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Wine, Culture & Caves: See the Best of New Zealand on an 8-Day Guided Tour
Fall in love with New Zealand on this seven-day guided tour. See Wellington your way, choosing between an insider’s tour of the city with a Local Expert or a guided hike through Zealandia — the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary. Travel past the dairy country of Manawatu to Hawke’s Bay, where you'll enjoy an exclusive wine tasting at one of the country’s world-renowned wineries. In Rotorua, walk the Redwoods Treewalk — a maze of forested suspension bridges — and visit a working kiwi nursery and hatchery to learn more about the iconic flightless bird. Savour a flavourful Māori hāngī feast, made from food cooked in the ground using geothermal steam. Descend into the Waitomo Cave to see glow-worms illuminate the caverns, then toast your trip with a celebration dinner in Auckland.
The unique golden threads that make up your journey
Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and…
Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a guided cultural walk through Whirinaki Native Forest. Begin with a traditional Māori welcome before venturing into pristine Whirinaki Forest, discovering ancient trees, waterfalls, native birds, and rich…
Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly…
Discover the landmarks of New Zealand’s largest city on your afternoon tour. See the diversity of the city from bustling Queen Street and the rejuvenated Viaduct Harbour to the historic buildings around the city’s university and the striking…
This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your official Schedule at a Glance will be delivered with your cruise e-documents 21-30 days prior to embarkation.
Day 1
Welcome to Wellington
On arrival spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, meet your Travel Concierge and get to know your fellow travellers over dinner.
InterContinental Wellington is a landmark of timeless luxury, set along the city’s picturesque waterfront in the heart of the capital. Offering...
InterContinental Wellington is a landmark of timeless luxury, set along the city’s picturesque waterfront in the heart of the capital. Offering elegant accommodation, refined dining and exclusive Club Lounge experiences, it is the perfect sanctuary for discerning travellers.
Hotel Amenities: Gym · Restaurant · Pool · Laundry · Concierge
Style: Contemporary
Feel the warm hospitality of New Zealand's capital city, as you join your travel companions for a delicious Welcome Dinner hosted at Lola Rouge.
Feel the warm hospitality of New Zealand's capital city, as you join your travel companions for a delicious Welcome Dinner hosted at Lola Rouge.
Day 2
Wellington Sightseeing
Today personalise your day. Choose from the the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne or discover the stunning waterfront and hidden lanes of Wellington with a local expert.
InterContinental Wellington is a landmark of timeless luxury, set along the city’s picturesque waterfront in the heart of the capital. Offering...
InterContinental Wellington is a landmark of timeless luxury, set along the city’s picturesque waterfront in the heart of the capital. Offering elegant accommodation, refined dining and exclusive Club Lounge experiences, it is the perfect sanctuary for discerning travellers.
Hotel Amenities: Gym · Restaurant · Pool · Laundry · Concierge
Style: Contemporary
Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these ...
Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater...
Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 500+ acre ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area. Take a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate expert guide.
Day 3
Wellington to Hawke's Bay
Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with...
Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with plush, classic furnishings and local artwork, all moments away from the charming village of Havelock North.
Hotel Amenities: Restaurant · Bar · Business Centre · Laundry · Room Service
Style: Boutique
Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with...
Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with plush, classic furnishings and local artwork, all moments away from the charming village of Havelock North.
Indulge in wine tasting and an intimate dinner at the award-winning restaurant of Craggy Range Winery. Feast on local produce as you sit in the shade ...
Indulge in wine tasting and an intimate dinner at the award-winning restaurant of Craggy Range Winery. Feast on local produce as you sit in the shade of Te Mata Peak and drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards.
Day 4
Exploring Napier
Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with...
Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with plush, classic furnishings and local artwork, all moments away from the charming village of Havelock North.
Hotel Amenities: Restaurant · Bar · Business Centre · Laundry · Room Service
Style: Boutique
Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you climb into a luxury vintage car with a discerning local guide for your personal tour of Napier. Uncover ...
Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you climb into a luxury vintage car with a discerning local guide for your personal tour of Napier. Uncover the highlights of this world-famous town’s 140 art deco buildings and sculptures from the comfort of your 1930s vintage vehicle, while learning how the Trust safeguards these treasures. Hear how it preserves a collection of art deco buildings constructed after the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake and fire, tells the stories of courageous locals who rebuilt with creativity and optimism. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Journey from coast to cape in Hawke’s Bay for a rare, close encounter with the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Take in sweeping coastal views ...
Journey from coast to cape in Hawke’s Bay for a rare, close encounter with the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Take in sweeping coastal views as you witness these magnificent birds up close. As part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, a donation is made on your behalf to support conservation at Cape Sanctuary. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Day 5
Geothermal Rotorua
Continue your journey to Rotorua, where this afternoon, armed with a packed lunch, you'll join a local guide for a cultural walking eco-tour to discover the Jurassic Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
The central location of this five-star hotel, just 500m from Lake Rotorua, places it at the very centre of this cultural city.
Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a guided cultural walk through Whirinaki Native Forest. Begin with a traditional Māori welcome before...
Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a guided cultural walk through Whirinaki Native Forest. Begin with a traditional Māori welcome before venturing into pristine Whirinaki Forest, discovering ancient trees, waterfalls, native birds, and rich cultural stories. Guided by proud locals, you’ll enjoy forest bathing, a packed picnic lunch, and Kawakawa tea. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Day 6
The Sights of Rotorua
The central location of this five-star hotel, just 500m from Lake Rotorua, places it at the very centre of this cultural city.
Stand eye to eye with giant redwoods on the Redwoods Treewalk. Immerse yourself in the serene majesty of these 118-year-old trees from your 20-metre high perspective. Cross swing bridges and platforms on your elevated path through Whakarewarewa Forest.
Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s...
Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. The hatchery has grown to become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, helping the North Island population considerably. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and...
Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés), complimentary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.
Day 7
Rotorua to Auckland
Your final full day finds you embarking on an exclusive, private guided tour of Waitomo Cave on a five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld. Your guide sets the scene for an underground cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Then you’re off to Auckland for a tour showcasing bustling Queen Street and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge before you're treated to a farewell dinner to remember.
A blend of modern 5-star luxury and timeless grandeur, JW Marriott Hotel Auckland offers business and leisure travellers a prestigious address in the ...
A blend of modern 5-star luxury and timeless grandeur, JW Marriott Hotel Auckland offers business and leisure travellers a prestigious address in the heart of the Auckland, NZ CBD. With our prime location just steps from the Viaduct waterfront and Aucklands key attractions, including Sky Tower and New Zealand Maritime Museum, our superb hotel provides the perfect place to unwind and connect with friends and family. Featuring 286 rooms including 15 suites boasting brand-new JW beds and views of Auckland CBD, we welcome you with warm, genuine service and encourage you to revitalize mind, body and spirit during your stay. Savor delicious breakfasts and dinners at the JW Kitchen and cocktails throughout the day at JW Lounge and Bar. Our 324 sqm of conference and event space features natural daylight and easy access to all Auckland has to offer. Enjoy your day shopping in Britomart, just a few minutes walk from the hotel and then head down to the Viaduct Basin and Wynyard District for drinks and dinner.
Style: Contemporary
Discover the landmarks of New Zealand’s largest city on your afternoon tour. See the diversity of the city from bustling Queen Street and the...
Discover the landmarks of New Zealand’s largest city on your afternoon tour. See the diversity of the city from bustling Queen Street and the rejuvenated Viaduct Harbour to the historic buildings around the city’s university and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Enter the subterranean Footwhistle Cave for a private tour. Your guide will lead you down to the entrance of the cave, where on this intimate,...
Enter the subterranean Footwhistle Cave for a private tour. Your guide will lead you down to the entrance of the cave, where on this intimate, private tour you will discover the beauty of the New Zealand Glowworm, and learn about the cave formations and beauty of Footwhistle Cave. A cup of locally brewed Kawa Kawa tea is the perfect finish.
The Trivet dining experience draws inspiration from Aotearoa’s rich cultural tapestry, blending global culinary traditions and techniques with the...
The Trivet dining experience draws inspiration from Aotearoa’s rich cultural tapestry, blending global culinary traditions and techniques with the finest locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the sharing-style Auckland cuisine, where every dish tells a story and creates a sense of connection.
Day 8
Farewell Auckland
After one final breakfast, say farewell to your Wellington-to-Auckland luxury tour as you are chauffeured to Auckland Airport.
Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
Included at all hotels.
Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
For 2026 departures, transfers are included on the first and final day of your journey, as well as for any additional accommodation booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternative hotels within the same arrival or departure city may also be arranged upon request. From 2027 onwards, transfers will be included when your flights are reserved through Luxury Gold.
Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my journey?
Yes, additional hotel nights can be booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Speak with your Travel Concierge to arrange.
What is a definite departure?
A definite departure is a date that has been guaranteed to operate, regardless of the number of guests booked.
Can I travel on a Luxury Gold journey as a solo traveller?
Yes, solo travellers are welcome on every Luxury Gold journey. Single Supplements may apply.
How many people will be on my tour?
Luxury Gold journeys are intentionally small — averaging 18 guests, with a maximum of 24 on most departures.
What accommodation options are available?
Each journey curates a selection of luxury hotels and signature stays. Specific properties for your itinerary appear under "Magnificent Stays" on each day.
What Concierge Services can I expect?
Travel Concierge support before and during your trip, full-service porterage, in-room porterage, and curated reservations.
How can I apply my past guest discount?
Past Passenger discounts are applied automatically when you provide your loyalty number at booking.
How much walking is involved on this tour?
Each itinerary includes an Activity Level rating. Speak with your Travel Concierge if you'd like more detail.
