Remarkable Journey: New Zealand

Let this trip inspire you, so together we can design your own Remarkable Journey.

Welcome to New Zealand, land of the Kiwi and Maori, the indigenous Polynesian people of the region. It is one breathtaking experience built on the next. From primeval forests, majestic mountain lakes, gorgeous fjords, pristine beaches, alpine peaks, mind-blowing hikes and the home of Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Surrounded by the Tasman Sea and South Pacific, New Zealand is one adrenaline rush away from an adventurer’s total nirvana.

Sail or kayak through the spectacular Bay of Islands.
Head to the Maori heartland of Rotorua and enjoy a local hangi meal.
Trek or four-wheel through the remarkable ranges outside Queenstown.
Hike New Zealand’s 12 great tracks across mountains, lakes and glaciers.
Overnight on a small yacht as you cruise beautiful Milford Sound.
Fasten your seatbelts for a Shotover River Jet Boat ride in Queenstown.
Take the bridge plunge at the home of bungee jumping.
Play a round of golf at Cape Kidnappers or Kauri Cliffs, two of the world’s most renowned courses.
Gaze at the southern night sky from the observatory atop Mount Cook.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Rotorua, New Zealand

After landing in Auckland, transfer for your short connecting flight to Rotorua, the cultural center for the native Maori population and the heart of several thermal reserves. Right away you will get a close up view of geysers, boiling water and mud pools. After you’ve settled into your accomodation, prepare for a region dotted with beautiful lakes, rugged volcanoes and lush rainforests filled with adventures like whitewater rafting, sledging, zorbing, luging, mountain biking, hiking and fishing!

Day 2

Rotorua, New Zealand

Start the day right in New Zealand’s amazing ecosystem on a fully guided adventure experience. Begin with a few hours of superb mountain biking in Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, then go rafting down a Kaituna River waterfall. You will build up an appetite during this adventure, so enjoy a delicious lunch in a local cafe and end your day kayaking on Lake Rotoiti to the hot pools of the region!

Day 3

Nelson, New Zealand

Fly early from Rotorua to Nelson, situated at the northwest corner of the South Island. Spend the day wandering through the art and craft shops in the city, and stop to enjoy the local vineyards supply of wines that pair well with the famous Nelson Bay scallops.

Day 4

Nelson, New Zealand

Cruise the forest-fringed bays and granite archways of the unique coastline into the best sea kayaking territory in Abel Tasman National Park. Stop off and enjoy exploring the wondrous headlands, coves and islands off the granite coast. Your guide will ensure the best experience based on the tides, weather conditions, and your interests and abilities.

This afternoon take time to relax on the beach, either swim or sunbathe on the golden sand. Make sure to spot the penguins and other sea birds along the coast!

Day 5

Nelson, New Zealand

For your last day in Nelson, you have the freedom to choose from a never-ending list of activities! You can further explore the South Island’s magnificent landscape and coastline on a hike or by renting mountain bikes to get your blood racing. If it’s relaxation you’re after, hot pools, vineyards and spectacular beaches will keep you entertained. Visit the award-wining Riwaka River Estate, a family owned award-winning vineyard.

Day 6

Hokitika, New Zealand

Rise early and drive to Hokitika, a town on the west coast of South Island. Much of the southern region of the west coast has been granted World Heritage status and this includes national parks, scenic reserves and the breeding grounds of the rare White Heron.

The route is beautiful as the scenery changes from the rainforest of the coast to the grasslands of the east. If you haven’t yet seen a Kiwi bird or Tuatara reptile, stop off at Hokitika’s National Kiwi Centre. Then spend some time at Gillespie’s Beach, home to an active seal colony. On a nice day, the mountain vista provided by the Southern Alps is simply breathtaking.

Day 7

Hokitika, New Zealand

Drive to the base of Fox Galcier, and prepare for the thrill of the fly-in, fly-out helihike! Fly to the top of the glacier and this life-changing opportunity gives you the chance to explore more parts of the glacier with spectacular ice caves and arches. With help from your guide, follow along the ice steps as you explore the amazing formations which are only seen here! Once you’re back at ground level, hop into your car and drive to Wanaka for your next days of adventure.

Day 8

Wanaka, New Zealand

Wake up in Wanaka, and experience what the locals call—a “small town with the big heart.” A sampling of activities includes: fly fishing, flight-seeing, trekking, tennis, heli-skiing and more! Relax among amazing vistas and find any adventure that suits you.

Day 9

Wanaka, New Zealand

Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Wanaka followed by a walk on Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve on Mou Waho Island.

Climb steadily through native bush to the top of Tyrwhitt Peak and marvel at a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka and its neighboring mountains and valleys with Arethusa Pool resting below.

Days 10

Milford Sound, New Zealand

This morning, drive from Wanaka to Milford Sound. Here, mountain peaks rise sharply and lush rainforest and majestic waterfalls abound. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot Fiordland Crested Penguin, Fur Seals or dolphins swimming in the bay.

Park your car and board your overnight cruise of Milford Sound and cruise the full length of this spectacular fjord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove.

Day 11

Queenstown, New Zealand

In the morning, dock at the harbor and drive down to Queenstown, South Island’s most popular resort town and the base for excursions into the surrounding mountains and nearby fjords. It is a place with extraordinary, natural beauty that changes with the seasons. Ski, ride, snowshoe, jet boat, whitewater raft, zipline, bungee jump, guided hikes, wine tasting tours, Lord of the Rings film sites, scenic flights, golf courses, scenic lake cruises, farm visits, luge, and gondola rides are only a sample of the activities you can experience here.

Day 12

Queenstown, New Zealand

Use one of your last days in New Zealand with an Ultimate Nature Experience—a spectacular 35km jet boat trip up the Dart River to the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. Walk through the primeval native forest and enjoy lunch by a mountain lake. During your Ultimate Nature Experience, take a nature walk and search for New Zealand’s Bush Robins, Fantails and Tomtits.

Day 13

Queenstown, New Zealand

Enjoy your final day in New Zealand exploring and wandering Queenstown as you wish. If you love golf, biking, walking, wine-tasting, sailing and fishing, then you will love Queenstown.