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 by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

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

Auckland is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world– renowned as that ‘City Of Sails.’ Dramatic landscapes and seascapes provide a diverse playground in which a compelling range of attractions are available. Visitors come to enjoy an array of exciting entertainment, leisure, culture and dining possibilities in New Zealand’s largest city.

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

Take the opportunity to explore parts of New Zealand at your own pace by car. 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.

The America’s Cup Sailing Experience, offers the unique opportunity to sail on these grand prix racing machines!

Enjoy two hours as passengers become the crew and are encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as we sail down the Auckland Harbour. The trip suits people of all experiences and abilities and is the perfect activity in Auckland, ‘City of Sails’.

Operates
Summer: Daily departs at 1:00pm
Winter: Saturday and Sunday departs at 2:00pm

Includes
– Opportunity to participate in sailing as part of the crew
– Scenic views
– Informative commentary from knowledgeable crew

Need to Know
Fully licensed bar on board at own expense. Please wear weather weather appropriate clothing and flat soled shoes. Children must be 10 years or older for this cruise. Participation is not compulsory and a safety briefing will be provided prior to departure. In wet weather rain jackets will be provided.

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

Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua your accommodation is only a short walk to the city centre, convention centre, cafes and restaurants. Here in the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture you’ll experience an enveloping warmth, proud spirit, deep sense of history and a quick humour. Picturesque cobbled and lantern lined streetways and striking Tudor architecture celebrates New Zealand’s significant colonial history. Travel the region by mountain bike or participate in local bush walks.

Upgrade Available (extra cost):
Lake View Room

Te Po is an authentic, one-of-a-kind evening event. It is a feast of storytelling, entertainment and Maori cuisine like no other you’ll ever experience.

The Te Po  Indigenous Experience begins with a mouth-watering buffet at the world famous Pataka Kai Restaurant, Bar and Cafe. With locally sourced cuisine and an authentic Maori twist in each dish, it is guaranteed to be a favorite with your group.

Following this, you will be led to view an exhilarating cultural performance which takes place in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a Pohiri (Traditional Maori Welcome), Waiata (Song), Moteatea (traditional chant), Poi and Haka.

Afterwards, enter the geothermal valley on a waka (people moving vehicle) and discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud, and beautiful native bush. For generations Te Puia has welcomed manuhiri (visitors) from all over the world to explore the magic hidden within Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. During this experience, you will be viewing the valley afterhours and resting with a hot chocolate upon naturally heated rock seating beneath the powerful Pohutu Geyser.

Operates:
Daily 5:30pm-8:30pm (approx.)
Check-in is at 5:15pm

Includes:
– Return transfers from your Rotorua CBD accommodation
– Buffet dinner
– Maori cultural performance
– Hot chocolate
– Guided tour of the geothermal valley

Need to Know
This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Enjoy your stay in this modern mediterranean style country manor offering privacy and tranquility in Taupo, New Zealand for 2 nights.

Taupo is an ideal base for day trips to the mountains for hikers and skiers, Napier and Rotorua are within travelling distance and our central location (close to Taupo airport) removes the need for you to unpack every day.

Guests can wander around the pond and gardens, sit in the gazebo for a quiet read with magnificent views back to the house, have a game of tennis or petanque or just lounge by the pool. There is a sense of space here. The house is set amid 3 acres of parklike grounds with views of the lake and mountains and is only 10 minutes from Taupo township.

The conservatory is ideal for a quite read particularly in the cold weather. The property also offers a spacious lounge with double doors opening onto the lawn and overlooking the tennis court.

All accommodation includes breakfast and All our bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, are located upstairs, and all have under-floor heating.

Each room contains quality furnishings that include TV, radio alarm clock, and fridge. Guests have aceess to internet and fax facilities, including wireless.

Selections of tea/coffee (herbal teas), fresh fruit, bottled water and complimentary wine are standard. Breakfast is served in the dining room or can be taken alfresco in the courtyard. A laundry service is also available and a 3 course dinner can be arranged with prior notice.

Today drive from Lake Taupo to Wellington, approximately 5 hours.

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

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located conveniently in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand. It is a short walk from Westpac Stadium, Te Papa Museum and the waterfront. Your vacation hotel has a direct elevator to Lambton Quay via a shopping arcade. Travel to New Zealand’s top wine regions, Wairarapa and Marlborough, which are only a short drive away. Or participate in adventure activities such as mountain biking, sailing, bushwalking and much more.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

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.

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

Take the opportunity to explore parts of New Zealand at your own pace by car. 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.

Travel to your accommodation in Nelson, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Located just minutes away from the heart of Nelson, with views stretching across the Waimea Inlet to the mountains of Kahurangi National Park, this accommodation is the perfect retreat.

What’s more, once you arrive you won’t need to go far, as the resort provides all the comforts and conveniences you could hope for.

There’s plenty on offer, including award winning restaurant, health and beauty spa, pool, gym, purpose built conference facilities and even a craftsman jeweller and a hairdressing salon onsite.

This hotel can accommodate up to 280 guests, with 20 hotel rooms, 42 one-bedroom cottages and 38 two-bedroom cottages.

Photo Credit: Nelson Tasman Tourism

Drive time: approximately 3.5 hours.

Depart Nelson for Punakaiki via Westport.

Westport is known as a coal mining town, but it’s also a base for outdoor adventures. Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. Black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting are other opportunities for outdoor excitement.

The road to Punakaiki hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. At Charleston, formerly a prosperous gold town, you can arrange underground rafting and cave exploring trips.

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

A modern accommodation complex located on Punakaiki Beach near the world famous Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes on the West Coast of the South Island. The resort has been designed to maximize the surrounding environment with beautiful ocean and rainforest views of the Paporoa National Park. Any closer to the sea and we would be floating!

Drive time: approximately 3 hours.

Depart Punakaiki for Franz Josef. It’s a stunning trip where you have the wild Tasman Sea on one side, and the snow-capped Southern Alps on the other.

Activity suggestions: Be sure to check out the Punakaiki rocks – a pancake like rock formation; Around the town of Greymouth you’ll find galleries specialising in pounamu (New Zealand jade); Visit The Hokitika Gorge and view the vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush.

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

The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers of New Zealand’s Westland National Park are remembered by visitors for the extraordinary sights of glacier ice within the forest zone. The Franz Josef Glacier is over 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) long extending into the rainforest just 5 kilometres (3 miles) from the Franz Josef township, making it easy to visit. Walk to viewpoints and the terminal face or, for a close-up view of the spectacular ice formations, take a guided glacier walk. Perphaps enjoy a helihike or scenic flight (own expense, weather permitting). Other activities include rainforest, lake and coastal nature tours, White Heron Sanctuary tours, horse riding, fishing, gold prospecting, kayaking and more.
Photo Credit: Gareth Eyres; Tourism New Zealand

The approximately 5 hour drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown is visually spectactular and an easy drive.

It’s a good idea to check the road conditions on any trip, but especially important when driving in the mountains of the West Coast. Click here to plan find travel times, roadwork information and road condition updates.

Enjoy waterfalls and river scenery as you arrive in rainforest country. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way. Be on the lookout for the famous bra fence; it started as a joke, but it’s become a local legend.

If you have time, stop to explore. Getting there is half the fun! View our map for some ideas.

-Seafood lovers will enjoy a bit of lunch at the South Westland Salmon Farm, stocked with fresh salmon originating all the way from Sacramento California!
-Check out the small town of Haast for lunch
-Take an easy 25 minute walk to see the 94 foot tall Roaring Billy Falls.
-Take in the Tasman Sea from the Knights Point Lookout
-See thunder Creek Falls, just a short 5-minute walk from the road.
-Stretch your legs on a 1-mile hike to Hasst Pass Lookout through the beech forest with the best views of Mt Aspiring National Park
-Load up with bug spray and take a, easy walk through the forest, over 2 swing bridges to enjoy an incredible view of one of the Blue Pools.
-Take a quick walk along Lake Wanaka and snap a photo of the hashtag worthy #ThatWankaTree
-Cardrona Bra Fence, locally known as Bradrona, started as a joke, became a tourist tradition and had lead to raising tons of funds for breast cancer research.
-Take a photo of the most photographed building in New Zealand at the Cardrona Hotel. (also worth a stop to grab an award winning pulled pork burger or nachos.
-Take a quick 10 minute walk up a steep path to have view of the entire valley at Crown Range Lookout.
-More amazing views and even a few of New Zealand’s most notorious parrots, the Kea, can be spotted at Summit Lookout. Keep an eye on your car! Keas love to eat windshield wipers!
-Take a quick stop at Arrow Junction Lookout Point for some amazing photos of Wakatipu Basin right off the side of the road.
-Seafood lovers will enjoy a bit of lunch at the South Westland Salmon Farm, stocked with fresh salmon originating all the way from Sacramento California!

Travel to your accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

It’s all about location! Your 4 star accommodations sits in a tranquil lakefront setting only a minute’s walk from the heart of Queenstown with shopping, restaurants, nightlife and activities all within easy reach. This fresh, modern hotel features rooms and facilities furnished with the finest comforts and conveniences. A place where you can relax with superb uninterrupted views of the lake, mountains and adjoining gardens. Comfortable and serene you will surely enjoy your stay here!

Upgrades Available: Garden View Room, Lakeview Room

Welcome to Shotover Jet Country, Queenstown New Zealand.

Get ready to experience the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride! Acknowledged as the globe’s most famous Jet Boat operation! Being the only company permitted to operate in the breathtaking Shotover river canyons, you won’t get this experience anywhere else. There are many like Shotover Jet, but for sheer excitement, no one comes close.

It’s a thrilling ride – skimming past rocky outcrops at close range, as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And a major highlight – hold tight for the Jets gripping 360º spins!

No visit to Queenstown is complete without “Catching the Canyons” with this spectacular and unique Jet Boat ride! Shotover Jet operates every day of the year (weather and river conditions permitting).

Operates
Daily. Does not operate on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Departs every hour from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Complimentary return shuttles from Queenstown for 11:00am and 3:00pm jet boat departures. Each jet boat ride is approximately 25 minutes.

Includes
– Highly experienced professional driver and guide 
– Thrilling ride on a modern, well maintained twin engine jet boat
– Life jackets (mandatory)
– Photography and video services. Photos and video highlights available for no obligation viewing

Need to Know
This experience is not suitable for pregnant women, those with specific medical conditions, including people who suffer from back or neck injuries. Children must be at least 3 years old to join tour. Warm layers of clothing are recommended, including waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear and sunglasses. A small bag can be carried with you for the entire duration of the tour, should you require any extra items.

One of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown is the distinctive outline of the Skyline complex high above town.

Located an easy 5 minute walk from central Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic gondola, Skyline Gondola, Restaurant & Luge is a must-see attraction during your visit to Queenstown. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkable mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It’s truly magnificent and awe-inspiring!

Of course there’s more to do than just admire the view! For an additional cost you can:

• Enjoy a dinner or relax in the bar in the Skyline Stratosfare Restaurant. Casual dining is also available during the day in the Cafe.
• Thrill seekers can hurtle down the winding downhill Skyline Luge. Purpose built Luge carts put you in complete control as you take on a half-mile of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. Once you’ve conquered the course, hop on the chairlift and do it all again, and again, and again! Gentle and leisurely or steep and adventurous, you’ll be hooked.
• Explore the southern night sky of Queenstown with a guided tour of the galaxy and learn about the stars, nebulae and planets that make up our solar system and beyond.

Ask your Destination Specialist about available combo packages to make your day at Skyline more enjoyable.

Various walking tracks can also be accessed from Skyline, from an easy 30 minute walk to a full day hike.

Operates
Daily. Stratosfare Restaurant closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Gondola rides operate from 9:30am to 8:30pm Monday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday. Gondola rides operate from 9:30am to 6:30pm Tuesday & Wednesday. Saturday operation hours are 8:50am to 8:30pm.

Includes
– Gondola ride

Need to Know
Gondola ride is approximately 7-10 minutes one way.

Upgrades
– Add a thrilling luge ride to your Gondola experience.
– Add the Taste of New Zealand buffet at Stratosfare Restaurant
– Stargazing evening event

The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau is about 2 hours long, but heavy traffic in the summer months can cause delays.

Follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston with the Remarkables Mountain Range ever present on your left- hand side. Continue on to Lumsden. Todays drive is through undulating hill country dotted with sheep farms.

High country landscapes and trout fishing rivers are features of the road to Te Anau. The first part of your drive clings scenically to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. The Remarkables Mountain Range will be ever present on your left hand side. Continue on to Lumsden and go west to TeAnau.

Te Anau township sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau. From here, the delights of the Fiordland National Park are within easy reach, including the start of the Milford Track. Cruise on the lakes, walk the tracks and visit the Department of Conservation wildlife centre. The Te Ana-au Caves are an excellent adventure.

If you have time, there are quite a few great places to stop along the way. View our map for some ideas.

-One of the best hikes in Queenstown, the Wye Creek Track, takes about 4 hours for advanced hikers.
-A quick stop for a great photo can be found at Devil’s Staircase Lookout
-Grab a cup of coffee at Kingston Café Bar
-Check out the very cute Garston Hunny Shop
-See some art and have some great food at Five Rivers Café and Art Gallery. Plus there is an amazing view!

Click here to plan find travel times, roadwork information and road condition updates.

Tucked away on the shores of New Zealand’s second largest lake, Te Anau is an inviting South Island town.

Te Anau is your gateway to the walking capital of the world. Discover the internationally renowned walks of the Milford Track,the Routeburn, Hollyford,Kepler Track and many more. Cruise the remote depths of Milford and Doubtful Sounds, visit the spectacular lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri, experience Te Anau’s magical glowworm caves. In Fiordland you can go hiking, caving, boating, diving, biking, play golf, go fly fishing, sky dive. Soar over the wilderness on a scenic flight, explore the water on a kayaking adventure, breathe in the scents of native forest on a guided walk .Cruise the beauty of Milford or Doubtful sounds or simply enjoy a round of golf.

Whatever your desire, whether it be leisure or activity you crave, there’s plenty to see and do.

*Optional Upgrade Available to Lakeside property (Pricing Upon Request)

Photo Credit: Destination Fiordland

Tucked away on the shores of New Zealand’s second largest lake, Te Anau is an inviting South Island town.

Te Anau is your gateway to the walking capital of the world. Discover the internationally renowned walks of the Milford Track,the Routeburn, Hollyford,Kepler Track and many more. Cruise the remote depths of Milford and Doubtful Sounds, visit the spectacular lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri, experience Te Anau’s magical glowworm caves. In Fiordland you can go hiking, caving, boating, diving, biking, play golf, go fly fishing, sky dive. Soar over the wilderness on a scenic flight, explore the water on a kayaking adventure, breathe in the scents of native forest on a guided walk .Cruise the beauty of Milford or Doubtful sounds or simply enjoy a round of golf.

Whatever your desire, whether it be leisure or activity you crave, there’s plenty to see and do.

*Optional Upgrade Available to Lakeside property (Pricing Upon Request)

Photo Credit: Destination Fiordland

This morning drive from Te Anau to Dunedin. Enjoy the beautiful South Island scenery along the way, approximately 4 hours.

Today on your New Zealand vacation, you will self-drive from Dunedin to Oamaru.

On your way to Oamaru, if you have the time to stop, Matakaea Reserve is stunning and full of New Zealand wildlife. Try to spot the rare Yellow Eyed Penguins, they swim ashore every afternoon. You might be able to see a Fur Seal or two, this is their territory watch as they glide beneath the waves, just as beautiful as mermaids. They will bask in the sun without a care in the world. While you’re at it, look out for the old schoolteacher’s house and sod cottage at Shag Point.

Enjoy your 2 night stay in Christchurch, New Zealand.

No other hotel in Christchurch enjoys such a location just two minutes or 700m from Christchurch International Airport. Spacious hotel rooms offer the ideal Christchurch accommodation for singles, couples, families and large groups. You can take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool. Enjoy a hearty breakfast or a sumptuous dinner in the Lobby Restaurant. Relax with your favourite drink in the Lobby Lounge Bar or have something delicious delivered to your room.

Rooms Include the following:
24-hour room service, 24-hour reception and 24-hour airport shuttles
All rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, with complimentary toiletries
Swimming pool and BBQ area
SKY TV and internet access from all rooms

Shuttle Transfers to/from Hotel provided.

Free time to rest, relax or explore.

Travel within New Zealand from Christchurch 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.