Inspiring Journeys 10 Day Inspiring New Zealand

Welcome to the City of Sails, New Zealand's invigorating North Island hub and one of the most liveable cities in the world. After you check-in to your hotel spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception and dinner.

A city sights tour will start your morning in Auckland. Travel around the waterfront from central city out to Mission Bay. Prepare your camera for the stop at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, as you will get stunning shots of Auckland, the North Shore and the Waitemata Harbour. Next up we take a ferry over to Waiheke Island, on arrival you'll be greeted at the wharf by your tour driver and directed to your coach. Enjoy a scenic drive to your first stop, Stonyridge Vineyard, where you'll enjoy a tour and tastings, plus a light lunch over views of the vineyard. You then depart for Rangihoua Estate, which introduces you to Waiheke's olive growing industry, including tasting award-winning olive oils. A stop at Casita Miro will leave you enchanted with the tastes and feelings of the Mediterranean. Your tour finishes with wine tastings at the beautiful Mudbrick Vineyard, with spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf, before returning to the ferry terminal. Tonight, enjoy a free evening; why not try one of the many restaurants in Wynyard Quarter or the Viaduct.

Your leisurely discovery of New Zealand's North Island continues as you follow the meandering trail of the Waikato River to the home of Lance and Bridgette O'Sullivan, of New Zealand horse racing fame, for a Be My Guest experience, a traditional country-style lunch at the Red Barn on their beautiful Waikato Farm. Journey to the volatile landscapes of Rotorua, where Māori culture takes centre stage. Visit the Tamaki Māori Village for insights into the local rituals and traditions of this fascinating culture. Embrace their gracious Hongi greeting, experience the heart-pounding wero challenge and enjoy a Highlight Dinner, the delicious flavours of the Hangi cooked in the earth with geothermal steam.

Embark on one of the Included Choice sightseeing experiences today to explore the sacred lands, thermal marvels and Māori traditions of Rotorua. Indulge in the Polynesian Spa's healing waters, tread in the footsteps of Bilbo Baggins in the fantasy-land of Hobbiton or if you're up for a challenge, take the native forest zipline adventure tour with Canopy Tours.

Come face-to-face with New Zealand's indigenous creatures that find sanctuary alongside the crystal-clear mineral water springs and within the lush surrounds of Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Leave the shy kiwis behind for an encounter with the local Māori community at Whakawerawera Living Village and an introduction to the bubbling geysers, mud pools and thermal springs of Rotorua. A local guide will show you New Zealand's largest geyser before you board your flight to Wellington, the Capital of Cool. Spend the evening at your leisure, enjoying dinner at one of the quirky cafes at Courtenay Place or Cuba Street.

(Your airfare is not included and must be booked by you or your travel agent, we are more than happy to organise this).

Fly from Rotorua to Wellington.  The cost for this is additional to your tour, we can book this flight for you.

This afternoon, continue to the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia, admiring the extraordinary efforts of conservationists who have reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife that were absent from mainland New Zealand for over a century.

This morning we continue to the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia, admiring the extraordinary efforts of conservationists who have reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife that were absent from mainland New Zealand for over a century. Then it's time to prime yourselves for a few days of adventure, flying to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. On arrival, the journey to the gold rush village of Arrowtown. Enjoy a tour of Queenstown, and gaze at the natural splendour in its midst – from the peaks of the Remarkables to beautiful Lake Wakatipu.

(Your airfare is not included and must be booked by you or your travel agent we are more than happy to help you with this).

Fly from Rotorua to Christchurch.  The cost for this is additional to your tour, we can book this flight for you.

Journey deep into the heart of Fiordland National Park. From the silence of the Sounds to the ancient rainforests, the beauty and vastness will leave you speechless. Your day begins in Manapouri, where you'll embark on a cruise across the loveliest of all the Fiordland lakes, Lake Manapouri. Meander through epic surrounds, across New Zealand's most expensive road over Wilmot Pass. Boarding a cruise, take to the waters of Doubtful Sound, keeping your eyes peeled for the diverse species that call this beautiful body of water home.

You have a full day to indulge your adventurous side, selecting one of the Included Choice sightseeing experiences on offer in Queenstown. Enjoy a guided walk through a native beech forest or embark on a 4WD minibus tour through the scenic gorge of Skippers Canyon. For a more sedate encounter with the adrenalin capital, visit one of the nearby wineries to sample award-winning vintages. Your Travel Director will assist you in booking any of your chosen Included Choice experiences. As your final day ends, spend the evening together enjoying a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant and toast to shared memories of an epic encounter with New Zealand's north and south.

For now, all that's left to say is a fond farewell as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end after breakfast. E noho rā New Zealand - we hope for a speedy return