Itinerary Details
Day 1 America's Cup Sailing Experience
Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival, your driver will greet you and take you to the Park Hyatt Auckland by private car. Park Hyatt Auckland is perfectly located on the water's edge offering expansive views across Wynyard Quarter's Lighter Basin and out to the Waitemat Harbour. The sophisticated waterfront residence has 195 guestrooms, four restaurants and bars, versatile and elegant event spaces, a day spa, a 25-meter infinity pool, and a full fitness center.
From here, you'll jump right in to the adventure with the America's Cup Sailing Experience. The America's Cup is the world's oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional yachties, NZL 40 and NZL 41 offer the unique opportunity for everyone to participate in sailing on these grand prix racing machines. Passengers become the crew and are encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders, or simply sit back and enjoy the action as we sail down the Auckland Harbour. The trip suits people of all experiences and abilities, and is an apropos activity in Auckland, the City of Sails.
Park Hyatt Auckland
Meals: B
Day 2 Waiheke Island, Vineyards and Bush Walk
This spectacular walk has a little bit of everything—bush, beach, headlands and vineyards. Start with a walk through restored and regenerating bush up to the headland for some breathtaking views of islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Continue through lush, established bush tracks and rolling hills, where you'll enjoy lovely views of valleys, vineyards and the sea. There's time for wine tasting at two of Waiheke's best-loved vineyards—Mudbrick, Jurassic Ridge, or Cable Bay Vineyards. The tour includes the expert local guide, 2 wine tastings and a picnic lunch.
Park Hyatt Auckland
Meals: B, L
Day 3 West Coast Discovery
A 30-minute scenic drive takes you through the Waitakere Ranges, stopping at the Arataki Visitor Centre to learn all about New Zealand's native trees and look out to the panoramic views of the Waitakere Ranges—the perfect start to exploring the west coast. From there, take a 20-minute drive and 5-minute stroll to Karekare waterfalls—a great spot for photos! Then, head to the famous Piha Surf Beach where you can go for a swim, relax on the black iron sand beach, or walk up the Lion Rock for stunning views and an amazing photo opportunity. Your mid-afternoon return to Auckland leaves time to explore or relax.
Park Hyatt Auckland
Meals: B, L
Day 4 Fly from Auckland to Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch! Upon arrival, your driver will take you to The George Hotel, a deluxe boutique hotel combining luxury and attentive friendly service. Located only minutes from the heart of the city, it is a short walk to Hagley Park, with its gardens, sports field and golf course, the Botanical Gardens, Arts Center and Museum. The hotel restaurant, 50 Bistro, offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine in a stylish casual setting, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The George
Meals: B
Day 5 Arthur's Pass National Park and TranzAlpine
Experience the best of both worlds with a luxurious day trip to Arthurs Pass, showcasing the iconic TranzAlpine train journey and a scenic return by road that reveals a different facet of this breathtaking region. During this private tour, you'll enjoy a personalized and intimate experience.
Your adventure begins on the renowned TranzAlpine train—settle into your seat and prepare for a visual feast! Marvel at the panoramic views of rolling hills, lush valleys, and snow-capped peaks as the train winds its way through the picturesque landscapes to Arthurs Pass. Upon arrival in Arthurs Pass, your expert guide will lead you on a selection of short guided nature walks tailored to your interests and abilities. Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness as you explore lush forests, wander along meandering rivers, and behold the breathtaking vistas that make Arthurs Pass a haven for nature lovers. Along the way, the guide will share fascinating insights into the region's unique flora, fauna, history, and cultural significance. Afterward, refuel with a delectable lunch at a charming café, savoring local delicacies and the warm hospitality of the area, while reflecting on the morning's discoveries.
As the day progresses, embark on a leisurely road trip back to Christchurch, taking a new route showcasing the diverse beauty of the region. Regular stops at scenic viewpoints and points of interest are made, allowing you to capture stunning photos and create lasting memories.
The George
Meals: B, L
Day 6 Christchurch City Garden Tour
Explore the garden city and the surrounding areas of Christchurch with a small group of guests in a deluxe mini-coach. Departing from your hotel, the tour heads through Christchurch and by the city's center. Next, the tour heads towards the Port Hills, which overlook Christchurch, and offer stunning views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Lyttleton Harbour and the distant Southern Alps. After dropping into Lyttleton Harbour, you will have time explore a private garden that has been growing since 1865 and includes a variety of exotic trees, shrub rhododendrons, camellias and a good variety of New Zealand native plants. Head over the crater rim to another private garden, this one 15-years-old with a strong New Zealand theme and a largely formal layout. Within the evergreen structure of totara hedges, there are many native New Zealand plants and hybrids of exotic varieties. The tour then heads back toward Christchurch city, stopping for a relaxing lunch and a visit to the botanical gardens. Here you will see exotic trees that are some of the largest, tallest and oldest of their kind in New Zealand. You will see spectacular color, intriguing sculptures and memorial plantings that celebrate local and international history. If time permits, a stop will be made at another public garden that is rich in history, color and tranquility.
The George
Meals: B, L
Day 7 Fly from Christchurch to Queenstown
Welcome to Queenstown! Upon arrival, your driver will take you to the sophisticated and inviting Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments, superbly situated lakefront, showcasing breathtaking panoramic views overlooking Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkable Mountains. Unique features at The Rees Hotel include a fine dining restaurant with an award-winning chef who creates exquisite menus showcasing the spectacular produce available in Central Otago, an extensive wine cellar, courtesy shuttle to/from Queenstown town center, gymnasium, observatory and private jetty. Quiet, private and sophisticated, The Rees Hotel Queenstown epitomizes southern hospitality at its finest.
The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Meals: B
Day 8 Milford Highlights
Only accessible by helicopter, stepping out into this environment can really take your breath away. This highlights trip takes you through Milford Sound, out to the West Coast and the surrounding Southern Alps glacier areas, showing off what the diverse environment really has to offer. Your helicopter will lift off from Queenstown and fly you high over the snow-capped Southern Alps to the majestic Milford Sound. Sit back and enjoy the view as you fly through Milford Sound giving you a birds-eye view of the waterfalls and rain-forests below.
Where the Sound reaches the Tasman Sea, you will head north and land on a remote West Coast beach with time to take a stroll and spot some of the nearby wild animals and seal colonies. From the beach, the helicopter turns inland to the glacier areas where you will land high up on a deserted glacier, allowing you time to explore, breathe in the pure alpine air and take more photographs of this magical place. The flight back to Queenstown from the glaciers will then take you high above the alpine lakes and rivers and, finally, over Lake Wakatipu back to the helicopter base.
The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Meals: B
Day 9 Dart River Wilderness Jet
The ultimate, original half-day Wilderness Jet boat adventure takes you on an unforgettable journey along the braided, glacier-fed Dart River. Experience the unique combination of breathtaking scenery and an exhilarating ride as you head deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. The exclusive jetboat access to the largest sections of the Dart River means traveling up to 55 miles of scenery during the group trip. Dart River Adventure's knowledgeable guides lead the eco tours with passion and authenticity. Their stories bring the scenery to life—from Maori legend to the area's Greenstone trail—there is something to learn around every corner.
The ever-changing environment makes every trip unique. With daily and seasonal changes to the flora and fauna, color of the bush, river structure and color, water clarity, birds, wildlife, and snow level, returning for a second adventure can mean you explore a whole new world.
The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Meals: B
Day 10 Boutique Wine Tour
Experience a tasting journey through three of Central Otago's incredibly scenic and varying wine sub-regions: Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Visit four boutique vineyards, tasting their unique cool-climate wines and discover why the Central Otago region has become world-renowned in its own right. Savor a delightful platter-style lunch made with locally sourced produce and accompanied by a flight of wines to taste. There may also be an opportunity to retrace history with a stroll through the charming historical settlement of Old Cromwell (time permitting). Learn about the early pioneering history and how the wine region was formed through an array of fun facts and interesting stories from your knowledgeable wine guide.
The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Meals: B, L
Day 11 Depart New Zealand
As your adventure comes to an end, you depart New Zealand with lasting memories and a photo gallery of breathtaking and exhilarating moments.
Meals: B