- Explore in a small group of maximum 10 women travelers
- Expert local guides throughout the trip to share with you all the history, culture, and landmarks that make New Zealand's North and South Islands unique
- 9 nights in single occupancy at premium boutique hotels
- 8 unforgettable experiences including Auckland walking tour, Waiheke Island wine tasting, Hobbiton movie set visit, Waitomo Glow Worm Cave tour, traditional Māori cultural performance, gondola ride to Bob's Peak, and breathtaking Milford Sound scenic flight and boat tour
- 27 meals—9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners featuring fresh New Zealand cuisine and local specialties
- Women Travel Abroad female host serves as trip concierge and community builder, ensuring seamless travel and lasting friendships throughout the journey
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters
Please note:
Deposit requirement on land trips is $400
Past traveler savings of 5% if you traveled from 2018 onward
New travelers get $100 savings
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Aotearoa (New Zealand) on an unforgettable journey from cosmopolitan Auckland to adventure-filled Queenstown!
Experience the magic of Middle-earth at Hobbiton, sip award-winning wines on sun-drenched Waiheke Island, and marvel at thousands of glow worms illuminating ancient caves. Immerse yourself in Māori culture through traditional performances and storytelling, then journey south to explore the majestic Southern Alps. Soar over and cruise through the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound, ride a gondola to stunning panoramic views, and toast new friendships against backdrops of pristine lakes and snow-capped mountains.
From geothermal wonders to world-class vineyards, cosmopolitan cities to untouched wilderness, this adventure showcases New Zealand's extraordinary diversity. With a perfect balance of guided experiences and free time, you'll discover why this nation at the bottom of the world captures hearts forever.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 - AUCKLAND ARRIVAL
Arrive at Auckland International Airport (AKL) where a WTA representative will meet you for private transfer to your boutique hotel in New Zealand's largest city. Auckland sits on a narrow isthmus between two harbors, surrounded by volcanic hills and islands, earning its nickname "City of Sails." Check into your accommodations and meet your fellow travelers and trip host for a welcome orientation. Evening welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring fresh New Zealand cuisine and wines from renowned local vineyards—the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with your travel companions.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: SkyCity Hotel Auckland
DAY 2 - AUCKLAND EXPLORATION
After breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour of Auckland's vibrant city center, exploring landmarks like the historic Ferry Building, waterfront Viaduct Harbour, and bustling Queen Street. Learn about New Zealand's colonial history and modern multicultural identity. Lunch at a local café showcasing farm-to-table New Zealand ingredients. Afternoon at leisure—perhaps visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, stroll through the Auckland Domain parklands, or explore trendy Ponsonby neighborhood's boutiques and galleries. Group dinner featuring contemporary New Zealand cuisine with stunning harbor views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: SkyCity Hotel Auckland
DAY 3 - WAIHEKE ISLAND WINE COUNTRY
Board the ferry for a scenic 40-minute cruise to Waiheke Island, Auckland's wine country paradise. This Mediterranean-style island is renowned for its boutique vineyards, olive groves, and stunning coastal scenery. Spend the day touring acclaimed wineries, tasting award-winning wines (particularly Bordeaux-style reds), and enjoying gourmet platters featuring local cheeses, olives, and artisan produce. Visit art galleries showcasing New Zealand artists and stroll pristine beaches with turquoise waters. Lunch at a vineyard restaurant with panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf. Return to Auckland by ferry in the late afternoon, followed by dinner on your own to explore the city's diverse culinary scene.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: SkyCity Hotel Auckland
DAY 4 - HOBBITON & WAITOMO CAVES
Depart Auckland and journey through the lush Waikato countryside to Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata. Step into the magical world of Middle-earth as you explore the meticulously maintained movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Wander past 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree while your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories. Enjoy elevenses (a Hobbit-style snack) at the Green Dragon. Continue to Waitomo for lunch, then descend into the ancient Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Glide silently by boat through the grotto as thousands of luminescent glow worms create a starry sky above—a truly magical experience. Check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner featuring regional specialties.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
DAY 5 - GYSERS & SHEEP IN ROTORUA
Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua this morning—bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and colorful silica terraces showcase the region's dramatic volcanic landscape. Visit a working sheep farm where you'll experience authentic Kiwi farm life. Watch skilled sheepdogs herd flocks across rolling green hills, witness expert sheep shearing demonstrations, and even bottle-feed adorable lambs. Learn about New Zealand's agricultural heritage and the importance of sheep farming to the country's economy and culture. Lunch at the farm or a local restaurant. Afternoon and evening at leisure—perhaps relax in natural hot spring pools, explore Rotorua's lakefront, or visit the Redwoods forest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
DAY 6 - TE PUIA & MĀORI CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Today experience the heart of Māori culture at Te Puia, home to the famous Pōhutu Geyser and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Watch the spectacular Pōhutu erupt, shooting water up to 100 feet in the air, and explore the geothermal valley with bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. Visit the National Carving and Weaving Schools where master craftspeople teach traditional Māori arts. Witness a powerful haka (traditional war dance) performance and learn about Māori customs, language, and legends through song and storytelling. Enjoy a traditional hāngī lunch—meat and vegetables slow-cooked underground in an earth oven, infusing food with subtle smoky flavors. This immersive cultural experience offers deep insight into New Zealand's indigenous heritage. Group dinner this evening to reflect on your North Island adventures before tomorrow's journey south.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
DAY 7 - FLY TO QUEENSTOWN & BOB'S PEAK
Morning transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island. As you descend, feast your eyes on the stunning landscape—the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Remarkables mountain range. Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch with lake views. Afternoon gondola ride to Bob's Peak for breathtaking 220-degree views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains—one of the most photographed views in New Zealand. Explore the viewing platforms and walking trails. Optional: try the thrilling luge rides down the mountainside. Group dinner at the Stratoswharf Restaurant perched atop the peak.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Novotel Lakeside Queenstown
DAY 8 - MILFORD SOUND SCENIC FLIGHT & CRUISE
Today's adventure is the crown jewel of your New Zealand journey. Board a scenic flight over Fiordland National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—soaring above ancient rainforests, glacial valleys, and cascading waterfalls. Land near Milford Sound, often called the "eighth wonder of the world," where towering granite peaks rise vertically from the sea. Board a boat for a 2-hour cruise through the dramatic fjord, gliding beneath thousand-foot waterfalls (including the spectacular Stirling and Bowen Falls), past seal colonies basking on rocks, and into the Tasman Sea. Learn about the fjord's formation during the Ice Age and keep watch for dolphins and penguins. Enjoy lunch on board while surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery. Scenic drive for the return to Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Novotel Lakeside Queenstown
DAY 9 - FREE DAY IN QUEENSTOWN
Your day to choose your own adventure in Queenstown! For thrill-seekers: try bungy jumping (birthplace of commercial bungy), jet boating on the Shotover River, skydiving, or paragliding. Wine enthusiasts can explore the renowned vineyards of Gibbston Valley—Central Otago's premier wine region famous for Pinot Noir. Nature lovers might take a scenic hike, visit Glenorchy (gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park), or relax at Onsen Hot Pools overlooking the canyon. Shoppers and café enthusiasts will love exploring Queenstown's charming streets lined with boutiques and eateries. Perhaps take a vintage steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu or visit the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown. Your trip host can help arrange activities. Farewell dinner celebration with your travel companions this evening, reminiscing about the incredible journey through Aotearoa and the friendships formed along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Novotel Lakeside Queenstown
DAY 10 - DEPARTURE FROM QUEENSTOWN
Enjoy a final breakfast with views of the Remarkables. Private transfer to Queenstown Airport (ZQN) for your departure flight. Leave New Zealand with a camera full of spectacular photos, a heart full of memories, and new friendships that will last a lifetime. Haere rā (farewell) until we meet again!
Meals: Breakfast
