Tailored Itinerary for Personal Travel Assist
6th January 2025 - 18th January 2025
Summary Itinerary
Included below is a brief itinerary, upon booking a far more detailed itinerary will be provided.
Day 1 – 6th January 2o25
Arrive into Queenstown Airport (own arrangements). On arrival collect your hire car & make your way to your accommodation. Enjoy this afternoon at your leisure.
Accommodation: The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
Day 2 – 7th January 2025
9am (or 1pm) depending on availability: The incredible Milford Ultimate Experience!
On your return make your way into Queenstown for lunch.
This afternoon we can recommend further activities or you may prefer to spend at your leisure.
6.30pm: Original Onsen Experience.
These idyllic cedar-lined hot tubs have long been a highlight for Queenstown visitors and locals alike. A unique kiwi twist on a Japanese tradition, our exclusive use pools are filled with pure water from the surrounding mountains which is heated to approx. 38.3 degrees. Ideal for individuals or groups of up to 4 people, all guests receive towels plus a complimentary drink and snack to enjoy during your rejuvenating soak.
• Gives you exclusive use of one of our classic cedar tubs for 60 minutes as you kick back & relax.
• Panoramic views of the mountains across the Shotover River.
• These pool rooms have wooden side walls and a retractable roof so you can switch from an indoor to an outdoor experience at the push of a button.
7.30pm: Enjoy dinner in Queenstown before returning to your accommodation.
Accommodation: The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
Day 3 – 8th January 2025
Drive over to Arrowtown, visit Ayrburn for lunch, then drive to Puzzle World near Wanaka, explore Wanaka then return to Queenstown at your leisure.
Day 4 – 9th January 2025
Take the 3 hour scenic drive north to Lake Tekapo.
Enjoy this afternoon at your leisure (visit the iconic Church, visit the petting zoo, or we could book in a scenic 4WD tour)
10.45pm: Tonight enjoy ‘Soaking in the Stars‘ at Tekapo Hot Springs.
Accommodation: Grand Suites, Lake Tekapo
Day 5 – 10th January 2025
Drive further north to Christchurch today. Enjoy exploring the city at your leisure. Visit the Botanical Gardens & enjoy dinner along the Terrace or at Riverside.
Accommodation: The Observatory
Day 6 – 11th January 2025
Today drive further north to Kaikoura.
Arrive in Kaikoura, explore & enjoy lunch at a local cafe.
12.45pm: Check in at Whale Watch Kaikoura
1.15pm: Whale Watching
4.45pm: Return & drive to your accommodation 5 minutes South of Kaikoura.
Enjoy this evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: Fyffe Country Lodge
Day 7 – 12th January 2025
Drive to Blenheim (1.5 hours) for your flight to Wellington.
1.30pm: Depart Blenheim
2.00pm: Arrive Wellington
Collect your hire car & make your way to your accommodation
Accommodation: Museum Apartment Hotel
Day 8 – 13th January 2025
Drive from Wellington to Taupo. This drive is approximately 5 hours. There are plenty of small towns to stop along the way.
4pm: Huka Jet : The Huka Jet Boat experience offers an exhilarating, high-speed ride along the Waikato River, taking passengers thrillingly close to the base of the powerful Huka Falls in New Zealand.
Accommodation: Hilton Hotel
Day 9 – 14th January 2025
This morning drive (30 minutes) to Ōrākei Geothermal Park, this is a natural wonder in New Zealand, featuring vibrant geothermal pools, bubbling mud pots, and impressive geysers, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the Earth’s geothermal activity.
1pm: Maori Carvings Scenic Cruise: Enjoy a Scenic Cruise viewing Maori Carvings on Lake Taupō. Get up close and personal to the Ngātoroirangi Māori carvings, and appreciate the culture and craftsmanship in a relaxed setting. Take a stunning tour of Lake Taupō’s bays as you cruise along the coastline. The journey is 90 minutes with an extended viewing time and educational commentary of the region, history, and cultural significance of the carvings themselves. Enjoy a homemade muffin and a hot beverage of your choice.
Accommodation: Hilton Hotel
Day 10 – 15th January 2025
11.45am: Take the scenic gondola ride to & enjoy panoramic views of Rotorua and its surroundings.
With stunning panoramic views of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding Rotorua city taking centre stage, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring a buffet of award-winning culinary delights lovingly prepared by talented chefs.
After lunch head to the Skyline Luge area (x5 luge included)
6.15pm: You will be collected from your accommodation & taken on the Mitai Maori Cultural Experience & Dinner Buffet (Very limited shuttle availability so self drive may be necessary)
9.30pm: Return to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua
Day 11 – 16th January 2025
7.00am: Drive from Rotorua to Hobbiton Movie Set (1 hour drive) for your 2.5 hour tour, starting at 8.40am from the Shires Rest.
11.15 Drive from Hobbiton to Otorohanga Kiwi Centre (1 hour drive)
Arrive & explore at your leisure.
1.10pm: Drive a further 15 minutes to Waitomo Caves
1.30pm: Check in at Waitomo Caves
2.00pm: Guided tour through Waitomo Caves
3.00pm: Drive to your accommodation in Auckland (2 hours, 20 minutes)
Accommodation: Sofitel Auckland
Day 12 – 17th January 2025
11am: A unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America’s Cup yacht – we offer everyone the opportunity to sail these grand-prix racing machines, no experience necessary.
With guidance from the professional crew you will become part of the team sailing this authentic race vessel. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or sit back relax and enjoy the action as we sail the beautiful Waitemata Harbour.
Highlights:
- Opportunity to participate in sailing as part of our crew; take the helm or exert energy on the grinders with guidance from our professional crew
- Sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the city from the water
- Enjoy an informative commentary from our knowledgeable crew about the harbour, the America’s Cup and its history
Accommodation: Sofitel Auckland
Day 13 – 18th January 2025
9.00am: You will be collected from your accommodation for a privately guided Wild West Coast Tour (6 hours):
Auckland West Coast has so much to offer from Lush Rain Forests, famous black sand surf beaches, Waterfalls, and wine trails.
We will take you on an adventure on the Wild West of NZ’s North Island to discover one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand.
Explore the famous Black Sands of Piha Beach and view the famous Lion Rock.
Watch the incredible cascading Waterfalls running in the middle of the lush forest and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Visit the Cultural Arataki Centre where you will get an amazing panoramic view over the Waitakere Ranges and learn about the Maori background of the land.
Explore one of the oldest wineries in New Zealand for a wine-tasting experience & lunch.
This afternoon make your way to Auckland Airport & return your hire car before taking your departure flight home.
Accommodation
Includes all accommodation as follows:
- 3 nights in an Executive Lake View Hotel Room at The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments, Queenstown
- 1 night in an Executive Studio at Grand Suites, Lake Tekapo
- 1 night in a Royal Skylight Room at The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch
- 1 night in a Courtyard Place Room at Fyffe Country Lodge, Kaikoura
- 1 night in a Studio Apartment at Museum Apartment Hotel, Wellington
- 2 nights in a King Junior Suite at Hilton Lake Taupo
- 1 night in a Boutique Suite at Regent of Rotorua, Rotorua
- 2 nights in a Superior Room at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Activities
Includes all activities as follows:
- Ultimate Milford Experience (Private)
- Onsen Hot Pools (Private)
- Puzzle World (Self guided)
- Tekapo Hot Springs Soaking in the Stars Experience (Shared)
- Whale Watching in Kaikoura (Shared group experience)
- Huka Jet Experience (Shared group experience)
- Orakei Geo Thermal Park (Self guided)
- Maori Carvings Scenic Cruise on Lake Taupo (Shared group experience)
- Skyline Gondola with buffet lunch included at Stratosfare + 5 luge rides
- Mitai Maori Cultural Experience & Buffet Dinner (Shared group experience)
- Visit Otorohanga Kiwi Centre
- Guided tour through Waitomo Caves (Shared group experience)
- America’s Cup Sailing Experience (2 hours – shared group experience)
- Wild West Coast Private Tour (English guide) *Lunch included*
Transport
- Hire Cars:
-6th January – 12th January – Intermediate SUV: Nissan X-Trail or similar (South Island)
12th January – 18th January – Intermediate SUV: Nissan X-Trail or similar (North Island)
- Flights:
-Blenheim to Wellington (Air New Zealand, Economy)
Cost
NZD$31,709
USD $19,252*
Prices are based on 2 adults
•This quote is valid for 7 days from 14th October 2024 and subject to availability
•All prices include tax
•Prices are for cash payment, credit card payments will incur a 3% fee
•Luxury Adventures strongly advise travel insurance, please ask if you would like a quotation.
*References to other currencies are estimates based on exchange rates current at the time of preparing your quote. The actual amount in your local currency will depend on exchange rates applicable on the day of booking/payment.
Payment
To confirm your package Luxury Adventures requires a deposit of 25% of the total package cost. This booking deposit is non-refundable. The deposit secures airfares, accommodation and activity bookings etc. Full payment for the package is required 60 days before tour commencement. If a booking is made less than 60 days before tour commencement, then payment is required in full at the time of booking. All prices are quoted in NZ dollars unless otherwise specified. Prices include New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 15%. Payment can be made by direct bank (telegraphic) transfers, or credit card. Payments made by credit card will incur a transaction fee of 3% + GST. Our preferred method of payment is by direct bank (Telegraphic) transfer.
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