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 New Zealand domestic air from Auckland to Queenstown (South Island).

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, 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 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

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

Spend a day to relax or explore dynamic Queenstown.

This region is renowned for its incedible adventure activities and spectacular outdoor terrain. You could try skiing, snowboarding, bungy jumping, paragliding, jetboating, sky diving and more! Or, if you want something a little more relaxed, you can choose from numerous family activities, nature experiences, tours and beauty spas. One hundred and forty years after our establishment as a gold mining camp, central Queenstown has transformed into a sophisticated cosmopolitan town, tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, beneath majestic mountains. There’s a permanent buzz in downtown Queenstown, where you’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, a lively bar scene and excellent shopping.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

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)
– Transport from central Queenstown location
– 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.

This jet boat adventure offers your senses a feast of spectacular natural beauty on a journey into the wilderness of the World Heritage-listed Mt. Aspiring National Park.

Your day begins with 1.5 hour journey on a jet boat through the Dart River system. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys & waterfalls. Your day includes a guided walk (30 minutes) along the ‘Heritage Trail’ at Paradise. Your guide will provide you with informative & entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest. The forests of this region sit within a World Heritage Area, one of the only natural sites of its kind that is accessible to the public.

Your guide details the fascinating history of this area from the days of Gondwanaland, to quests by Maori for prized pounamu, to the present-day efforts of New Zealand’s department of conservation for the preservation of the area. On the ride home, you will stop to view the epic backdrop for many international movies, including ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.

Dart River Wilderness Safari is a high-country adventure. To ensure that your experience is truly enjoyable, please: Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes, regardless of season or weather. Bring sunglasses, a sunhat and sunscreen (insect repellent could also be useful in some weather conditions). Note that cameras are carried at customer’s risk.

Tour itself is approximately 3 hours.

Operates
Daily. Does not operate on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Departs Queentown 8:30am
Departs Glenorchy 9:30am

Includes
– Highly experienced professional driver and guide 
– Thrilling ride on a modern, well maintained twin engine jet boat
– Life jackets 
– Transport from central Queenstown location or Glenorchy central location

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.

Spend the day taking in the breathtaking sights of the land around Queenstown; with time spent at ‘Lord of the Rings’ filming locations.

For true Lord of the Rings fans, this is the trip where Nomad Safaris really does take you There and Back again. This scenic sightseeing tour includes recognizable filming locations and stunning natural scenery. The Glenorchy Safari of the Scenes takes you from Queenstown to Glenorchy stopping at breath-taking viewpoints. 

En route from Glenorchy follow the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for Isengard. This location offers stunning views of Mt Earnslaw. Heading to Paradise discover the location for the Forrest of Lothlorien. Leaving Glenorchy and heading towards Queenstown you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp. This tour also includes locations from X-men Origins: Wolverine, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Operates
Daily
Departs 8:00am or 1:30pm, Returns 12:30pm or 6:30pm (approx.)

Includes
– Return transfers from your hotel or information center
– Visit filming locations
– Beautiful views
– Gold pan in the Arrow River
– Safari vehicle is a 4WD Land Cruiser or Rover

Need to Know
You have the option of staying in or near the vehicle for any of the stops on the tour.

Upgrades
Private tours available
Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour

THE LORD OF THE RINGS and the characters, places, events and items contained therein, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Middle-Earth Enterprises, LLC and are used under license by Rings Scenic Tours Limited and Wingnut Film Productions Limited, which are independently owned and operated.

Visit one of New Zealand’s unmissable destinations with a day trip to Milford Sound, and a magical cruise on the fiord.

You will depart Queenstown and pass through some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world – gaze out at panoramic views of the mountains, valleys and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park as you travel in our glass-roof coach and hear entertaining commentary from your local driver guide. Keep your camera at the ready as your guide will stop along the way at some truly stunning photo opportunities.

There are so many things you will see during your Milford Sound cruise – landmarks of Milford Sound include Mitre Peak, waterfalls that hurtle through native bush into the fiord, and sheer cliffs created by ancient glaciers. Wildlife in Milford Sound can include seals, penguins and even dolphins, so keep an eye out during your cruise.

After your cruise, step back on board your coach for the return journey to Queenstown.

Departs: 7:20 am
Returns: 7:45 pm

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

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

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 3 nights.

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.

On your vacation travel by deluxe luxury coach to the Waitomo Glow-Worm Caves and the spectacular geothermal regions of Rotorua, New Zealand.

Depart Auckland: Travel the main Southern Highway through small rural townships steeped in early pioneer history. Your host serves morning tea during this sector.

Waikato: Travel through New Zealand’s largest dairy and sheep farming province. Travel the outskirts of Hamilton City via the small farming settlements towards the King Country, birthplace of the Maori Monarchy.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Join a guided tour through this world-famous cave formation, climaxed by drifting silently in a boat through a glow worm cavern lit up with thousands of tiny glow worm lights.

Light Lunch: Served on-board as we make our way to Rotorua through magnificent rural farmland with its vast numbers of grazing animals.

Rotorua: New Zealand’s highest city, 305 meters (1000 feet) above sea level, located inside the rim of a volcanic crater. An area of great geothermal activity. We visit the following attractions:

Agrodome Farm Tour: An introduction to New Zealand farming, with a 45-minute tour of an authentic working farm in all-weather, all-terrain vehicles. Watch a sheep being shorn and hand-feed the animals.

Lake Rotorua: Drive through the foreshore park past the hundreds of ducks and swans. Then through the beautiful historic Government Gardens.

Te Puia Insitute (Maori Arts & Crafts & Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve): One of Rotorua’s most famous attractions. See woodcarving, weaving displays, Maori village and the thermal valley with the famous Pohutu Geyser, fumaroles, colourful silica deposits and boiling mud pools.

Return to Auckland: Your attraction-packed day concludes as the coach travels through the beautiful horse breeding district of Matamata and the pastureland of the Hauraki plains. A light snack is served on this sector.

Visit one of Auckland’s many attractions.

Fly a kite or throw a Frisbee in the beautifully landscaped Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park. Critique a giant selection of both traditional and contemporary art at Auckland Art Gallery. Take a walking, swim or hike through any of Auckland’s 25 Regional Parks. Have a laugh at The Classic Comedy and Bar in Queen Street, New Zealand’s home of live comedy. Take the bus over to Eden Park, New Zealand’s largest stadium. In the evening you can join the dancing on K’Road and party on till the wee hours at one of the many nightclubs. Or maybe you would rather visit the trendy suburb of Ponsonby and enjoy delicious cuisine, superb lattes or cocktails if more to your taste. And if it is cafes, bars and restaurants you’re after, the Viaduct Harbour has a great selection.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand – Julian Apse

On your vacation participate in a unique wilderness experience at Piha Canyon in the Waitakere Park Ranges on New Zealand’s North Island.

Just a 45 minutes drive from Auckland, the Waitakere Ranges Parklands offer a dense subtropical rain forest rimmed by wild black sand surf beaches and topped by dominating Kauri trees. This is the setting for your Canyoning Adventure.

On arrival at Piha Beach, you’ll suit up into your equipment and complete an abseil practice and safety talk. Then after a thirty-minute informative native bush walk to the canyon you will begin an exploration through a scenic and interesting canyon.

Have a blast at Piha Canyon, as you repel (abseiling in NZ English) down showering waterfalls surrounded by moss and fern covered volcanic rock walls, swimming through tranquil pools of blues and green. Jumps, caves, and slides will be your means as you explore the canyon. You will also see the remains of the original pioneers’ wood constructed logging dam and learn about the local history and Maori culture.

Finding a nice lunch spot, your group will relax and enjoy the unique surroundings and canyon flora. From the end of the canyon there is a 10-minute walk back to the bus where you’ll change out of the canyoning equipment. Changing rooms and toilets available.

Afterwards you’ll head down to the beach and enjoy the warmth of hot sand on your feet, cool refreshments and the pleasant sound of your canyoning companions as they relax after a great day.

Almost all obstacles are optional; this means you can choose their level of adventure. The canyon stream is a gentle low volume stream that consists of pools of water and is not a fast flowing stream. The trip is suitable for first timers; no previous experience is needed. An average level of fitness is ideal and a sense of adventure.

Operates
Daily, except for Christmas Day (December 25). Departure times vary seasonally, but allow 7 hours.

Includes
– Inner city transfers
– Bakery style lunch and refreshments
– All equipment (full-length wetsuits, harness, helmet, and lifejackets)

Need to Know
Minimum age of 12 years required for this tour. People under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, who must co-sign the disclaimer form on the day of the trip. Minimum weight requirement is 77lbs and maximum 264lbs. Minumum of 4 guests required for this tour. You will need sporty footwear (running shoes or trekking boots) and something to wear under your wetsuit (swimsuit or shorts etc). Both these items will get wet so make sure you have spare clothes and shoes for the way home. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

This stunning island just off the Auckland coast boasts 92 square kms of beautiful beaches, vineyards, olive groves, native bush and laid back seaside villages. It’s a great day out from Auckland as well as a superb holiday destination or a weekend getaway.

Be introduced to Waiheke on the Waiheke Explorer Tour, a picturesque 40-minute boat trip followed by a 1.5 hour scenic highlights tour of Waiheke’s stunning locations. Cruise to Waiheke through the glorious Hauraki Gulf and on arrival you’ll be met by an experienced guide who will give you a taste of the views, culture and history that make up the diverse island of Waiheke.

On conclusion of the tour, take advantage of the complimentary All Day Bus Pass allowing you to either return to a destination visited on the tour, or discover the island further on scheduled public bus services.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Take a unique, fun and informative tour of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city on the Hop on Hop Off Auckland City Explorer Bus!

Nestled between two harbours, this beautiful and vibrant city has a diverse mix of culture and landscapes. Something for everyone – attractions and activities, shopping and eateries, events and adventure – you can explore it all this 24 hour Hop on Hop off bus pass.

Unique Vehicles with Fantastic Views: Discover the true magic of city sightseeing onboard our unique, classic and new, double decker buses. With a mix of open and closed top buses, you will ride in comfort and style, enjoying spectacular views from the top deck.

Entertaining ‘Live’ Commentary: Our friendly local guides provide a ‘live’ fun and informative commentary throughout your journey. Multi-lingual commentaries are also available on the central tour.

Hop-on Hop-off and Visit Auckland’s Best Attractions: As you circumnavigate the city, visiting historic landmarks and all the ‘must see’ attractions, you can hop on and off at your leisure to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Devonport Ferry Trip Visit this historic suburb and browse boutiques for unique gifts, indulge at a restaurant or cafe, go to the beach or climb North Head for harbour views. Tickets are valid for sailings between 9:00am-4:30pm Monday to Friday, and all weekend sailings.

Includes
-Red and Blue Tour Routes
-Devonport Ferry

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

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.

Fly internationally from Auckland, New Zealand to Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Experience a Meet & Greet upon arrival and relax as you are transferred from the airport to your Cook Islands accommodation.

Spend 4 nights on the beautiful island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

Your beautiful vacation accommodation’s unequalled resort location puts guests right at the heart of one of Rarotonga’s most outstanding natural features – Muri Lagoon. The lagoon is the island’s aquatic playground for superb and safe snorkelling and swimming. With other water sports like kayaking, wind surfing, kite surfing, sailing and glass-bottomed boat rides, there’s always an opportunity to get out on the water and away from it all. If rest and relaxation is what you’re craving, look no further. Breathe in the fresh air while basking in the sun on the white sand beaches while looking out over the blue water lagoon.

Enjoy the many attractions Rarotonga has to offer.

Dominated by a once almighty volcanic pyramid, now worn down by time and streams to sawtooth peaks and razorback ridges, the lush green carpeted Rarotonga, is the capital, and the hub of the Cook Islands.

This island paradise is also the youngest island of the group, so unlike its equally enchanting sisters which have been eroded and submerged by age, Rarotonga stands brilliantly upright against the sun. Its vistas are strewn and spiked with jutting pinnacles that fall to terraces and flats planted with bananas, coconuts, paw paw and pineapples that shift into a swampy plateau marked by the inimitable taro patch.

Offering thrills and challenges driving your very own 4-wheel quad.

Get lost deep in our beautiful lush and preserved jungle driving your very own 350cc Yamaha Grizzly Quad! This 90% off road adventure will see you venturing through 2 – 3 hidden valleys in Turangi and get a close view of the great Te Atukura Mountain.

The Quads are fully automatic and orientation is given at the beginning of the tour. We recommend comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty! Bring mosquito repellant and wear your swimsuit for a quick dip at the waterfall at the end of your tour

Experience Raro the local way!

See breathtaking panoramic views, travel the ancient road (Ara Metua) built by the Cook Islands ancestors, see ancient Marae’s (sacred sites) and find out about local traditions, culture & customs. Prepare a traditional underground oven (Umu) then while it’s cooking, head off for your safari tour and return to enjoy the Umu feast for lunch!

Photo Credit: Cook Islands Tourism

Lagoon cruises are one of the best ways to spend an unforgettable time in the lagoon waters of Rarotonga.

Discover the lagoon and inner reef area of Rarotonga where marine life is abundant aboard a Glass Bottom Lagoon Cruiser. Swim and snorkel amongst schools of colourful Butterfly, Wrasse and Trigger fish, see giant clams in their natural habitat and top off the experience with a BBQ lunch on a remote uninhabited offshore island with Pacific Island singing and a performance.

Welcome aboard the S.V. Southern Cross a 58ft Sailing Vessel based in Rarotonga.

This special 2-hour Sunset cruise departs around 5pm (dependent on daylight savings) providing scenic sunsets and stunning views of Rarotonga. Refreshments and snacks provided. We recommend bringing a bottle of something special for this magical cruise.

Visit the local microbrewery in Rarotonga for a taste of genuine, Rarotongan lager.

The Cooks Lager brewery is one of only two in Rarotonga, and they go the extra mile to deliver the most refreshing lager, whether it is from the bottle or beer on tap. Made without preservatives and additives on-site using imported hops and grains lovingly combined with fresh island water, it is a genuine, Rarotongan lager.

The brewery is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 4:30pm and tours are offered at 1:00pm daily. Come in and enjoy a sample tasting. Come see the brewing process firsthand and enjoy a sample testing of the brews: Premium Lager, Original Blonde, and Cheeky Darkie.

Consider taking the city bus to the brewery, or hire a scooter to drive there yourself! Either way, you are sure to enjoy the microbrewery.

Hop on and off the bus that routes around the entire island to see main attractions or to explore.

To really see the island of Rarotonga, consider taking the bus. It operates a clockwise and counterclockwise route around the entire island on the main coast road. It only takes about 50 minutes to circumnavigate the whole island. It is a great way of spotting some main landmarks.

All buses leave from the bus stop outside Cook’s Corner in Avarua. Daytime buses going clockwise around the island depart every hour on the hour from 7am to 4pm on weekdays, 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, and from 8am to midday and 2pm to 4pm on Sunday.

Buses going counterclockwise depart at 25 minutes past every hour, 8.25am to 4.30pm on weekdays only.

If you plan on going out at night, you may still use the bus! A night-time bus service runs clockwise only from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday from 6pm to 10pm, with extra hourly buses on Friday night from midnight to 2am.

The bus fare is NZ$3 for one ride and NZ$5 for a return trip (two rides). We recommend a day pass valid for one day’s unlimited travel (NZ$10).

Photo Credit: Cook Islands Tourism

Enjoy the day use of your accommodation in Rarotonga before you depart in the evening.

Visit the Local Market on Saturday morning for freshly made food, ripe fruits, and more.

The Farmers Market is buzzing on Saturday mornings. To enjoy the Punanga Nui Markets like a local, drag yourself out of bed early (7-8am). You’ll get to see a plethora of local seasonal produce.

The favourites – passionfruit, mangoes, etc sell out quickly. Ask the friendly locals for advice on the ripest fruit and best eating, as they are sure to give you the best advice. If you haven’t tried “nu” (the juice of a young coconut) you can pick up a drinking coconut for around a dollar!

The “Truly Cook Islands” dish called Ika Mata is marinated raw fish in lime and coconut juice. You can’t visit Rarotonga without trying this delectable dish! Race down to the Lazy Diner, better known as the Red Hut, for this treat, freshly made each day.

You mught also try Poke (pronounced ‘po’ as in ‘pork’ and ‘ke’ as in ‘keg’), made with local fruit and cassava/tapioca. You should also consider the Chicken and Taro Root dish, which incorporates coconut milk, taro, shallots, and ginger. There is an abundance of freshly made pastries, tropical fruit smoothies, and fresh waffles in addition to these local favorites.

Sometimes you’ll be lucky enough to see local and visiting cultural groups doing a fundraising performance at the market – this is another chance to enjoy Cook Islands drumming, singing and dancing and of course, it’s also great for photos.

Everything shuts down around midday, so arrive early and enjoy all the excitement the locals have to offer!

Photo Credit: Cook Islands Tourism

Travel from your Cook Islands accommodation to the airport.

Fly internationally from Rarotonga, Cook Islands to Los Angeles, USA.