Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Auckland.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Auckland to Rotorua (North Island).

Travel by private car from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Lake Rotorua, Peppers on the Point is an intimate luxury retreat featuring spectacular views to the historic Mokoia Island.

This stunning retreat offers the perfect base for experiencing New Zealand’s rich culture or you can simply relax and enjoy the tranquility of this stunning location from the comfort of our inviting entertainment rooms with open fireplaces. Just five minutes from the heart of Rotorua City, Peppers on the Point is located on Kawaha Point Road and comprises of an exquisitely furnished converted 1930s mansion.

Without leaving the retreats surrounds you can indulge in a heavenly massage at our onsite spa, try fly fishing from our private beach, enjoy water sports and tennis or even spend your day boating. Peppers on the Point’s dining room is also renowned for serving fabulous New Zealand cuisine accompanied by the finest New Zealand and international wines, it is an experience not to be missed.

Peppers on the Point, Rotoura is the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture and is set amidst a landscape of erupting geysers, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools. With so many sights to see and cultural offerings within easy reach, we will have you immersed in relaxation upon your return.

Enjoy some free time in Rotorua to explore this historic city!

Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland filled with a plethora of activities and attractions to check out. The region’s unique location is filled with hot pools, geysers, mud pools and geothermal activity.

Visit Waiotapu, where there are many sights to explore. Experience the Champagne Pool and waterfall filled with rich vibrant colours of the mineral salts, bubbling mud pools, craters, and Lady Knox Geyser when you visit. Arrive in the morning to see the Lady Knox Geyser at 10:15 am. For a full day of relaxation, visit the hot mineral pools and treat yourself to a relaxing Polynesian spa treatment that uses the local products (like a Rotorua mud wrap or manuka honey facial). Go Zorbing! Roll down a hill in an inflatable globe in this truly unique experience. There are different tracks to roll down with up to three people in the globe. You can choose to roll down with water in the globe for a fun time splashing around. For the adventure seekers, try Skydiving, the adrenaline rush of the jump will have you accelerating at 200 kilometres/hour. All the great views of Rotorua are best seen from 15,000 feet above.

Photo Credit: Tourism Rotorua

Discover the unique lifestyle and traditions of the thermal village of Whakarewarewa.

Check with your hotel reception desk for the local bus schedule and catch a bus (or taxi) to the village (own arrangements – not included).

Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori village of Whakarewarewa situated in Rotorua, the heart of the North Island. Sit down, relax, and enjoy the cultural performances the Maori village performs while they entertain and thrill your senses through the medium of performing arts. Their melodious voices accompanied by hand movements tell the stories of their heritage, past and present. Through your tour you will learn the explanation of village lifestyles, the interpretation of traditions and culture, the history and legends, the explanation of the local kohanga reo, while viewing the Ancestral Meeting House, Geothermal Features, and Pohutu Geysers. Be enlightened by participating in the interactive activities which may include weaving, displays of musical instruments & weaponry or learn a waiata-a-ringa (action song) and/or haka.

Opening Hours: Daily From 8:30am – 5:00pm Closed Christmas Day
Guided Tour Times: Hourly (9am, 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 2:30pm, 3pm & 4pm)
Cultural Performance Times: 11:15am and 2:00pm (Included in price of admission)

Be guided through the greenstone, wood carving and flax weaving schools at the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pa, Kiwi Conservation Centre and Te Whajarewarea geotherm valley. You’ll visit an ancient Maori valley where geysers, mud pools and boiling waters still play after 40,000 years.

As direct descendents, your Maori guides will offer insight into their heritage, pride and values, that no other tour in New Zealand can match. Your guide will re-tell stories that have been handed down for generations while you experience a visual gallery of the myths and legends of the region. Make your way to the carving school where you are able to see the Maori students at work.

As the Kiwi bird has been at home in New Zealand for over 70 million years, it is a fortunate experience to visit the specially designed Kiwi House, which takes part in the successful national breeding program, while listening to other song birds of the valley. Next you will be transported back to pre-European times as you walk through the recreation of a typical Maori village among a forest setting including the weaving house, sleeping and food storage houses, weapons and implements necessary to pre-European life. Lastly, enjoy a raw and powerful journey into a thermal wonderland some 40,000 years old as mud pools, hissing steam and geysers pay tribute to Mother Nature.

Operates
Daily
9am – 4pm, 90-minute (approx.) guided tours departing every half hour. Allow 2 hours.

Inclusions
– Access to Ahua Gallery, a range of collections including paunamu, wood carving, whale bone, stone and more.
– Geothermal Walk, 60-hectare landscape of uncovered natural bush, geysers and mud polls.
– Kiwi Conservation Center, get up-close-and-personal with one of New Zealand’s natural treasures.
– Maori Carving and Weaving, traditional art performed before your eyes.
– Maori Village, get a rare glimpse into how the Maori people lived prior to European settlement.
– Guided Tour, Discover Te Puia’s history and lineage with a personalized guided tour – each guide adds a personal touch to inspire and help visitors truly connect with the experience.

Need to Know
Comfortable clothes and walking shoes recommended. Child rates available.

Upgrades
– Haka Maori Cultural Performance
– Te Po Indigenenous Evening Experience
– Te Puia Light Trails by Night
– Hangi Buffet Lunch or Dinner

Embrace nature’s sanctuary and slip into five mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua.

Take time to embrace this magical oasis of geothermal pools. If looking for some therapeutic remedies, a cold plunge pool has been added for those wanting hot/cold hydrotherapy. The extremes of hot and cold water cause muscle to expand and contract offering gently detoxification as toxins are squeezed from the muscles.

Or, if looking to destress the mind and body, lounge in one of the 10 geothermally heated recliners. With 96.8-106 degree mineral waters, amazing views of the lake and Sulphur Bay Wild Reserve, this is sure to be an experience to remember.

Operates
Daily
Open 9:00am-11:00pm

Includes
– Access to 5 geothermal pools and cold pool
– Relaxation lounge
– 10 geothermal recliners
– Drinking fountains, hairdryers, and toiletries

Need to Know
– Cotton shirts and pants including underwear are not permitted to be worn in the pools at any time
– Children under 8 years of age must be actively supervised by a caregiver aged 16 or over
– It is recommended that you do not to stay in hot water for more than fifteen minutes. Alternate to cooler pools and maintain a regular intake of fluids

Upgrades
– Massages and other spa treatments
– Locker, towel, and swimsuit rentals
– Adult only pools

Learn about Rotorua’s fascinating history and culture.

A town full of natural wonders and evidence; discover the interesting history of Rotorua. The Buried Village once known as Te Wairoa, destroyed by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886, today serves as a living museum where visitors can experience this unique piece of New Zealand history. The excavated site, the only one to be open for public viewing in New Zealand, offers a first hand insight into the devastation, chaos and mayhem that transpired on the night Mt Tarawera erupted. Also visit the place where great stories began at the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. With its rich history and culture, it is easy to discover the essence of Rotorua in its people, culture and volcanic landscape.

Land on and explore an active volcano!

Your helicopter flight takes you north over Hell’s Gate Thermal Valley to the Pacific Ocean coastline and the active volcano of White Island. Land at the crater’s rim and spend approximately one hour on a guided walk of this fascinating natural attraction. Experience the volcanic fury of the main crater, view sulphur deposits, and the remains of the old sulphur mine.
Allow 3 hours

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Travel by private car from your vacation accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand to the Airport.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Rotorua to Wellington (North Island).

Travel by private car from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

Luggage: 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on per person

Travel to your accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 5 Star luxury hotel is located adjacent to the harbour waterfront, within close walking distance to popular attractions and is at the centre of the capital’s political, commercial and corporate worlds, only a short walk from history, culture and shopping. Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, Wellington’s iconic Cablecar, Westpac Trust Stadium and a host of art galleries are nearby.

Your accommodation offers the following services: Valet Service, Cable / Satellite TV, Color TV, In Room Movies – Pay Per View/Premium Cable, Coffee Maker, Mini Bar, Refrigerator, Tea Maker, Electrical Adapters Available, Power Converters Available, spare Electrical Outlet at Desk, Phone with Voice Mail, Bathrobe, Bathtub, Hairdryer, Private Bathroom, In Room Safe, Individually Controlled Air Conditioning, Iron / Ironing Board, and all rooms are non-smoking.

*Room type upgrade available upon request

Take a trip to the Weta Cave, a mini-museum, a shop and a theaterette that you can visit.

On the corner of the Weta premises in Miramar, Wellington. The museum contains props from films and projects such as Lord of the Rings! In the theaterette we show a 20 minute behind-the-scenes DVD about the work that goes on at Weta. Be sure to visit the shop, which offers everything from souvenirs and Weta merchandise to collectible sculptures.

Entry: Free: Hours: Seven Days a Week, 9:00am – 5:30pm; Phone: 64 (04) 380 9361
Address: Corner of Camperdown Road and Weka Street, Miramar, Wellington
Bus Route 2: Get off at Camperdown Road

Visit Parliament to discover our buildings and heritage, to see what happens when the House sits, and to learn about New Zealand’s democratic processes. Whether you visit in person in Wellington or take a virtual tour, you can visit Parliament for free.

Free, daily, one-hour guided tours of Parliament begin on the hour at the Visitor Centre in the foyer of the Beehive (Executive Wing). Take a tour with one of our trained guides to visit key parts of Parliament’s buildings and learn about our parliamentary processes.

The Stagecoach City Circular bus runs at regular intervals, seven days a week. This bus stops close to the lower gates of Parliament grounds.

It is easy to find Parliament on foot from the main bus depot – just walk towards the city centre from the bus depot and you will see Parliament Buildings immediately ahead of you.

Parliament grounds are close to nearby Thorndon and most of the inner city. To find the Visitor Centre, walk across Parliament grounds towards the main Parliament entrance and follow the signs.

There’s a wide range of information about Parliament available at the Visitor Centre. If you want to visit the public galleries to watch the House in session, ask for directions from the Visitor Centre staff. We suggest you check the House sitting programme first to make sure that the House is sitting at the time of your visit.

Tour Times: Monday to Friday 10:00am-4:00pm; Saturday and most public holidays 10:00am-3:00pm; Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm (Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, 2nd January, Waitangi Day (February 6th), Good Friday.) Additional tours are offered during school holidays and other busy periods. Tour times are occasionally subject to change.

The Wellington Cable Car is one of Wellington’s oldest & most popular tourist attractions.

The cars run from Lambton Quay in the heart of the central business district and within 5 minutes whisk you from under the corporate towers of The Terrace past Kelburn Park and Victoria University to the top entrance of the Wellington Botanic Gardens with its magnificent lookout over the City and harbour – Te Whanganui-a-Tara (The Great Harbour of Tara).

Other attractions immediately accessible from the top station are the award winning Cable Car museum situated in the old cable car winding room and the newly opened Carter Observatory. For those wishing to explore further, Kelburn village with its shops and Cafes is a short walk and an ideal stopping off point on your way to Zealandia. There are also easy downhill walks through the Botanic Gardens to Thorndon or back to Lambton Quay via the historic Bolton Street Cemetery and the Beehive.

A fully escorted tour of Wellington’s Cable Car and Museums is available. First stop the Museum of Wellington for the inside story on Wellington’s intruiging past. A short escorted walk along Grey Street then all aboard the Wellington Cable Car…to the top for the best views in Wellington. Learn more about these ‘Relentless red rattlers’ at the Cable Car Museum. The tour ends with tea/coffee and a homemade muffin at the Skyline Restaurant with its commanding views of the city. Take time to explore Kelburn Village or the Botanic Gardens before returning to Lambton Quay on the Cable Car.

Includes return trip on the Cable Car, guided tours and refreshments.

Departs from the Museum of Wellington at 10:00am. (Other times by arrangement) duration up to 2 1/2 hours. Bookings by 5:00pm the day before. Please make your bookings at the Museum of Wellington or at Wellington I-Site corner Victoria & Wakefield Streets Civic Square.

The Cable Cars run every 10-minutes; 7:00am to 9:00pm on Monday; 7:00am to 10:00pm on Tuesday through Friday; 8:30am to 10:00pm on Saturday and 9:00am to 9:00pm on Sunday & Public Holidays (Closed Christmas Day)

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Travel by private car from your vacation accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand to the Ferry Terminal.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

Luggage: 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on per person

The 92 km journey across Cook Strait between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island) takes only 3 hours and has been described as `one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world`.

Make your way from Wellington to Picton aboard one of 3 amazing ferries and take in the spectacular views along the way. See the South Island’s Kaikoura ranges and have the opportunity to spot dolphins and sea birds.

Operates
Daily
Departs multiple times beginning at 2:00am.

Includes
– Tranport from the North Island to the South Island
– Beautiful views
– Complimentary internet, newspapers, magazines, beer, wine, tea, coffee, & snacks

Need to Know
Food court, bar, Movie Theatre, and shops are at your own expense.

As you would expect with a secluded luxury hideaway, getting here is an exciting adventure all in itself. It begins the moment you enter the magical Marlborough Sounds.

As you travel through native bush-clad bays, uninhabited golden sand beaches and breathtaking vistas, your worries simply fade away. You know you are in a very special place. The Resort is just a 30-minute ferry ride from the township of Picton. There are no roads in or out. The only ‘vehicle’ will be the golf cart taking care of your luggage!

Bay of Many Coves Resort staff will make you feel right at home in the tranquil Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. The resort has so many wonderful features, you may simply want to relax and soak up the surroundings. There is also a world of adventure waiting right at the end of the jetty and in the bush-clad hills all around you.

Luxury has never been so pure, so natural, or so full of new experiences. And they’re all right here, waiting for you.

The Marlborough Sounds is an adventurer’s paradise where you can indulge your passions, challenge your senses, and try new things you’ve always dreamed of doing. Do it all in your own time, away from the crowds, with the support of our experienced staff and guides. And when each day is over, come home to Bay of Many Coves and experience true bliss. Get out and about with sea kayaking, relax in and around the water at the heated swimming pool, hot tub, or private beaches. Maybe you would like to soothe your soul and relax your body at the Day Spa. The choice is yours at Bay of Many Coves.

Marlborough is known worldwide for stunning Sauvignon Blanc, and your tour will reinforce how perfect it is with two of Marlborough’s other gems – Greenshell Mussels and amazing scenery.

Embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure through Marlborough Sounds. Sail through breathtaking scenery, indulge in delectable Greenshell mussels, and learn about sustainable aquaculture. Expert guides will share insights into mussel farming while you witness the meticulous cultivation process. Skilled chefs will perform live cooking demonstrations, treating you to mouthwatering mussel dishes paired with local wines. Immerse yourself in the region’s history, ecology, and cultural significance as the crew shares captivating stories. This exceptional cruise combines natural beauty, tantalizing cuisine, and educational insights for a unique and memorable experience in Marlborough’s maritime paradise.

Operates
Daily
Departs Picton Town Wharf at 1:15pm, Returns 4:30pm (approx.) October – April
Departs Picton Town Wharf at 12:15pm, Returns 4:00pm (approx.) May – September On Request

Includes
– 3-hour cruise
– Seafood sampling
– Complimentary glass of sauvignon blanc

Need to Know
Minimum of 4 participants to operate. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form. This cruise returns to Picton Wharf.

Upon arrival into Nelson meet with your driver who will transfer you to the Stonefly Lodge.

Stonefly Lodge luxury accommodation is perfect for that weekend vacation in the Abel Tasman Region, New Zealand.

Being within 50 minutes of the Abel Tasman National Park our luxury accommodation lodge is well positioned for exploring the park which is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track.

We provide private luxury lodge accommodation located above the Motueka River and expert guided fly fishing from the top Nelson fly fishing guides. The wide choice of rivers available from Stonefly Fishing Lodge enables guests to experience relatively gentle flowing easy access rivers to more adventurous back country streams requiring more accurate casting and a suitable level of fitness.

If you would like to visit the Abel Tasman Region but are not a fisherman, be sure to ask about these different activities upon arrival to Stonefly Lodge: Abel Tasman – Cruise, Abel Tasman – Kayak, Guided Walks, Heli Tours, Horseback Riding, White Water Rafting, Wine/Art Tours or Cycling. No matter what activities you decide on, your visit to Stonefly Lodge will be an unforgettable one.

Transfer from Stonefly Lodge to Nelson, New Zealand Airport.

Travel by air today from Nelson to Queenstown, New Zealand.

Discover New Zealand as you travel by rental car for five days.

Take the opportunity to explore parts of New Zealand in and around your vacation town. Please bring a valid American driver’s license with you and be aware that in New Zealand people drive on the left hand side of the road.

*Upgrade available to include GPS navigation system (additional cost).

Base rate only paid by About Australia. Insurance, Premium Location Surcharge, Fuel and Fees to driver’s credit card.

Drive time: approximately 1 hour.

Depart Queenstown for Wanaka.

The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It’s a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you’ll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). When you pass through Cardrona, look out for the infamous “Bra Fence”!

Alternatively, drivers can take the route that runs beside the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan, and the Clutha River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way.

Tiritiri Lodge, on the eastern shore of Lake Wanaka in the South Island of New Zealand, offers luxury boutique lodge accommodation. Architecturally designed to maximise the views from each guest room of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps the lodge has day long exposure to sun and an ever changing vista.

Wanaka lies in the heart of the world’s most beautiful unspoilt alpine and lakes district located in the South Island of New Zealand. It is a 50 minute scenic drive from Queenstown International Airport. Wanaka has great mountain hiking in summer and superb skiing in winter at Cardrona, Treble Cone and Snow Farm.

Take a rod and walk to Lake Wanaka and the Clutha River for world class trout and salmon fishing. Bicycle or walk into Wanaka along the beautiful Wanaka lakeside track. Relax in the cedar hot tub after a day skiing in the mountains around Wanaka. Or just curl up with a book or your laptop in the sun in the window seat and watch the ever changing vista of Lake Wanaka. Pamper yourself with a massage or learn how to cook raspberry shortcake with Chef Tiffany.

Relax by the waterfall or the fire over drinks and appetizers and plan you next day’s activities with expert advice from your hosts – will it be a spectacular flight to Milford Sound, a helicopter to view Mt Aspiring, a cruise on the lake or lunch at a great Bannockburn vineyard?. Dining in? Discuss the menu with the chef. We feature great local produce and our own home grown salads, herbs and vegetables in season. Enjoy one of our fabulous meet the winemaker dinners. Free high speed internet access is available throughout the lodge.

Drive time: approximately 1 hour.

Depart Wanaka for Queenstown.

The shortest route to Queenstown is over the Crown Range Road. It’s a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you’ll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan, and the Shotover River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way.

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Queenstown to Auckland (North Island).

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Note: Flight may include a stop over in Australia.