Day 1 - Monday, 02 November 2026

Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand

On arrival at Auckland International Airport and after completion of customs formalities, your group will be transferred to our hotel.

Known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland city extends over a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean, and the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes. This cosmopolitan city has a population of around 1.7 million and the city’s subtropical climate, lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities consistently earns it a place in the top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys.

A melting pot of different ethnicities, Auckland is the world’s biggest Polynesian city. This diversity is reflected in the lively arts and culture scene, a wide range of food and craft markets, vineyards, a hip cafe culture and outstanding restaurants. The dozens of islands of the Hauraki Gulf form a distinctive aspect of the Auckland landscape and provide a magnet for boaties, fishing enthusiasts and hikers.

This evening we will meet up for our Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 - Tuesday, 03 November 2026

Today, we will make our way to Rotorua via Hobbiton.   Experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the rolling green hills on your way to the Movie Set. Your guide will then escort you around the 12-acre set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be fully guided on a walking tour through the Shire, journey past Bag End, explore the inside of our newly completed Hobbit Hole™ on Bagshot Row and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.

Rotorua is the centre of an extensive thermal region. Geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's fascinating power. Rotorua and the surrounding lakes provide some of the world's best trout fishing. The Maori culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this holiday city. Here you can enjoy the culture and entertainment of our native Maori people.

Day 3 - Wednesday, 04 November 2026

This morning we will walk from our hotel to the Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa for a Hosted Restorative Journey.

Our wellness journey begins with a karakia (prayer) before changing in the private changing rooms. Next is Te Iringa – step through 4 sequential cleansing shower/mist jets, on to Te Ahi Tupua (Fire & Ice) consisting of 3 saunas (Bio sauna, Himalayan salt sauna, Hay sauna), a wade pool for cooling the body after each sauna and the frigidarium room (shaved ice and two ice cold buckets) for stimulation and revitalisaton. Up next is the bathing experience overlooking Lake Rotorua to Mokoia Island. There are 5 pools to enjoy two mineral pool s at 37 40 C, a cold water plunge at 12 C (improve circulation and restore tired muscles), the herbal pool at 37 38 C (surrounded by indigenous kawakawa and koromiko plants, to provide aromatherapy benefits and support and the hydrotherapy pool at 34 C (with massaging jets). Follow this with Papatūānuku - using the restorative powers of mud to self-apply to the body on heated stone beds. Afterwards is Kohu Wai Ariki - a heated steam room to soften and wash away the mud.

Our journey ends with a closing karakia (prayer) before final shower/changing.

Lunch is at your leisure today.

Later this afternoon, we will be transferred to Te Puia for an evening of Maori culture.

Our 4.5 hour shared Maori cultural experience includes a 90 minute guided tour followed by a Hangi dinner and cultural performance. We will be guided through the greenstone, wood carving and flax weaving schools at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pā, Kiwi Conservation Centre and Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley including Pōhutu geyser. Te Puia's world-famous hāngī buffet dinner is served in Pātaka Kai Restaurant, Bar & Café. Beverages are at own cost. The cultural performance will take place a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and steamed pudding surrounded by steam and the geyser terrace bathed in coloured light.

Day 4 - Thursday, 05 November 2026

This morning we'll embark on a 4.5 hour tour visiting Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks, Wai O Tapu and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Our local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. See volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moon like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley, learn about the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 5 - Friday, 06 November 2026

We will be transferred to the Rotorua Airport in time for our flight to Christchurch.

Often referred to as the Garden City, Christchurch features many majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, the most notable of which is expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. Bordering the park you will find the botanical gardens and Gothic revival buildings that house Christ College. The Avon River gently winds its way around these inner city landmarks and out through sprawling suburbs to the Pacific Ocean.

Visitors to Christchurch today will witness a virtual rebirth of the city rebuilding following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The urban city centre is full of new secrets to discover. Prepare for new architecture and immense street art, cocktail bars and bustling restaurants, laneways and green public spaces.

In contrast to the flat cityscape and the surrounding Canterbury Plains, the skyline to the south is dominated by the tussock and rocky outcrops of the Port Hills. The hills separate the city from the volcanic Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour, where English settlers arrived by ship in 1850 to establish New Zealand’s first city.

Upon arrival in Christchurch, we will be transferred to our hotel.

This evening we will enjoy a unique dining experience onboard the Christchurch Tramcar Restaurant. On this 2.5 hour tour, experience a unique way to view the inner city while enjoying a delicious evening dinner in a luxury 36-seater air-conditioned, colonial style dining Tram. We will be treated to the finest service, cuisine and beverages while taking in the heritage of Christchurch City – truly a mix of the old and the new.

Day 10 - Saturday, 07 November 2026

Today we will make some local visits to Starcrest Farm, Ashford Woollen Mill and if time permits, Wild Earth Yarns.

Day 11 - Sunday, 08 November 2026

Today we will travel just north of Christchurch to visit Amikihia Knits.

Day 12 - Monday, 09 November 2026

Today we depart Christchurch and travel across the Canterbury Plains - an area of braided rivers and pastoral perfection between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. This area produces more than 80% of New Zealand's grains, crops and seeds. The longest bridge in New Zealand takes you across the Rakaia River, a typical New Zealand ‘braided river’ where numerous channels of water flow across a wide gravel bed. As you travel south, take time to explore the regions many charming rural towns. Visit local museums in Ashburton, shop for arts and crafts in Geraldine, and discover Maori rock art in Timaru. You may like to spend some time wandering the street of Oamaru where you will find New Zealand's best 19th century architecture. A must see attraction here is the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. 

The road from here to Dunedin is lined with breathtaking beaches and fascinating geology. Visit Moeraki where giant perfectly round boulders lie strewn across the beach. At Katiki Point, see fur seals and yellow-eyed penguins resting alongside the Moeraki Lighthouse. Continue through Leith Valley into the quirky city of Dunedin. 

We will spend the next two nights at Larnach Castle.  The Castle was built from 1871 by William Larnach, a man of great vision who helped shape New Zealand’s early history. It took 200 workmen three years to build the shell and a further twelve years were spent by master craftsman to embellish the interior. The Lodge was was built within the grounds of Lanarch Castle. Lodge rooms are located on the seaward side of the Castle with spectacular views of the Otago Harbour and Peninsula.

Day 13 - Tuesday, 10 November 2026

We have two fun knitting workshops taught by kiwi knit instructor.

Day 14 - Wednesday, 11 November 2026

Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Drive past a superb collection of classic Victorian and Edwardian buildings including cathedrals, the University of Otago and the courthouse. Enjoy a stroll through Dunedin Botanic Gardens which features 25 organized plant collections, herbaceous borders, formal gardens, and a rock garden, along with many specimen trees. It is New Zealand's first botanic garden and holds the status of Garden of International Significance. Later visit Baldwin Street which is considered the world's steepest residential street. It takes about ten minutes, just to walk about 350 metres! Then return to Dunedin city for a drive past Dunedin Railway Station which has been described as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. Return to your hotel via the Octagon which is an eight-sided plaza bisected by the city's main. The Octagon is predominantly a pedestrian reserve, with grass and paved features, and is surmounted by a statue of the Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Day 15, Thursday, 12 November 2026

Today’s drive will take you along the Southern Scenic Touring route with a number of scenic highlights along the way. Balclutha, approximately one hour into your journey, is the northern gateway to the Catlins Region. At Otanomomo, opt for the coastal route through the small seaside town of Kaka Point with the option of a short side trip to iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse.

Back on the main route, just before you reach the town of Owaka, another short side trip to Surat Bay is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. A walk through sand dunes is a great way to experience the world’s rarest sea lions. Owaka is also the last place to stock up on groceries if you’re staying at remote Curio Bay. As you continue your drive, just as you exit the small township of Papatowai, a stop at The Lost Gypsy (closed Wednesdays and throughout winter), a gallery and museum full of quirky automata and curios, is a must. Waterfalls are plentiful along this drive with the highest and most spectacular one being McLean Falls, which is well signposted and reachable via 20-minute bushwalk.

If time permits, we'll travel down the coastal route via Curio Bay. With a little luck, you will see the local pod of Hector's dolphins (the world's smallest dolphins) play in the surf. A visit of the nearby petrified forest at Curio Bay is also recommended. Back on the road and soon after Curio Bay, a short side trip takes you to Slope Point, the geographically southernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island. The views across the Southern Ocean are breath-taking. Reconnect with the main route to Fortrose and on to Invercargill.

After lunch we'll travel north across the fertile Southland plains, one of the most productive areas in New Zealand to the junction of Lumsden. The road branches west to Lake Manapouri, one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand, continue on to Lake Te Anau, the South lsland's largest lake and the gateway to spectacular Fiordland.

The name Te Anau is probably more correctly rendered in its original Maori form - Te Ana-au - which means 'Cave of the Swirling Water'. Beautifully located on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake, Lake Te Anau, and with the majestic Southern Alps panorama as a backdrop, the small town is a haven for outdoor and nature enthusiasts. It is considered the gateway to Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, as well as some of New Zealand’s best hiking tracks, such as the Milford, Kepler, and Routeburn Tracks.

The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 16, Friday 13 November 2026

After breakfast we will travel the short distance to Manapouri for the start of our overnight Doubtful Sound experience.

Depart Manapouri and cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri. Disembark at West Arm and travel by coach over Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest to Deep Cove. Board our overnight vessel, which was designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordland’s heritage. From Deep Cove we will explore Doubtful Sound viewing the wilderness scenery and wildlife. You may be lucky enough to see fur seals, dolphins and in season rare penguins. Our vessel will anchor overnight in one of Doubtful Sound’s hidden arms with opportunities to go kayaking or to explore the shoreline on the tender craft. This evening enjoy a delicious three-course buffet meal (beverages at own expense). The following morning, enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast before returning to Deep Cove. Return directly to Te Anau via Manapouri, arriving early afternoon.

Day 17, Saturday 14 November 2026

After breakfast, we travel to Queenstown and then onto Glenorchy. 

Make the scenic journey from Manapouri to Glenorchy traveling through beautiful farmlands and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. 

Although the Glenorchy-Queenstown Highway is short in distance and only takes 45 minutes from start to end it is easily one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads. This incredible road skirts alongside beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Towering mountains provide the most epic backdrop for the drive. You’ll find swimming spots, hiking trails, Lord of the Rings filming sites, and lots of photo ops along the way.

Glenorchy is a true slice of New Zealand paradise. The 45 minute scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu is a highlight in itself. Glenorchy is located at the northern end of the lake and at the edge of both Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. 

It is surrounded by snow-capped Mountains, pristine lakes and rivers and beech forest and has provided the backdrop for many films including The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Narnia. The surrounding area is a true mecca for outdoor lovers to explore by jet boat, canoe or kayak, or even on a horseback. Grab your hiking boots for one of many spectacular walking tracks including one of New Zealand's Great Walks, the popular Routeburn Track.

We'll be spending the next three nights at Headwaters Eco Lodge Glenorchy

The property has elegantly appointed private chalets offering modern luxury eco accommodation. Each chalet features a king-sized bed, ensuite bathroom with a walk-in rain shower, high-quality linens and amenities and is furnished with original New Zealand artworks. A covered outdoor veranda provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the lodge’s secluded native gardens featuring sculptures, stone mosaic walkways and a covered outdoor fireplace.

Day 18, Sunday 15 November 2026

Discover and explore every aspect of this magnificent area with an exciting 2 hour wilderness jet boating experience. Surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time, you’ll be thrilled by an exciting jet boat journey navigating the ever-changing shallow channels of the Dart Rivers braided river system. Your jet boat driver will stop along the way to highlight points of interest and discuss the natural and cultural significance of this exceptional area. We’ll also take the chance to tie up the boat and let you walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests – an atmosphere you may recognize from The Lord of the Rings films. 

After lunch we have another knitting workshop with a well-known Kiwi podcaster and knit instructor.

Day 19, Monday 16 November 2026

The morning is free time to enjoy this beautiful eco lodge.

After lunch we have our final knitting New Zealand knitting workshop.

Day 20, Tuesday 17 November 2026

This morning we make the journey back to Queenstown traveling alongside beautiful Lake Wakatipu. We'll stop at Bennett's Bluff Lookout for a photo op. Bob's Cove also offers a short but rewarding hike to a gorgeous viewpoint over Lake Wakatipu and is an absolute must on a clear day.  If you don't want to make the short hike, relax on the beach, walk around the jetty, or just take a few pictures before we continue onto Queenstown. 

Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a year-round alpine resort nestled in a magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range rising from the lake. The town is compact enough to travel around on foot and features a great range of restaurants, bars and boutique stores. The lake was created by glacial action thousands of years ago and a mysterious phenomenon causes the lake to vary several inches in depth every few minutes, giving credence to a Maori legend of an ancient Taniwha (demon) still breathing beneath the surface.

Late this afternoon, we'll step aboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a 40 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Onboard, the Captain provides an interesting commentary as we take in the spectacular views of Cecil and Walter Peaks and the western shores of Lake Wakatipu. The original steam engines can be seen in operation from the open viewing area and you are welcome to visit the Fo’c’cle Gallery to view the historic displays. Disembark the TSS Earnslaw at Walter Peak where we are escorted through the lakeside gardens to the recently refurbished Colonel’s Homestead and seated for dinner. Relax in the unique ambience in front of a roaring open fire and soak in the views from this stunning lakeside setting while the chefs prepare a gourmet BBQ on the grill. There’s a selection of succulent New Zealand meat and seafood accompanied by delectable seasonal salads, tasty dessert treats and local cheeses. All meat and seafood is cooked on the BBQ and rotisserie in front of guests. A locally influenced wine list and other beverages are available to purchase at the bar. After the meal join an entertaining farm experience which gives an insight into life in the New Zealand high country including a sheep shearing demonstration.  The night-time cruise home is magical. Join in the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist.

Day 21, Wednesday 18 November 2026

After breakfast we will depart for a day in Arrowtown, Wanaka and Touch Yarns in Clyde.

Arrowtown is a historic former gold mining town. Located a 20 minute drive from Queenstown, this delightful village has maintained its rich heritage and historic buildings and is now a vibrant destination with world class food and beverage offerings, shopping and attractions. A highlight is the Chinese settlement at the edge of the river. Built by the Chinese miners in 1868, this area of restored shelters and buildings paint a picture of earlier times.

Wanaka is a popular tourist resort on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka. The Cardrona Valley near Wanaka was the scene of a small goldrush in 1862. Prior to 1940 the settlement of Wanaka, the town was known as Pembroke and it has retained the flavour of a typical New Zealand holiday town, in comparison to Queenstown which has become an international resort. Wanaka is now mainly a tourist resort surrounded by mountain scenery and a ski resort in winter.

Day 22, Thursday 19 November 2026

Today we will be tranferred to the Queenstown Airport in time to check-in for our flight to Auckland.

Day 23, Friday 20 November 2026

This morning we will take the 40 minute ferry across to Waiheke Island to start our 5.75 hour tour of this trendy island.  We commence with a drive along the scenic northern route, taking in spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf and beyond to the Coromandel Peninsula. we'll visit two vineyards for wine tasting with a delicious vineyard platter-style lunch at the second vineyard, including a glass of wine. If time allows, after lunch we'll head towards Onetangi, a 1.87-kilometre long, north-facing beach with beautiful old Pohutukawa trees on the foreshore. For many years it has been the site of the Onetangi Beach Races. We'll return to Auckland by ferry before dinner.

Evening at leisure.

Day 24, Saturday 21 November 2026

We say goodbye to New Zealand today.  Make your own way to the Auckland Airport in time for your international flight home.