DAY 3: Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023:

On your arrival into Auckland, you will be meet by our local representative and assisted to your private coaches. Transfer to your city hotel, enjoying a short orientation tour on route.

The ‘City of Sails’, Auckland city extends over a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata Harbor on the Pacific Ocean, and the Manukau Harbor on the Tasman Sea. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes, all located within 15 miles of the city center. This cosmopolitan city has a population of around 1.4 million and the city’s subtropical climate, lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities earns it consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys.

Early check in has been guaranteed, allowing you immediate access to your rooms on your early arrival.

Accommodation for two nights (plus Early Check In, room only basis):

Grand Millennium Auckland, Superior Room with Full Breakfast Daily

The Grand Millennium Auckland is superbly located in the city center close to Queen Street and Viaduct Harbor.  Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, you will appreciate being situated in the very heart of cosmopolitan Auckland with some of the city’s finest dining, shopping, and entertainment venues at your doorstep. This Auckland CBD hotel is linked via an underground tunnel to Auckland Conventions. Also nearby are landmark venues: The Civic, Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Square, the city’s largest outdoor civic space where you can relax and often attend local events.

Grand Millennium Auckland strives to provide you with a superior experience through excellent service and attention to detail. All of the 452 stylish rooms and suites at our hotel, combine smart design, chic decor, floor to ceiling windows for natural light and modern amenities to ensure you have a comfortable stay. Take advantage of quality facilities during your stay, whether it’s enjoying a swim in the heated indoor pool or savoring a delicious teppanyaki meal at Katsura Japanese Restaurant.

DAY 4: Monday, April 10, 2023:

Full breakfast included, at hotel.  This morning, board your coach and transfer to the Downtown ferry terminal.  Board your ferry to Waiheke Island’s Matiatia wharf.

‘Waiheke’ comes from the Māori language, referring to ‘cascading waters’ and is the second-largest island in the gulf, after Great Barrier Island.  This stunning island located just off the Auckland coast boasts 92 square kilometers of pristine beaches, stunning coastal headlands, vineyards, olive groves and seaside villages.

On your arrival at Matiatia Wharf where you will be greeted by our local host to commence your privately guided tour of Waiheke Island.  On arrival the group will be split into two groups:

Group 1: Premium wine tasting with a senior staff or family member at Casita Miro partnered with house made food tastings. Casita Miro provides a Mediterranean tapas menu with extensive sea and vineyard views from their beautiful art deco style pavilion. Bond Estate primarily grows Syrah and Bordeaux varietals, along with beautiful Pinot Gris and a small amount of Viognier, which is used for blending with their Syrah.

Group 2: Visit Rangihoua Estate where the first olive oil in the North Island was produced. Rangihoua’s award-winning olive oils have won many accolades since the first pressings. Here you will learn how the oil is produced and taste a range of different oils, including the peppery Greek-style Koreneiki, the Spanish-style Picual, or the Tuscan-style Frantoio, as well as island blends. Their Waiheke Blend recently won a gold medal and best in class at the LA County Fair. Their Frantoio Blend has been awarded 98/100 in the FLOS OLEI guide 2019, this is the Italian Guide to the world’s best extra virgin olive oils.

Then, the groups will swap over for their second experience, before meeting for two course lunch at Stonyridge Vineyard. This is a relaxing location, nestled amongst the shimmering valley of olive trees, colorful vines and aromas of the South of France.

Following lunch and time permitting, head towards Onetangi, a 1.87-kilometre long, north-facing beach with beautiful old Pohutukawa trees on the foreshore. For many years it has been the site of the Onetangi Beach Races. Stop here for a short walk before arriving back to Matiatia wharf for the ferry back to Auckland. Once in Auckland board the coach for return to the hotel or explore the wharf area of Auckland on own.

DAY 5: Tuesday, April 11, 2023:

Full breakfast included, at hotel.  Depart Auckland early this morning and travel to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Weather permitting, venture to the top of our most famous landmark, Mauao which rises 232 meters from the sea.  The walking tracks to the top of this extinct volcano provide 360-degree views which span the entire length of the Bay of Plenty.  The walk takes about 40-minutes and requires a good level of fitness.

From Tauranga, rejoin your coach and travel south to Rotorua area

Rotorua – a volcanic wonderland where the ground steams, mud and waters bubble and geysers erupt high into the sky. A place where the Earth’s power is revered, and history is carved in wood and tradition; surrounded by sparking lakes and native forest as far as the eye can see.

From Tauranga, rejoin your coach and travel south to Okere Falls Store for lunch (at own expense).

From Okere, join your white-water rafting excursion on the Kaituna River.  Snake through steep native bush clad canyons and over 14 awesome rapids & 3 waterfalls including world-renowned 7 meter Tutea

Falls, the Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall in the World! Blended with touches of Maori culture, this trip offers it all, for both white water rafting enthusiasts and first timers.

This is a white water enthusiasts dream and is a must do for adrenaline junkies and 1st timers rafters alike. All of our guides are handpicked, highly skilled professionals that come from an extreme whitewater background in Kayaking and Rafting. We strive to give you the safest and most entertaining trip on the river.

Six nights Millennium Rotorua Hotel from the official hotel bureau

This evening, travel by private coaches to the Redwood Forest for your evening Treewalk ‘The Nightlights’.

This night-time experience offers you the opportunity to explore Rotorua’s majestic Redwood forest under the shroud of darkness; illuminated by Trubridges’ bespoke creations to create an immersive and captivating environment.   In addition to the Trubridge lighting, which encompasses 30 lanterns, over 40 infinite color spots and feature lights will illuminate the 116-year-old redwood trees, forest ferns and pungas.

The lights are up to 2.5 meters tall and were made at the David Trubridge workshop in Hastings and assembled by a team in the forest.  Creating outdoor lighting was challenging especially for the forest environment, however, all lights were assembled and installed by hand in the forest with the team taking care not to damage the forest environment. In 2017, David Trubridge Design won the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Award GOLD for their design of the Titi lantern.

DAY 6: Wednesday, April 12, 2023:

Full breakfast included, at hotel.  Today, choose one per person from the following activities:

Tongariro Walk

Today, your guide will craft a day walk to suit your requirements, including the best scenery, stunning waterfalls and spectacular geology.  Get off the beaten track and explore the park with your knowledgeable guide today.  This gentle alternative to the Tongariro Crossing offers the same stunning scenery but without the crowds allowing you to enjoy New Zealand’s first National Park.

Learn about the unique alpine flora and fauna of the park and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.

Pictures: Tongariro & Whirinaki Forest

Waitomo Combo includes Caveworld, Waitomo & Hobbiton Movie Set including Lunch

Allow: Nine Hours

From Rotorua, your journey crosses over the forest-clad Mamaku Range through the Fitzgerald Glade to the Waikato Plains, with their rolling green pastures.  Travel to Putaruru, though small it is one of the main timber milling centers in our expanding forestry region.  Drive to Arapuni the site of one of the numerous

dams which have been constructed on the Waikato River.  Leaving the King Country, pass through the farming center of Kihikihi and onto Waitomo.

At Waitomo, you will be shuttled to the cave, while your experienced guide reveals the rich history of Waitomo. You will then take a short walk-through breath taking New Zealand native bush to the cave entrance.

As your guide lights the candles setting the scene for an intimate cave experience, where you will see glowworms and cave formations up close and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave (also known to local maori as Te Anaroa Cave). The solar powered lights are kept low so you can appreciate the magnificent glow worm displays at their best, only inches away. Around a corner lie the bones of one of New Zealand’s lost treasures, the ancient Moa. The soothing sound of Footwhistle cave stream flows in the darkness below.

Formation lights are especially turned on to cast a warm glow over stunning cave formations.  The guide tells the stories of the insect life that live here – titiwai, the Glow worm, and tuna, the eel. After enjoying a relaxed stroll through the cave, you’ll be seated in Footwhistle’s Cathedral to see it lit up by a dazzling magnesium torch.  Although the display only lasts a few seconds, your memories of the Footwhistle Cave will last a lifetime. Complete the tour by enjoying a complimentary Kawa Kawa tea whilst you relax in our punga hut nestled in native forest and surrounds.

Following your visit to the caves, travel onto Matamata for lunch & guided tour at Hobbiton.

The Party Marquee is a fully themed, spacious location to enjoy your delicious lunch this afternoon. The painted canvas exterior, vibrant bunting and colorful lanterns means you are immersed in the festive

magic of the movies. The Party Marquee is adjacent to The Green Dragon™ Inn, with the garden bar seating overlooking the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, providing an exquisite view.

Following lunch join your guide today and experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be privately guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit South farthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure. Following your tour, return to Rotorua.

DAY 7: Thursday, April 13, 2023:

Full breakfast included, at hotel. Rotorua at leisure today. Concierge desk for optional tour.

We are happy to arrange and pre-book the following optional sightseeing tours for you this afternoon or any free time during your stay in Rotorua. (see additional costs):

Katoa Lake Rotorua Jet Boat Ride

$85.00 per person

Feel the rush of adrenaline as our high-powered engines blast you over the water up to 85 km/h, and our experienced drivers throw the boats into 360° spins. Visit iconic landmarks around Lake Rotorua, and learn the history of the area, the people and the events that have shaped this special place into the cultural capital of New Zealand.

Whirinaki Forest Eco Tour

$175 per person

Discover ancient trees, extraordinary ecology, and learn about the conservation challenges to protect some of the rarest creatures on earth.

Five hundred-year-old trees standing 60 m high, rare birds calling overhead – Whirinaki is a world-class example of a unique rainforest that’s barely changed since dinosaurs roamed under the canopy. It really is a must-see when you’re visiting New Zealand.

This lush forest is unlike anything else in New Zealand, with ancient trees such as rimu, kahikatea, miro, and matai. Whirinaki provides an outstanding habitat for many of New Zealand’s rarest birds — kaka (North Island parrot), yellow-crowned kakariki (parakeet), and toutouwai (North Island robin), to name just a few.

Day 8: Friday – April 14, 2023 / IBCPC Congress

• Full breakfast included, at hotel
• Private Team Motorcoach transfers from Rotorua
• Seminar: How to prepare a bid for the next festival, Team managers and steers meeting
• Pink Parade of Nations – Opening Ceremony
• Private Team Motorcoach transfers to Rotorua
• The remainder of this afternoon is free.

Day 9: Saturday – April 15, 2023 / Races

• Full breakfast included, at hotel
• Private Team Motorcoach transfers from Rotorua
• 2023 Participatory Dragon Boat Festival
• Private Team Motorcoach transfers to Rotorua
• The remainder of this evening is free.

Day 10: Sunday – April 16, 2023 / Races

• Full breakfast included, at hotel
• Private Team Motorcoach transfers
• 2023 Participatory Dragon Boat Festival
• Global Finale – Flower Ceremony – Closing Ceremony

Indy SurviveOars Celebration Dinner (8pm – the latest option)

This evening transfer by private coach to Te Puia to celebrate your efforts!   (8.00pm) On your arrival you will be meet by Te Puia Hosts and experience a private powhiri (welcome).   Relax with drinks at the bar and balcony and enjoy a medley of waiata, poi and haka before sitting down for dinner (9.00pm) at Pataka Kai restaurant which overlooks the geothermal valley.   Your exquisite Māori feast prepared in the traditional Hangi style includes an entrée of New Zealand mussels, corn on the cob, traditional rewana bread and dips, and a local drink made from kawakawa extract and manuka honey.  The Hangi prepared meals are accompanied by flavored meats, chicken, lamb, vegetables, and salads.  Dessert is also included along with three drinks, during your evening.   After dinner you will be invited to journey Through the Valley Under Lights. Be awed by the magical evening sights of Te Puia’s geothermal valley. Pohutu Geyser will be illuminated in its full glory beneath a starry sky – marvel at the sight of this glorious natural wonder, while your tour guide entertains you with traditional Māori mythology and stories.  Return to your hotel by coach at 11.00pm, or earlier on request.

DAY 11: Monday, April 17, 2023:

Full breakfast included, at hotel.  Depart hotel via private coach for Auckland airport, for continuing onto Queenstown.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is well known for its breath-taking scenery and its overwhelming range of activities and experiences on offer. And with hundreds of cafes, bars, restaurants, and wineries offering a wonderful selection of cuisine, where every palate is catered for.

Once in Queenstown, you will be meet by your coach drivers who will assist you to your private coaches.   Enjoy the afternoon taking in the local area including Arrowtown, an old gold mining town.

Travel to Gibbston Valley Winery to enjoy a two-course buffet lunch with glass of wine.  Following lunch, enjoy a Cave Tour including a tasting of three varietals and a visit to Home Block Vineyard, which was originally planted by the founder and wine pioneer Alan Brady in 1983.

Visit Peregrine Wines** and enjoy a guided walk through the winery and barrel hall to gain an insight into their organic winemaking practices, vineyard and winery operation.  Following the tour, one of our friendly staff will host a private tasting of 6 of our wines in one of our unique tasting spaces.

** Pending any flight changes, we may move this vineyard visit to Wednesday morning, April 19.

Continue onto your accommodation and check-in.

Accommodation for three nights

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront, Lakeview Rooms with Full Breakfast Daily

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area.  The accommodation is nestled within the garden-inspired property: 240 guest rooms, including 6 Suites and over 80 rooms that have views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Some rooms also feature private balconies or courtyards. There are meetings facilities with Wi-Fi access in public areas, as well as in Impressions Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future.

DAY 12: Tuesday, April 18, 2023:

Full breakfast included, at hotel.  Depart Queenstown and travel around Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the rugged Remarkables to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.  Follow Lake Te Anau to the valley of the Eglinton River and onto Mirror Lakes, where your free to stroll among small lakes with lovely reflections of the Earl Mountains. (easy short walk).

Pass through magnificent beech forests before a gradual descent into the precipitous Hollyford Valley.   Climb steadily to the gigantic Cirque and the Homer Tunnel before passing through the tunnel and onto the Chasm Path where you will take in dramatic views of powerful waterfalls and water-sculpted shapes in the rocks.  Continue down to the Cleddau Canyon to catch your first glimpse of Mitre Peak before finally emerging into the open at Milford Sound.   Milford Sound is in the Fiordland National Park, which is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site which covers 26,000km² and encompassing four national parks. It is widely considered to be one of the World’s top travel destinations.

Board your private boat trip with Cruise Milford, where you will be getting close to New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks, massive rock faces rising for hundreds of meters out of the sea and see waterfalls cascade from ancient rainforest high in the mountains.  The local crew will offer an informative and personal tour of Milford Sound. A Picnic Lunch is included today.  Following your cruise, retrace your journey back to Te Anau and Queenstown.

DAY 13: Wednesday, April 19, 2023:

Full breakfast included, at hotel.  Queenstown at leisure.  Concierge desk for optional tours.

We are happy to arrange and pre-book the following optional sightseeing tours for you (see additional costs):

Nomad Safaris – Safaris of the Scenes, Wakatipu

8.00am – 12.30pm or 12.30pm – 6.30pm

$245.00 per person

The perfect tour for those that want the thrills of an off road adventure but also want to discover exciting Lord of the Rings filming locations. The Wakatipu Basin tour takes you to see The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the trilogy including the Misty Mountains. Travelling part way up Queenstown hill you get a birds-eye view onto Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes.

Travelling from The Queenstown hill viewpoint we head to the Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath, or Pillars of the Kings. Leaving the Kawarau Gorge the trip heads to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was shot. Near Arrowtown you will experience a true off-road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River you will cross the river many times to get to the Ford of Bruinen. At this point you can indulge in morning or afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning.  From Arrowtown you will travel to the entrance of Skippers Canyon where you will be offered spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and into Skippers Canyon.

Ziptrek ‘The Moa’ including Skyline Gondola Ride

Trips depart 10.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm & 4.00pm

$195.00 per person

Make your way to the Skyline complex located on Bob’s Peak and enjoy your gondola ride to the top where you will enjoy panoramic views from Coronet Peak to Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and surrounding mountains.   From the top, meet your guides at Ziptek for your Moa Ziptrek Tour. The Moa Tour comprises of four flying foxes, starting and finishing at the top of the Skyline gondola. Moa is designed to start low and slow and gradually build your confidence as it gets progressively longer, higher and faster. All ages love the interaction this aerial tour has to offer.

Dart River Jet Boat Ride and Wilderness Tour

$259 per person

A spectacular 2 hour jet-boat ride is the highlight of this Dart River Wilderness Safari from Glenorchy. During this half-day tour with a naturalist guide, venture into Glenorchy, gateway to the World Heritage–listed Mt Aspiring National Park. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and hidden valleys, you’ll twist and turn down the glacier-fed Dart River. Enjoy an exhilarating jet-boat ride on the Dart River Admire the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mt Aspiring National Park on a guided nature walk Learn about unique vegetation and wildlife with your expert naturalist guide.

Group Dinner on the TSS Earnslaw

This evening, board your private coaches and transfer the short distance to Steamer wharf for your group’s farewell dinner.  Your dinner arrangements include a return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, a farm demonstration and a delicious Gourmet BBQ Dinner served at the Colonel’s Homestead.

One of Queenstown’s most iconic experiences across Lake Wakatipu showcases some of the region’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering plenty of time to explore a piece of living history. Today, the TSS Earnslaw is believed to be the oldest working coal-fired passenger steamship in the southern hemisphere. Explore the decks and the engine room – feel the heat of the giant steam engines at work and watch the stokers shovel coal into the glowing fireboxes.

On your arrival at Walter Peak you will be escorted through the lakeside gardens to the Colonel’s Homestead and seated for dinner. Relax in the unique ambience in front of a roaring open fire and soak in the views from this stunning lakeside setting while the chefs prepare a gourmet BBQ on the outdoor grill. There’s a selection of succulent New Zealand meat and seafood accompanied by delectable seasonal salads, tasty dessert treats and local cheeses. All meat and seafood is cooked on the outdoor BBQ and rotisserie in front of guests and served immediately. A locally influenced wine list and other beverages are available to purchase at the bar.

After the meal, join an entertaining farm experience which gives an insight into life in the New Zealand high country including a sheep shearing demonstration. The night-time cruise home is magical. Join in the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Note, a welcome drink & 2 further drinks are included. Back at Steamer wharf, rejoin your private coaches and return to your accommodation.

DAY 14: Thursday, April 20, 2023:

Full breakfast included, at hotel.  Check out and motorcoach transfer to Queenstown airport for flight to USA or onto Australia.