New Zealand – Private Adventure

Arrive in Auckland

Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland! Following your arrival at Auckland Airport (AKL), you and your luggage will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.

Arrive and Check-In at Hotel

Upon arriving at the Park Hyatt Auckland, your home for the next 3 nights, you will be met by your Auckland Private Adventure Guide who will check you in, then walk you through your itinerary and answer any questions you may have.

Lunch & Afternoon in Auckland on Your Own

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the stunning city of Auckland. Your hotel is conveniently located on the water’s edge of Wynyard’s Quarter, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants, attractions and activities. Ask your Private Adventure Guide to recommend one of the local restaurants for a delicious lunch that will satisfy your group’s appetite.

Welcome Dinner at Orbit 360º with Sky Tower Observation Deck Visit

Enjoy a delightful, relaxed dining experience as you dine on a kiwi-inspired menu – while rotating a full 360 degrees high above Auckland, making for one of the most unique and unforgettable dining experiences. Keep the excitement going after dinner as you head high in the sky – 721 ft (220 m) to be exact – for breathtaking panoramic views that span 50 miles (80 km) in every direction. Spot iconic landmarks, volcanoes and other Auckland locations from the observation deck.– and an amazing start to your New Zealand Private Adventure!

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day full of fun and adventure with breakfast at the hotel.

Auckland Walking Tour

Set out and see the sights as your Private Adventure Guide shows you some of the many landmarks and iconic destinations this waterfront city has to offer. You’ll explore hidden laneways, marvel at exciting street art and learn about the Māori influences that can be seen throughout the city. Plus, you’ll even stop to try a New Zealand treat or two along the way.

Lunch at a Scenic Harbourside Restaurant

Stop into this local spot overlooking Viaduct Harbour for a tasty lunch before continuing your day of adventure.

America’s Cup Sailing Experience

Take the helm, trim the sails and steer on course as you come aboard and sail an actual America’s Cup Yacht. Or you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the wind in your hair as you cut through the waters of Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour on this thrilling experience. Opens a dialog with important information about America’s Cup Sailing Experience.See important details

Waterfront Biking (Alternate Activity)

If you would prefer to remain on land will enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the coast from Wyndham Street to Viaduct Basin and on to Mission Bay. The terrain is flat and suitable for all ages. Standard bikes are recommended, but e-bikes are available. Opens a dialog with important information about Waterfront Biking.See important details

Dinner & Evening on Your Own in Auckland

Spend a lovely evening continuing your exploration of the local shops, galleries and activities that make Auckland such a great city. Stop into one of the many restaurants for a scrumptious meal featuring local flavors and favorites. Your Private Adventure Guide will be happy to recommend a place for your group to eat.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day full of fun and adventure with breakfast at the hotel.

Passenger Ferry to Waiheke Island

Board a passenger ferry at the downtown Auckland ferry terminal and cruise past Auckland’s magnificent coastlines and beautiful islands on your way to Waiheke Island.

EcoZip Adventures Zip Lining & Bush Walk

Take to the sky, as you soar high above the island’s vineyards stretched out below you on a thrilling, state-of-the-art flying-fox zip line. Following your flight, you’ll cool off on a guided bush walk beneath the canopy of the regenerating rainforest and Māori storytelling. This is a truly eco-immersive forest experience you won’t soon forget. Opens a dialog with important information about EcoZip Adventures Zip Lining.See important details

Lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant

After you’ve built up your appetite with a morning of adventure, you’ll savor spectacular local flavors in an idyllic setting set against a backdrop of unparalleled beauty overlooking the sea. Prior to lunch, you’ll enjoy a special tasting of some of Mudbrick’s award-winning wines.

Waiheke Island Tour & Oneroa Exploration

Before catching the ferry back to Auckland, you’ll take a brief tour of the island highlights by private vehicle. Following your tour, you’ll enjoy some leisure time where you’ll explore the beach, shops and cafes in the quaint island village of Oneroa.

Passenger Ferry to Auckland

Board the ferry for your return trip to Auckland.

Dinner & On Your Own in Auckland

Explore the sights of Auckland, a major city located in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. Take a stroll around Queen’s Wharf and Viaduct Basin area, an easy walk from the hotel, where you’ll find a bevy or shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants in the harbor-front district. Be sure to ask your Private Adventure Guide for a dinner recommendation that will satisfy your entire family—or discover a new favorite place as you explore the city.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day full of fun and adventure with breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Waitomo

Board a private vehicle for the ride to Waitomo, a village on New Zealand’s North Island that’s famous for its extensive underground cave system, including the Glowworm Caves.

Lunch at Huhu Café

Enjoy a casual lunch featuring tasty and healthy ingredients that are, whenever possible, locally sourced and add true New Zealand flavor to the menu. Dine in the restaurant’s contemporary setting that offers views over Waitomo Village to the bushclad hills from a relaxing deck area.

Spellbound Glowworm & Caves Tour

Explore waterfalls and limestone formations of this natural wonder that was under the sea some 30 million years ago until, with movements of the Earth’s crust, the limestone was lifted above sea-level. As you head into some local caves, both on foot and by boat along an underground stream, you’ll pass below a bioluminescent galaxy of glowworms that increase in brilliance as your eyes adjust to the darkness.

Transfer to Rotorua & Check-In at Hotel

Transfer to Rotorua where you will be greeted by your Rotorua Adventure Guide who will help you check-in to the Pullman Rotorua, your home for the next 2 nights.

Evening and Dinner on Your Own in Rotorua

Once you are settled in at the hotel, your Private Adventure Guide will recommend some local favorite restaurants for dinner on your own in this walkable city.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day full of fun and adventure with breakfast at the hotel.

Privately Guided National Kiwi Bird Hatchery Interactive Experience

Spend a remarkable morning at New Zealand’s leading location for kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing since 2008. This fun and informative interactive experience takes you through the kiwi conservation process from egg incubation to getting a look at newly hatched chicks.

Rotorua Canopy Zip Line Tour

Get a bird’s-eye view of Rotorua’s 1,000-year-old forest canopy as you soar through the trees on a thrilling zip line ride. Learn all about forest restoration efforts as your kiwi guides take you on a remarkable tour of this beautiful region. Opens a dialog with important information about Rotorua Canopy Zip Line Tour.See important details

Interpretative Forest Walk (Alternate Activity)

For Adventurers that prefer to stay on the ground, the interpretative forest walk offers an excellent opportunity to explore this fascinating forest area via a walking tour led by knowledgeable kiwi guides.

Lunch & Afternoon on Your Own in Rotorua

Head into Rotorua for lunch and be sure to check out Eat Streat, a “restaurant row” where you’re sure to finds a spot to satisfy your group’s appetite. Your Private Adventure Guide can recommend some personal favorites. Follow up a delicious lunch with a leisurely exploration of Rotorua.

Te Puia Geothermal Park with Māori Guide, Dinner & Cultural Performance

Join your private Māori guide for a fascinating tour of this beautiful park where you’ll encounter amazing geothermal features like bubbling mud, pools of boiling water still used for cooking, and stunning geysers. After your tour you’ll be treated to a traditionally inspired Māori hāngī dinner and a cultural performance.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day full of fun and adventure with breakfast at the hotel.

Privately Guided Agrodome Farm Tour with Dog Herding & Sheep Shearing

Explore 350 acres of lush farmland on your visit to the world-renowned Agrodome. Encounter various animals, including cattle, pigs, llamas and deer. You’ll even get to stop and feed some sheep and alpacas. Plus, visit Bowen House, where you’ll see an amazing dog herding and sheep-shearing demonstration.

Pre-Flight Lunch on Your Own at Airport

Grab lunch at the airport before boarding your flight to Christchurch International Airport (CHC).

Arrive in Christchurch

Welcome to New Zealand’s South Island. Featuring the massive Southern Alps, rolling farmland and the vast Canterbury Plains, the South Island is celebrated for its rugged natural beauty. Along with numerous glaciers, fjords, lakes and mountains, the region is also renowned for its famed vineyards and gourmet foodie destinations.

Punting on the Avon River

Soak up the scenic surroundings of the Christchurch Botanical Gardens and Central City as your private punter poles your flat-bottomed boat along the tranquil surface of the Avon River during this iconic Christchurch activity.

Check-In at the Hotel

While your Private Adventure Guide checks you in, explore the facilities at the Crowne Plaza Christchurch which combines international standards with “Kiwi flavor.” Opposite Victoria Square, the hotel is located in the heart of the city and just a few minutes’ walk from major attractions.

Dinner and Evening On Your Own in Christchurch

Take a short walk to downtown Christchurch where you can discover the many sights this east coast city has to offer—including a bevy of restaurant options that are sure to please any palate. Work up an appetite, then find a new favorite restaurant on your own, or ask your Private Adventure Guide to recommend a local favorite.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day full of fun and adventure with breakfast at the hotel.

TranzAlpine Train Ride to Arthur’s Pass

Embark on an epic railway adventure that is known as one of the world’s great train journeys! Traverse 139 miles (223 kilometers) of train tracks through some of the most stunning natural landscape not just in New Zealand’s South Island, but the world. As you travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, you’ll encounter awe-inspiring vistas, including the ice-fed Waimakariri River, the majestic Southern Alps and miles of native beech forest.

Lunch with Beer School Experience at Monteith’s Brewing Company

In Greymouth, follow up your amazing train expedition with a delicious meal at this local brewery that serves up an amazing array of delicious dishes with Kiwi flare. Follow your lunch with a brewery tour where you’ll learn about the traditions and heritage of Monteith’s brewing establishment.

Hokitika Exploration

Spend some time taking in the sights of this self-described “cool little town” on the South Island’s West Coast. Connect with the friendly characters you encounter as you peruse the art galleries, stop in the quaint shops—a great place to pick up remarkable carved pounamu, or New Zealand jade carvings—and stroll along the inviting beach for a photo op with the “Hokitika” driftwood sculpture on the sand.

Check-In at Hotel

Experience bliss as you enter this haven amid New Zealand’s pristine wilderness. Crafted to an impeccable standard, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat offers a healthy, environmentally safe habitat that focuses on your mind, body and soul.

Dinner at The Canopy Restaurant in the Hotel

Indulge your taste buds with a 5-course tasting menu featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with your wellbeing in mind.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day full of fun and adventure with breakfast at the hotel.

Franz Josef Glacier Valley Hike

Hike amongst the spectacular scenery that surrounds you along the valley floor as you approach the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier. Trek amongst the lush rainforest alongside the Waiho River on the ancient path where the glacier once stood, while encountering an eco-system of flora and fauna.

Lunch and Afternoon on Your Own in Franz Josef

Relax and recharge following your hike with a delicious meal featuring regional fare at a local restaurant. Then, spend a lovely afternoon exploring the sights in this small South Island New Zealand town that include the West Coast Wildlife Center where you can see a Rowi Kiwi, the world’s rarest kiwi! You may also want head over to the Glacier Activity Center to take a relaxing dip in the restorative hot pool, which is included with your Glacier Valley Hike.

Guests may also schedule an appointment at the hotel spa. Opens a dialog with important information about Franz Josef. See important details

Dinner and Evening on Your Own in Franz Josef

Discover a local spot to satisfy your appetite following an adventure-filled day or ask your Private Adventure Guide to recommend a restaurant.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day full of fun and adventure with breakfast at the hotel.

Travel to Wanaka

Journey along “the most scenic drive in New Zealand” on your ride to Wanaka. Along the way you’ll make 3 leg stretching stops at beautiful locations that include: Lake Matheson, Thunder Creek Falls and Haast Blue Pools. Opens a dialog with important information about Wanaka. See important details

Lunch at Makarora Country Cafe

Enjoy the rural ambiance—and a tasty meal—at this local Kiwi café en route to Wanaka.

On Your Own Time in Wanaka

Take time to get acquainted with this lakeside resort town that offers unparalleled views of Lake Wanaka and the snowcapped mountains in the distance, as well as lovely shops and cafes. Known as the gateway to the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, you’ll revel at the natural beauty of beech forests and alpine lakes that surround you.

Check-In at Hotel

Embrace the idyllic surroundings of the Hotel St. Moritz, featuring a scenic view that stretches from Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables mountain range. The hotel itself embodies the spirit of this amazing location.

Dinner at the Hotel

Enjoy a delightful meal as you recount your adventures from another fun-filled day.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day full of fun and adventure with breakfast at the hotel.

Full Day Activity Options

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day full of fun and adventure with breakfast at the hotel.

On Your Own Time in Arrowtown

Step into New Zealand history as you discover the quirky charm of Arrowtown, a gold rush town set in the beautiful, glacier-carved Arrow Basin. Whether you’re looking to take a relaxing walk on one of the many scenic trails, pan for gold in the Arrow River, shop for the perfect souvenir in the many quaint shops in town or just people watch while enjoying a cup of coffee at a local café, you’ll feel at home in the vibrant, small-town atmosphere of this close-knit community.

E-Bike Ride to Gibbston Valley Winery

Take to the car-free trails on an e-bike along the Arrow River as you pass through the region’s picturesque forests, streams and surrounding mountains. You’ll cross suspension bridges, including the iconic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, also known as Bungy Bridge. Opens a dialog with important information about the E-Bike Ride.See important details

Lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery

Enjoy lunch amid the picturesque surroundings of Gibbston Valley Winery.

Private Wine Cave Tour & Tasting (Adults)

Bring out your inner oenophile on this private tour of Gibbston Valley Winery. Visit Home Block, the region’s oldest vineyard, and head into the wine cave where you’ll see winemakers plying their craft. Plus, savor the local flavors at a tasting of the winery’s premium handcrafted wines, including one or two of their celebrated pinot noirs.

Junior Adventurer Olive Oil Infusion Activity or Juice Tasting

While the adults are touring and tasting, Junior Adventurers will enjoy an olive oil infusion activity or a juice tasting.

Queenstown on Your Own Exploration

Spend the afternoon exploring Queenstown, where you can soak up some local culture at a museum or peruse the local shops for the perfect souvenir. You can also take a lovely lakeshore stroll on the groomed pathways of Queenstown Gardens.

Gondola to Bob’s Peak & Luge Rides

Take a scenic gondola ride up the hill to the Skyline Queenstown campus where you’ll have the option to enjoy 2 thrilling luge rides. Opens a dialog with important information about Gondola to Bob's Peak. See important details

Farewell Dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar

Gather for a final meal with your Private Adventure group as you swap stories while dining on locally sourced wild meats and seasonal vegetarian dishes. As you dine, you’ll be captivated by the panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a final meal at the hotel before beginning your journey back home.

Private Transfers to Queenstown Airport (ZQN)

Depart at any time for Queenstown Airport (ZQN). Private transfers are based on flight schedules, so be sure to check your departure time and plan accordingly.