Charming New Zealand

Day 1: AUCKLAND
Arrival at Auckland airport and private transfer to the hotel. Accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.

Known as the “City of Sails”, Auckland straddles a narrow isthmus between Waitemata Harbor on the Pacific Ocean and Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea. The city has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes. Cosmopolitan, with a population of around 1.4 million and a subtropical climate, Auckland has lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities guarantee a place among the five placed in the rankings of cities with the best quality of life.


Day 2:
AUCKLAND Take the ferry from Auckland, crossing the Hauraki Gulf for about 40 minutes to Waiheke Island, for a full-day tour. This beautiful island, which can be seen from Auckland, has beautiful beaches, vineyards, olive groves, native forest and charming seaside villages. During the tour, it is possible to try the succulent fresh oysters from New Zealand, award-winning olive oils and other local products, accompanied by wines from the island. It includes a one-course lunch at one of the region's best vineyard restaurants.


Day 3: AUCKLAND/CHRISTCHURCH - LAKE PUKAKI Private
transfer from the hotel to the airport to board a flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival in Christchurch, pick up the rental car, including GPS, for use for 5 days.

Drive about 3.5 hours from Christchurch to Lake Pukaki. Departing from Christchurch, the journey across the Canterbury Plains is through fields and farms, with water channels flowing through a wide bed of gravel. Continue through Ashburton, the center of sheep farming and wheat cultivation. The entrance to the lakes of the central Mackenzie Basin is the perfect place for a coffee stop. Continuing the trip, in the settlement of Lake Tekapo is the picturesque lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd.

Accommodation for 2 nights in the Lake Pukaki region, with half board.


Day 4: LAKE PUKAKI
The trip to New Zealand is made even more special with a helicopter ride.

Shared activity in a panoramic flight through the landscape of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, with beautiful views of this region. Disembark on a glacier for the experience of being in an alpine environment, with 600 meters of ice under your feet, and taking photos.


Day 5: LAKE PUKAKI - Ahuriri Valley
After checking out, drive for about an hour and a half to The Lindis lodge. Accommodation for 2 nights, with full board.

The stay includes:

• Full breakfast;
• Light lunch;
• Drinks and canapés before dinner;
• Dinner (without drinks);
• Minibar;
• Self-guided activities.
  
  

This unique and iconic luxury boutique hotel is located in the pristine Ahuriri Valley, near Omarama, and is surrounded on three sides by conservation parks. In addition to the combination of a beautiful building, with spectacular views, fine restaurants and activities for an impeccable experience, the hotel is in one of the ten best fly-fishing spots in the world, just a short walk from the lodge.

Hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking and horseback riding are also available. The inn's suites have a private bathroom, a king-size bed, private indoor and outdoor seating areas, and a gas fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the valley, creating a genuine connection with the region's nature.


Day 6: AHURIRI VALLEY In
the morning, hike for about an hour and a half accompanied by a lodge guide. A diverse range of native and exotic plants and wildlife are found in the Ahuriri Valley and surrounding wetlands.

In the afternoon, the suggestion is to rent an electric bike for a self-guided tour.


Day 7: AHURIRI VALLEY - QUEENSTOWN
After checking out at the hotel, drive for just over 2 hours to Queenstown.

Leaving the lodge on State Highway 8 heading south, the scenic drive to Lindis Pass leads through an area of high mountains covered in clumps. Following Queenstown, pass through vineyards in the Gibbston region and bungee jump on the Kawarau River Bridge.

Upon arrival in Queenstown, return the car and accommodation for 1 night, with breakfast.


Day 8: QUEENSTOWN - Te Anau Full-day private
tour to Milford Sound, ending at the lodge in Te Anau. The tour includes a cruise to Milford, hotel pickup and drop-off, and picnic-style lunch.

It is recommended to make stops for short walks on the way from Queenstown to Te Anau, with the possibility of having morning tea in Te Anau.

Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and embark on a cruise for about 2 hours on a small boat going from Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise offers excellent viewing opportunities of waterfalls, forest, mountains, and wildlife. Due to the length of the tour, it is possible to take some short walks and panoramic observation of various environments, with explanation and interpretation of the flora and fauna by the guide. Access to Gertrude Valley, Lake Gunn, and Marian Gantry, plus the more traditional stops at Mirror Lakes and The Chasm. The tour can be adapted to the weather and seasonality to avoid crowds and make the most of it.

Accommodation in Te Anau for 2 nights, with half board.

Located in a World Heritage area, Fiordland Lodge Te Anau offers style, comfort and privacy, and is the perfect base for exploring Fiordland National Park. All rooms, suites, and log cabins have incredible lake or mountain views. Inside, the open architecture reflects the vastness of Fiordland National Park and echoes the surrounding forest, in natural wood construction. The privacy of the 4-bedroom Owners' House is the perfect place to socialize, relax, and dine.


Day 9: TE ANAU Private Te Anau
tour, crossing Lake Te Anau to Cavern House. Hidden under the mountains is an underground network of caves illuminated by thousands of fireflies. A quiet boat ride on the submerged river allows you to observe the glowing fireflies in the cave. Back on the surface, return to Te Anau.

Note: This activity requires a certain level of agility due to the low entrance to the caves and the activities involved. Not suitable for wheelchair users or infants.

After the lunch stop (paid directly), tour to the Te Anau Bird Park and the Observation Point, ending at the Manapouri Alpaca Farm. Visit the Wild Wool Gallery, where fine, handmade alpaca accessories are available for purchase, along with alpaca wool, yarn, blankets, duvets, and other products.


Day 10: Te Anau - QUEENSTOWN
Return to Queenstown on a tour with driver and private guide.

The stretch from Te Anau to Queenstown is undoubtedly one of the most remote scenic routes in New Zealand. Stop at the Mavora Lakes Conservation Area, which was used in the filming of the movie The Lord of the Rings, a picturesque location surrounded by beech forest. There it is possible to take a short and pleasant walk through the pristine native forest, accessed by a swivel bridge. After the hike, continue through Mount Nicholas Station, descending to the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Accommodation in Queenstown for 2 nights, with breakfast.

A stay at Azur Lodge includes:

• Complimentary transfers from/to Queenstown airport;
• Full breakfast daily;
• Afternoon tea;
• Drinks and canapés before dinner;
• Minibar and snacks in the villa, including soft drinks and water;
• Complimentary transfers from/to downtown Queenstown.
  
  

Azur Lodge is a luxury lodge with beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains surrounding Queenstown. The property is on three acres of private hillside, just a five-minute drive from downtown Queenstown. There are nine independent, open-plan villas and a main lodge that serves as a focal point. The villas have a terrace and an open floor plan, with a cozy living room with a gas fireplace and a dining area with a floor-to-ceiling window.


Day 11: QUEENSTOWN Free
day for independent activities.


Day 12: QUEENSTOWN
Check out at the hotel, private transfer to the airport.


Note: Travel times while driving in New Zealand are considered uninterrupted travel.