Luxury Tailor Made Journeys depart on the dates that work for you and feature expert local guides throughout your journey. The itinerary below can be customized to your interests.
Arrive Auckland, New Zealand
Upon arrival into Auckland, you are met by an A&K representative and transferred to your accommodations. After lunch at your leisure, meet your A&K driver-guide for an afternoon tour of Auckland’s West Coast. Experience subtropical rainforest, soaring cliffs, roaring surf and stunning black sand beaches, all against the backdrop of the stunning Waitakere Ranges.
Auckland | City of Sails
This morning, embark on a private, full-day tour of Auckland as you stroll the city’s lush gardens and vibrant waterfront. Next, board an America’s Cup sailing yacht to cruise the Hauraki Gulf. In the hands of your experienced crew, trim the sails and pilot the yacht, or simply sit back and absorb the serene beauty of Waitemata Harbour. After lunch at a local restaurant, take in the historic exhibits of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, including an 80-foot Maori war canoe dating from 1836. Enjoy a Maori cultural performance during your visit. Later, return to your accommodations to enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Rotorua | Journey to Middle-Earth
Today, travel south through the lush pasturelands of Waikato to rural Matamata, home to the iconic “Middle-Earth” filming location featured in the hit adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. After lunch, continue on to the town of Rotorua, New Zealand’s cultural heartland. Marvel as the earth’s crust bubbles and steams from the abundance of geothermal activity roiling just below the surface. Adjourn to your lodge, gathering in the evening to enjoy a private dinner.
Rotorua | Maori Culture, Hot Springs & Kiwi Encounter
Begin your day with a visit to Te Puia, home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute; Pōhutu geyser; and Whakarewarewa, the Living Maori Village. Immerse yourself in the traditions of the indigenous Maori people and witness nature’s geothermal might as geysers spout and mud pools boil. Next, visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park’s Kiwi Encounter Facility, an Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy-sponsored organization committed to preserving this iconic native species. Enjoy insider access to the facility’s hatchery, feeding room, nursery and outdoor enclosures, gaining expert insights into the plight and preservation of this embattled species.
Queenstown | Gateway to Adventure
Fly to Queenstown and transfer to your accommodations, taking in a city sightseeing tour along the way. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Queenstown | Milford Sound
Today, board a helicopter for a shared flight spanning secluded alpine lakes, lush rainforest and rugged mountain peaks. Sweep over Milford Sound, a coastal inlet flanked by sheer mountains. Next, board a nature cruise and follow along as your guide reveals the region’s flora and fauna, as well as its history. Keep a lookout for seals, dolphins and penguins as the majestic coastal scenery floats by. Return to Queenstown aboard the helicopter, enjoying the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Queenstown | The Gibbston Valley
Embark on a tour of Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. Enjoy a wine cave tour, tasting and lunch at a pioneering local wine estate. Later, ascend the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for spectacular panoramas overlooking Queenstown and beyond.
Depart Queenstown
This morning after breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your international departure.
Enhance Your Journey
Elevate your experience with a host of options available for an additional cost.
Accommodation Options
Alternate hotels and room upgrades are available for this journey.
Auckland | Private America's Cup Cruise
Book the America's Cup excursion as a private charter, treating you and your travelling companions to the ultimate sailing adventure.
Milford Sound | Private Helicopter Tour
Expand day six's flight to a two-hour, private tour sweeping the full length of Milford Sound by helicopter rather than boat, alighting to visit a fur seal colony and the Fiordland Glaciers.
Share an Evening of Maori Traditions
Visit the geothermal wonderland of Te Puia to share in an evening of Maori traditions. Begin with a powhiri (welcoming ceremony), warriors challenge and kapa haka (performing arts concert). Then, share a traditional hangi (pit-cooked feast). After dinner, marvel as the magnificent Pohutu geyser erupts by starlight.
Dart River
Board a jetboat in Lake Wakatipu for a shared exploration of the Dart River’s snow-capped mountains, ancient forest, majestic waterfalls and glacial valleys. Continue on by inflatable kayak, paddling at your own pace under your guide’s watchful eye. After lunch in an ancient beech forest, make the return trip via scenic back roads.
The Americas
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Australia, NZ and SE Asia