director and travel mates for with a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region. (B/L/BMG/FD)

Your adventure sadly comes to an end this morning. Before your transfer to Christchurch Airport, enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates reflecting on your incredible travels through New Zealand (flights anytime). (B)