Kia ora! Welcome to North Island!  After landing in Auckland, you’ll be picked up from the airport and brought to your hotel where you have the day to explore the city solo.  Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner where you’ll meet your co-adventurers.

Take a deep dive into Māori culture and traditions today as you visit Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. First settled by the Māori in 1325 CE, the area boasts 500 pools and seven active geysers. Meet locals from the lwi (tribe) and explore the Ngati Manawa's tribal lands, admiring Māori rock carvings. Dinner will be a traditional feast known as a Hāngi, where delicious local meat, fish and vegetables are cooked in a firepit. If that were not celebration enough, brace yourself for a thrilling Haka demonstration followed by a lesson in Māori weaponry.

Say farewell to your newfound whanau (family) and venture into the awe-inspiring Waimangu Volcanic Valley today. Marvel at its volcanic craters, hot springs, and unique flora. Glide across Lake Rotomahana, formed by Mount Tarawera's historic eruption. Then, journey to Taupo, home to the majestic Huka Falls. Conclude your day at a tranquil lodge in Taihape, renowned for its farm-to-table cuisine sourced from regenerative gardens.

Your morning will be dedicated to exploring the Laughing Moa trail via e-bike, winding through serene rural landscapes with stunning vistas at every turn. Pause for a scenic picnic lunch out on the trail, and take the rest of the afternoon to relax beside the river. This afternoon you can continue your gentle exploration of these bucolic landscapes by joining a walking trail or you could opt for a high-octane river rafting experience, the choice is yours. 

Continue the journey south to Kapiti Island, a nature reserve located off the west coast of New Zealand, celebrated for its pristine beauty, rich biodiversity, and epic views of the surrounding ocean. Access to Kapiti Island is restricted to guided tours only to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Enjoy a home-cooked meal washed down with some local wine before heading out on an after-dark Kiwi spotting walk with a local guide who knows the best places to spot them. Tonight as you bunk down in a cozy cabin located in an ecolodge, you’ll fall asleep to the various bird calls of Kiwi, Weka, Kaka, and Ruru.

Jet off to Christchurch today, New Zealand’s third-largest city, renowned for its English heritage and the picturesque Avon River winding through its heart. Enjoy a tour with a local guide taking in the city’s most popular sites, including the famous Cardboard Cathedral, and the River Markets. Head to one of our favorite restaurants this evening for a taste of local flavor during a group dinner.

Catch one of the most scenic train rides in the world today, that’ll take you through the heart of New Zealand to Greymouth. Ascend through breathtaking gorges and spectacular river valleys to Arthurs Pass, then descend to the lush West Coast via lush alpine rainforests. Drive south along the wild West Coast to Lake Moeraki, known for its mysteriously spherical beach boulders and top-notch seafood. Tonight you’ll dine at your lodge before settling in for the night.

Indulge in a day of solo exploration from your 5* wilderness lodge located in Te Waipounamu (South Island), which is nestled amidst lakes, rivers, rainforests, and stunning coastline. Nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies will relish the array of optional extra activities available, from heli-hiking and glacier kayaking to scenic helicopter flights. Or if you fancy an afternoon of self care and relaxation, book a treatment at the retreat’s luxury spa. 

Head inland today where you’ll meet conservationists from the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust, who are dedicated to protecting and enhancing indigenous biodiversity and connecting people with nature. Take a guided walk of the Blue Pools, natural wonders of pure glacial water gathered from the surrounding mountains. Learn about the native bush and wildlife, and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view. Your afternoon will be yours to spend exploring the serene alpine waters of Lake Wanaka at your own pace. You can even add on a scenic helicopter flight* for panoramic vistas of the lake and beyond.

This morning, venture to a local sheep station for an authentic glimpse into New Zealand farm life, complemented by a delicious locally sourced lunch. Later, journey to Te Anau on the shores of Lake Te Anau, renowned for its mesmerizing glowworm caves. Embark on a scenic cruise across the lake to reach the caves, where you'll explore on foot and by boat, marveling at the unique sight of luminescent glow worms.

Set out early to explore the untouched beauty of Doubtful Sound, a remote gem in Fiordland National Park. The fiord is often shrouded in mist, adding to the mysterious and ethereal atmosphere. Doubtful Sound is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, penguins, and various bird species. Traverse Lake Manapouri by boat and navigate the picturesque Wilmot Pass, known for its panoramas across New Zealand’s rugged landscape, before embarking on a wildlife-filled cruise. Return to Queenstown for a memorable farewell dinner.

Your journey through Middle Earth comes to a close today. Whether you're returning to the Shire or embarking on further quests in this wondrous land (check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to New Zealand for inspiration), may your travels be as epic as those of Frodo and the Fellowship. Haere rā, until next time.