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The Nerds Tour of New Zealand

Oct 15 - 29, 2025

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Your Advisor

Kimberly Sargen

Nipomo Travel, LLC

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ksargen@nipomotravel.com

+1-805-904-1611

Overview


Join us as we adventure across both islands, seeing movie shooting sites, Mãori culture, and New Zealand's natural wonders and history, as well as eating and drinking like Hobbits! Multiple meals will include the option for wine pairings, or other local craft beverages. Our journey will be led by an expert local guide and accompanied by your travel advisor, Kimberly Sargen, who studied Mãori music for her Master's degree.

Trip Details


Helpful Information

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Solo Room Supplement

This is the supplemental cost for travelers who prefer to have a solo room during their stay. Rooms are typically priced for two people per room at all hotels. If you choose not to pay the solo supplement, you will need to find a roommate to share th...

Air options

Please choose Business or Economy Air. This includes international flights and our in-tour flight from the North Island to the South Island.

  • Flights from LAX to LAX (NZ5, NZ607, NZ558, NZ6)

    Oct 15 - 29, 2025

    ·

    $1,367 / person

    Flight Schedule Subject to Change - these are suggested flights. Confirmed flight schedule will be available as we are closer to travel.

  • Flights from LAX to LAX (NZ5, NZ607, NZ558, NZ6)

    Oct 15 - 29, 2025

    ·

    $9,015 / person

    Flight Schedule Subject to Change - these are suggested flights. Confirmed flight schedule will be available as we are closer to travel.

Day 1 · Wed, Oct 15 · Los Angeles, CA, USA


Depart for New Zealand

We will depart from Los Angeles today! This will be replaced by your flight information once deposit is made and flights are finalized.

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Day 2 · Thu, Oct 16


Cross the International Dateline

Lose today crossing the International Dateline. The day that wasn't.

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Day 3 · Fri, Oct 17 · Auckland, New Zealand


Auckland: Your Gateway to New Zealand's Wonders

Destination Overview Nestled between two sparkling harbors and surrounded by lush volcanic landscapes, Auckland is a vibrant metropolis that serves as the perfect introduction to New Zealand. Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland boasts a stunning s...

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Transfer from Auckland Airport to Hotel

Oct 17 12:00AM UTC

We will be met at the airport by a tour representative and aided with our luggage as we board our transportation to our hotel.

Check in at Rydges Auckland

Oct 17 - 20, 2025 · Check in: 12:00AM UTC

Check in at Rydges Auckland - Rydges Auckland Sky Tower - Sky Tower, Orbit 360 Dining. Located in the heart of Auckland, this urban hotel is ideal for business travelers. The nearest airport is Auckland International (AKL), located approximately 10 m...

Orbit 360 Dining

Situated at the top of the SkyTower building, 190 meters above the ground, Orbit Restaurant offers superb views of the city while rotating once every hour. A restaurant that provides a modern dining experience, it features a delicious Kiwi-inspired a...

Day 4 · Sat, Oct 18 · Auckland, New Zealand


Breakfast in our hotel

Breakfast in our hotel - included. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Rydges Auckland, where a variety of options will be available to start your day off right. The hotel is located in the heart of Auckland, making it a convenient and comfortable place ...

Full Day Auckland City Tour - Best of Both Worlds

Auckland City sightseeing highlights: (Harbour Bridge, Waterfront, Mission Bay, Tamaki Drive, Savage Point, Parnell Rose Park and Village, Auckland Domain and Gardens, and City Center). English-speaking Guide. Today, Pacific Destinations will accompa...

Lunch (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. There will be time for this during our day of touring.

Dinner (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. Enjoy the flexibility of choosing your own dining experience in Auckland, New Zealand. Whether you wish to explore local eateries or indulge in a...

Day 5 · Sun, Oct 19 · Auckland, New Zealand


Breakfast in our hotel

Breakfast in our hotel - provided. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Rydges Auckland, where a variety of options will be available to fuel your day of exploration. The hotel is located at 59 Federal Street, Auckland, New Zealand, making it a convenient ...

Waiheke Island Tour - Cultural Tour New Zealand

This morning after breakfast, enjoy a 40-minute ferry ride across the Waitemata Harbour to Waiheke Island, a haven of beaches, eateries, and boutique vineyards. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up by a luxury coach and whisked away on a guided tour to ...

Vineyard Lunch on Waiheke Island

This is the lunch included with our morning tour. Enjoy a delightful vineyard lunch on Waiheke Island, where you will savor local cuisine amidst the stunning scenery of the island's picturesque vineyards. This meal is part of the Terra & Tide Sig...

The All Blacks Experience - Rugby

After we return to Auckland from Waiheke, enjoy the All Blacks Experience - Guided Tour. This is a state-of-the-art guided encounter that showcases the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team, through exceptional innovation and technology. The ...

Dinner (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring Auckland's vibrant dining scene at your leisure. Whether you choose to indulge in local cuisine, savor interna...

Day 6 · Mon, Oct 20 · Rotorua, New Zealand


Breakfast at our hotel

Breakfast at our hotel - included. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Rydges Auckland, where a variety of options will be available to fuel your day of exploration. The hotel is located at 59 Federal Street, Auckland, New Zealand, providing a convenient...

Exploring New Zealand's Enchanting North Island: Hobbiton, Waitomo, and Rotorua

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Hobbiton, Waitomo, and Rotorua offer a captivating blend of fantasy, natural wonders, and rich Maori culture. This region is a treasure trove of experiences, where the lush green hills of Hobbiton t...

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Travel to Hobbiton

Travel to Hobbiton Today the group will be picked up and journey to Rotorua via Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves. Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of ...

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Meal Combo

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family...

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Your guided tour will take you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The adventure begins at the upper entrance of the cave and proceeds along a low narrow passage to the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft. ...

Stay at Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel & Spa

Oct 20 - 22, 2025 · Check in: 12:00AM UTC

Guests can enjoy the pleasant ambiance of one of the 35 rooms. Multilingual staff at the reception desk in the lobby are happy to answer any questions. Amenities available at the hotel include a baggage storage service and a safe. Wireless internet a...

Dinner (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring the local dining scene in Rotorua, New Zealand, where you can choose from a variety of restaurants and eaterie...

Day 7 · Tue, Oct 21 · Rotorua, New Zealand


Breakfast in our hotel

Breakfast in our hotel - included. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Rydges Auckland, where a variety of options will be available to fuel your day of exploration. The hotel is located at 59 Federal Street, Auckland, New Zealand, providing a convenient...

Touring Rotorua - full day tour

Today the group will enjoy a full-day tour in Rotorua. City Sightseeing highlights: Lake Rotorua, Redwood Forest, and Government Gardens. Te Puia|Te Ra + Buffet Lunch Be guided through New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pa, Kiwi ...

Lunch Included - Te Puia Performance and Lunch

Lunch Included - Te Puia Performance and Lunch: Enjoy a world-famous hangi buffet lunch served in the exquisite surroundings of Pataka Kai Restaurant, Bar & Cafe, overlooking the active geyser terrace. This delightful meal is part of your full-da...

Mitai Maori Cultural Experience - includes dinner

Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Enter the world of Mitai, be enthralled by the native bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress paddling a waka (ancient warrior war canoe), and don't...

Day 8 · Wed, Oct 22 · Napier, New Zealand


Breakfast at our hotel

Breakfast at our hotel - included. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Rydges Auckland, where a variety of options will be available to fuel your day of exploration. The hotel is located at 59 Federal Street, Auckland, New Zealand, providing a convenient...

Travel to Lake Taupo - Napier

The group will be picked up and start making the way to Napier. From Rotorua, you travel along the geothermal highway and past the edge of the largest man-made radiate pine forest in the world - the Kaingaroa Forest towards Taupo. Travel past Taupo w...

Lunch (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. This will happen somewhere in there during our journey from Rotorua to Napier. Enjoy the opportunity to explore local dining options and savor th...

Napier: A Coastal Gem of Art Deco and Wine

Destination Overview Nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, Napier is a city that captivates with its stunning Art Deco architecture, vibrant coastal scenery, and rich viticultural heritage. Following a devastating earthquake in ...

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Art Deco Trust - Guided walk

This tour departs from The Art Deco Centre, 7 Tennyson Street, Napier. Your guided walk will bring Napier's fascinating architectural history to life as you take a stroll through the compact Art Deco quarter in Napier's vibrant city center. Napier wa...

Check in at Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Oct 22 - 23, 2025 · Check in: 12:00AM UTC

Check in at Scenic Hotel Te Pania - Scenic Hotel Te Pania is ideally located in the heart of Napier, just 90 yards from the beach. The hotel features 109 rooms and has 2 elevators for convenience. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to...

Mission Estate Restaurant - Three Course Dinner Set Menu

The renowned Mission Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, offering contemporary cuisine using only the freshest local produce. Mission Estate wines appear on the wine list and the restaurant's well-informed waiting staff are on hand to prov...

Day 9 · Thu, Oct 23 · Wellington, New Zealand


Breakfast at our hotel

Breakfast at our hotel - included. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Rydges Auckland, where a variety of options will be available to fuel your day of exploration. The hotel is located at 59 Federal Street, Auckland, New Zealand, providing a convenient...

Travel to Wellington

Travel to Wellington - Pukaha Wildlife Centre. Leaving the 1930s-inspired city of Napier, you will travel through the countryside of Hawke's Bay and Manawatu, traveling along the Kapiti Coastline into the capital city of Wellington. Pukaha Mt Bruce W...

Lunch (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. Enjoy the opportunity to sample the vibrant culinary scene that the city has to offer, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, allowing yo...

Pukaha Wildlife Centre - Self-Guided Tour

Set in 940 hectares of forest, Pukaha is on State Highway 2, about halfway between Napier and Wellington. A perfect and special stop-off point on your travels, to relax and enjoy nature, and make a small difference in the life of an endangered bird, ...

Check in at Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay

Oct 23 - 25, 2025 · Check in: 12:00AM UTC

Check in at Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay - Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay is located just a few yards from the beach. The nearest airport is Wellington (WLG), located approximately 5 miles away. The hotel features 118 rooms and in...

Dinner (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring Wellington's vibrant dining scene at your leisure. With a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from, you...

Day 10 · Fri, Oct 24 · Wellington, New Zealand


Breakfast in our hotel

Breakfast in our hotel - included. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Rydges Auckland, where a variety of options will be available to fuel your day of exploration. The hotel is located at 59 Federal Street, Auckland, New Zealand, providing a convenient...

Te Papa Museum - Museum Of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Highlights - 60 minuteDiscover New Zealand's culture through historical accounts and personal stories on a private tour. Learn about how New Zealand came to be and what the future holds for this island nation o...

Weta Workshop Experience

Weta Workshop Experience Wellington is home to an entire community of creative Weta Workshop artisans who've brought life to such films as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Hobbit Trilogy, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, and many others...

Lunch (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. There will likely be time to eat after we're done at Weta Workshop, where you can explore local dining options in Wellington. Enjoy the opportuni...

Zealandia The Karori Sanctuary - Zealandia by Night

Experience many of the rare and endangered species and see those which only come out at night. See unique species such as wet a, glow worms, and tuatara. There's a good chance your group will see some of the 150 little spotted kiwi who call Zealandia...

Dinner (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring Wellington's vibrant dining scene at your leisure. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to choos...

Day 11 · Sat, Oct 25 · Queenstown, New Zealand


Breakfast in our hotel

Breakfast in our hotel - included. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Rydges Auckland, where a variety of options will be available to fuel your day of exploration. The hotel is located at 59 Federal Street, Auckland, New Zealand, providing a convenient...

Jet Boat Tour - Private Jet Boat Airport Transfer | KJet Queenstown

Board the Jet boat at The Willows Jetty and then head down the Kawarau River and across Lake Wakatipu providing a unique arrival experience into Queenstown. This private jet boat airport transfer by KJet Queenstown is the best way to arrive in Queens...

Coach to Hotel

We will be picked up at the Main Town pier and taken to our hotel. The transfer will take us from the jetty in Queenstown to the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, which is conveniently located overlooking the shores of Lake Wakatipu an...

Lunch (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary.

Check in at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Oct 25 - 28, 2025 · Check in: 12:00AM UTC

Check in at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront - Experience tranquility all year round at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, which sits overlooking the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is within walking distance of Queenstow...

Dinner (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring Queenstown's vibrant dining scene at your leisure. With a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to choo...

Day 12 · Sun, Oct 26 · Queenstown, New Zealand


Breakfast in our hotel

Breakfast in our hotel - included. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, where you can savor a variety of options to start your day. The hotel is conveniently located overlooking the shores of Lake Wakat...

Milford Sound Full Day Cruise with Lunch

Milford Sound Full Day Cruise with Lunch - included - RealNZ | Milford Cruise - Sovereign incl Hot Buffet Lunch. Check-in 30 minutes before departure at the Real NZ kiosk within the Milford Sound Terminal. On arrival at the Milford Wharf, board your ...

Dinner (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring Queenstown's vibrant dining scene at your leisure. With a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from, you...

Day 13 · Mon, Oct 27 · Queenstown, New Zealand


Breakfast in our hotel

Breakfast in our hotel - included. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, where you can savor a variety of options to start your day. The hotel is conveniently located overlooking the shores of Lake Wakat...

Queenstown Highlights - with light refreshments

We will see Arrowtown, Bungy Jumping, and Lake Wakatipu. This tour includes a Lord of the Rings Queenstown adventure safari packed with breathtaking Lord Of the Rings filming locations and thrilling 4WD action. Our guides will rediscover the magic of...

Lunch (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary. Light refreshments will be available during the safari, so this may not happen.

Dinner (on your own)

This meal is not included as part of your travel package. This exists as a placeholder in our itinerary.