North–South Island Connection, 9 Days ★ North Island 4 Days + South Island 6 Days

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and the ‘City of Sails’! Your guide meets you at the airport before a city sightseeing tour. Climb Mount Eden, described as the city’s highest point, for panoramic city views and volcanic remains; drive past the lively Harbour Bridge and stroll along bustling Queen Street and Princes Wharf for a taste of this South Pacific metropolis. If time permits, visit scenic Angel Bay to enjoy the harbour sunset and the peaceful meeting of sea and sky. City sightseeing will be adjusted to your flight arrival time. Please arrange a flight arriving between 10 am and 5 pm; city sightseeing cannot be guaranteed for flights arriving after 14 h. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City or an equivalent 4-star hotel. Lunch: at own expense. Dinner: at own expense.

Leave Auckland early for a journey through the wonders of the central North Island. First visit ★Waitomo Glowworm Caves, one of New Zealand’s famous natural marvels. First discovered by a Māori chief in 1887, the mysterious cave is filled with stalactites and a winding underground river. With your guide, glide by small boat into its dark, silent depths, as though entering the Milky Way: tens of thousands of blue glowworms sparkle on the ceiling like stars in the night sky. In the afternoon, arrive in Rotorua, the ‘geothermal capital’, and stroll by the lake and flower-filled Government Gardens, noticing the sulphurous scent in the air. Visit ★Whakarewarewa Māori Village in the Whakarewarewa valley, one of New Zealand’s most representative attractions. More than 20 households still live here, the fourth- and fifth-generation descendants of the indigenous Māori. Experience authentic Māori culture and customs while admiring the impressive geothermal scenery. Evening recommendation: at your own expense, visit Polynesian Spa, described as one of the world’s top ten thermal spas, and soak in mineral-rich natural hot pools beneath the stars, easing the day’s fatigue in peaceful comfort. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Rotorua or an equivalent 4-star hotel. Breakfast: hotel buffet. Lunch: Western buffet. Dinner: specialty venison meal — tender game, nourishing and warming.

After breakfast, begin a day where culture meets fantasy at ★Hobbiton Movie Set, a place of pilgrimage for film fans. Cross lush green farmland into the fairytale world of Middle-earth. Visit iconic scenes including Bag End, hobbit cottages, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree and the mill, feeling like a hobbit who might meet Gandalf. A professional guide reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes filming details and brings classic scenes back to life. Return to Auckland in the afternoon and board a five-star-rated ★million-dollar luxury yacht for a bespoke experience at sea. The yacht is 20 metres long, with three spacious, comfortable levels, a viewing deck, boutique suites and premium facilities. It is berthed at Viaduct Harbour, the downtown Auckland landmark and America’s Cup marina, an ideal spot for watching the harbour sunset. With gentle sea breezes and golden light on the deck, admire Auckland’s skyline while enjoying an onboard burger set meal for an unforgettable North Island evening. If weather or other force majeure prevents sailing, you will receive a luxury yacht experience ticket for use on a future trip, or a refund will be arranged. Thank you for your understanding and support. Afterwards, check into the hotel and prepare for the onward journey. Hotel: Jet Park Auckland Airport Hotel or an equivalent 4-star airport hotel. Breakfast: hotel buffet. Lunch: at own expense. Dinner: sunset cruise + Western dinner.

After breakfast at the hotel, take the airport hotel’s shuttle to Auckland International Airport. Bid farewell to the pristine South Pacific landscape, concluding the North Island’s cultural and natural journey and carrying its moments as treasured memories. On arrival in Christchurch, a South Pacific city with classic English character, your guide takes you sightseeing in this beautiful ‘Garden City’. Walk through the historic Arts Centre, admire the graceful Avon River and pass the Bridge of Remembrance, a symbol of resilience and commemoration, experiencing the city’s cultural depth and peaceful atmosphere. Please note: the coach leaves Christchurch promptly at 13:00. Guests whose flights are delayed must arrange the next leg of transport themselves. After lunch, travel to dreamlike Lake Tekapo. Glacial rock flour gives the water its captivating turquoise colour; surrounding snowy mountains are reflected in the lake. Visit the lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd, a small stone church made especially serene and sacred by its setting beside the lake and beneath the stars. In the evening, specially arranged salmon sashimi from what is described as the world’s highest-altitude salmon production is fresh and delicious. Stay overnight within Tekapo’s International Dark Sky Reserve, with a chance to see a dazzling Milky Way and stars. Accommodation: luxury Tekapo holiday home (a separate house for each party is not guaranteed; each party has its own bedroom, with shared lounge and kitchen). Breakfast: hotel buffet. Lunch: at own expense. Dinner: alpine salmon buffet — enjoy the freshness and flavours of high-country ingredients.

After the hotel breakfast, set out for scenic Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. In the heart of the Southern Alps, described as adjoining Arthur’s Pass to the south and the Main Divide to the west, it is one of New Zealand’s most magnificent alpine areas. Encircling mountains and soaring snowy peaks provide refreshing views along the way. In clear weather, you may choose a helicopter flight over the glaciers at your own expense, looking down on snow-covered ranges and the grandeur of Mount Cook. Continue to vividly coloured Lake Pukaki, its emerald-clear water making it an excellent place to photograph Mount Cook’s reflection. Then visit Lake Wānaka, New Zealand’s fourth-largest lake, passing the iconic solitary tree standing alone in the water, one of the country’s signature photographic subjects. Stroll by the lake and enjoy the relaxed local lifestyle. Arrive in Queenstown in the evening, New Zealand’s best-known resort on picturesque Lake Wakatipu. This internationally recognised honeymoon destination combines romantic lakes and mountains in a seemingly secluded paradise. Hotel: Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park or equivalent. Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast. Lunch: at own expense. Dinner: at own expense.

Spend today at leisure in picturesque Queenstown. Nestled between mountains and lakes and known as one of the world’s most beautiful resorts, it is both a haven for relaxation and a playground for testing your limits. Plan the day to suit your interests: • Adventure lovers can try world-class extreme activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, paragliding and jet boating for an adrenaline rush. • Those preferring a gentler pace can fly by helicopter over snowy mountains and glaciers or sample authentic New Zealand wines at a winery. • Simply wander the streets, enjoy street performers, coffee, sunshine and the lake breeze. • A Milford Sound cruise is particularly recommended: enter the spectacular fjord to see waterfalls, seals and dolphins close up and experience the charm of the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ for an even more memorable New Zealand journey. Hotel: Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park or equivalent. Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast. Lunch: at own expense. Dinner: at own expense.

After breakfast, drive to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The route, described as one of the world’s most beautiful highland roads, crosses magnificent valleys and pristine cool-temperate rainforest, like a fairytale landscape. Board the ★Milford Sound cruise for a tranquil yet awe-inspiring journey. Enjoy a buffet lunch as you sail past towering snowy mountains, cascading waterfalls and cliffs sculpted into countless shapes by time. The vessel approaches a waterfall, allowing you to feel the refreshing spray of clear glacial meltwater. With luck, see seals basking in the sun or dolphins playing beside the boat and leaping from the water, bringing the journey to life. In the evening, arrive beside peaceful Lake Te Anau and check into a lakeside hotel. After dark, optionally take a boat trip at your own expense to Te Anau Glowworm Caves and gaze at lights sparkling like the Milky Way in the dark underground world — one of nature’s most dreamlike wonders. Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau or equivalent. Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast. Lunch: fjord cruise buffet. Dinner: fjord lobster meal — tender and succulent, an unforgettable experience for the taste buds!

After breakfast, travel to Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Its strong Scottish culture and architecture give this historic, charming city one of the South Island’s most European atmospheres. Visit the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest higher-education institution, and admire its elegant Gothic architecture. Continue to Dunedin Railway Station, resembling a fairytale gingerbread house, and magnificent churches and city landmarks. Visit Guinness-listed Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street, where simply standing on the road gives a remarkable sense of its slope. Pass scenic Moeraki Boulders beach, viewing the unspoilt scene of rocks and waves from afar and experiencing the South Pacific’s natural beauty. Arrive in Oamaru in the evening for a specially arranged ★blue penguin colony visit, upgraded to VIP seating. Note: if late registration means VIP seats cannot be booked, standard tickets will be provided instead. From the dedicated viewing area, watch the world’s smallest penguins return from the sea one by one — an endearing and touching scene. Enjoy a specialty Māori hot-stone barbecue buffet dinner. Meat and seafood are cooked over geothermal stones in the traditional Māori hot-stone method until fragrant, served with plentiful sides and desserts to end the day deliciously. Hotel: Heritage Court Motor Lodge Oamaru or equivalent. Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast. Lunch: Chinese individual hot pot. Dinner: specialty Māori hot-stone barbecue — an authentic South Island feast.

After breakfast, depart Oamaru for Christchurch, enjoying the South Island’s beautiful rural scenery along the way. On arrival at the airport, board your homeward flight with memories and moving experiences, bringing this in-depth South Island journey to a fulfilling close. May it remain a cherished memory that never fades! Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast. Lunch: at own expense. The itinerary outline is for reference only; the guide’s actual arrangements apply. The travel agency reserves the right to adjust the order of sightseeing according to actual circumstances.