New Zealand Panorama

Queenstown deserves its destination crown. And after an orientation tour on arrival, you’ll have plenty of time to explore before time at your leisure. Hit us up for dining recommendations.

Arriving in New Zealand, the first thing you probably noticed is that there’s a lot of farmland. Its fitting then, that one of the first visits you make is to Real Country, where whip cracking and sheep mustering are part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience. Have demonstrations of Horse communication, working sheep dog mustering, and feed and interact with the friendly farm animals. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture. Then you'll think you've stepped back in time when you arrive in the former gold-mining village of Arrowtown, where history and beauty merge to create an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the scenic Southern Alps, you can explore quaint shops and restaurants, all while taking in the stunning views. Come dusk, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw; the only thing more inspiring than the surrounding peaks of the Remarkables is the festive atmosphere welcoming you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead awaits.

You clearly need more than one day to appreciate Queenstown and its surrounds. And when we say surrounds, we mean Milford Sound. Today sign up for an optional tour to Milford Sound. Travel through World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park for exceptional views as you pass through dense rainforest and pass by towering mountains. On arrival to Milford Sound embark on a cruise to experience the eighth wonder of the World. Don’t be surprised if you see dolphins and seals playing in the wake of waterfalls. If you like things fast-paced, opt for bungy jumping or jet-boating. You are in the adventure capital of New Zealand, after all.

Touching down in Auckland, you’ll immediately understand why it’s known as the ‘City of Sails’ – New Zealand’s largest city has two lovely yacht-filled harbours, which you can explore at our leisure this afternoon.

Today is set to sparkle – quite literally – as thousands of bright green and blue glowworms light up your next destination: the Waitomo Caves. Tonight, you'll experience Te Puia's world-famous hāngī buffet dinner. Enjoy spectacular geothermal views while dining on a range of delicious New Zealand flavours. The menu is smartly sophisticated, infusing Māori flavours, with an array of global cuisines and cooking styles. After dinner you will get to enjoy a cultural performance that will take place in their finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. Witness a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. The evening culminates at the powerful Pohutu Geyser. where, armed with hot chocolate and steamed pudding, you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands.

Cute and cuddly, NZ’s national bird, the kiwi, is also endangered. Go behind the scenes on a working kiwi nursery and hatchery to learn how breeding programs are helping the population thrive. The natural drama reaches boiling point at Whakarewarewa, a staggering valley where geysers pop and thermal springs jettison skywards. Cap off your day at a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and companions.

Short, sweet and packed with highlights – how else to describe this wonderful week?