Escorted - New Zealand - 50th Anniversary - President's Tour

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Fly to New Zealand - (Mon., Feb. 22 & Tue., Feb. 23) Motorcoach transportation from CT to Boston for flights to Auckland. Board flight on evening of Mon., Feb. 22 and cross the International Date Line. Arrive in Auckland on Wed., Feb. 24.. - LAND TOUR BEGINS -Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails.” Upon arrival at Auckland International Airport, clear Immigration and Customs and then be greeted by your guide. Enjoy a guided orientation tour of vibrant Auckland, showcasing this vibrant waterfront city set between two harbors. Take in sweeping views and get a feel for the unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty that defines Auckland. Enjoy a buffet lunch and hotel check-in at the luxurious The Grand by SkyCity, situated on Federal Street. This evening, gather for a special welcome dinner at the iconic Sky Tower, where a revolving restaurant offers breathtaking 360° views of the city skyline and beyond. Meals: L, D

Day 2

Day 2 – Waiheke Island Wine Experience (Thu., Feb. 25) This morning, we board a 40-minute ferry cruise across the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of vineyards, olive groves, and stunning coastal scenery. Enjoy a guided tour of the island, visiting renowned wineries for tastings of some of New Zealand’s finest wines, all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and ocean views. Savor a leisurely lunch paired with local vintages before returning to Auckland in the afternoon. The evening is yours to explore the city at your own pace. Meals: B, L

Day 3

Day 3 – Auckland to Rotorua (Fri., Feb. 26) Travel south through lush countryside toward Rotorua, stopping at the stunning Hamilton Gardens - where themed gardens transport you through cultures and time periods spanning 4,000 years. From Ancient Egypt to a 21st-century Concept Garden, journey from the surreal to the serene at New Zealand's most spectacular gardens. Continue to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, the movie set for The Lord of the Rings, where you’ll step into the magical world of Middle-earth on a guided tour through the charming Hobbit holes and rolling green hills. Enjoy a themed lunch. Continue to Rotorua, a region renowned for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori heritage. Meals: B, L, D

Day 4

Day 4 – Rotorua Cultural Discovery (Sat., Feb. 27) Immerse yourself in the unique culture and natural wonders of Rotorua today. Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery, the national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques, and kiwi chick rearing. See the conservation efforts to protect New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird. Then we’ll experience the entertaining Agrodome Farm show featuring sheep shearing and working farm demonstrations. Hear amazing facts and have a few laughs as you’re introduced to 19 sheep breeds and remarkable farm dogs that will amaze you as they demonstrate their ability to respond to commands and keep those sheep in line! This evening, enjoy an unforgettable Māori cultural experience and feast at Te Pā Tū. Share in the Māori history, traditions, and feast showcasing local cuisine. Meals: B, D

Day 5

Day 5 – Rotorua to Napier (Sun., Feb. 28) Journey through the heart of New Zealand’s North Island as we travel from Rotorua to the charming seaside city of Napier. Along the way, marvel at the thundering Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 liters of water per second surge through a narrow gorge, creating one of the country’s most dramatic natural sights. Continue past the stunning shores of Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand, known for its crystal-clear waters and volcanic backdrop. Upon arrival in Napier, step back in time as you explore this beautifully preserved Art Deco city, rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake. Enjoy a guided walking tour through its colorful streets, discovering the unique architecture and fascinating history that make Napier one of the most distinctive destinations in the world. Meals: B

Day 6

Day 6 – Napier to Wellington (Mon., March 1) Travel south along scenic coastal and countryside landscapes as we make our way to New Zealand’s vibrant capital, Wellington. En route, enjoy a meaningful stop at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, where conservation efforts are bringing native wildlife back from the brink. Learn about New Zealand’s unique birdlife, including the iconic kiwi, and experience the beauty of a restored native forest. Continue on to Wellington, a lively harbor city known for its arts, culture, and café scene. Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure to explore this charming and walkable capital. Meals: B

Day 7

Day 7 – Discover Wellington (Tue., March 2) Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Wellington, a city perfectly nestled between mountains and sea. Highlights include views of Parliament Buildings (including the famous “Beehive”), the scenic waterfront, and lush botanical gardens. Visit the acclaimed Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, for a guided highlights tour of interactive exhibits that bring the country’s history and culture to life. Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic city views before enjoying free time to explore, shop, or relax at one of the city’s many cafés. Meals: B

Day 8

Day 8 – Fly to Christchurch (Wed., March 3) This morning, we bid good-bye to the North Island and fly to New Zealand’s South Island and arrive in the charming “Garden City” of Christchurch. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour showcasing both the city’s resilience and creativity, including visits to the striking Cardboard Cathedral and the interactive Quake City exhibit. Then, unwind with a relaxing punt ride along the tranquil Avon River, offering a unique perspective of the city’s beautiful parks and gardens. Punting on Avon as a skilled punter in traditional Edwardian attire propels the flat-bottomed boat with punter poles, is an iconic Christchurch attraction not to be missed. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure. Meals: B

Day 9

Day 9 – TranzAlpine Train to Franz Josef (Thu., March 4) Today’s journey is one of the true highlights of your New Zealand adventure as you board the world-renowned TranzAlpine Train, celebrated as one of the most scenic rail experiences in the world. Travel across the vast Canterbury Plains and into the dramatic Southern Alps, where towering peaks, deep gorges, and rushing rivers create unforgettable scenery. Upon reaching Greymouth, continue by coach along the rugged West Coast, passing through historic gold mining towns and lush rainforest landscapes before arriving in the glacier region of Franz Josef for an evening surrounded by nature at the 5-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Meals: B, D

Day 10

Day 10 – Franz Josef to Queenstown (Fri., March 5) Depart the glacier region and journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking alpine scenery en route to Queenstown. Travel via the dramatic Haast Pass, where waterfalls, rivers, and dense rainforest create a spectacular backdrop. Pause at the picturesque Lake Wānaka, known for its crystal-clear waters and mountain views. Continue to Queenstown, a vibrant lakeside resort town surrounded by the remarkable mountain range. Meals: B, D

Day 11

Day 11 – Milford Sound Excursion (Sat., March 6) Prepare for an unforgettable day as we journey to Milford Sound, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Travel through Fiordland National Park with scenic stops along the way before boarding a cruise through the dramatic fjord. Marvel at towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine wilderness as you glide through this breathtaking landscape. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including seals and dolphins, in this truly awe-inspiring setting. Meals: B, L

Day 12

Day 12 – Queenstown Experiences (Sun., March 7) Experience the excitement and beauty of Queenstown today, starting with a thrilling ride on the Shotover Jetboat, where you’ll speed through narrow canyons on the Shotover River. Later, enjoy a relaxing cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic coal-fired TSS Earnslaw, the oldest passenger-carrying steamship in the Southern Hemisphere. This evening, ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for a memorable dinner overlooking Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Meals: B, D

Day 13

Day 13 – Queenstown to Twizel (Mon., March 8) Travel through the stunning Mackenzie Country, known for its golden landscapes and turquoise lakes. Stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. Continue to experience the immersive Dark Sky Project, where you’ll learn about the southern night sky and Māori astronomy traditions. Arrive in Twizel, your base for exploring the Mt. Cook region. Meals: B, D

Day 14

Day 14 – Mt. Cook National Park (Tue., March 9) Today, explore the breathtaking landscapes of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak. Experience the Glacier Explorer tour on Tasman Lake, where floating icebergs and dramatic alpine scenery create a truly unforgettable setting. From Tasman Valley, we enjoy a 30-minute alpine walk* to board a Zodiac boat tour like no-other to experience views of the gigantic Tasman Glacier Ice Wall. This is one of the few accessible glacial lakes containing icebergs worldwide. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre to learn about the region’s mountaineering history and the legacy of one of the world’s greatest explorers. A day of incredible alpine scenery! *Guests must be fit and able to walk approx. 1 mile (30 minutes) to/from the lake edge to board the Zodiac. There is no alternative to this walk through the National Park to participate. Meals: B

Day 15

Day 15 – Twizel to Christchurch (Wed., March 10) Return to Christchurch through scenic countryside. Depart the Mackenzie region and travel across the sweeping Canterbury Plains, passing braided rivers and expansive farmland as we return to Christchurch. Enjoy some free time to relax or explore before gathering this evening for a special farewell dinner—an opportunity to celebrate your incredible journey through New Zealand with your fellow travelers. Meals: B, D

Day 16

Day 16 – Departure from Christchurch to Home (Thu., March 11) Your unforgettable New Zealand adventure comes to an end today. Transfer to the Christchurch airport for your return flight home, bringing with you lasting memories of spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural experiences from this remarkable journey. Meals: B

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