New Zealand

15 Days / 14 Nights — Rotorua, the Tranz Alpine Express, Te Anau, Milford Sound and more.

Enjoy the best of both islands, including Rotorua, the Glow Worm caves, the Tranz Alpine Express plus Queenstown, Te Anau and majestic Milford Sound. You'll relish the unique sights and sounds of an exotic land.

DAY 1 — Auckland

Upon arrival you will be met by your chauffeur and transferred to your hotel. The city occupies a superb site on a slender bridge of land astride two seas, the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Auckland also is unique as it's built on sloping hills, surrounded by forests and 65 extinct volcanoes. Lodging: Stamford Plaza

DAY 2 — Auckland

Take a private, half-day tour of the city and its surroundings. This includes the twin harbors, the heights of Mt Eden, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum which is surrounded by 200 acres of gardens and houses the best Maori collection in the world. Its zoological park reveals New Zealand's national symbol, the Kiwi bird, a strange-looking, fuzz-feathered, wingless creature with a hunched back and a long, skinny beak. Also, the park has Tuptara, a rare pre-historical reptile, and other feathered, furred and scaly inhabitants who are found nowhere else in the entire world. Spend your afternoon at leisure. Lodging: Stamford Plaza

DAY 3 — Rotorua

In the morning, you will drive south through verdant farmland and along the country's longest river, the Waikato. You'll travel through several "service towns" to Hamilton, known for its themed gardens and local zoo containing the largest, free-flight aviary in the Southern Hemisphere. Continue south to Cambridge, the country's center of the equestrian and thoroughbred horse industry, to Rotorua. Lodging: The Millennium

DAY 4 — Rotorua

You'll have a full day of private sightseeing. Here the most spectacular phenomena in the world can be seen: geysers, boiling mud, hot pools, hot springs and spouts of gushing steam. Rotorua is also the center of Maori life and culture, with a model village, displays of carving and concerts of Maori music. Lodging: The Millennium

DAY 5 — Lake Taupo

Leave Rotorua this morning for the short drive to New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, acclaimed locally as the trout-fishing capital of the world. The monster rainbow trout found in this lake descend from a single batch of eggs brought from California's Russian River 100 years ago. Lodging: Lake Taupo Lodge

DAY 6 — Lake Taupo

Enjoy a full day of leisure at this internationally renowned resort. Activities include fishing, boating, horse-back riding, tennis, golf and sailing — or just spend the day relaxing in your luxurious surroundings. Lodging: Lake Taupo Lodge

DAY 7 — De Redcliff Vineyard

Leave Lake Taupo, driving via Te Kuti. This west coast route passes Waitomo, a tiny village honeycombed with caves containing limestone stalagmites and stalactites twisted in amazing, distorted shapes. The high spot here is a boat trip to the famous Glow Worm Grotto, lit by an unearthly blue-green radiance given off by tens of thousands of insect larvae covering the roof and walls. After your visit, continue north to Auckland and the De Redcliff vineyards. Lodging: Hotel du Vin

DAY 8 — Christchurch

Leave the vineyards for your 45-min — ute transfer to Auckland Airport, for your flight to Christchurch. On arrival you will be met and transferred by private car to your hotel. Christchurch has been called "the most English city outside of England." Much of the charm here centers along the river Avon that flows through the center of the city. Take the afternoon walking tour with an official guide to discover the highlights of this river-dominated city. Lodging: Crowne Plaza

DAY 9 — Franz Joseph Glacier

Leave Christchurch in the morning to embark on one of the great rail journeys of the world. From the Pacific Ocean, the trip crosses the country through a fascinating variety of scenery including valleys, gorges and the Southern Alps. Finally, you'll arrive on the shores of the Tasman Sea. In Greymouth, your chauffeur will transfer you via the famous Franz Joseph glacier to Fox Glacier. Lodging: Te Weheka Inn

DAY 10 — Lake Wanaka

After a morning tour of New Zealand's most famous glacier, continue along the west coast to Haast, which is the center of high stands of rainforests, and a major wildlife refuge with extensive wetlands. The area is so special it has earned status as a World Heritage site. Continue over the Haast Pass, which is still in the Southern Alps, down to Lake Wanaka. Lodging: Edgewater Resort

DAY 11 — Queenstown

After a leisurely morning, drive to the fascinating old restored gold-rush mining town of Arrowhead. After your visit, continue to Queenstown, situated on a sheltered arm of the S-shaped Lake Wakatipo. From here, New Zealand's grandest scenic treasures can be reached including Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound. Lodging: Mercure Grand St. Moritz

DAY 12 — Queenstown

Embark on a cruise boat to the Walter Peak High Country Sheep Station. Following a meeting by the friendly staff, experiences of life on a sheep station are shared during coffee at the homestead. Visit the original wool shed and watch the sheep dogs in action. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Lodging: Mercure Grand St. Moritz

DAY 13 — Teanau

Leave Queenstown and drive along the lake through mountain valleys into the Fiordland National Park. Next you'll drive into the township of Te Anau, which is beautifully situated on the lakeshore. This is the main center for exploration of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions; these include Milford Sound and one of the most famous walks in the world, the Milford Track. Lodging: Fiordland Lodge

DAY 14 — Excursion to milford sound

You'll take a full-day cruise up the 16 km waterway of the fiord, where sheer mountain walls tower above the tranquil waters. In the afternoon, return to Te Anau. Lodging: Fiordland Lodge

DAY 15 — Queenstown

Transfer by private car to the Queenstown airport for your departure flight.

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