Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart US

Day 2 - Cross International Date Line

Day 3 - Arrive Auckland
Don't think of Auckland as a city, even though it's New Zealand's largest. Think of it as half urban, half marine - a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world and surrounded by over 50 islands.

Private car transfer to your accommodation.

You will stay for 2 nights at the Hotel De Brett, Auckland.A unique luxury boutique hotel experience in the heart of Auckland City New Zealand Settled in Auckland CBD, Hotel DeBrett links two unique precincts - High Street's hip fashion and Shortland Street's tailored commerce.

Hotel DeBrett's iconic building has been stylishly reinterpreted into a 25-room luxury boutique hotel. Every room is individually designed and complemented with eclectic furniture, New Zealand art and photography. The famous Housebar has been meticulously restored as Auckland's premier meeting place. A private drawing room has been created for exclusive use by hotel guests - while a glass roofed atrium and courtyard form the central focal point for guests, diners at Kitchen Restaurant and locals to mingle.

Days 4 - Auckland
Explore Auckland at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites:

Explore NZ – Americas Cup Sailing Experience
Join us for an unforgettable two hours sailing. A unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America's Cup yacht. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the ride as we sail the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. No experience necessary.

Auckland Bridgeclimb
Lasting for 1 1/2 hours, this climb will have you wondering whether to look at your feet or focus on the spectacular views. Custom engineered walkways provide a safe, enjoyable and easy-going experience while you enjoy Auckland to the fullest with 360 degree views.

Bush and Beach - Coast and Rainforest Tour
Visit Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, panoramic views from the sweeping decks extend from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean Next ou guides walk you through Auckland's coastal rainforest to the West Coast beach with the soft black sand, enjoy a kiwi style picnic lunch before onto untouched original rainforest with mature 1000 year old kauri trees.where 70 percent of our native plants are found nowhere else in the world.

Waiheke Island - Wine Tour
All day tour of three vineyards with pickup from and return to Auckland ferry or Waiheke Island accommodation . This tour includes commentated scenic tour of the Island with time to stop for photographs. One vineyard may be replaced with an olive oil visit and tasting.

Day 5 - Drive Auckland to the Bay of Islands
Collect rental vehicle and drive north to Bay of Islands.

You will stay for 3 nights at Eagle Nest luxury Villas. Nestled on the ridge line of a private peninsula lies a place of serenity, beauty, healing and harmony. A secluded, boutique retreat in the breathtakingly beautiful Bay of Islands, where the pressures of life have never existed. Where the body, mind and soul find nourishment.

Day 6 & 7 - Bay of Islands
Explore the Bay of Islands at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites:

Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach
You will be over-awed by the grandeur of the mighty Kauri trees, the expanse of Ninety Mile Beach and the mystique of Cape Reinga. There are numerous stops and scenic highlights including a boardwalk through the Puketi Kauri Forest, thunder along Ninety Mile Beach to the top of New Zealand and wander out to the lighthouse. Ride the sand sledges if you dare!

Swim with the Dolphins - Half day
Marine mammal eco-experience. See the abundance of marine mammals and wildlife the Bay is famous for and (conditions permitting)swim with the dolphins in their natural environment. Dolphins, whales, fish, sea birds,
penguins and other wildlife are frequently encountered in this spectacular marine environment.

Hole in the Rock & Dolphin watching
Dolphin / Whale Watching, travel through the world famous Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting), Grand Cathedral Cave, Cape Brett Lighthouse, Cruise and commentary amongst the 144 islands, Encounter wildlife in their natural environment, Culture and History of the Bay of Islands, Exclusive private island stop visiting one of New Zealand’s most significant Maori Pa’s (fortified village)

Day 8 - Fly Keri Keri to Queenstown
Private car transfer to your accommodation.

Queenstown is an established international four-season resort with a diverse number of experiences on offer. There are over 200 attractions from bungy jumping to arts trails, a full range of accommodation from camp-sites to major hotels and luxury lodges, and a compact town centre. In winter, Queenstown and the surrounding region turns into an alpine playground, with skiing and snowboarding opportunities everywhere as well as the annual Queenstown Winter Festival. Milford and Doubtful Sounds in Fiordland National Park are a day trip distance from Queenstown, A range of multi-day tramping tracks, including the Routeburn, Hollyford, Greenstone and Rees-Dart, are within driving distance of Queenstown.

You will stay for 3 nights at Azur. Queenstown is renowned for its stunning untouched natural beauty and accompanied by some of the best nature walks and adrenalin activities in the world, it is this essence of New Zealand that has been fused into the luxury lodge Azur. All 9 lake & mountain view villas are close to nature. A combination of silver beechwood & stone, our contemporary touches have been taken from the outside in.

Day 9 & 10 - Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites:

Milford Sound Nature Cruise
An on board nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region's history, flora and fauna provides detailed interpretation in English with a roving microphone. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and the towering peaks; and keep a lookout for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins when in season. Coach or flight transfers available.

Dart River Safari - Funyaks
During your Funyaks full day experience you will experience NZ's most scenic jetboating experience and then float down river in their own inflatable kayak allowing plenty of time to explore the rivers hidden secrets. Enjoy a wilderness buffet lunch and exceptional guide interaction on this premium product. Funyaks is more suited towards visitors who are looking for a unique eco-experience - guests must have average fitness.

Appellation Central Wine Tours
Appellation Central offers guided tours showcasing Central Otago's fine wine and cuisine. These tours venture into the heartland of Central Otago visiting vineyards in Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Small groups and custom fit minibuses ensure a relaxed and interactive day out from Queenstown and a great way to experience Central Otago.

Queenstown Rafting Triple Challenge - Shotover Jet/Helicopter/WhiteWater Rafting
The Ultimate Adventure. Begin with the shotover jet, speed through rocky canyons and experience the Hamilton 360 spins. Climb aboard a helicopter for a spectacular flight into Skippers Canyon. Land at Deep Creek and meet your rafting guide, peaceful waters at first before hearing the roar of the"mother" section

Nomad Safari - Skippers Canyon
a half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. Hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. Navigate this awe-inspiring canyon and visit many historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge, township of Skippers, and the restored school house - gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and histories of life in this tough environment

Milford Sound - Overnight Cruise (seasonal)
Overnight on the Milford Mariner, a 40 metre motor vessel, leisurely cruise Milford Sound, explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery and keep a lookout for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins when in season. After reaching the open sea the sails may be hoisted, anchors overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove.

Day 11 - Depart for US
Private car transfer from Azur lodge to Queenstown airport.

More information from Aspire Down Under:

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