Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to New Zealand!

In Auckland, you're greeted by your Black Sheep guide who whisks you off to the stunning Bay of Islands for the start of your adventure.

Day 2: Coastal Splendour
Spend the day walking beneath giant, ancient kauri trees and along magnificent coastline. Congratulate yourself on taking this vacation.

Day 3: Set Sail on the Bay
Sail amongst the picturesque islands of the bay. Take the helm, climb the rigging, or just sit back and enjoy the sea breeze and a bit of penguin-spotting. Wash away the last remains of jetlag in the emerald waters of a secluded island bay.

Day 4: Birdlife to Nightlife
Return to Auckland, taking a detour to New Zealand's largest gannet colony, perched above black volcanic sands. Study these birds in their natural habitat before settling into your own nest in the heart of Auckland's vibrant waterfront district.

Day 5: Rainforest Retreat
Walk with an award-winning naturalist through the lush, subtropical rainforest of the Coromandel Peninsula. Take an evening stroll from your lodge to one of New Zealand's prettiest beaches. At dinner, wonder how your guide knew that it was your birthday and that your favorite flavor is chocolate.

Day 6: Sea and Sand
Hike to a remote and beautiful cove guarded by towering sandstone formations. Nearby, dig your own natural hot pool in the sand and soak as you listen to the waves crash against the shore. Contemplate the wonders of nature.

Day 7: Maori Immersion
Arrive in Rotorua and visit the historic Bath House, Rotorua's Museum of Art and History. Test the healing theories of the water in a nearby spa and decide the theories are true. Emerge from the pools and immerse yourself in ancient and contemporary Maori culture as a guest on a marae, or Maori meeting house.

Day 8: Volcanic Wonders
Boat to White Island and peer into the belly of an active volcano. So this is what Dante was on about. If conditions preclude a White Island visit, take a scenic flight over the giant volcanic crater of Mt Tarawera and visit boiling lakes, turquoise pools, hot streams and other active geothermal features on land.

Day 9: Capital Culture
Fly to New Zealand's picturesque capital city, Wellington, and enjoy a day exploring on your own. Visit Te Papa, the country's extraordinary national museum; tour the city's government buildings; ride the historic cable car to the botanical gardens; or stroll through the galleries and along the busy waterfront--all within an easy walk of your hotel in the heart of the city.

This is the departure point for those touring the North Island only, and the kick-off for those doing the South Island portion of this tour. We gather this evening to swap stories, farewell departing friends, and welcome any new arrivals to our fold.

Day 10: Water and Wine
Ferry across the Cook Strait and along the spectacular coastline of the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. On land, visit the world-renowned Marlborough wine region, stopping for lunch amongst the vines. Drink in the South Island's relaxed atmosphere (both figuratively and literally) then head to your lodge at the head of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 11: Abel Tasman Adventure
Sea kayak or hike along the stunning shoreline of arguably one of the most beautiful parks in the country. Aquamarine waters, temperate forest, golden sand beaches--no arguments here. At the end of the day, note how the colloquialism 'Good day, mate' rolls off your tongue.

Day 12: Spectacular Seacoast
Travel to the tiny, seaside town of Kaikoura, New Zealand's marine-life center. Hike amongst intriguing limestone formations, nesting seabirds, and snoozing seals. Kaikoura means 'to eat crayfish (lobster)' and at dinner, do just that. Fall asleep to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

Day 13: Marine Life Encounters
Spend the day with 'the locals' in their natural habitat. Don a wetsuit for an up-close encounter with playful fur seals or take a boat trip to the feeding grounds of albatross, shearwaters, and other pelagic wildlife. This afternoon, take a scenic flight to view Kaikoura's resident sperm whales. Remember the original, pre- Beevis and Butthead meaning of the word 'awesome'.

Day 14: City Culture, Country Charm
Journey to the charming city of Christchurch, described as the most English of New Zealand's cities. Hire a punt on the Avon, stroll through the botanical gardens, or visit the lively Arts Centre and open-air market. This evening, enjoy true Kiwi hospitality on an overnight farmstay. Remind yourself to get Pam's recipe for pavlova.

Day 15: From the Mountains to the Sea
Board the renowned TranzAlpine train for a trip over the glorious Southern Alps. Cross alpine rivers, pass beneath snow-capped peaks and descend to the wild and woolly West Coast. Wind your way along stunning, bush-laden coast to your lodging at the base of the Paparoa National Park. Note that you are definitely not in Kansas.

Day 16: West Coast Wonderland
In fact, today it's more like MiddleEarth as you explore the limestone cave systems that honeycomb this region. View delicate, unspoiled formations on a Scenic Caving trip, or take a Cave Rafting adventure, featuring glow-worm constellations, an underground river, a whole lot of rubber, and plenty of laughs. Above-ground, rubber-free options also available.

Day 17: Glacial Glory
Head south to New Zealand's spectacular glacier region. Thank yourself for choosing a guided trip, because you can't take your eyes off the scenery--a serious no-no on these roads. In the village of Franz Josef, take a scenic helicopter flight, passing near Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, and landing on the glacier's neve. Back on terra firma, hike to the glacier face and visit a stand of old-growth rainforest. Marvel at how ferns and ice can be within cooee of each other (that's 'really close' in Kiwi).

Day 18: Scenic Journey
Hike around the peaceful, reflective water of a glacial kettle lake, then head south to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. On the way, explore hidden trails and secluded waterfalls. Make a note to buy an additional memory card for your camera.

Day 19: Mother Nature on Steroids
In the morning, embrace the energy of this lively town with a thrilling jet boat ride through the scenic Shotover Canyon, then spend the day as you wish, hiking, rafting, shopping, horse-trekking, bungy-jumping, reading, or whatever other optional activities you choose. Decide that Queenstown, backed by the aptly-named Remarkables mountain range, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Fill your new memory card with pictures taken from your balcony.

Day 20: Fiordland Escape
Pack an overnight bag for a night in the fiords. As you travel through the Fiordland National Park, ask yourself how on earth things could get any more beautiful, then find the answer around each new corner. At the fiord, board your vessel for a unique overnight stay, highlighted by cruising, wildlife-spotting, and kayaking beneath the sheer cliffs of the fiord. Get sore pinching yourself.

Day 21: A Time to Celebrate
Cruise back to shore as a rare witness to a Fiordland dawn. On the way back to Queenstown, stop to explore the native flora and fauna. Note the caffeine-like effect of New Zealand air. Back in Queenstown, enjoy a leisurely afternoon before gathering for a farewell dinner to celebrate the friendships you've made and the memories shared. While making a speech, accidentally call your guide 'Mommy'.

Day 22: Fond Farewells
Depending on your flight schedule, take time to relax, make final purchases, or reconsider that bungy jump before traveling home or to your next destination. Arrive home and book your next Black Sheep adventure.

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