The journey
Think of New Zealand and you picture magical landscapes, indigenous Maori culture and world-class food and wines. Worldway Travels x A&K shines a light on all of that and more with private and exclusive activities such as a Maori village visit and a hands-on culinary class, making for a suitably epic immersion in this South Pacific-island destination.
Day 1
Arrive Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is found on New Zealand’s north island, set on a narrow isthmus framed by rolling hills. The city is a gleaming urban oasis on the doorstep of New Zealand’s wild frontier. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel, with immediate access to your room pre-registered by Worldway Travels x A&K. This afternoon, take in city highlights such as the Harbour Bridge, Eden Park, Mount Eden and Bastion Point. Later, join a
Day 2
Auckland – Foods and Wines of Waiheke Island
Board a ferry to Waiheke Island for a day of private food and wine tastings. Enjoy locallyproduced specialty foods, accompanied by wines from some of the island’s top boutique vineyards, followed by lunch at one of New Zealand’s top vineyard restaurants.
Day 3
Rotorua – A Visit to Hobbiton in the Shire
Venture through the lush pasturelands of Waikato to rural Matamata, the iconic MiddleEarth film location featured in the smash-hit movie trilogy of The Lord of the Rings. Privately tour Hobbiton, where J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary stories came to cinematic life. Continue into the highlands to Rotorua. Set on a lake near the center of New Zealand’s vast North Island, Rotorua boasts an astonishing wea
Day 4
Rotorua – Preserving the Kiwi and Maori Culture
Start your day with a guided geothermal walk for an up-close look at the bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers unique to this region. Then, partake in an Worldway Travels x A&K-exclusive experience as you enjoy a private tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery, a project **supported by Worldway Travels x A&K Philanthropy**. Observe the inner workings of a kiwi nursery and hatchery — the largest of its kind in the world — and hear about t
Day 5
Wellington – Indigenous Artifacts and Inspiring Views
Fly to Wellington, New Zealand’s trendsetting capital, where you encounter authentic “Kiwi” life. This relatively small city is nonetheless worldly, brimming with hip galleries, fascinating museums, craft breweries and trendy cafés. Upon arrival, visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to view its vast collection of cultural and indigenous treasures. Ascend by cable car to a scenic outlo
Day 6
Blenheim and Kaikoura – Marlborough Wine Country
Fly to Blenheim on New Zealand’s South Island, where you drive to the Omaka Heritage Centre for a behind-the-scenes tour. Then privately explore one of the Marlborough’s premier wineries and vineyards, tasting its fine wine. This afternoon, board the Coastal Pacific Train for a relaxing ride to Kaikoura, a picturesque rail journey that follows the rugged coast between the mountains and the sea. On
Day 7
Kaikoura – Whale Watching and Culinary Exclusive
Embark on an exciting whale-watching cruise, seeking out a breathtaking up-close encounter with sperm whales, the deep-diving species that was the model for Melville’s _Moby Dick_. You may also sight orcas, New Zealand’s tiny Hector dolphins or high-spirited dusky dolphins. Kaikoura also boasts a large concentration of seabirds, including albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. Back on land, proceed
Day 8
Queenstown – After the Gold Rush
Drive to Christchurch for your flight to Queenstown. Flanked by soaring mountains, this sophisticated enclave graces the shores of a pristine lake. It was once a Maori settlement and later a gold mining outpost. Today, it’s a hub for adventure. Upon touchdown, drive to nearby Arrowtown, a settlement established in 1862 during the Otago gold rush, which you have time to explore on your own.
Day 9
Queenstown – Magnificent Milford Sound
Board a flight to Milford Sound (weather permitting), taking in the stunning alpine views along the way. Once there, embark on a cruise of the sound’s majestic scenery. Glide on New Zealand’s southern fjords amid towering cliffs, viewing sparkling waterfalls and watching for wildlife. Return by air to Queenstown and later drive to a picturesque sheep and cattle station with a rich history. Meet yo
Day 10
Queenstown – Design Your Day
After a relaxing morning at leisure, enjoy one of these **Design Your Day** options.
Day 11
Depart Queenstown
After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
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