Indulgent Kiwi

ItineraryDay 1: Auckland
Arrive into Auckland after your international flight. Be met and transferred to your boutique hotel by private air-conditioned car.
Overnight: Mollies Boutique Hotel, Auckland.

Days 2 - 3: Waiheke Island
Today you will be transferred to Waiheke Island, where the Boatshed hotel awaits you. The Boatshed combines the nautical heritage of New Zealand with fine accommodation, excellent cuisine and a relaxed elegance; with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean - it is perhaps the ultimate, boutique seaside hotel. Rediscover the simple pleasures; stroll amongst an eclectic mix of award-winning vineyards, sophisticated alfresco restaurants, holiday homes, artists' studios and galleries, with golden sandy beaches for swimming and adventures. Perhaps enjoy a facial, before joining other guests for a memorable Pacific Rim feast, a private seafood platter for two on the balcony or some old fashioned comfort food in front of the fire (own expense).
2 Night Stay: The Boat Shed, Waiheke Island. B (Day 3 only)

Day 4: Auckland
Today you leave Waiheke Island and head back to the mainland. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the wonders of ‘The City of Sails’. Auckland is known for its beautiful scenery and first class food and wines.
Overnight: Mollies Boutique Hotel, Auckland. B

Day 5: Auckland – Rotorua
Today pick up your Hertz rental car from the downtown office and depart for Rotorua.
2 Night Stay: Peppers on the Point, Rotorua.

Day 6: Rotorua Thermal Region
Welcome to Rotorua, the centre of Maori Culture. Why not relax and enjoy one of the main spas and mud baths that Rotorua is famous for. Book into the Polynesian Spa, New Zealand’s leading international spa, where facilities include 27 hot mineral pools and the Lake Spa Retreat which offers a comprehensive range of spa, body and skin therapies in a luxurious private relaxation haven (own expense). For the more adventurous of you, why not add to your trip an unforgettable scenic flight over to White Island, an active volcano located 52km off the coastline and experience an awe-inspiring guided tour on this volcanic Mountain Island (optional extra, please ask for details). B

Day 7: Napier - Hastings
Depart Rotorua and take the short drive to Napier, home to one of New Zealand’s most famous wine regions - Hawkes Bay. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, exploring the picturesque town of Napier.
Overnight: Greenhill the Lodge, Hastings. B

Day 8: Food, Wine and Maori Culture – Wellington
This morning start your day with a spiritually moving Powhiri (Maori welcome) on top of the legendary Te Mata Peak (weather permitting). Talk with the Maori kaumatua, hear his stories and gain an understanding of all things Maori. Enjoy a snapshot of Hawke's Bay - the food, the wines and the people. Meet food producers and taste their delicious products, including wonderful wines. You will have the opportunity to visit fascinating artists and their works and take in the stunning local scenery. A platter lunch at a winery restaurant is included. This afternoon depart for Wellington.
2 Night Stay: The Bolton Hotel, Wellington. B, L

Day 9: Wellington at Leisure
Today explore the Capital City of New Zealand. Wellington combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village. With a wide range of things to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. Why not visit Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand, get up close and personal with the wildlife at Wellington Zoo or relax and shop the day away on Lambton Quay, home to many Boutique shops as well as a wide range of restaurants and cafes.

Day 10: Wellington – Picton – Christchurch
Board the Interisland Ferry from Wellington for your cruise across the Cook Strait to the picturesque South Island. Enjoy mesmerising views of the Marlborough Sound and its deep channels and secluded bays, including Queen Charlotte Sound. This afternoon arrive in the seaside settlement of Picton and continue on your journey through to Christchurch - a home away from home.
2 Night Stay: The Charlotte Jane.

Day 11: Hot Air Ballooning
This morning you will be picked up from the Charlotte Jane and transferred to Methven. An early daybreak start takes you to see pristine views of Mt Cook, the National Park Mountains, plus a full 300km panoramic view of the entire Canterbury Plains - by Mt Hutt. Your tour concludes with a buffet champagne breakfast, set up as a picnic in a farmer's field. Return transfers from Methven to the Charlotte Jane are all included. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the city of Christchurch. This evening return your Hertz rental car to the Downtown office. B

Day 12: Greymouth, Kapitea Ridge
A private transfer awaits you this morning for your departure on the magnificent TranzAlpine rail journey. Rated one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys, the TranzAlpine travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you will see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rainforest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. Pick up your Hertz rental car and continue your journey onto Kapitea Ridge. The lodge is located between Hokitika and Greymouth, and lies amongst 22 hectares of prime coastal land with panoramic views over the wild beaches and indigenous rainforest.
Overnight: Kapitea Ridge. B

Day 13: Franz Josef Glacier
This morning continue your journey onto Franz Josef, where your scenic flight over the glaciers awaits you. Fly over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers and marvel at the mantle of pure white snow as you land at the head of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. This landing site is the perfect place to view the incredible natural phenomenon of the glaciers, as they wind slowly down the carved valleys from their origin in the mountains high above you.
Overnight: Glenfern Villas, Franz Josef. B

Day 14: Queenstown
Your journey continues today with a scenic drive south to Queenstown. We recommend a lunchtime stop at Wanaka, due to the long drive (own expense). This afternoon arrive into Queenstown. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoy the spectacular scenery at the resort.
3 Night Stay: Millbrook Resort Queenstown.

Day 15: Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Flight
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and journey along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, through Kingston and Mossburn to Te Anau. "The Key", an aptly named village, opens the door to the Fiordland National Park. Continue on through the Eglington Valley to the Mirror Lakes, before following the "Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain", past Cascade Creek and Lake Gunn and on to The Divide. Proceed through the Hollyford Valley to the Homer Tunnel, a man-made tunnel cut out of the rock wall, to emerge into the Cleddau Valley and on to Milford Sound. Join your Milford Sound Cruise and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. After your cruise, return to Queenstown on a scenic flight, taking in Sandfly Point, Sutherland Falls, Lake Quill, the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak. B, L

Day 16: Queenstown
Spend today at leisure enjoying the wonderful sights of Queenstown or simply relax and enjoy the activities and attractions that Millbrook Resort has to offer. With activities ranging from fishing, boating and golf, to horse trekking and water skiing - you will be spoilt for choice. B

Day 17: Queenstown
Spend the morning at leisure. This afternoon return your Hertz rental car and depart Queenstown for your international flight home. B