Begin your day with a Māori guided tour of Whakarewarewa geothermal valley. Discover bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers (including the famous Pōhutu Geyser), and mineral springs. You’ll also visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) to explore traditional carving, weaving, and indigenous customs.

Next, go behind the scenes at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa on a private tour of New Zealand’s largest kiwi chick hatching facility. See conservation efforts firsthand with special behind-the-scenes access, and end your tour with a visit to the Nocturnal House, where you’ll observe these elusive national icons in a habitat that mimics their natural environment.

Afterwards, you’ll head to Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, a sanctuary of traditional Māori wellness and geothermal healing. Indulge in a Wai Ariki Signature Mirimiri massage, incorporating indigenous rongoā rākau (plant remedies), followed by time in three private, mineral-rich bathing pools with views of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island.

Fly south from Rotorua to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. The city’s rebirth after the 2010–2011 earthquakes has created a unique blend of modern architecture with its traditional Gothic Revival charm. It offers wide avenues, a lively food market that spills onto the shady banks of the Avon river, and street art almost everywhere you look.

After arriving in Christchurch, you’ll dive into the city’s roots on a private walking tour. Over two hours, your guide will share the stories and history of Ōtautahi (the Māori name for Christchurch), bringing ancestral traditions and perspectives to life. Learn a traditional Māori greeting, hear about historic pā (village) sites and mahinga kai (food gathering) areas, and gain insight into how the past and present are interwoven in this ever-evolving city.

Depart Christchurch and journey across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, passing farmland, rolling fields, and small towns. Along the way, you’ll stop in Geraldine – a charming country town known for its artisan shops and cafés – before heading inland to the alpine village of Lake Tekapo.

Tekapo is set dramatically set on the shores of a vivid turquoise lake and framed by the majestic Southern Alps. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, an iconic stone chapel that honors the region’s pioneering families and offers photo-worthy lakefront views. For a broader panorama, take a short walk or drive to the summit of Mount John, home to the Earth & Sky Observatory and the scenic Astro Café.

In the evening, set out on a stargazing tour. Set within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo provides some of the clearest stargazing in the world. With the help of powerful telescopes and expert astronomy guides, you’ll explore constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects visible only from the Southern Hemisphere.

Embrace the scenery, history, and geology of New Zealand’s Mackenzie Country on this private half-day 4WD tour. Explore the incredible Mackenzie Backcountry with a professional high country guide, onboard a comfortable Land Rover Defender. Pass farmland, mountains, sparkling alpine lakes, and – when in season – the region’s brilliant lupine wildflowers.

After returning to Tekapo, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Stroll the waterfront, pop into the local cafes, or take in the views from your lakefront accommodation.

Today you’ll depart Lake Tekapo and journey approx. 3.5 hours to Queenstown. The drive offers scenic views of the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and the towering Southern Alps beyond, including iconic Mount Cook.

Framed by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range, Queenstown is a premier alpine resort town located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The heart of Queenstown is compact and walkable, with a mix of boutique shops, lakeside cafes, award-winning restaurants, a lively lakefront with sidewalk bistros, and inviting wine bars. The afternoon is free to relax or explore at your own pace: take a stroll along the lakefront promenade, browse local art galleries, or take the Skyline Gondola to get 360-degree panoramic views of the entire town, lake, and Remarkables Range.

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Queenstown Airport for a truly memorable journey to the Milford Sound.

Board a scenic flight for breathtaking aerial views of alpine lakes, glacier-carved valleys, snow-capped peaks, and remote rainforests as you fly over Fiordland National Park. Upon arrival at Milford Airport, you’ll transfer to the Milford Wharf where you’ll set out on a 2-hour cruise through the iconic fiord, known for its sheer granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Enjoy a glass of champagne a selection of canapés as you glide past Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and Pembroke Glacier. Your vessel will pause at scenic points of interest, and keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins.

After the cruise, return to the airstrip for your scenic return flight to Queenstown, where you’ll be transferred back to your hotel and have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Today you’ll step board the historic TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship affectionately known as the “Lady of the Lake,” for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu. As you sail, explore the ship’s engine room and gallery while the captain shares commentary on the ship’s history.

Upon arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm, enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch at the charming Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant. The meal features fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Central Otago, with chefs preparing a variety of meats on the grill, accompanied by seasonal salads, vegetables, and a decadent dessert and cheese selection. After your meal, enjoy a farm demonstration, where you’ll learn about high country farming traditions. Depending on the season, see working sheepdogs in action and a sheep shearing demonstration.

Conclude your visit with free time to explore the lakeside gardens or shop for local goods before reboarding the TSS Earnslaw for your return cruise to Queenstown. Back in town, the rest of the day is yours: enjoy a treatment at a local spa, rent a bike or paddleboard, go luging, or take in the views with a glass of wine.

Today is a deep dive into the natural beauty, landscapes, and rich history of the Queenstown region. Your local guide will lead you on an immersive private journey beginning in Arrowtown, a charming 19th-century gold rush village. Explore its quaint streets, browse local boutiques, and visit the restored Chinese settlement, offering a glimpse into the area’s gold mining past.

Next, enjoy one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, with a stop at the Bennett’s Bluff Lookout for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks.

After lunch in this quaint town, board the Dart River Jet Boat for an exhilarating adventure into Mount Aspiring National Park. This thrilling experience combines high-speed jet boating with slow glides through remote wilderness areas, showcasing glacier-fed rivers, ancient beech forests, and dramatic alpine scenery (while pointing out locations featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy).

On the return journey, take a leisurely walk around Bob’s Cove, a peaceful inlet with crystal-clear water surrounded by native bush, before returning to Queenstown in the late afternoon.

Say goodbye to Queenstown and head to the airport to catch your departing flight.