Natural Wonders of New Zealand

Day 1 - Sunday 8 October 2023

Melbourne - Auckland (D)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to  Auckland, New Zealand. Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards our destination. 

Once we land in Auckland we will be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel. 

Dinner will be enjoyed tonight at our hotel. 

Overnight: Airedale Boutique Suites, Auckland (or similar)

Day 2 - Monday 9 October 2023

Auckland - Bay of Islands (B)

Today we'll depart Auckland and travel north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge to visit the Parry Kauri Park to see some fine examples of Giant Kauri Trees.

We stop in Whangarei for the opportunity to purchase lunch (own cost), before our visit to the Hundertwasser Art Centre for a private guided tour. The Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is an original Hundertwasser architecture project. Absolute rationalism, geometric straight lines and the uniformity of modern architecture is abandoned in favour of new values like uniqueness, romanticism, individuality, creativity, especially creativity in harmony with nature. Hundertwasser created houses in which the creativity of nature meets human creativity. In keeping with his philosophy, the Hundertwasser Art Centre restores territories to nature with spontaneous vegetation, tree tenants and an afforested roof.

Continuing our journey, we reach Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands. A coastline of golden beaches and rocky outcrops circles the stunningly beautiful Bay of Islands.  Scattered with 150 islands, this region with its blue-green ocean, golden beaches, and abundant wildlife, is renowned as a maritime adventure playground.  Steeped in a rich and colourful history, the Bay of Islands is known as the birthplace of the nation of New Zealand.  The township of Paihia is popular for its convenient location in the Bay of Islands and vicinity to the Bay's historical and scenic sights.  The wharf, Paihia's focal point, caters for island and adventure cruises as well as the ferry connection between Paihia and Russell.

In the afternoon we'll take a tour of the Waitangi Treaty House and Grounds with a local guide for a unique insight into this special and spiritual place.  Learn about the treaty agreement between Māori and British representatives in 1840 which created the nation of New Zealand.  Explore the Treaty House, see the traditional wharenui (meeting house) with its intricate Māori carvings and marvel at the scale of Ngatokimatawhaorua, one of the world’s largest carved war canoes (waka taua).  

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Paihia (or similar)

Day 3 - Tuesday 10 October 2023

Bay of Islands (B)

This morning we board a catamaran to cruise the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett before making a passage through the Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting).   There is no better way to experience the Bay of Islands than from the water.   As we cruise, we'll learn about the region’s rich culture and history with full commentary from the local skipper.  Stop at Otehei Bay at Urupukapuka Island – here, we can enjoy a swim or take a walk.

At the conclusion of the cruise, disembark at Russell where we have time for lunch (own cost) before taking in the sights of Russell with a one-hour tour combining historical knowledge and local insight. Learn about significant sites like Pompallier House and Christ Church and stand atop Flagstaff Hill for stunning Bay of Islands views.  

At the completion of the tour, we are at leisure for the remainder of the day with an open ticket to return to Paihia on the ferry when we are ready.  

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Paihia 

Day 4 - Wednesday 11 October 2023

Bay of Islands - Auckland (B)

This morning we visit Kerikeri – a place of rich history complimented by lots of character and renowned for its fresh local produce.  Our morning starts with a visit to a local chocolate shop to sample some of the delicious confectionary produced here.   Experience some of New Zealand's earliest European history with a guided tour at historic Kemp House and the Stone Store.

Following our time in Kerikeri, we'll make a brief stop in Kawakawa to see the colourful public toilet designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, then travel south following the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to arrive in Auckland, where on arrival experience a highlights tour of Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, exploring the lively waterfront area. Enjoy the relaxing views along Tamaki Drive, which runs east past peaceful sheltered bays to Auckland's most expensive real estate.

Overnight: Airedale Boutique Suites, Auckland (or similar)

Day 5 - Thursday 12 October 2023

Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua (B)

This morning depart Auckland to travel south crossing the Bombay Hills through the dairy rich Waikato countryside to Waitomo Village. Enter Ruakuri Cave through the spectacular spiral entrance designed to respect the sacred nature of the caves. Tread narrow corridors, stand in vast caverns and hear the distant thunder of subterranean waterfalls. Our guide will captivate us with crystal tapestries, up close glowworms and majestic cave formations. Learn ancient myths and legends and the history of local Māori as we travel through the longest underground tour in New Zealand. Ruakuri Cave is an experience that will leave us open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature.

From Waitomo, travel to Matamata to discover the real Middle-Earth at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand.  On the most picturesque private farmland we can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies in a fascinating two-hour guided tour.  The set has been completely rebuilt for The Hobbit and will remain as it was seen in these films and The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.  During our tour we will see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, double arched bridge and other structures and gardens built for the films. **This is a public tour.

This afternoon continue to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua, the Sulphur City. Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, beautiful coloured hot springs and terrace formations created by mineral water. Rotorua also has a large Māori population whose cultural activities are interesting and accessible as will be witnessed tomorrow evening. 

Overnight: Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Rotorua (or similar)

Day 6 - Friday 13 October 2023

Rotorua (B,D)

This morning, we visit Te Puia, home to The New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley featuring the famous Pohutu Geyser.  Enjoy a guided tour where we will come face to face with Pōhutu Geyser, jumping mudpools, and live kiwi birds.  Hear guides share stories passed down from their ancestors. At Te Puia, national schools of carving, weaving and other traditional arts train talented students from around New Zealand under the guidance of master craftspersons.

Afterwards enjoy a Redwood Treewalk Day Walk located a Redwood Grove and consists of 21 suspension bridges traversing between 22 Californian coastal redwoods that are 115-years old.  The elevated walkways gives walkers a unique view of the native undergrowth below from up to 12-metres above the ground.  At 553-metres long the walkway allows plenty of time to appreciate the beauty of the forest that is quite different from what you experience on the ground.  Walk is approximately 30-minutes/maximum weight permitted 120-kgs.  

This afternoon we'll visit Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.  Our Wai Ariki experience will be a special transformative cultural wellness experience. Our Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora) is a carefully planned therapeutic journey, designed to maximise the wellbeing benefits of the natural environment, from the heavens to the waters and the earth. In particular, it is designed to revitalize the senses through the transformative effect of hot and cold experiences. Approx. 90-minute experience.  Inclusion: Locker, towel, robe, slippers and a duffel bag.  Take your own swimsuit.

This evening you will be treated to a traditional Hangi (feast) and Maori Concert. You are transferred from your hotel to visit Tamaki Maori Village for Te Pa Tu. The evening experience and feast is aligned to and changes with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar).   Feast on Māori song, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) amidst towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.   Hākari (feasting) begins with forest horotai (canapes) and culminates in a lavish 4-course fusion feast. **This is a public tour.

Overnight: Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Rotorua  

Day 7 - Saturday 14 October 2023

Rotorua - Napier (B,D)

Depart Rotorua this morning travelling via New Zealand’s largest pine tree forests to Taupo making a visit to the Wairakei Geothermal Steam Field en-route.  This was a world-first, generating electricity by tapping a natural steam field then channelling the steam to a nearby power generation plant.   Stop and see the mighty Huka Falls – Huka in Maori translates to “snow” as the water here has the appearance of snow falling as it is forced along from Lake Taupo through the falls on its journey along the Waikato River.

From Taupo, travel across the hills to the seaside city of Napier in the Hawkes Bay.  For food and wine lovers, the sunny Hawkes Bay region is a favourite destination.  Known for its award-winning wines, artisan food producers and local farmers’ markets, the area has a rural charm, with a mix of steep hills and plains planted with grape vines.  The city of Napier is famous worldwide for its art deco architecture, with many buildings preserved in the styles of the early 1930s when it was rebuilt following a devastating earthquake. 

This afternoon join a local guide for a guided Art Deco Walking Tour.  Take an entertaining look at the unique 1930s architecture as you wander through the streets with your local guide.  En-route learn about the 1931 earthquake that destroyed the city, hear about the people that led the rebuild, and discover the unique Art Deco style of this unique city. 

There will be time to enjoy a touch of shopping in the Art Deco Centre Shop which includes a superb collection of items inspired by the daring of a new era . . . the Art Deco movement!  Sourced locally and internationally, they stock a fabulous range of Art Deco items including women's and men’s accessories, novelty gifts such as lamps, figurines, china, glassware and stationery. 

This evening we dine at the Mission Estate Winery.  Established in 1851 by the French Marist religious order, Mission Estate is New Zealand’s oldest wine-maker.  Housed in an elegantly restored historic seminary building with sweeping views of Napier, the award-winning Mission Estate Restaurant serves exquisite cuisine influenced by seasonal produce. 

Overnight: Scenic Te Pania Hotel, Napier  (or similar)

Day 8 - Sunday 15 October 2023

Napier - Wellington (B)

Departing Napier and travelling south towards Wellington, we stop at the very pretty town of Greytown which is known for its great food and sophisticated shopping, cute colonial cottages, historic trees and extra-ordinary chocolate!

We indulge with a visit to Schoc Chocolates, with over 80 flavours of chocolate, they create beautiful, hand-crafted tablets.  Fairly sourced beans from all over the world come together to create the most delicious, rich and smooth chocolate in a flavour for everyone.  Schoc Chocolates comes complete with chocologist, Murray Langham. Murray is passionate about chocolate and psychology and has combined the two to create a beautiful blend of understanding that comes about by simply picking your favourite chocolate!  Passion that melts in your mouth and stays in your mind. Taste the difference, challenge your senses, explore your personality though chocology. Time permitting, we'll have time to explore this pretty town with it's boutique style of shopping options.

This afternoon we'll enjoy a privately guided tour of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.  Enjoy an overview of what makes New Zealand unique. Learn about the diverse natural environment, Māori culture and taonga, and the art and colonial history of Aotearoa New Zealand. Discover this vibrant land, its dynamic culture, and the spirit of its people during our time here. 

Overnight: James Cook Grand Chancellor, Wellington  (or similar)

Day 9 - Monday 16 October 2023

Wellington - Nelson (B,D)

Today begins with a with a cruise across the Wellington Harbour out onto the Cook Strait on the Interislander and through New Zealand’s only true sounds, the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound into Picton. The bustling port of Picton is the terminal for inter-island ferries, and gateway to the ‘Mainland’, the South Island’s self-proclaimed nickname.

We then travel into the Marlborough Wine Country, New Zealand’s wine producing area and visit Cloudy Bay for a premier wine tasting experience surrounded by the vineyard and spectacular landscape.  

En-route to Nelson, stop at Pelorus Bridge and take a walk through the Beech and Podocarp Forest as well as viewing the many sculptured boulders in the Pelorus River. From here travel over the hills to the city of Nelson which is renowned for high sunshine hours and its plethora of artists in the region.  

Dinner at the hotel this evening.  

Overnight: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson (or similar)

Day 10 - Tuesday 17 October 2023

Nelson (B,L)

A leisurely start this morning before we enjoy a 40 minute guided tour of Pic’s Peanut Butter World and hear Pic’s story. We learn all about the peanuts and watch what happens on the factory floor finishing the tour with a tasting of the product itself – a delicious highlight!   Note – not suitable for anyone with nut allergies. 

Afterwards we'll  travel out to Mapua, a small coastal village at the heart of Tasman Bay.  Visit the wharf area overlooking the Waimea Estuary and visit the Cool Store Gallery where artworks created by a pool of local arts working in contemporary styes are featured. 

We'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant on the old Mapua Wharf overlooking the Waimea Estuary. 

Afternoon at leisure.  

Overnight: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson

Day 11 - Wednesday 18 October 2023

Nelson - Punakaiki (B,D)

Today we travel south through the lovely Waimea Valley once well known for the growing of tobacco, then through rugged and remote bush covered mountains.  The road follows the Buller River towards the coast where we can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Buller Gorge before reaching the West Coast.

Near the entrance of the Buller River is the small town of Westport, the gateway to the Northern West Coast. Named after a town in Ireland, it is the service centre for the Northern West Coast and Buller region which has a population of around 10,000; of whom approximately 4,000 reside in the town itself.  It has a spectacular location on the mighty Buller River with the steep Paparoa Ranges behind it and around it a beautiful estuary area called the Orowaiti Lagoon.

Travelling out to the Cape Foulwind headland, we'll enjoy the sea air, explore the coastline and visit the rookery of kekeno – the New Zealand fur seal.  The headland is an important site for the seal colony as well as the sooty shearwater (a large sea-going petrel) and also blue penguins. Māori knew the Cape as Tauranga which refers to the sheltered anchorage, the bay provided for voyaging canoes (waka). It was also used as a resting place as they travelled the coastal areas by foot and by sea. Abel Tasman sighted the Cape on 14 December 1642 and named it Rocky point. In 1770 it was named a “place of foul winds” by Captain Cook when his ship was beset by gales and wind. Major European settlement began in the 1860’s when the settlers established flax/harakeke and timber mills.

From there we continue on down the coast to the small settlement of Punakaiki on the edge of the Paparoa National Park.  Punakaiki is renowned for its wild, rugged coastline and the famous ‘Pancake Rocks’ and blowholes.  These stratified limestone stacks are an extraordinary monument of nature.  

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (or similar)

Day 12 - Thursday 19 October 2023

Punakaiki - Franz Josef Glacier (B,D)

This morning there will be time to view the blowholes and the famous ‘Pancake Rocks’ before we depart south down the West Coast with the Tasman Sea to our right and the Southern Alps rising steeply on our left. We'll make a stop in Hokitika where we visit the Greenstone and Glass Blowing factories. Further south we tour the Westland National Park, the home of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. On arrival, time is available for an optional scenic flight (weather permitting and extra cost), before continuing onto our accommodation for the night.

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (or similar)

Day 13 - Friday 20 October 2023

Franz Josef - Queenstown (B)

Driving towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road, there is a strong sense of entering a primeval land, and a feeling of total isolation. Arriving at Haast, we are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. From the Westland National Park we travel through the Haast River valleys and over the Haast Pass to Makaroa and onto the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka. Travelling past Lake Hawea reach the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. This afternoon travel via Cromwell following the Kawarau Gorge Road into Queenstown.

Tonight, is free for us to explore some of Queenstown’s excellent local restaurants, cafés and bars. .

Overnight: Copthorne Lakefront Hotel, Queenstown (or similar)

Day 14 - Saturday 21 October 2023

Queenstown (B,L)

This morning we travel out of Queenstown to the nearby Arrowtown, a township with a colourful history. We have time to walk around this historic town where we will see many of the original sycamore trees planted by the goldminers that cover the town's cottages and stone buildings with a canopy of gold. In its heyday, Arrowtown was a rough and ready frontier town. There are many beautiful and interesting walks around this historical area. Arrowtown's Museum houses a fascinating collection of tools and artefacts used by the miners of the goldrush era, and one of the best presentations of pioneer relics in the country. Within the vault of what was an 1860's bank are stored thousands of priceless exhibits: gold pans, shovels, maps, clothing, weaponry and even a gold nugget or two – a living, breathing peep into the past.

Next journey to Cromwell's The Stoaker Room Bistro and Bar at Wild Earth Winery, where we'll experience a truly unique dining experience, showcasing fresh New Zealand cuisine coupled with some of Central Otago’s fames wines. Utilising retired French Oak Pinot Noir wine barrels, The Stoaker Room steams, bakes and smokes their delicious array of regional foods on the spot. Here enjoy their signature dish “The Stoaker Banquet” – chef’s selection of five tasting dishes matched with five Wild Earth Wines.  We return to Queenstown with the remainder of the afternoon free to explore and dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight: Copthorne Lakefront Hotel, Queenstown (or similar)

Day 15 - Sunday 22 October 2023

Milford Sound Day Trip (B,L,D)

We depart early this morning and travel around Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.  Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere.  The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers.  There are clear rushing streams and leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest.

On arrival at Milford Sound, we'll board a comfortable vessel for a Nature Cruise down Milford Sound past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea.  Enjoy the stunning scenery of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, steep cliff faces and marine life that inhabits these waters.  Today we'll enjoy a hot plated lunch and our nature guide will provide commentary on the interesting features of the area. 

On our return to the Milford Wharf, we'll board the coach and retrace our journey back to Queenstown travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley.

Dinner at our hotel restaurant tonight.

Overnight: Copthorne Lakefront Hotel, Queenstown  

Day 16 - Monday 23 October 2023

Queenstown - Mount Cook (B,D)

Farewell Queenstown and today travel north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past pretty Lake Dunstan and across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass.  Pass the small towns of Omarama and Twizel then see the canals that feed the huge Waitaki hydro electricity generation scheme.  Drive along the shores of Lake Pukaki into Mt Cook National Park.

At the heart of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine region, Mt Cook at 3754 metres is the highest peak in Australasia.  The Mt Cook National Park comprises 70,013 hectares of ice, snow, rock, sub-alpine scrub, tussock and riverbeds.  The Tasman Glacier flows 27 kms past the flanks of Mt Cook to terminate amongst vast fields of rock debris at the beautiful Blue Lakes, where the Tasman River takes the glacier water to the blue waters of Lake Pukaki.

Mount Cook is far from the city lights and therefore has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand – perfect for viewing the night sky!  In June 2012 the Aoraki Mackenzie region, encompassing Mount Cook Village, was approved as one of only a few International Dark Sky Reserves (IDSR) worldwide, meaning the darkness of their night skies is almost unbeatable!

This evening we get to enjoy this wonderful must-do experience; beginning with an introduction and orientation in the Digital Dome Planetarium highlighting the unique features of the southern night sky.  Their informative astronomy guides then accompany you to an outdoor stargazing site where you will use telescopes, astronomy binoculars and the naked eye to put your newly acquired knowledge into practise, identifying and exploring different elements of the spectacular southern sky.  

Returning to our hotel for dinner tonight.

Overnight: The Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook  (or similar)

Day 17 - Tuesday 24 October 2023

Mount Cook - Christchurch (B,D)

Time this morning for a walk in the National Park or a spectacular scenic flight over the Southern Alps (extra cost).  We'll retrace our journey travelling past Lake Pukaki then on to the breathtaking blue waters of Lake Tekapo.  Here see the exterior of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the statue of the Collie dog, before travelling the vast Mackenzie Basin, over Burke’s Pass through Fairlie, Geraldine, Ashburton and across the Canterbury Plains into Christchurch. 

Overnight: Distinction Christchurch (or similar)

Day 18 -

Christchurch (B,D)

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of New Zealand's "Garden City" with its tree-lined Avon River, the Botanical Gardens and many landscaped parks and suburbs.  Christchurch is also renowned for its architecture and the city boasts many fine stone buildings of Gothic design including the wonderful stone buildings of the Christchurch Arts Centre, the original site of Canterbury University which now houses a number of arts and crafts stores and, the impressive gothic-style Christ Church Cathedral.

We enjoy a stop at The Tannery; a boutique shopping emporium on the banks of the Heathcote River in Woolston.  The old industrial precinct from the 19th century is now home to a retail complex boasting stunning architecture and art, and is home to a concentration of boutique shops; a hub of creativity and hospitality, retail, craft and entertainment.  

THe remainder of our day is at leisure before our farewell dinner this evening aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.  Sit back and enjoy a delicious dinner in the luxury of an air-conditioned colonial style tramcar while taking in some of Christchurch’s most interesting sights.  A night to celebrate a fantastic adventure with new friends!

Day 19 -

Christchurch - Melbourne (B, Inflight)

Today we farewell New Zealand. 

With an early flight departure from Christchurch airport we arrive into Melbourne in the morning.

Sit back and reminisce about the amazing experience you have shared with new friends and enjoy the inflight entertainment. 

Welcome Back Home! Thank you for joining us on your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back!