New Zealand Panorama

Queenstown deserves its destination crown. And after private transfers on arrival, you'll have plenty of time to explore at leisure. Later, meet your Travel Director for a welcome briefing and drinks. Hit us up for dining recommendations.

Arriving in New Zealand, the first thing you probably noticed is that there’s a lot of farmland. Its fitting then, that one of the first visits you make is to meet a 'Southerner' local farmer at Real Country. View demonstrations of Horse communication and Working sheep dog mustering. Try your hand at a Stock whip cracking lesson, and feed and interact with the friendly farm animals, as part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture. Then you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time when you arrive in the former gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Come dusk, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw; the only thing more inspiring than the peaks of the Remarkables that surround is the festive atmosphere welcoming you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead awaits.

You clearly need more than one day to appreciate Queenstown and its surrounds. And when we say surrounds, we mean Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Today sign up for an optional tour to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Travel through World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park for exceptional views as you pass through dense rainforest and pass by towering mountains. On arrival at Milford Sound/Piopiotahi embark on a cruise to experience the eighth wonder of the World. Don’t be surprised if you see fur seals and local mountain parrots (the Kea), they are common here, playing in the wake of waterfalls. If you like things fast-paced, opt for wine tasting or jet-boating (all own expense). You are in the adventure capital of New Zealand, after all.

Touching down in Auckland, you'll board your coach for the drive to Rotorua, the cultural capital, where you can immerse yourself in Maori history and culture.

Your visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery is guided by passionate conservationists and will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand's national bird on this rewarding MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Rotorua's landscapes are reminiscent of a sci-fi movie set where mud pops from bubbling geysers and steam rushes skywards. See it first-hand on your guided walk at Ohinemutu Village, another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Explore its geothermal landscapes, sacred sites, ancestral stories, St Faith’s Church, and rich cultural traditions with a local kaitiaki (guardian.) This evening, embark on the Te Pō experience at Te Puia. Learn about Learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. Witness a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate, you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands.

Set your GPS for the Waitomo Caves. While cruising cavernous waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. The next thing that glows on your horizon is Auckland. This evening, share the stories of your New Zealand Panorama tour at dinner with your Travel Director and companions at The Grill, celebrating Aotearoa's culinary treasures.

Short, sweet, and packed with highlights – how else to describe this wonderful week?