New Zealand | An In-depth Journey through the North and South Islands

Day 1:  USA / Auckland |

After a comfortable 12-hour flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, relax in your private transfer as you take in the sights. Arrive at Hilton Auckland, an oasis of contemporary elegance and style for three nights in a Deluxe harbour view guestroom with daily breakfast. Set amid the city center on Princes Wharf nearly 1,000 feet out to sea, relax in prime comfort with stunning views, locally sourced cuisine at FISH and enjoy the outdoor pool with underwater viewing window.

Day 2: Auckland |

Be in awe on nature as you set off on the Wilderness Experience. Begin the day at the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges with breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Admire magnificent Maori carvings, then walk the easy bush tracks among New Zealand's famous kauri trees on your way to cascading waterfalls. Complete the day with your toes in the black sand beaches along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches in the world.

Day 3: Auckland |

This morning embark on the America's Cup Sailing Experience. Begin your voyage in Viaduct Harbour, taking part as a crew member on an official America's Cup yacht. Take the helm, hit the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the ride to beautiful Waitemata Harbour.

For dinner, tempt your palate at The Grove. An Intimate and inviting setting, this renowned fine dining oasis prepares its plates with organic, sustainable meats and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Sip a premium wine with exquisite entrées featuring modern New Zealand cuisine with a French twist.

Day 4:  Auckland / Rotorua |

Depart from Auckland on the Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Experience and enjoy the scenic drive through rolling hills to the Maori cultural heartland of Rotorua. On the way, enjoy a visit to the magical 12-acre Hobbiton movie set, hearing the behind-the-scenes tales of its famed movies. Step in to the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 22 hobbit holes and finish with a cold beverage at The Green Dragon.

Upon arrival in Rotorua, settle in to your Deluxe lake view guestroom at Pullman Rotorua near the area's abundance of natural wonders including geysers, hot springs and enchanting forests, savor contemporary living and farm-to-table fare in Barrel & C. Bar and Grill. Begin with a traditional Hangi dinner at theTe Po Evening Experience on the first evening at Te Puia Maori Village. Discover the Maori culture, history and performance of song and dance followed by a traditional Hangi feast with dinner that was prepared in an underground oven.

Day 5: Rotorua |

Adventure abounds on the Redwood Altitude & VIP Nature Walk. Begin the day with an exciting trek at Redwoods Altitude, full of ziplines and Indiana Jones -style bridges high in the sky. Soar from platform to platform, crossing themed swing bridges and zipping between trees on this thrilling excursion. Then, discover the cultural history, plants, flora and fauna of the forest during the VIP Nightlights Treewalk.

Day 6:  Rotorua / Christchurch |

Relax in your private transfers, then fly to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island and known for its similarity to the quaint towns in England. Your private transfer takes you to THE GEORGE for two nights in a Premium Executive guestroom overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and River Avon. This luxury boutique hotel is the essence of supreme comfort and is renowned for offering a personalized stay and attentive staff allowing impeccable service with a one-to-one staff to guest ratio.

Day 7: Christchurch |

With its ideal coastal location, Christchurch offers fantastic opportunities to explore the sea life. Travel the beautiful rural pastoral scenes of North Canterbury to Kaikoura where you'll enjoy the Kaikoura Day Trip. Board you ship and be on the lookout for Sperm Whales, Dusky Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales and wandering Albatrosses. After a thrilling event on the water, enjoy a cafe lunch with spectacular views of the peninsula and Pacific Ocean, followed by a visit to Kaikouraor Waipara Wineries for delectable tastings.

Day 8: Christchurch / Queenstown |

Enjoy the scenic drive on the Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo Excursion. Explore the Canterbury Plains, Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Pukaki, then savor lunch in Aoraki. Visit the Mount Cook Visitor Centre and Hermitage Hotel, take a Tasman Glacier Lake walk and savor the breathtaking views, then stop at High Country Salmon Farm en route to Queenstown, one of the most beautiful regions in New Zealand.

Arrive at the stunning Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa and enjoy two nights in a Deluxe lake view guestroom with daily breakfast. A contemporary resort located in Kawarau Village on Lake Wakatipu, relax by your fireplace and delight in lakefront dining, a wine cellar, indoor pool, and a pampering spa with sauna.

Days 9 - 10: Queenstown / USA |

Thrill-seekers delight with an exciting jet boat ride to the upper reaches on the Dart River Funyaks Adventure. Then paddle downstream in your own canoe, taking in the awe-inspiring sights found amidst the Dart River's shimmering channels. Enjoy a wilderness lunch among an ancient beach forest, then explore the hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms.

The following morning, embark on a Milford Sound Small Group Experience. Marvel at The Remarkables range with stunning views across Lake Wakatipu to the Southern Alps. Board a small boat for a cruise on the fjord viewing towering waterfalls, fur seals, penguins and dolphins with fun commentary from your nature guide and planty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds. Relish your last evening in New Zealand before boarding your private transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Kia Ora!