Itinerary Details
Swain Destinations: New Zealand Grandeur
Day 1 Welcome to Auckland
Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival you will be met by your driver and guide for a half-day introduction tour of the city before being delivered to your accommodation.
Experience first-hand why locals love this beautiful, geographically and culturally diverse city. Enjoy an extraordinary first impression of New Zealand and optimize your time on your first day in Auckland. The Auckland Private Tour will take in selected historical and cultural sites of significance, cityscapes, harbor views and coastlines, views of ancient volcanic peaks, and parks with unique flora and fauna in New Zealand's largest city.
The Hotel Britomart
Day 2 Waiheke Island Paradise Tour
The Waiheke Island Paradise is for the truly discerning wine fan. Your stunning and memorable day begins with the 45-minute ferry transfer from Auckland over to Waiheke Island. Once at the Island, begin your tour and taste wines at three premium boutique Waiheke vineyards. Enjoy a relaxed lunch, soak in the stunning coastal scenery, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on New Zealand's own Treasure Island of wine and food.
The Hotel Britomart
Meals: B, L
Day 3 Auckland to Taupo
After a short flight and drive, you'll arrive at Huka Lodge, set on the banks of the Waikato River and a mere stone's throw from the spectacular Huka Falls. True retreats in every sense, the Lodge Suites each open to the Waikato River, and are designed to offer personalized luxury and a harmonious flow with the natural landscape outside.
Huka Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 4 Huka Lodge Day at Leisure
Within the lodge grounds, take a leisurely stroll in the gardens, soak in the pool, enjoy a game of tennis, or try a game of petanque. Should you be drawn further afield, there is a variety of recreational activities available, including fly fishing, golf, sailing, river rafting, a jet boat tour, or heli adventure.
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Huka Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 5 Huka Lodge Day at Leisure
There are many tours available from Huka Lodge. Speak with your travel consultant to learn more about these experiences.
Huka Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 6 Taupo to Wellington
A short helicopter ride over Wellington and along the coastline of Palliser Bay lands you at the front of Wharekauhau Country Estate—a spectacular entrance! The lodge offers a relaxed, yet ultimately luxurious environment to soak in some New Zealand hospitality. Set on over 5,000 acres of private land, including rivers, forests and lakes, it commands spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean.
Wharekauhau Lodge And Country Estate
Meals: B, D
Day 7 Wharekauhau Farm Tour
No visit to Wharekauhau is complete without a tour of the surrounding farm. Bordered by the Rimatuka Ranges and Pacific Ocean, this classic New Zealand Romney sheep station features all the activities that have created New Zealand's legendary farming heritage. A springtime visit comes with a delightful perk—watching newborn lambs frolic in lush emerald fields is about as heartwarming as it gets.
Wharekauhau Lodge And Country Estate
Meals: B, D
Day 8 Wharekauhau Day at Leisure
Every day spent at Wharekauhau is a delight to the senses. Explore the grand lodge, each room with its own character, before stepping out to the magical courtyard and gardens. With 5,000 acres of private land, including ancient forests, peaceful lakes, rivers, and a wild and rugged coast, you have plenty of choices when it comes to a route for walking, mountain biking, or ATV quad bike adventures. Or enjoy a Hauora Spa treatment, each stemming from the Maori philosophy of total health and well-being.
Wharekauhau Lodge And Country Estate
Meals: B, D
Day 9 Wellington to Christchurch
A scenic drive leads you to the 1-hour flight from the North to South Island where a private car will take you to your accommodation just outside of Christchurch.
Otahuna Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 10 Otahuna Lodge Day at Leisure
Hundreds of thousands of daffodils greet guests to Otahuna Lodge each spring. Beyond the Daffodil Field are the spectacular 130-year-old grounds, which were laid out and cultivated under the direction of A. E. Lowe who trained at Kew Gardens, London. Winding walks through outdoor garden rooms and wooded areas are a highlight of a stay at Otahuna.
Other activities include a day trip to the seaside, a harbor cruise in search of dolphins, a train journey through the South Island's landscapes, fly fishing, hiking, biking, golf, a wine tour, or spa treatment.
Otahuna Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11 Christchurch to the Lindis Lodge
Today, you'll travel across the picturesque Canterbury Plains, passing through the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Tekapo and the Twizel region. Your journey continues to the equally stunning Ahuriri Valley, where the sophisticated luxury and Kiwi hospitality of the Lindis Lodge awaits.
The Lindis
Meals: B, D
Day 12 The Lindis Day at Leisure
Enjoy a wide range of on-site experiences for a truly memorable stay. Experience the thrill of valley gliding or enjoy a glass of pinot in the hot tub—or anything in between.
The Lindis
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13 The Lindis Day at Leisure
Area activities include horseback riding, walking trails, stargazing, e-biking, off-road buggy tours, and many other options.
The Lindis
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14 Lindis Lodge to Blanket Bay
Enjoy a leisurely drive through Queenstown to Blanket Bay, situated at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu.
Blanket Bay
Meals: B, D
Day 15 Milford Ultimate Helicopter Excursion
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Sip the pure waters of an alpine lake. Take in the majestic Milford Sound. Stroll along uninhabited beaches. See the blue ice on glaciers high in the Alps and the fjords' coastal rain forests. Feast on a gourmet picnic hamper and sip champagne. At each landing site, the helicopter will shut down for you to enjoy the quiet sound of the mountains. Perhaps a curious Kea, New Zealand's native parrot, will drop in to say hello.
Blanket Bay
Meals: B, L, D
Day 16 Boutique Wine Tour
Taste award-winning wines at four of the region's premium boutique vineyards. This exclusive tour ventures through three contrasting wine sub regions. Sit back and relax while your specialist Wine Guide takes you off the beaten track to explore the dramatic scenery and pioneering history.
Blanket Bay
Meals: B, L, D
Day 17 Blanket Bay to Queenstown Airport
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred by private vehicle from Blanket Bay to Queenstown Airport.
Meals: B
