New Zealand Reflections from Auckland

Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. You travel through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching Hobbiton Shire.

On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response to a movie set in a natural setting. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. The tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink. After the tour at Hobbiton board the shuttle at Shire's Rest Cafe for your journey to Rotorua.

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel offers sophisticated, luxury lodge style accommodation right on the edge of Lake Rotorua with a backdrop of mature gardens. The Black Swan fuses classic sophistication and contemporary chic to create a thoroughly modern and uniquely luxurious Rotorua lakefront Boutique Hotel with personalised lodge style service. Whether for business or pleasure, experience exceptional lakefront living, luxury accommodations, exquisite dining and the finest amenities.The Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel is a beautifully appointed 5 star property that offers the discerning visitor the opportunity to experience the comforts and hospitality of personalised luxury hotel accommodation, whilst enjoying an exclusive and intimate environment. The expansive grounds include rose gardens, sweeping lawns, swimming pool, secret grotto, sandy beach, private jetty, heli-pad and eight suites. Luxury accommodation comprises 8 beautifully appointed king/twin guest suites with stunning views over the lake or gardens.

This evening, you will engage in an immersive experience blending the best in Maori culture and cuisine. Tonight, participate in a heart-warming ritual and the mystical ceremony of the umu kohukohu while feasting on delicious and nourishing seasonal kai (cuisine). Crackling bonfires in the native tawa forest and cozy whare (houses) are the intimate backdrop to Tu Te Ihi.

Upon arrival at the village, a torch-lined path leads you to a candle-lit wharekai for a sumptuous four-course hakari (feast). Feel amazed as the mementos of Aotearoa history and eras, as well as the warm whanau (family) vibe intensify the spirit of hakari. Your winter forest kai morsels have been designed by award-winning Maori chefs, and they may include local delicacies like spit-roasted tuna (native eel), mugs of steaming hot pork and watercress boil up, creamed paua on rewena crostini, foraged greens, chunks of smoked kahawai with lashings of basil sauce and corn husk wrapped kumara kept warm in ashes.

Our local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. You clients will see volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes of farmland, native and exotic forests.

The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moon-like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Know geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley the guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886.

Then spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand's Maori culture with visits to settlement sites and living villages. You will learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols new and old, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre.

The guided tour through Te Puia includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house, boiling mud pools and NZ's largest geyser Pohutu.

Next we visit Rainbow Springs Rotorua's premier nature park. Here you can learn more about New Zealand's native flora and fauna including the Kiwi bird. Rainbow springs is home to the worlds largest Kiwi breeding program (Operation nest egg). See natural cold-water springs teeming with wild trout, native forest and more. At the conclusion of the tour we will drive around the Government Gardens before returning to your accommodation.

The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

Depart Queenstown and take a luxurious coach ride along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau. These tranquil lakes are crystal clear and reflect the surrounding mountains. The driver's compelling commentary will keep you informed and entertained throughout.

Enter Fiordland National Park and pass through Eglington Valley, one of the only road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand. Take the opportunity to capture some memorable shots of the Mirror Lakes or the ancient alpine forests as you get closer to Milford Sound. The glass-roof coach will give you sensational views of the peaks soaring above you while you cross the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. Make a stop at Monkey Creek and drink some of the freshest water in the world before venturing through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled into solid rock. After the Homer Tunnel, then experience The Chasm, a short but impressive walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids, before arriving at the fiord.

Next, board the most luxurious catamaran in Milford Sound to explore the spectacular fiord. Venture out to the Tasman Sea while cruising past tumbling waterfalls, glacier-scarred rock walls and lush rainforests. Keep an eye out for wildlife species such as seals, penguins and dolphins and get a glimpse of Mitre Peak. A tasty picnic lunch will keep you filled on board.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.