2026 Enchanting New Zealand Adventure with Craig Manscill

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - Arrive Auckland ETA 0600 - Bay of Islands

Kia ora and welcome to Auckland, New Zealand! Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide and driver at the airport and depart by coach to the Bay of Islands, with a stop at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe. This award-winning museum brings the pioneering era to life through exhibits on kauri timber and gum, featuring antique kauri furniture, restored machinery like a 1929 Caterpillar tractor and steam sawmill, and the world’s largest collection of kauri gum, along with a replica boarding house, school, and historic post office.

Continue with an unforgettable guided experience in Waipoua Forest, where you’ll meet a local guide at the Tāne Mahuta car park for an interactive introduction to the immense kauri trees and their cultural and environmental significance. Then visit Waitangi, the birthplace of New Zealand, for a guided tour of the historic grounds where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, followed by a Māori cultural performance featuring song, poi, stick games, weaponry, and the haka.

Afterward, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time at leisure. Accommodation is at Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands (or similar), including one cooked breakfast.

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 - Bay of Islands - Auckland

Enjoy a cooked breakfast before embarking on a Hole in the Rock cruise with Fullers GreatSights in the Bay of Islands. Cruise through the region’s pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula, passing the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse and the iconic Motukōkako (Hole in the Rock), where you may even pass beneath it. Along the way, keep watch for dolphins, whales, and native birdlife, while enjoying informative onboard commentary and views from spacious decks or the air-conditioned cabin.

Stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for approximately 1.5 hours to relax, swim, snorkel, explore walking tracks, kayak (seasonal), or grab a bite at the licensed café. After the cruise, return to Auckland, check in to your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation is at SKYCITY Hotel Auckland (or similar) for two nights.

Thursday, November 5, 2026 - Auckland

Enjoy a cooked breakfast before meeting your driver and guide for a morning visit to the Auckland Botanic Gardens, followed by a stop at the Auckland Temple in Goodwood Heights. Admission to the gardens is included, giving you time to explore its diverse plant collections and scenic landscapes.

In the afternoon, continue sightseeing around Auckland, including the Harbour Bridge, Waterfront, Mission Bay, Tamaki Drive, Savage Point, Parnell Rose Park (seasonal) and Village, Auckland Domain and Gardens, and the city centre. Your day concludes with admission to the Sky Tower for panoramic views over the city.

Friday, November 6, 2026 - Auckland – Hamilton - Matamata - Rotorua

Enjoy a cooked breakfast before departing Auckland by coach to Rotorua, traveling via Hamilton and Matamata. In Hamilton, visit the Matthew Cowley Pacific Church History Centre to learn about the Māori Agricultural College, the construction of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, and the Church College of New Zealand, with time to also visit the nearby temple (approximately 2.5 hours total). After a quick lunch break, continue to Hobbiton for your scheduled Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, checking in at Shire’s Rest ahead of time.

Step into Middle-earth on a fully guided walking tour through the Hobbiton Movie Set, set on the picturesque Alexander family farm. Explore the 12-acre set, see iconic locations like Bag End, visit a Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row, and learn behind-the-scenes details from your guide. Finish your experience at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary Southfarthing beverage. Afterward, continue to Rotorua and check in to your hotel, Distinction Rotorua Hotel (or similar), for a three-night stay including breakfast.

Saturday, November 7, 2026 - Rotorua - Waitomo - Rotorua

Enjoy a cooked breakfast before departing Rotorua for a day trip to Waitomo. Explore the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour, walking through over 250 metres of stunning underground formations, including the Cathedral and the Tomo limestone shaft, while learning about the area’s history, geology, and Māori legends. The highlight is a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, where you’ll drift along the Waitomo River beneath thousands of glowing worms creating a magical, star-like display. After the tour, return to Rotorua.

In the evening, experience the Te Pō Combo at Te Puia, beginning with a guided walk through the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley to see bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and the impressive Pōhutu geyser. Visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and the Kiwi Conservation Centre before enjoying a buffet dinner featuring traditional hāngī cuisine. The evening continues with a pōwhiri (welcome ceremony) and cultural performance, followed by a peaceful electric shuttle ride through the illuminated geothermal valley, ending with hot chocolate under the stars.

Sunday, November 8, 2026 - Rotorua Sightseeing

Enjoy a cooked breakfast before a full day of Rotorua sightseeing, beginning with highlights such as Lake Rotorua, the Redwood Forest, and the Government Gardens. Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery for a guided tour, where you’ll learn about kiwi conservation, observe eggs being incubated, see newly hatched chicks, and explore interactive exhibits—including a nocturnal house to spot foraging kiwi. Continue with a scenic gondola ride up Mt Ngongotaha, followed by a premium buffet lunch at Skyline Rotorua’s Stratosfare Restaurant, featuring a range of locally sourced dishes.

In the afternoon, explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland at your own pace, taking in colorful geothermal features such as the Champagne Pool, bubbling mud, hot springs, and volcanic craters, with the chance to witness the Lady Knox Geyser eruption (timing permitting). Conclude the day with admission to the Redwoods Treewalk, where you’ll stroll across suspended bridges high among towering redwood trees for a unique bird’s-eye view of the forest. Return afterward with the evening at leisure.

Please note: Closed toe footwear must be worn at all times. Maximum individual weight 120kg.

Monday, November 9, 2026 - Rotorua - Fly - Christchurch

Enjoy a cooked breakfast before checking out of your hotel and transferring to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Christchurch (flight not included). Upon arrival, meet your driver and guide for a day exploring Christchurch and its surrounding areas. Highlights include the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Cathedral Square, and the central CBD, offering a mix of heritage, culture, and modern rebuild architecture.

After your sightseeing, check in to your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure. Accommodation is at Distinction Christchurch Hotel (or similar), Classic King or 2 Queen room, including breakfast for one night.

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - Franz Josef - Wanaka - Queenstown

This morning, we head out of Franz Josef and follow an ancient greenstone trail. View the sheer drop of Thunder Creek Falls and the grand sight of Mt Hooker, flanked on three sides by extensive glaciers. Travel over Haast Pass, marking a change from the rainforest marvel of the wild West Coast to the alpine scenery of the Southern Lakes. From here you will travel further into Central Otago. View Lake Wanaka, where the shoreline is charmingly lined by poplars and willows, followed by the vivid blue waters of Lake Hawea. It is a day of gorgeous lakes, as after Hawea you will travel over to Cromwell, situated next to the sparkling pristine waters of Lake Dunstan. Stop in at a local orchard for a taste of some of the town's delicious stone fruit then continue your journey to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Time permits you to visit a glacier lookout.

Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - Queenstown - Milford Sound Cruise - Queenstown

Transfer to Milford Sound on private vehicle. On arrival at the Milford Wharf, board your Real NZ vessel for your cruise of Milford Sound. The cruise takes in the length of Milford Sound, and offers excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. After the cruise excursion, return to Queenstown.

Thursday, November 12, 2026 - Queenstown City Sightseeing Highlights

This morning we start our Queenstown Highlight tour! Some of these highlights include Arrowtown, View Bungy Jumping, and Lake Wakatipu. Take the 40-minute TSS Earnslaw boat ride across Lake Wakatipu to the shores of Walter Peak High Country Farm. Get off the boat and discover the workings of the farm. Strolling through the property's idyllic lakeside gardens offers fantastic views of the lake and mountains. Fuel up at the farm with a delicious BBQ lunch. Be entertained by the farm demonstration, see the farm dogs at work before returning by steamboat across the lake. 

Friday, November 13, 2026 - Queenstown - Mount Cook - Tekapo

After breakfast we will depart to Tekapo via Cromwell, Mackenzie and Mount Cook. After lunch, you may have time to do a self-guided walk at Hooker Valley. We'll Take a boat cruise on the Tasman Glacial Lake and experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs. This is the only tour of its kind in New Zealand and one of the only accessible glacial lakes containing icebergs in the world. It’s a surreal and mesmerizing experience in a totally unique environment. No two days are the same on the Tasman Lake with a constant shifting of conditions, which simply adds to the magic of this very special place. This tour is designed to both thrill and educate as you learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape. With the effects of climate change and other climatic processes taking their toll on New Zealand glaciers, their retreat is sadly imminent. The lateral moraines remind us of the grand scale that the glacier has reached in previous times. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake. It’s difficult to predict when a calving will take place but it’s possible you will witness one whilst you’re on a tour – a spectacular sight.

Saturday, November 14, 2026 - Lake Tekapo - Christchurch

Enjoy a relaxed start before heading north through South Canterbury, visit the charming boutique village of Geraldine as you travel through to Christchurch. On arrival at Christchurch, free day at leisure to explore the downtown. 3 course dinner is included at Curator's House Restaurant.

Sunday, November 15, 2026 - Depart Christchurch - Salt Lake City

Wish New Zealand goodbye today after breakfast after we check out from the hotel. Meet your driver at the hotel lobby and transfer to Christchurch Airport for our departure flight back to the USA. Kakete ano! (Farewell and safe travels!)