New Zealand

Upon arrival in Auckland, transfer to our hotel for an early check-in and lunch before embarking on a walking tour of the central city of Auckland. Visit a variety of historic and contemporary buildings that house art spaces and learn about how public art is shaping the city. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner this evening.

This morning take a privately guided tour of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the guardian of the largest and most significant collection of Māori treasures in the world. At this quiet place of reflection, we see key symbols that link the spiritual past of the indigenous Māori to the present-day culture. After lunch embark on a private tour of the All Blacks Experience, a full sensory, interactive experience that allows you to connect with New Zealand and Māori art and culture, as well as gain insights into Kiwi lifestyle, attitudes, and humor. The rest of the day is free for independent exploration.

This morning we board our first private charter flight, from Auckland to Rotorua. Upon arrival in Rotorua, tour Te Puia, a place of rushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud and spectacular geysers. Our local Māori hosts lead us on a privately guided tour of Ohinemutu, an ancient Māori village where descendants of the original inhabitants still live today. In the late afternoon, we board our aircraft and fly to Wellington.

Head to the “Beehive,” New Zealand’s Parliament Building, to hear about the New Zealand government and the innovative technology used to quake-proof the city’s historic buildings. Enjoy lunch at a local favorite before visiting the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa for a guided tour. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.

This morning, reboard our aircraft for a flight to Blenheim. On arrival, visit a stunning Marlborough property to enjoy lunch showcasing local produce. This afternoon visit Mahi Wines for wine tasting and a behind-the-scenes look at their approach to the winemaking process during a tour of their barrel hall and cave cellar. Enjoy dinner at leisure this evening.

This morning tour the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which contains an impressive collection of aircraft and rare memorabilia in a mix of static displays and flyable planes. Have lunch at a local winery before driving to Picton to embark on a cruise of the Marlborough Sounds. Learn about aquaculture in the sounds as we cruise near a salmon farm and appreciate the verdant scenery while sampling some fabulous seafood and a superb Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Board our coach for a scenic drive to Christchurch, learning along the way about the major engineering that has been done to reopen the harbor, rails and roads after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on the coast of Kaikoura in November 2016. Stop in Kaikoura to enjoy lunch and take a walk in the coastal town, viewing the aftermath of the earthquake, before returning to the coach to continue on to Christchurch. Stop along the way at a working farm to see sheep dogs in action and learn about New Zealand's farming systems and current conservation efforts.

After breakfast embark on a guided walking tour of the city. See firsthand some of the areas affected by the devastating earthquakes and learn how Christchurch is rebuilding and preserving some of its iconic buildings. End with a punt along the tranquil Avon River. After lunch take a guided walking tour of the Botanic Gardens. This afternoon visit Quake City, a special exhibition from Canterbury Museum charting the aftermaths of the September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes through stories of heroism, hope and loss.

Board our private aircraft this morning for our flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival, travel to Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town, established in 1862 during the height of the Otago Gold Rush. Then head to the Shotover River for a thrilling ride on the Shotover Jet through the deep canyon.

Depart for Milford Sound on a caravan of helicopters, experiencing the stunning fjord from the air (weather depending). Upon arrival board a private-charter boat for a cruise around the sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls and rainforest while you keep a look out for wildlife like seals and dolphins.

This morning visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park, devoted to helping conserve New Zealand’s native fauna through advocacy, captive breeding and rehabilitation. Observe the park’s unique endangered wildlife on a guided tour led by an experienced park zoologist, during which we’ll enjoy a private kiwi feeding and a live conservation show. The afternoon is free for personal exploration. Gather this evening for a farewell reception and dinner.

Transfer to the airport for flights home, crossing the international date line en route and arriving back in the U.S. on the same day.