DEPART USA: Tuesday, February 16

Fly to New Zealand

This evening, board your wide-body transpacific flight to Auckland, New Zealand. In this overnight flight Wednesday, we cross the International Date Line in-flight and February 17th “disappears”. Arrive in Auckland early in the morning on February 18th, connecting to your Queenstown flight. (Inflight meals)

Day 1: Thursday, February 18

Arrive Queenstown

Tour begins. You will be met upon arrival at Queenstown International Airport (code ZQN) and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at the Sofitel Queenstown. (D)

OVERNIGHT: Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa (3 nights)

Day 2: Friday, February 19

Queenstown / Otago Wineries

Depart hotel at 11 am for a private tour and tasting at Felton Road, Akarua and Kinross wineries, the latter converted from a country church. This afternoon, stop for optional Bungy Jumping with the A.J. Hackett Company over (and even dipping into) the Kawarau River. This is a wonderful experience in which to participate and/or photograph. Anyone at any age can do this, provided there are no previous spinal issues. A.J. Hackett and company pioneered the commercial bungy jump here in Queenstown since 1988. End the day with a high elevation ride aboard the Skyline Gondola. This evening is at leisure to dine independently. (B,L)

VIDEO LINK

Day 3: Saturday, February 20

Queenstown Jet Boat / Otago Wineries Part 2

Start the day with a thrill-packed jetboat safari along the Shotover River. Afterwards, dry off and visit two Central Otago wineries: Peregrine and Brennan. In the afternoon, stroll through picturesque Arrowtown before returning to Queenstown. This evening, on the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station, arguably New Zealand’s most iconic sheep farm. Enjoy the wines of Tom Eddy with an authentic Kiwi lamb roast and various barbeque dishes. (B,D)

Day 4: Sunday, February 21

Fly from Queenstown to Christchurch

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Queenstown Airport for a short flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival we enter the “City of Churches” and visit Riverside Market. Dine independently in this eclectic food hall (similar to Napa’s Oxbow Market or Lyon’s Les Halles de Paul Bocuse). After lunch there is a brief sightseeing tour around the city, followed by “Punting on the Avon”, where we board canoe-like “punts”, poled along the Avon River by straw-hatted chaps in 19th century English dress. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful wine-paired dinner aboard the Christchurch Tram Car Restaurant, clickety-clacking its way along the city’s tram tracks. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: Crowne Plaza Hotel Christchurch by IHG (2 nights)

Day 5: Monday, February 22

Canterbury Wine Region

This morning we cross the Canterbury Plain to explore the Canterbury wine region. This area of broad plains and towering mountains spans 200km of the South Island’s eastern coastline, with the magnificent Southern Alps to the west and Pacific Ocean to the east. A cool, dry microclimate delivers good sunshine and a long growing season. Canterbury wines are renowned for their intense flavors, richness and complex fruits. Near Weka Pass, the vineyards produce elegant, expressive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. We will visit Black Estate, Greystone Wines and Waipara Hills wineries before returning to Christchurch. Dinner is at leisure this evening. (B,L)

Day 6: Tuesday, February 23

Christchurch to Blenheim

This morning depart early and travel north aboard the Coastal Pacific Train via Kaikoura to Picton, Upon arrival transfer to our private charter Mussel Boat, for an idyllic luncheon cruise on Cook Strait. Enjoy Green-shell Mussels, fresh oysters and other local delicacies washed down with the region’s renowned Sauvignon Blanc. Afterward journey 30 minutes to Blenheim. This evening is at leisure. (B, L)

OVERNIGHT: Scenic Marlborough Hotel (2 nights)

Day 7: Wednesday, Februrary 24

Blenheim Wineries

New Zealand’s citrusy Sauvignon Blanc is the country’s most successful varietal, enormously popular worldwide. Today is a massive immersion into the best of NZ Sauvignon Blanc and wine production. Upon arrival in Blenheim we will visit Cloudy Bay Winery, one of New Zealand’s most iconic and familiar premium wine brands for a tour and tasting. Afterward we do the same again at St. Clair Winery, whose 2014 Pioneer Block was ranked in the top ten chardonnays in the world. Then Framingham Winery for another private tasting. Finish the day with wine and canapes at Forrest Wines, which should suffice for dinner. (B,L,Canapes)

Day 8: Thursday, February 25

Fly Blenheim to Napier / Art Deco Walk

This morning transfer to Blenheim Airport for a short flight to Wellington, continuing to Napier. The entire city of Napier was rebuilt in 1930’s art deco style, after the terrible Hawke’s Bay earthquake of 1931. This afternoon enjoy a guided Art Deco walking tour of central Napier. This evening is at leisure to dine independently. (B)

OVERNIGHT: Art Deco Masonic Hotel (2 nights)

Day 9: Friday, February 26

Napier and the Best of Hawke’s Bay Wineries

The Hawke’s Bay appellation is New Zealand’s oldest and second largest wine region. The maritime climate here is similar to Bordeaux. Not surprisingly this is the primary source of the country’s red wine production, producing highly rated Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah wines. A local expert joins us today. Put on your wine goggles! Visit three premier wineries: with private tours and tastings at Elephant Hill, Church Road and Mission Estate, the latter founded in 1851 by French Marist priest. Follow this experience with a gourmet lunch at Church Road. Return to hotel mid-afternoon. Tonight is equally special. Enjoy a private tour and dinner at acclaimed Craggy Range Winery. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Saturday, February 27

Lake Taupo & Hula Falls to Rotorua

Depart Napier and travel to Rotorua, via Lake Taupo and stunning Huka Falls. Enjoy a gondola ride to the peak of Mt. Ngongotaha. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Stratosphere Restaurant. This afternoon, visit one of New Zealand’s tourism icons, the Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Valley. Stroll the bridges and walkways of this remarkable geothermal wonderland in the company of a Maori guide. Tonight, enjoy a Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance at award-winning Te Pa Tu, where the food is cooked entirely in the ground, heated by geothermal steam and boiling water. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: Pullman Rotorua (2 nights)

Day 11: Sunday, February 28

Rotorua Adventure Day

Rotorua is the adventure capital of New Zealand. Your director will have gone through the many different optional experiences available to you, from Zip Lining through native New Zealand forest, Zorbing down the mountain in a giant beach ball, Guided Nature Walks, riding the Skyline Gondola and driving your own Downhill Luge. There’s something fun and interesting here for everyone! The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy local attractions, spa and hot pools or simply stroll through Rotorua town. (B,L)

Day 12: Monday, March 1

Waitomo to Auckland

Depart Rotorua this morning for Auckland. En route, stop at Waitomo for a 45-minute boat ride through the world-renowned Glow Worm Caves. The glow worm (Arachnocampa luminosa) is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny radiating luminescent creatures create surreal overhead lighting on the cave ceilings and walls as we cruise in small boats along the underground river. Afterward lunch is included in the small North Island town of Te Kuiti, the self-proclaimed “Sheep Shearing Capital of the World”.Arrive in Auckland late afternoon. Dine independently this evening. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: Park Hyatt Auckland (2 Nights)

Day 13: Tuesday, March 2

Waiheke Island Wineries

Depart the hotel and transfer to the Auckland Ferry Terminal to board the Waiheke Reserve Ferry. We will visit 2 wineries today: Tantalus Estate and Stonyridge Vineyard for lunch. Tonight, dine at the Park Hyatt Auckland’s Onemata, one of New Zealand’s finest restaurants. Tonight’s meal is paired with the wines of Tom Eddy. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Wednesday, March 3

Auckland Day at Leisure – FLY HOME

Check out of our hotel by 11am. Your Tour Director will organize leaving your luggage in storage. We have a short Auckland City Sightseeing Tour, followed by lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free for independent exploration. Our escort will have plenty of suggestions. Ladies, this is the day for last minute shopping. Anything and everything made in New Zealand can be found in Auckland’s Queen Street shops. Late this afternoon, transfer by coach to Auckland International Airport for onward flights as we say Haere Ra (“farewell”) to New Zealand. The day lost in flight on the way down is regained as you again cross the International Date Line, arriving in the USA the same day. (B,L)