12 DAYS ESSENCE OF NEW ZEALAND
Rotorua, Napier, Wanaka & Queenstown
Family Travel
This journey takes you across both North Island and South Island while staying in unique or charming accommodations. In the North Island, you will learn about the Maori culture, discover the cultivated beauty of Rotorua’s geothermal land, relive the Art Deco era, visit a family-owned cattle farm on a custom-built off-road buggy, sip wines at Hawke’s Bay.
Head to South Island to discover the spectacular natural wonders. Bask in the rugged beauty and solitude of Wanaka’s high country, soar on a scenic flight over the stunning Southern Alps and ride the gondola, luge and Shotover Jet Boat ride in Queenstown.
Arriving into Auckland, we drive 270km/3.5h to your hotel in Rotorua area to rest.
Head to Mamata for your 1.5-hour Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (shared) to experience the real Middle Earth on the 1,250-acre sheep farm with picturesque view across Kaimai Ranges. Visit Green Dragon Inn, Party Tree, Bag End where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began and get lost among the hobbit holes. This afternoon, enjoy guided underground boat ride at Waitomo Glow Worm Caves (shared).
Marvel at New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool and colourful hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu and Lady Knox geyser eruption (10.15am) before heading to Living MÄori Village of Whakarewarewa (shared) to experience MÄori culture and observe geothermal wonders such as PÅhutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools and steaming mineral pools. Feast on traditional Maori hangi lunch comprising of meet, potatoes, vegetables and bread stuffing prepared using geothermal cooking methods, with hot spring-cooked corn and dessert on the side. Coffee, tea and water is complimentary.
Transfer 150-219km/2-2.5h to Napier. Relive the glamour of the jazz era on a Vintage Car tour of Napier’s Heritage & Art Deco Highlights (75m), completely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake. Thereafter, we transfer to your accommodation.
Enjoy guided off-road buggy farm tour in a 6-seater (1.5h, shared) at a family-owned sheep and cattle farm, followed by afternoon tea on top of the farm with 360° views of Hawke’s Bay and Kaweka Mountain Ranges. This afternoon, enjoy Te Mata Peak tour on a custom-built 5700cc 4-passenger trike (2.5h, shared). Cruise along the coast, swing inland to the beautiful Tuki Tuki Valley and climb 400m to the top with 360° views of Hawke’s Bay which extends as far as the Ruapehu Volcano on a clear day!
Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s 2nd largest wine region. Take a 4-hour private wine tour to 3-4 local wineries to taste some of the regions’ finest wine, including the famed Chardonnay.
Meet up with your driver for your transfers to Napier Airport for your flight to Queenstown.
Fly Napier/Wellington N8885 1000/1100
Wellington /Queenstown NZ605 1220/1345 (1h 50m)
Upon arrival at Queenstown, you will be met by your driver-guide for your road transfers to Wanaka with a stop en-route the bizarre Cardrona Bra Fence. Enjoy Cardrona Valley tour, home of the historic Cardrona Hotel, New Zealand’s oldest. Enjoy traditional New Zealand hospitality by taking lunch (at your own expenses) in the beautiful cottage garden or at Wanaka Township.
Experience Wanaka’s best on a single-day trip via 4WD, lake cruise and island walk (shared). Cruise to Mou Waho Island (20m). Get acquainted with native plants and Buff Weka resident family as you hike to the summit (45m) for a high tea with commanding views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. You can also plant your own trees to reforest the island. Hop on 4WD journey 700m above Lake Wanaka for mountaintop vistas, stroll through alpine meadows and ancient forests, discover the fascinating history of early farming life at Wanaka’s first alpine mountain farmhouses (circa 1865). Assist with checking traps as part of predator control program to help bring native birds back to the Southern Alps area.
Hop on a 1940s vintage Tigermoth scenic flight (20m) over Wanaka township, complete with flying goggles, silk scarfs and an open cockpit. OPTIONAL: Upgrade to experience aerobatic manouevres (30m, shared) or landing at remote glacier (35m, shared).
En route via Puzzling World with its bizarre buildings, illusion rooms and grand maze on your road transfer to Queenstown.
Start with Skyline Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak with panoramic Queenstown views. You can also take the driving seat with gravity-fuelled luge cart (suitable for all ages and abilities) across 800m of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. Enjoy thrilling ‘Catch the Canyons’ Shotover Jet boat ride (shared) as your driver whips past rocky outcrops! Visit historic Arrowtown gold mining village, bustling with café culture, traditional and contemporary homestead studios, boutique vineyards and breweries. Be sure to check out Central Otago’s finest Pinot Noir wines. For lunch at own expense, try Amisfield’s ‘Trust the Chef’ whom hosted the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge on 2014, or Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan.
Queenstown is dubbed the Adventure Capital of the world. From bungy jumping, ski-diving to skiing or jet boating in some of the most scenic locations in the world, Queenstown has something for everyone and caters to all levels. You have a free day to explore the nature or take adventures in and out of Queenstown. (If you’re up for it, we can arrange for you to go bungy jumping where the sport was invented at the nearby Kawarau Gorge.)
Meet up with your driver for your transfers back to Queenstown airport.
Regent of Rotorua or Princes Gate Rotorua • Porters Boutique Hotel or The County Hotel Napier • Maple Lodge or Waiorau Homestead Wanaka • St. Moritz Queenstown
Rotorua (Either)
Located in Rotorua's vibrant restaurant district, this stylish boutique hotel is superbly renovated from its 1950s heritage into an urban chic building with contemporary rooms with a hint of glamour. Make time to dip in the hotel’s sulphur-rich thermal mineral pool, filled with water from Rotorua’s steaming geysers! (Rooms: 35)
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Rotorua (Either)
Carefully restored to its original condition, this heritage landmark at downtown Rotorua prides on good old-fashioned service. Decors are classic with a dash of nostalgic Roturua but with modern conveniences. (Refurbished: 2012; Rooms: 52)
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Napier (Either)
Set at the prime intersection of Havelock North village’s thriving hub, the hotel is named for its signature hotel porters ushering you into your stylishly-designed rooms with attention to detail. (Opened: 2016; Rooms: 42)
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Napier (Either)
Originally built for the Hawke’s Bay County Council in 1909, this Edwardian-era Art Deco landmark houses the award-winning Chambers Restaurant. Antique 1930s-inspired furnishings and modern amenities adorn the high palatial ceiling with ambience to spare. Do not miss the nightly toast of port at the opulent first-floor library. (Rooms: 18)
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Wanaka (Either)
Set on a private 7-acre maple tree plantation just a short drive from Lake Wanaka, this family-owned all-suite lodge offers ‘home away from home’ stay with comfortable furnishings made of local feather, down duvet and pillows, Italian tiles, underfloor heating, walk-in showers and priate patio or balcony overlooking the gardens. When staying at the lodge, do make time to visit ‘Valais’, the Blacknose sheep! (Refurbished 2012; Rooms: 7)
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Wanaka (Either)
Set on rural Cardrona Valley near to Wanaka, this award-winning boutique homestead is beautifully restored with modern comforts. Although there is no on-site restaurant, the dining room breakfast is a pride. (Refurbished 2014; Rooms: 3)
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Queenstown
Strategically set on a mountain lake setting just an easy downhill stroll to Queenstown center is this contemporary alpine-chic hotel. Spacious rooms are stylishly furnished with modern essentials. The front-facing room has the best views! (Rooms: 134)
View MoreBlackswan Lakeside or Hamurana Lodge Rotorua • The Manse or Mangapapa Hotel Napier • Maple Lodge or Waiorau Homestead Wanaka • Hulbert House or The Spire Queenstown
Rotorua (Either)
A contemporary English-style manor perched on the edge of Lake Rotorua just 5 minutes’ drive from Rotorua town, each chic room comes with cozy seating areas, fireplaces and large balconies looking out to the lake or gardens. The one acre of hotel grounds include rose gardens, manicured lawns, heated swimming pool, sauna, private jetty and helipad. (Refurbished: 2012; Rooms: 8)
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Rotorua (Either)
Hidden in the hills just a short drive from Rotorua’s city centre, this Tudor-style boutique lodge is elegantly casual with choice of lake or garden-facing rooms, acclaimed with Gold Enviro status for its green policies. Make time for its opulent day spa with MÄori healing massage treatments! (Refurbished: 2014; Rooms: 11)
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Napier (Either)
Originally built in 1910 for a Presbyterian Minister, this beautifully refurbished historic European country homestead with antique furnishings is set on a 3-acre working farm just a short drive from Napier center. Suitable for adults only. (Opened: 2012; Rooms: 2)
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Napier (Either)
Set on a rural orchard and landscaped gardens 20 minutes’ drive from Napier, this all-suite estate is carefully restored to maintain its historical charm while fitted with modern day comforts. Facilities include a renowned restaurant, spa sanctuary, pool and lawn tennis court. (Opened: 2016; Rooms: 12)
View MoreWanaka (Either)
Set on a private 7-acre maple tree plantation just a short drive from Lake Wanaka, this family-owned all-suite lodge offers ‘home away from home’ stay with comfortable furnishings made of local feather, down duvet and pillows, Italian tiles, underfloor heating, walk-in showers and priate patio or balcony overlooking the gardens. When staying at the lodge, do make time to visit ‘Valais’, the Blacknose sheep! (Refurbished 2012; Rooms: 7)
View MoreWanaka (Either)
Set on rural Cardrona Valley near to Wanaka, this award-winning boutique homestead is beautifully restored with modern comforts. Although there is no on-site restaurant, the dining room breakfast is a pride. (Refurbished 2014; Rooms: 3)
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Queenstown (Either)
This SLH hotel is a restored luxury Victorian-styled villa with heavy top-shelf materials, originally built in 1888’s gold mining era atop a hill just a short drive from Queenstown’s center. Though there is no on-site restaurant, home-grown produces are served for breakfast in the dining room. Snacks are also provided during the day, with pre-dinner canapes and drinks at 5-7pm. (Opened: 2017; Rooms: 6)
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Queenstown (Either)
Affiliated with Eichardt's Private Hotel, this sleek hotel offers stylish contemporary rooms and personalized service at Queenstown’s center just a short walk from Lake Wakatipu. Suite categories come with stone-clad fireplaces, spacious bathrooms and large balconies. Although there is no on-site gym and pool, guests enjoy complimentary use at Queenstown Gym just a short walk away. (Opened: 2017; Rooms: 30)
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Personal Particulars
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