Arrive in Auckland on a convenient flight (see “Place & time of the group meeting”). The day is reserved for rest and adjusting to the time zone. Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 PM. After settling in, you may take a light walk around the city at your own pace.

The morning begins with a sightseeing tour of Auckland. You’ll discover why it’s called the "City of Sails," walk down vibrant Queen Street, and enjoy views of the harbor and the forested Rangitoto volcano. Your guide will share stories about local beaches, which are a true mecca for divers and anglers.

Next, our route leads us to Hobbiton—the actual movie set where Tolkien’s Shire came to life. You can wander among the emerald hills, see the famous round-door hobbit holes, and enjoy a glass of signature ale at the Green Dragon Inn.

In the evening, we arrive in Rotorua. Here, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of a Maori village, witness ancient crafts, and feel the powerful energy of traditional songs and dances.

Please note: The Hobbiton movie set tour and the Maori village experience are optional and require an additional fee.

This day is dedicated to exploring the natural wonders surrounding Rotorua. First, we head to the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park. The area is famous for its surreal shapes and colors, featuring the neon-green Devil’s Bath and the Champagne Pool, which constantly bubbles with escaping gases.

Next, our journey takes us to the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in Oceania. Nearby lies the cascading Huka Falls, where a powerful torrent of water is forced through a narrow rock canyon.

We conclude the day by discovering the Whanganui River. This river holds deep spiritual significance for the Maori people; its banks are dotted with sacred marae (meeting grounds), and it has long served as a vital link between settlements. After your guide shares the mysteries of these local shrines, we’ll trade our calm stroll for some adrenaline: a high-speed jet boat ride past sheer cliffs draped in pristine rainforest.

Please note: In case of unfavorable weather, the jet boat location may be moved to the Waikato River.

Day four is dedicated to New Zealand's oldest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site — Tongariro. We’ll walk across the volcanic plateau through ancient forests, reach mountain rivers, and admire the volcanic cones famously featured as "Mount Doom" in The Lord of the Rings.

Our next stop is one of the country’s most surreal locations — the Waitomo Caves. We’ll enter an underground world where the ceilings are adorned with thousands of glowworms. Their soft blue radiance transforms the cave into a subterranean starry sky.

After this packed program, we return to Auckland for a domestic flight to Wellington. Upon arrival in the capital, we’ll transfer to the hotel for some rest.

For the New Year’s Departure:

The evening of this day will be the highlight of the trip — your New Year’s Eve celebration. We strongly recommend booking a table for New Year’s dinner in advance, as the capital’s venues are in extremely high demand during this period.

Today is entirely at your disposal to soak up the atmosphere of the world's southernmost capital. You might start your morning with a walk to the Parliament Building and the famous "Old Government Buildings," considered the largest wooden structure on the planet. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along the vibrant Lambton Quay and ascend to the summit of Mount Victoria for the best panoramic views of the city skyline and the harbor.

Culture enthusiasts should visit the "Te Papa Tongarewa" National Museum to get a closer look at Maori heritage, while film buffs can head to the legendary Weta Workshop, where special effects for Avatar and The Lord of the Rings were brought to life.

You’ll have the first half of the day in the capital to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or simply wander through your favorite streets. After lunch, our sea voyage begins: we’ll board a ferry to cross the Cook Strait. This is one of the most picturesque water routes in the world. From the deck, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the emerald slopes and rugged coastline of the Marlborough Sounds—a UNESCO-protected area.

On the other side, at the South Island port, the group will be met by a guide. The day concludes with a transfer to the Marlborough region, where we’ll settle in for the night at a cozy hotel.

The morning begins in the country’s premier wine region — Marlborough. The local Sauvignon Blanc is considered a global benchmark, often surpassing its European counterparts according to experts. You will visit one of the leading wineries to enjoy panoramic views of endless vineyards against a mountain backdrop and, if you wish, sample the famous wines (optional, paid separately).

Next, we head to Kaikoura, the eco-tourism capital of New Zealand. The unique seafloor topography attracts numerous whales and dolphins, while fur seals bask right on the coastal rocks. You’ll be able to observe birds and seals from the shore or choose an active adventure: a marine boat safari or a scenic helicopter flight for a whale-watching encounter (optional extras).

The day concludes with a transfer to Christchurch. This city is known as the "Garden City" for its abundance of greenery and charming parks. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.

The morning begins with a stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and along the Pacific coast. In a local nature park, we will meet the "New Zealand Big Five" — the rare kiwi, kea, kaka, and takahē birds, as well as the ancient tuatara reptile. You will also have the chance to feed endemic eels.

Next, we head inland to the picturesque Mackenzie District. Set against a backdrop of golden fields and the Southern Alps, we’ll visit a craft distillery and creamery that produces unique gin and the world’s first sheep and deer milk cheeses. Weather permitting, a majestic view of Mount Cook (Aoraki) will open up along the way.

The afternoon will be spent by the azure waters of Lake Tekapo, one of the most photogenic spots in the country. You’ll see the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheepdog Monument. For those interested, the "Grand Traverse" flight over national parks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes is available (optional, paid separately).

In the evening, we transfer to the town of Twizel for a hotel stay and rest.

After breakfast, we head to the highest point in the country — Mount Cook (3,724 m). About 40% of this national park is covered by glaciers. We will enjoy a comfortable trek along well-maintained trails, allowing us to experience the rugged beauty of the high country up close. If you wish, you can book a 50-minute helicopter flight with a landing on the snow (optional, paid separately).

In the afternoon, we make our way to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. The route takes us through the scenic Lindis Pass, with stops at the best viewpoints. Along the way, we’ll visit a salmon farm and a winery specializing in exquisite Pinot Noir. The evening concludes with hotel check-in in Queenstown.

Today is entirely dedicated to your personal discoveries in the country’s premier tourist hub. Queenstown offers something for everyone: from a tranquil stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to a gondola ride up to breathtaking viewpoints. For thrill-seekers, the full spectrum of adventure activities is available: from bungee jumping and jet boating to paragliding, kayaking, horseback riding, or exhilarating luge rides.

In the evening, you can head to Walter Peak High Country Farm. A traditional buffet dinner awaits, followed by a glimpse into rural life: you’ll witness the masterful work of sheepdogs and a professional sheep-shearing demonstration.

Please note: All activities and excursions on this day require an additional fee.

Today, we embark on a two-hour water journey through the world-famous Milford Sound — the very landscapes that grace the country's most iconic postcards. The sheer scale of nature here is staggering: cliffs soar two kilometers high, while the fjord's depth beneath our keel reaches four hundred meters. It’s no wonder Rudyard Kipling called this place the "eighth wonder of the world," and according to Maori legend, these vistas were carved by the gods themselves rather than glaciers. If you wish, you can enjoy lunch on board during the cruise (pre-booking required).

Toward evening, we move to the largest body of water on the South Island — Lake Te Anau. The surrounding forests hold the incredible story of the takahē bird, which was thought to be extinct for half a century until biologists rediscovered it in 1948. Today, these coastal areas are a strictly protected sanctuary. After taking in the beauty of the lake, we will head to the town of Gore for our overnight stay.

Today we head to Dunedin, the South Island's second-largest city, famous for its Victorian architecture. You will see the city's main landmarks: the monumental St. Paul's Cathedral, the elegant Railway Station, and the historic University of Otago. We will definitely visit the legendary Baldwin Street — the world's steepest street according to the Guinness World Records — and take a stroll among exotic plants in the city’s leafy gardens.

A special highlight of the program is a visit to Olveston Historic Home. Built in the early 20th century for the family of philanthropist David Theomin, this luxurious mansion has been preserved in its original state. Inside, you will find 35 rooms filled with authentic furniture, art collections, and technical innovations that were incredible for that era: its own elevator, generator, and heating system. It’s a true journey back in time, offering a rare glimpse into high-society life from a century ago.

The final day begins on the coast, where you will see the Moeraki Boulders. Scientists estimate these mysterious stone spheres were formed on the ocean floor about 65 million years ago.

Our next stop is the colorful town of Oamaru. The town is impressive with its Victorian white-stone architecture and the quirky Steampunk HQ museum, which has become its hallmark.

After our stroll, our route follows the East Coast of the Pacific Ocean back to Christchurch. Having enjoyed the coastal panoramas and lunch along the way, we will arrive at the airport for a short domestic flight to Auckland.