Inspiring Journeys - The Long White Cloud 24/25

On arrival in Christchurch, board a private transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception with local wines and canapes.

Staying in:

• Hotel Montreal Christchurch (1 night)

Travel through the Southern Alps aboard TranzAlpine train. From Arthur’s Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast well-known for its jade. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where you’ll spend two nights in an eco-friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness.

Staying in:

• Te Waonui Forest Retreat (1 night)

This morning, explore Franz Josef/Waiau, where a local guide explains the history behind the imposing Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere.

Staying in:

• Te Waonui Forest Retreat (1 night)

Discover the Haast River this morning as you journey its length in a fully enclosed river jet boat. Stop at Makarora, then explore the heritage gold settlement of Arrowtown, before an orientation of breathtaking Queenstown.

Staying in:

• The Rees Hotel (1 night)

Enjoy Queenstown your way! Perhaps view The Lord of the Rings film locations on a scenic tour of Queenstown and Glenorchy. Tonight, why not cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet barbecue dinner?

Staying in:

• The Rees Hotel (1 night)

Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Perhaps join a wine tour and taste some of Central Otago’s world-renowned Pinot Noir. Tonight, enjoy a Local Dining Experience in one of Queenstown’s most exclusive restaurants.

Staying in:

• The Rees Hotel (1 night)

Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, where you'll stop for lunch at a local farm, and then through World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Tonight, you will stay aboard the iconic Milford Mariner, taking in Milford Sound along the way.

Staying in:

• Milford Mariner (1 night)

We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago through to Gore, the country music capital of New Zealand, for a lunch stop. Journey to Invercargill, a commercial hub full of grand architecture and gardens. A city obsessed with motoring history, there are tributes to speed legends across town, from Burt Munro to Bill Richardson and his shed full of classic vehicles. Enjoy a tour of the largest private collection of its type in the world. Later this afternoon you will have some free time to explore this city, and an evening free to seek out local hot spots.

Staying in:

• The Langlands Hotel (1 night)

Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to the pristine Stewart Island.  Later, join a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and see diverse flora and birdlife.

Staying in:

• The Langlands Hotel (1 night)

Enjoy a relaxed start before departing for Dunedin. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit Dunedin Craft Distillers, who produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill.

Staying in:

• Distinction Dunedin Hotel (1 night)

Travel up the east coast through Omarau and Timaru. On arrival in Christchurch, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city.

Staying in:

• Hotel Montreal Christchurch (1 night)

Travel along the Pacific coast to Kaikoura. Continue to the seaside village of Picton and later, cross the Cook Strait to Wellington.

Staying in:

• QT Wellington (1 night)

Today see Wellington your way. Perhaps visit the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne, or Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.

Staying in:

• QT Wellington (1 night)

Travel through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range winery, in the shadow of spectacular Te Mata Peak.

Staying in:

• Porters Boutique Hotel (1 night)

Join a local guide for a vintage car tour through Napier and surrounds areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild in the Art Deco style.

Staying in:

• Porters Boutique Hotel (1 night)

Continue your journey, arriving in Rotorua. This afternoon you will have a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Armed with a packed lunch and with your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest on a guided cultural walking tour, including Rongoa trail, rakau rangatira, history, possibly sight some native and endangered birds, whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end.

Staying in:

• Pullman Rotorua (1 night)

Ascend the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk for an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year old redwood giants. At the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, passionate conservationists reveal how they are saving the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a seasonal canapés and complementary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Staying in:

• Pullman Rotorua (1 night)

Make your way to the famous Caveworld Waitomo for an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm experience in Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel to Auckland. This evening, toast your tour at a Celebration Dinner.

Staying in:

• QT Auckland (1 night)

Your epic New Zealand journey comes to an end today and you are transferred by private car to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.