New Zealand
KATHERINE AND NIALL’S PERSONAL WEBSITE
February 7 – March 1, 2020
Trip Planning Progress
| Flights | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| FEB 7 | Toronto to Vancouver 12:00pm - 2:10pm | Air Canada AC 111 Business Class |  Booked |
| FEB 7-9 | Vancouver to Auckland 6:30pm - 5:25am | Air New Zealand NZ 023 Business Class | Booked |
| FEB 12 | Auckland to Napier Hastings 9:50am - 10:55am | Air New Zealand NZ 5005 Economy Class | Booked |
| FEB 17 | Napier Hastings to Wellington 10:00am - 11:00am | Air New Zealand NZ 8885 Economy Class | Booked |
| FEB 26 | Christchurch to Queenstown 2:30pm - 3:40pm | Air New Zealand NZ 5653 Economy Class | Booked |
| MAR 1 | Queenstown to Auckland 4:55pm - 6:45pm | Air New Zealand NZ 626 Economy Class | Booked |
| MAR 1 | Auckland to Vancouver 8:05pm - 12:10pm | Air New Zealand NZ 024 Business Class | Booked |
| MAR 1 | Vancouver to Toronto 4:10pm - 11:37pm | Air Canada AC 186 Business Class | Booked |
| Accommodations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| FEB 9-10 2 Nights | Waiheke | The Oyster Inn | Booked |
| FEB 11 1 Night | Auckland | Hilton | Booked |
| FEB 12-16 5 Nights | Hawke's Bay | Millar Road | Booked |
| FEB 17-19 3 Nights | Blenheim | French Fields | Booked |
| FEB 20 1 Night | Inland Kaikoura | Purepods Manuku | Booked |
| FEB 21-22 2 Nights | Kaikoura | Hapuku Treehouses | Booked |
| FEB 23-24 2 Nights | Christchurch | Otahuna Lodge | Booked |
| FEB 25 1 Night | Akaroa | Beaufort House | Booked |
| FEB 26-29 4 Nights | Queenstown | The Dairy | Booked |
Trip Sketch
Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand!
On arrival at Auckland International Airport you will be whisked off to the Auckland Ferry Terminal. From here you’ll depart aboard the ferry for Waiheke Island.
Waiheke Island – February 9 & 10
Welcome to Waiheke Island! With its picturesque beaches and mesmerizing estuaries, Waiheke is guaranteed to be a great introduction to your trip.
You’ll stay at the Oyster Inn.
February 9
- Transfer from the Auckland Airport and check-in
February 10
- Full Day Guided Tour of Island Vineyards
FEBRUARY 11
- Check-out of your accommodations and transfer to Auckland
Waiheke Island Vineyards
Your tour allows you to craft your own personal itinerary, choosing from a delightful selection of fascinating people, places and tastes which combine to make Waiheke Island so unique.
Your knowledgeable local guide will take you to three or more of the Island’s highly regarded vineyards, where you can taste a selection of their fine wines and learn about what makes Waiheke wines among some of the best in the world. A “small is beautiful” philosophy yields low quantities of extremely high quality fruit, which is made into international award-winning wines. The big Bordeaux-style reds of Stony Ridge and the Goldie Estate are now appreciated by wine lovers all over the world, and more than 30 vineyards have followed in the footsteps of the original three.
Travelling from Waiheke Island to Auckland – February 11
Following check out at Oyster Inn, you’ll transfer back to the ferry, and embark for Auckland. Upon arrival in Auckland, you’ll take a quick walk (5 mins) to the hotel for check-in.
Auckland – February 11
Welcome to Auckland! While you’re only here for one night, there are tons of things to do and see in this bustling city.
You’ll stay at the Hilton Auckland.
While in Auckland, we recommend the following experiences:
- Visit to the Auckland Museum and Domain
- Sail Auckland Harbour
- Take in panoramic views from the Sky Tower
Travelling from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay – February 12
This morning, you will be met at the Hilton by a driver and transferred to Auckland Domestic Airport for your flight to Napier. Upon arrival in Napier, you will collect your rental car and drive to your villa at Millar Road.
Hawke’s Bay – February 12 to 16
Welcome to Hawke’s Bay! The Pacific Ocean provides a stunning backdrop to this renowned wine-growing region. With food, wine and architecture the prevailing obsessions, it’s smugly comfortable but thoroughly appealing, and is best viewed through a rosé-tinted wine glass.
You’ll stay in a Two Bedroom Villa at Millar Road, an integrated accommodation and wine producing estate.
FEBRUARY 12
- Flight to Napier and pick-up rental car
- Check-in at Millar Road
FEBRUARY 13
- Half-day cycling excursion with wine tasting and lunch
FEBRUARY 15
- Half-day guided tour of a gannet colony
FEBRUARY 14/16
- Days at leisure! These days are 100% up to you.
FEBRUARY 17
- Check-out and return rental car at Napier Airport
- Fly from Napier to Wellington
Cycling & Tasting in Hawke’s Bay
You will be met by your guide at Millar Road for a half day cycling excursion starting at Clifton near the cliff base of Cape Kidnappers.
The route will take you along the coast through the sleepy settlements of Te Awanga and Haumoana. Enjoy wine tasting at the wineries of Clearview Estate and Elephant Hill along the way before reaching the Tuki Tuki River where you will spot native plants and birds. Continue on to the East Clive Wetlands, the habitat of coastal birds and black swans, before stopping at Clive for a refreshment break and crossing the Clive and Ngaruroro Rivers. You will then turn inland to follow the raised limestone trail along the Tutaekuri riverbank, passing through the market gardens, orchards and vineyards and ending at Taradale where a highlight is lunch at The Mission Estate (cost to be settled directly). Following your meal you will be transferred back to Millar Road (~5 hours).
The Gannets of Cape Kidnappers
Today enjoy your half day guided tour of the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony. Some 20,000 gannets nest in this accessible colony where you may see the adults and young in serried rows and observe birds in the air as they swoop and dive while bringing back fish. Your excursion will take you through riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, and amongst native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines, stopping on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke’s Bay right to Mahia Peninsula (~3 hours ).
Hopefully you’ll be able to have lunch at Cape Kidnappers afterwards (their books open a few months in advance).
Travelling from Hawke’s Bay to Blenheim – February 17
Drive to Napier Airport and return your rental vehicle prior to your onward flight to Wellington. Upon arrival in Wellington you will be met by a driver for a tour of Wellington, before transfering to the ferry to Picton. When you get to Picton, pick up your rental car and head to the French Fields in Blenheim.
Blenheim – February 17 to 19
Welcome to Blenheim, the heart of the wine region. Blenheim is definitely a place to indulge, as the culture of the region is focused on the outdoors, leisure and lifestyle.
You’ll stay at French Fields, a luxurious Bed and Breakfast.
February 17
- Tour of Wellington
- Take the Islander Ferry to Picton, pick up your rental car and drive to Blenheim
- Check-in at French Fields
February 18
- Cycling and Wine Tasting excursion
February 19
- Day at leisure!
February 20
- Check-out and drive to Kaikoura
Cycling & Wine Tasting
This morning, you will be met at your accommodation by your guide to enjoy your full day guided cycling wine tasting excursion. After you are set up with bikes and helmets you will ride off with your guide for a relaxing day touring the local wineries. You will visit up to five wineries along the way, stopping to enjoy lunch at one of them (lunch cost not included-to be settled direct). You need not be an experienced cyclist to enjoy this bike tour, as the pace is leisurely and the terrain is gentle, ensuring easy riding no matter what your skill level. Later this afternoon you will be transferred back to your accommodation (~6.5 hours).
Travelling from Blenheim to Kaikoura – February 20
Take the 2hr 30min drive from Blenheim to Kaikoura
Kaikoura – February 20 to 22
Welcome to Kaikoura! Situated on the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is known for its ecotourism and as a fantastic natural playground.
For your first night, you’ll stay in one of the extremely unique Manakau Pure Pods. For your following two nights you’ll stay in a treehouse at Hapuku Lodge.
FEBRUARY 20
- Arrive in Kaikoura and check-in to your PurePod
FEBRUARY 21
- Day at leisure!
- Drive to the Hapuku Lodge and check-in
FEBRUARY 22
- Morning Whale-Watching Excursion
FEBRUARY 23
- Check-out and drive to Christchurch
Whale Watching
This morning, enjoy an exhilarating whale watch cruise excursion where you will have the opportunity to view the Giant Sperm Whales which are present year-round. You may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales may also be visible, along with the world’s largest dolphin, the Orca or Killer Whale, as well as the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin–the Hector (~3 hours).
Travelling from Kaikoura to Christchurch – February 23
Drive the 3 hours from Kaikoura to Christchurch
Christchurch – February 23 & 24
Welcome to the garden city of New Zealand, Christchurch! Known for its architecture and landscaped gardens, this city is sure to charm you,
You’ll stay at Otahuna Lodge, an exquisite Victorian style mansion with an ancient volcano as its backdrop.
February 23
- Recommended stop at the wineries of Waipara Valley
- Check-in at Otahuna Lodge
February 24
- Day at leisure
February 25
- Check-out and drive to Akaroa
Travelling from Christchurch to Akaroa – February 25
Drive the 1hr 30mins from Christchurch to Akaroa
Akaroa – February 25
Welcome to Akaroa! A fun fact is that Akaroa is the only French attempt at settlement in New Zealand.
You’ll stay at the Beaufort House, a luxury boutique inn.
February 25
- Drive from Christchurch to Akaroa and check-in
- Swimming with Dolphins Cruise
February 26
- Check-out and drive to Christchurch Airport
Cruising (and Swimming) with Hector’s Dolphins
Enjoy an unforgettable experience on the Akaroa Harbour–a shared swimming with dolphins cruise. Akaroa is the only place on the planet where you can swim with one of the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin–the Hector’s. Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, showers, and hot drinks have been included (~3 hours).
Travelling from Akaroa to Queenstown – February 26
Drive to Christchurch Airport and return your rental vehicle prior to your onward flight (approximately 1hour 30 minutes drive). Catch your flight from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Queenstown – February 26 to 29
Welcome to Queenstown, otherwise known as the “adventure capital of the world”! You’ll end your New Zealand trip amidst the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, and soak in all the last moments the Kiwis have to offer.
You’ll stay at the Dairy Luxury Private Hotel , an intimate inn with beautiful views of the city.
February 26
- Fly into Queenstown and pick up your new rental car
- Check-in to your hotel
February 27
- Helicopter Tour of Milford Sound, with boat cruise
- Bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge (payable locally)
February 28
- Day at leisure!
February 29
- Mountain Biking Excursion
- Your last day in NZ!
MARCH 1
- Check-out, return your rental car and head to the Queenstown Airport for your flights home
Milford Sound by Heli
You will be met at your accommodation and transferred to Queenstown Airport (approximately 20 minutes journey) to meet your helicopter for your scenic excursion to spectacular Milford Sound. At 9.30am you will liftoff for the scenic flight to Milford Sound, where you will enjoy a relaxing cruise. You will experience the stunning mountain scenery, waterfalls, and unique wildlife from the comfort of your vessel. (Please note that the cruise is on a shared basis.) Following your cruise, reboard your helicopter and enjoy a remote glacier landing, enjoy the amazing views of the glaciers with their many crevasses and blue and green ice falls. You will be returned to your accommodation on the conclusion of your excursion (~4 hours).
Mountain Biking to Arrowtown
Report in the town centre (approximately 5 minutes walk) and you will be transferred to Queenstown Bay to begin your small group cycling excursion. Here you are given thorough directions, a trail map and navigation tips before setting off on your electric mountain bike. Follow the stunning Frankton Track and warm into the riding, before being treated to a mid-morning coffee or hot drink break. Ride the banks of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers and experience the grand views of the Wakatipu Basin. Pause for a provided picnic lunch and to explore historic Arrowtown. The afternoon will see you biking along the beautiful Arrow and Kawarau Rivers to the Historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge–home of the famous Kawarau Bungy jump. Finish with a short ride through the Gibbston Wine Valley and enjoy a relaxing wine tasting before being transferred back to Queenstown (~8 hours duration). This trip can be catered to any level of rider and is well supported along the way by your dedicated tour guide.
Included
- All transfers (except your taxi from Oyster Inn to Matiatia Ferry Terminal)
- Return ferry tickets Auckland-Waiheke Island
- Two nights’ accommodation at Oyster Inn (with breakfast)
- Private full day guided tour of Waiheke Island
- One night accommodation at Hilton Auckland (room only)
- Rental vehicle (pick-up Hawke’s Bay, Picton, Queenstown) with daily insurance, unlimited kilometres, accident excess reduction and GPS
- Five nights’ accommodation at Millar Road (with breakfast provisions on arrival)
- Private guided cycling tour of Hawke’s Bay
- Private guided tour of Cape Kidnappers gannet colony
- Private tour of Wellington
- One-way ferry tickets Wellington-Picton, with Plus lounge access
- Three nights’ accommodation at French Fields B&B (with breakfast)
- Private guided cycling tour of Marlborough
- One night accommodation at Manakau PurePod (with dinner and breakfast package)
- Two nights’ accommodation at Hapuku Lodge (with dinner and breakfast)
- Shared Whale Watching Excursion
- Two nights’ accommodation at Otahuna Lodge (with pre-dinner drinks, dinner with wine pairings, breakfast, and Virtuoso Amenities)
- Shared Swimming with Dolphins Excursion
- One night accommodation at Beaufort House (with breakfast)
- Four nights’ accommodation at The Dairy (with breakfast)
- Private scenic flight to Milford Sound with shared cruise
- Small group cycling excursion to Arrowtown
- Services of Travel Impresarios
Not included
- Breakfast in Auckland
- Lunches and dinners, unless specified
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Know Before You Go
Good to know details for travel to and within New Zealand can be found here.
Farewell to New Zealand – Depart for Home
Fly back to Auckland before taking your international flights home to Toronto. Safe Travels!
Curtain Call
After all of the planning is complete and the performance has gone off without a hitch, we want to see what you’ve seen (and perhaps share a little applause). To share what you’re up to on the road, tag @travel.impresarios on Instagram, and use our favourite hashtags: #travelimpresarios and #theworldisourstage.
For added inspiration on your future trips, follow us:
Instagram: @travel.impresarios
Twitter: @worldisourstage
Facebook: @travelimpresarios
Contact Us
+1.416.724.3977
[email protected]
