Enjoy the ultimate, small-group (up to 20 guests) tour of New Zealand by helicopter, seaplane, private yacht and kayak when not driving through gorgeous areas such as Waiheke Island and Milford Sound.
Note: due to the nature of the touring on this program, it is not recommended for guests who have limited mobility or require a wheelchair.
Special Note: Guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
DAY 1 - Feburary 13, 2024
Upon disembarking in Auckland, you will meet the guide on the pier and transfer to a seaplane for the flight to Waiheke Island. Lying in Hauraki Gulf, the island is a composite of beautiful farmland, forests, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Although Waiheke Island produces some of New Zealand’s finest wines, the wineries still prefer to keep quantities low to maintain the highest quality.
During the scenic tour of the island, you will visit an olive oil mill and a vineyard for tastings. A gourmet lunch at the spectacular Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant follows.
Afterwards, you the group will return to Auckland by private yacht before driving on to The Hotel Britomart, New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star-rated building. It is located within the Britomart precinct, one of Auckland’s most vibrant downtown neighborhoods.
You will have time to freshen up and relax before dinner in Kingi, the hotel’s restaurant. Named in honor of the kingfish, the restaurant is hailed for its locally sourced seafood.
After dining, you will overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2 - February 14, 2024
Following breakfast at Kingi and check out from the hotel, you will transfer to the airport for the flight to Queenstown. Upon landing, each couple will be driven to Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door in a private 4-wheel-drive vehicle. The highly acclaimed, award-winning restaurant only uses New Zealand ingredients sourced within a certain radius of the restaurant, so you can expect a meal that beautifully reflects the local cuisine.
Following lunch, you will continue on in your private vehicle – just the two of you and your driver. Be sure to tell the driver what sorts of places you like to tour, so the route can be customized to your interests. For instance, wine lovers might like to visit Gibbston Valley, the so-called Valley of the Vines and home to some of the region’s oldest vineyards. History buffs may prefer to see Skippers Canyon, once a center of the gold rush.
After a few hours of private sightseeing, you will check into the Matakauri Lodge for the evening. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 3 - February 15, 2024
Following breakfast at the hotel, the group will begin the wonderfully picturesque drive to Milford Sound. Along the way, you will stop for lunch at Fiordland Lodge, whose spectacular restaurant overlooks Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park beyond.
Later, you will find the road to Milford Sound to be one of the world’s finest alpine drives. You will travel through the ancient beech forests of the Fiordland National Park and stop on occasion at scenic viewpoints before descending into the Homer Tunnel and on into valleys dwarfed by towering mountain peaks. On the approach to Milford Sound, you will enjoy a superb view of Mitre Peak at the forefront of the fiord.
When famed English author Rudyard Kipling visited in the 1890s, he declared Milford Sound “the eighth wonder of the world,” and it is still stunning from every angle. You will appreciate its beauty even more while kayaking. You may see thundering waterfalls, steep-walled cliffs and abundant wildlife such as seals, dolphins and penguins.
Note: Double sea kayaks will be used. A spray jacket, life vest, spray skirt and a dry bag for clothes and cameras will be provided. The majority of the time will be spent in Deep Water Basin, and the guides will adapt the trip to the guests’ ability and fitness. No kayaking experience is required.
The thrills will continue in the air, as you will be whisked away in a helicopter for a literal bird’s-eye view of the rugged terrain that surrounds the sound. You can expect it to be an absolutely awe-inspiring flight. In time, the helicopter will land within the Humbolt Mountain Range, where you will enjoy yet another perspective of the area. You will then be offered a one-of-a-kind opportunity to drive biodegradable golf balls off the mountain and then toast the experience with a glass of champagne.
You will then return to Matakauri Lodge to spend another delightful night. Cocktails and canapés followed by dinner at the lodge will ensure a memorable evening.
DAY 4 - Feburary 16, 2024
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to the Queenstown Airport and fly to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.
If you are participating in the World Cruise Event scheduled to take place on this day, you will travel directly to the venue. The arrival time is dependent on flight details, which aren’t known at this time. Flight times may affect your arrival time at the event.
For those not participating in the World Cruise Event, you will be treated to a sightseeing tour around Oriental Bay, Lambton Quay, past the parliament buildings and up Mount Victoria for sweeping views of the city and harbor.
In time, you will re-board the ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. The Destination Services Team with present you with a final, updated itinerary once you board the ship. Please carefully review the final itinerary for any amendments.
DAY 1
9:00am Disembark the ship in Auckland
9:30am Transfer to the seaplane
10:00am Fly to Waiheke Island (flight details TBA and subject to change)
10:40am Tour the island with tastings at an olive mill and a vineyard
1:00pm Gourmet lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant or similar venue
3:00pm Depart Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant
3:30pm Cruise to Auckland on a private yacht
4:20pm Arrive in Auckland and check into the hotel
7:00pm Dinner at Kingi in the hotel or similar venue
Overnight at The Hotel Britomart or similar hotel
DAY 2
9:00am Breakfast at Kingi in the hotel
10:00am Fly to Queenstown (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:00pm Arrive in Queenstown
12:45pm Lunch at Amisfield
3:00pm Sightseeing in a private 4WD vehicle
5:15pm Check into the Matakauri Lodge
7:00pm Evening at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at Matakauri Lodge or similar hotel
DAY 3
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Drive toward Milford Sound
10:20am Brunch at Fiordland Lodge
11:30am Depart Fiordland Lodge
1:30pm Arrive in Milford Sound
2:00pm Kayak the sound
5:00pm Enjoy a helicopter flightseeing tour
5:15pm Drive golf balls off a mountain
TBA Land at Matakauri Lodge
Pre-dinner drinks and canapes followed by dinner at the lodge
Overnight at Matakauri Lodge or similar hotel
DAY 4
8:00am Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Transfer to Queenstown Airport
TBA Fly to Wellington (flight details TBA and subject to change)
TBA Arrive in Wellington
Tour the city or transfer to the World Cruise Event
TBA Re-board the ship
Expected Weather
New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are June, July and August. The mean daily temperature in February is 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit).
What to Bring
As it will be summer, light clothing is suggested. Also, bring sunscreen and a waterproof jacket. Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots.
You may wish to bring waterproof clothing and footwear for the kayak portion of this trip.
Local Currency
New Zealand Dollars. US dollars are generally accepted only in establishments such as souvenir stores. However, credit cards are widely accepted. For small purchases, it is strongly suggested that local currency be used. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centers. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Power outlets only accept angled two- or three-pin plugs (as also used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. For this reason, we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage information
One piece of hand luggage weighing 1 kilogram (a little over 2 pounds) and one checked luggage weighing 23 kilograms (about 50 pounds) are allowed per person per flight. Excess or overweight luggage will be subject to fees imposed by the airlines and will be the responsibility of each guest to pay upon check in for the flights.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required. Check with your local NZ Embassy for visa requirements for your nationality.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program; otherwise, guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Aircraft type (subject to change)
•Flights from Auckland to Queenstown and Queenstown to Wellington are commercial flights with Air New Zealand
•Flights from Auckland to Waiheke are on seaplanes
•Helicopter flightseeing are on Squirrels, Eurocopters or BK118s, depending on the number of guests
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications, especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium, dry or another type).
3. These documents must be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which neither the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible.
Hotels
The Hotel Britomart
Address: 29 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland
Phone: +64 9 300 9595
Matakauri Lodge
Address: 569 Glenorchy Road, Queenstown 9348
Phone: +64 3 441 1008
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•1 night at the Hotel Britomart – King Room
•2 nights at the Matakauri Lodge – Suite
•3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 brunch and 2 dinners (dinner to include 2 drinks per person - NZ wine, beer, juice or soft drink)
•All land transfers and travel within New Zealand as shown in the itinerary with the services of an experienced English-speaking driver and guide.
•All sightseeing tours as per itinerary with the services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals and beverages not mentioned in itinerary above
•Any optional sightseeing and not listed in the itinerary
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
•Overweight or excess luggage fees for the flights
Please note
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.