10-Day New Zealand Stay & Explore: Auckland & Queenstown Adventure

DAY 1 | Tuesday – Depart for New Zealand

Begin your unforgettable New Zealand journey. Depart from Los Angeles (or other departure cities) and get ready for a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes.

DAY 2 | Wednesday – En Route

Cross the International Date Line, skipping a day as you travel toward New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.

DAY 3 | Thursday – Arrive in Auckland

Welcome to Auckland, the “City of Sails,” famed for its vibrant harbors and yacht-filled waters.

• Transfer to your hotel and settle in

• Afternoon walking tour: Queen Street, historic Ferry Building, Viaduct Harbour

• Stop at the Sky Tower for panoramic views

• Evening orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at 6 PM

Overnight: Auckland | Meals: None included

DAY 4 | Friday – Full Day Waiheke Island Excursion

Cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island, renowned for its rolling vineyards, olive groves, pristine beaches, and rocky bays.

• Guided vineyard tour with wine tasting

• Scenic ferry return to Auckland

Overnight: Auckland | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5 | Saturday – Auckland War Museum & Cultural Performance

Morning exploration of Bastion Point and Mission Bay with views of Rangitoto Island.

• Visit the Auckland War Museum

• Learn about Maori culture and the significance of the haka

• Afternoon free to explore Auckland at your leisure

Overnight: Auckland | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6 | Sunday – Flight to Queenstown

Fly to Queenstown, the South Island’s adventure capital, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by majestic mountains.

• Walking tour through Queenstown Gardens and Steamer Wharf

• Views of Bob’s Peak and the Skyline Gondola

• Evening dinner at a local restaurant

Overnight: Queenstown | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7 | Monday – Full Day in Queenstown or Optional Walter Peak Farm Tour

Spend the day exploring at your own pace:

• Downtown Queenstown: boutique shops, art galleries, and cafés

• Optional Skyline Gondola ride for panoramic views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu

• Optional Walter Peak Farm Tour: cruise Lake Wakatipu, tour the high-country farm, learn about Kiwi farming life

Overnight: Queenstown | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8 | Tuesday – Full Day Milford Sound Adventure

Discover Milford Sound, a crown jewel of Fiordland National Park:

• Drive through lush rainforests and the glacier-carved Eglinton Valley

• Scenic cruise with views of Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and native wildlife (seals, dolphins, penguins)

• Return to Queenstown in the evening

Overnight: Queenstown | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9 | Wednesday – Optional Otago Winery Tour & Farewell Dinner

Optional day tour to Otago Wine Region, including:

• Cave tour and wine tastings in Central Otago

• Explore Kawarau Gorge and the historic gold mining sites

• Iconic Kawarau Bridge, birthplace of commercial bungee jumping

• Farewell dinner with your Tour Manager

Overnight: Queenstown | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10 | Thursday – Depart New Zealand

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.

Stay & Explore Package Includes:

• Small group travel with comfort and flexibility

• Flights: Los Angeles–Auckland–Queenstown–Los Angeles (other departure cities available)

• 7 nights first-class accommodations: 3 nights Auckland, 4 nights Queenstown

• 10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

• Guided sightseeing with local experts and English-speaking Tour Manager

• Modern air-conditioned vehicles and comfortable wireless earphones for touring

• Hotel porterage, taxes, service charges, and included transfers

• Tips for porters, wait staff, and local guides on included services

Tour Highlights:

• Cruise the Hauraki Gulf and explore Waiheke Island vineyards

• Learn about Maori culture at Auckland War Museum

• Explore Queenstown’s gardens, wharfs, and Skyline Gondola

• Scenic Milford Sound cruise through breathtaking fiordland landscapes

• Optional Otago wine tour and historic Kawarau Gorge

• Flexible Stay & Explore travel style: balance between included tours and leisure

Not Included: Optional tours and gratuities unless otherwise specified