(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Auckland, Rotorua, Canterbury, Queenstown & Milford Sound
This luxury family tour showcases the best of New Zealand’s many family-friendly options, such as flying by private helicopter to Milford Sound, sailing in an America’s Cup yacht, four-wheel drive tours of country estates, seeing active geothermal areas, and visiting old gold mining towns. It also includes luxury lodges with amenities particularly popular with travelers of all ages.
Begin in Auckland, a cosmopolitan city built on volcanic hills overlooking a scenic bay. Enjoy a private introductory city tour, then sail in a former America’s Cup yacht across Waitemata Harbour, taking in views of the city and the surrounding islands.
Next, transfer through the bucolic countryside to Rotorua, a highlight of the North Island. En route, visit glowworm caves to see the mysterious blue light emitted by these unique creatures. Stay at Treetops Lodge & Resort, a luxury lodge on a secluded hilltop surrounded by native bush. One day, enjoy private touring of the region’s top attractions, such as the geysers and steaming lakes of active geothermal areas, Maori culture and a New Zealand sheep show. Another day, take a private four-wheel drive tour of the lodge grounds. During leisure time, perhaps enjoy mountain biking or hiking to panoramic viewpoints or a local waterfall.
Then, fly to Christchurch on the South Island. Following an introductory private tour of the Garden City, transfer through the Canterbury countryside to Grasmere Lodge, a luxury lodge on a historic homestead in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Enjoy a four-wheel drive tour of the property, as well as a private tour of beautiful Arthur's Pass National Park. With luck, see the kea, a gregarious alpine parrot.
Next, fly to Queenstown, a lakeside resort and gateway to some of New Zealand’s most exciting and dramatic attractions. Enjoy a private tour of a historic gold mining town, wine country and other regional attractions en route to Matakauri Lodge, a luxury lodge overlooking Lake Wakatipu. One day, take a thrilling private Dart River jet boat safari into the magnificent landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park. Another day, take a spectacular private helicopter flight over the Alps to Milford Sound. Then, cruise on Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations, and see dramatic mountains, powerful waterfalls, and perhaps even dolphins, seals or penguins. En route back to your lodge by helicopter, land on a remote snow field high in the Alps.
Fly back to Auckland for a final night to independently explore interesting neighborhoods and excellent restaurants before your onward journey.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Auckland
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon city tour and sailing on the harbor
Day 2
Auckland - Rotorua
Private transfer to luxury lodge for 3 nights with touring of glowworm caves en route
Day 3
Rotorua
Full-day private tour including sheep show and geothermal highlights
Day 4
Rotorua
Private four-wheel drivefarm safari and option for biking
Day 5
Rotorua – Christchurch - Canterbury
Private transfer to airport. Flight to Christchurch. Private city tour then transfer to country retreat for 2 nights
Day 6
Canterbury
Morning four-wheel drive tour. Private afternoon tour of Arthur's Pass National Park
Day 7
Canterbury - Queenstown
Private transfer to airport. Flight to Queenstown. Private transfer to luxury lodge for 3 nights with touring of Queenstown and Arrowtown en route
Day 8
Queenstown & Milford Sound
Private Milford Sound helicopter excursion. Cruise on Milford Sound
Day 9
Queenstown
Private Dart River safari
Day 10
Queenstown - Auckland
Private transfer and flight to Auckland. Transfer to hotel for overnight
