Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, and settle into the JW Marriott, your Scenic Special Stay. Surrounded by waterfront views and cosmopolitan charm. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner, raising a toast to the unforgettable journey ahead across both islands of New Zealand.

Enjoy a relaxed day on Waiheke Island, tasting fresh oysters, award-winning olive oils, and local honeys, perfectly matched with fine island wines. Friendly guides, stunning scenery, and a leisurely pace make this the ideal way to experience Waiheke’s flavours and charm.

Continue your exploration of the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland, for its bustling marinas and harbourside setting. A melting pot of cultures, Auckland offers world-class dining, stylish waterfront precincts, and a thriving arts scene, all within easy reach of pristine beaches, rainforests, and wine regions, making it a gateway to both adventure and relaxation.

Enhance your Auckland visit with a selection of Scenic Freechoice activities:

Scenic Freechoice:
Auckland Harbour Cruise: Enjoy panoramic views of the skyline, waterfront, iconic landmarks and volcanic islands with live commentary of Auckland's maritime heritage.

Waitakere Wilderness Experience: Explore black sand beaches and native rainforest on a guided half-day tour. Admire traditional Maori carvings learn about their significance for the area. Wander rainforests among lush native silver ferns, manuka and kauri trees before arriving at your pinnacle vantage point overlooking the Tasman Sea.

Auckland City Revealed Tour: Learn about Auckland’s history, culture, and volcanic landmarks. Gain insights into the Maori history of the area and the legends and stories behind region and see some of Auckland’s most picturesque vistas.

Flavours of Our City Walking Tour: Discover Auckland through its vibrant food culture on this guided tour that blends gourmet indulgence with city exploration. Stroll lively streets and hidden laneways as you sample artisan cheeses, handmade chocolates, freshly roasted coffee. Along the way, your guide shares stories of Auckland’s history, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks.

Scenic Enrich
Connect with the heart of New Zealand culture as you learn about the spirit of the game that shaped the nation. Your All Blacks Experience includes being guided by a former All Black or Black Fern, followed by a wine-matching dinner at one of Auckland’s top restaurants.

Journey into Middle Earth with a visit to Hobbiton™ Movie Set, exploring the detailed film sets from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, including the Shire’s iconic hobbit holes and lush gardens. Continue to Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal heartland, where bubbling hot springs, steaming geysers, and mud pools combine with rich Maori culture for a truly immersive experience.

Scenic Enrich
Delight in a Maori fusion dining experience at Te Pa Tu with traditional song, dance, and storytelling under the stars.

Begin the day with a treetop Redwoods Treewalk, gliding among towering native trees and immersing yourself in Rotorua’s lush forest canopy. Explore Te Puia Rotorua Geothermal Park, where steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools display the region’s volcanic activity. Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery to observe the breeding program dedicated to protecting New Zealand’s iconic kiwi birds. In the afternoon, arrive at Huka Lodge, your two-night Scenic Special Stay and one of the world’s most prestigious luxury lodges, set along the tranquil banks of the Waikato River. As the sun sets, move to the dining room for your included dinner showcasing New Zealand’s finest, often sustainably produced ingredients, a gastronomic experience that will delight your senses.

Enjoy a full day at leisure at Huka Lodge, set on 30 acres along the picturesque Waikato River that is rich with trout. Optional experiences include fly-fishing, guided hikes, lake cruises, or nearby golf. For a relaxed day, play tennis, pétanque, or croquet, wander the gardens, or enjoy a drink on the riverbank. Your culinary journey continues with local produce incorporated into an innovative menu with included breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Visit the magnificent Lake Taupo, created by a volcanic eruption two thousand years ago. Its prodigious size makes it feel more like an inland sea than a lake, with warm currents hinting at its geothermal origins. Afterwards, travel to Hawke’s Bay and the coastal city of Napier, an architectural gem renowned for its stunning 1930s Art Deco buildings. Explore boutique wineries, enjoy phenomenal local dining, and browse charming shops that highlight the region’s unique culture and creative spirit. Arrive at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers for a two-night Scenic Special Stay, a luxury lodge perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific, offering world-class amenities and breathtaking coastal views.

Scenic Freechoice:
Art Deco Walking Tour:  Step into the stylish world of Napier’s Art Deco district and discover the story behind its remarkable transformation following the 1931 earthquake. Stroll through streets lined with elegant 1930s architecture, vibrant façades, and intricate detailing, while your guide shares fascinating insights into the city’s rebuilding, its cultural heritage, and the people who shaped this unique coastal town.

Vintage Car Napier Highlights: Step back in time as you tour Napier’s iconic landmarks in a beautifully restored 1930s vintage car. Your driver, dressed in authentic Art Deco attire, will share captivating stories of the 1931 earthquake and the remarkable people who rebuilt this coastal city. Experience the elegance of the era while discovering Napier’s distinctive architecture, vibrant history, and the charm that makes this town a living celebration of Art Deco.

Napier Aquarium Behind-the-Scenes Tour:  Go behind the scenes at Napier Aquarium for an unforgettable up-close experience. Meet the adorable Little Blue Penguins and other fascinating marine creatures while learning about the aquarium’s vital rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation programs. Your guide will share insights into the care, feeding, and protection of these remarkable animals, giving you a deeper appreciation for the work that helps preserve New Zealand’s unique marine wildlife.

Spend the day immersing yourself in the dramatic cliffside setting of Rosewood Cape Kidnappers. Take the morning at leisure to explore the lodge’s private trails or enjoy a round of golf on the renowned Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, set against stunning coastal vistas. Alternatively, unwind at the lodge with a spa treatment or relax on the terrace, soaking in the sun and sweeping ocean views. In the evening, dine in style at the lodge’s signature restaurant, where the menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.  

This morning, depart the North Island with a short flight to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Christchurch is a vibrant example of resilience, blending contemporary innovation with historical charm. Explore boutique galleries, quirky cafes, and the Riverside Market, or stroll the rejuvenated city streets to witness the artistic murals and street installations that highlight its creative spirit. In the evening, enjoy time at leisure or take a casual walk along the Avon River before settling in for an overnight stay.

Enhance your Christchurch stay with a selection of Scenic Freechoice activities:

Scenic Freechoice:
Punting on the Avon River: Glide gently along the tranquil Avon River, drifting past charming historic architecture, lush riverside gardens, and serene parklands. Enjoy a relaxing, scenic journey as your guide shares stories of the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Botanic Gardens Tour: Wander through Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens and discover a stunning collection of rare and native flora. Learn the fascinating history of this central city oasis, unique design, its iconic plants and landscapes.

Christchurch Sightseeing Tour: Explore Christchurch’s remarkable revival after the earthquakes, discovering a mix of restored heritage buildings, striking contemporary architecture, and vibrant public spaces. Learn the stories of resilience, innovation, and community that define this evolving city.

Akaroa Day Trip with Nature Cruise: Discover the charm of Akaroa’s historic French settlement before embarking on a two-hour nature cruise. Watch out for playful dolphins, curious seals, and abundant native birdlife while soaking in stunning harbour and coastal scenery.

International Antarctic Centre: Step into an immersive experience at the International Antarctic Centre. Encounter adorable penguins and explore interactive exhibits, learning about life, wildlife, and scientific research in one of the world’s most extreme environments.

This afternoon, connect with local culture at a captivating Scenic Enrich.

Scenic Enrich
Join a Kai Safari, a curated culinary journey that introduces the rich flavours of local produce, Maori language, and insider insights into Christchurch’s vibrant culture and gastronomy. Along the way, savour authentic tastes and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s unique heritage and culinary traditions.

Board the legendary TranzAlpine train this morning for a rail journey across the Southern Alps, passing through the Canterbury Plains, braided rivers, and dramatic gorges. Arrive in Franz Josef, nestled in a World Heritage area, and witness the ever-changing glacier landscape. Optional activities include a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, with the chance to land on the ice and take in panoramic alpine views. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful dinner at your Scenic Special Stay, reflecting on the region’s extraordinary natural beauty.

Perched on the sparkling shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the majestic Southern Alps, Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital. From energetic outdoor pursuits like jet boating to breathtaking alpine and lake vistas, the region’s natural splendour is simply awe-inspiring. Vibrant dining scene, boutique shopping, and stunning natural landscapes await at every turn.

Begin your day with a thrilling Haast River Safari jet boat ride, exploring the South Westland World Heritage area and glacial valleys, surrounded by lush native forests and cascading waterfalls. Afterward, travel to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, and settle into your two-night Scenic Special Stay at the QT Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with panoramic mountain views.

Scenic Enrich
Board the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship for a charming cruise to Walter Peak High Country Station, followed by a carvery-style dinner highlighting local produce and wines. As the sun sets over Lake Wakatipu, reflect on the beauty and diversity of your New Zealand journey.

Continue your exploration of the resort town of Queenstown

Today, choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities:

Scenic Freechoice:
Dart River Safari: Embark on a jet boat exploration through the dramatic Dart River Valley, then explore the pristine wilderness on foot with a knowledgeable guide, discovering hidden rivers, native flora, and stunning alpine scenery.

Boutique Winery Tour: Indulge in award-winning wines and exquisite local cuisine at some of Queenstown’s finest boutique wineries. Sample dishes creatively prepared in wine barrels and savour the flavours that perfectly complement the region’s celebrated vintages.

Shotover Jet Adventure: Be energised by speed and precision as you navigate the iconic Shotover River, winding through narrow canyons and sparkling rapids in one of New Zealand’s most exhilarating jet boat experiences.

Safari of the Scenes: Step into Middle Earth on this cinematic journey to filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Explore iconic scenery, interact with props, and capture unforgettable photographs amid Queenstown’s dramatic landscapes.

Skyline Gondola: Ascend to Bob’s Peak on board the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy breathtaking vistas, photo opportunities, and optional dining or activities at the summit.

Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour: Traverse rugged terrain in a guided 4WD journey through Skippers Canyon, uncovering historic gold mining sites, dramatic cliffs, and spectacular vistas that reveal the raw beauty and pioneering spirit of the region.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Queenstown and transfer to the airport for your journey home. Take with you unforgettable memories of New Zealand that create stories for life.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.