Salt + Serenity Travel

Immersive New Zealand - A Suitcases & Savoir Faire Journey

Apr 12 - 25, 2027

Full ItineraryDaily OverviewPricing
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Ciara Read

Salt + Serenity Travel

Overview

There are trips you take, and then there are trips that stay with you.

New Zealand is the latter. It's the kind of place that resets something in you -- where the scale of the landscape makes everything feel both bigger and simpler at once. We're talking about a country where geothermal springs bubble up from ancient earth, where glacial fiords stretch so far into the mountains they seem to disappear, where the stars at night are genuinely disorienting in the best possible way. It's not just beautiful. It's transformative.

This journey covers both islands over twelve days, and we've designed it to feel as effortless as it is extraordinary. No rushing, no compromising. Just a beautifully sequenced itinerary that takes you from the cosmopolitan harbour energy of Auckland to the raw, cinematic drama of Queenstown and Fiordland -- with some of New Zealand's most iconic and unexpected experiences woven in along the way.

You'll step into the lush, rolling hills of the Shire at Hobbiton. You'll soak in geothermal mineral waters in Rotorua while steam rises from the earth around you. You'll kayak through a canyon lit entirely by glowworms at twilight. You'll witness the full force of a traditional Māori haka and sit down to a hāngī dinner under the stars. You'll cruise the full length of Milford Sound -- one of the most dramatic natural settings on the planet -- and drive through the Mackenzie Basin as Lake Tekapo's impossible turquoise appears on the horizon. And through it all, you'll have the kind of unhurried time to actually absorb it.

This is not a trip where you come home exhausted. It's a trip where you come home full -- of stories, of images, of moments you genuinely didn't expect. The kind of trip your friends will hear about more than once.

April 2027 may seem like a long way away, but it will be here before you know it. Spots are limited, and this experience is built for a small, like-minded group of travelers who appreciate doing things well. If New Zealand has been on your list -- and for most well-traveled people it is -- this is the version of it worth waiting for.

Trip Details

📋 Important Information -- Please Read Before Booking

About This Itinerary This is a proposed itinerary for our group travels. No space is currently held, and pricing and availability are subject to change before the group deposit is paid in full and our partners confirm the arrangements. We will com...

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Day 1 · Mon, Apr 12

Recommended Flights to/from New Zealand

IAH

9:55PM

14hr 35min

AKL

Apr 14, 5:30AM

ZQN

Apr 25, 3:05PM

1hr 50min

AKL

Apr 25, 4:55PM

AKL

Apr 25, 7:50PM

13hr 35min

IAH

Apr 25, 4:25PM

Prices below are as of July 10, 2026. If you need assistance booking flights, we are happy to assist, but you are also welcome to book your flights independently.

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Day 2 · Tue, Apr 13

Crossing the International Date Line

You lose time on the way to New Zealand, but don't worry, you'll gain it back on your return!

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Day 3 · Wed, Apr 14 · Auckland

Auckland Airport to hotel transfer

Arrival in Auckland and transfer to hotel Arrive at Auckland International Airport and meet your local guide, who will assist with your transfer to the hotel, where you have been pre-registered for immediate check-in.

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Stay at M SOCIAL Auckland

Apr 14 – Apr 16 · Check in: 3:00PM

196-200 Quay Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Accommodation: M Social Auckland | 3 Nights (including pre-registration) 196 Quay Street, Auckland CBD Positioned right on Auckland's waterfront, M Social puts you exactly where you want to be. The harbour is steps away, the Waiheke Island ferry t...

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Guided panoramic Auckland city tour

Overview Later today, enjoy a guided panoramic city tour of Auckland. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, known for its stunning harbour setting, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant urban atmosphere. Often called the “City of Sails,” it offers a ...

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All Blacks Experience guided tour

Guided Tour at All Blacks Experience. Learn the story, feel the passion and experience the All-Blacks story up close and personal. The All-Blacks Experience is a state-of-the-art guided encounter that showcases the All Blacks, and New Zealand's na...

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Welcome dinner at Orbit 360° Restaurant, SKYCITY Auckland

Tonight, enjoy a 3-course dinner including 1 drink per person at **SKYCITY Auckland - Orbit 360° Restaurant. Soaring high above Auckland you'll discover Orbit, a New Zealand brasserie offering diners sensational views and food to match. Situated a...

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Day 4 · Thu, Apr 15 · Waiheke Island

Auckland to Waiheke Island ferry

Waiheke Island Ferry - Return Tickets at Fullers360 Check in at a Fullers360 Ticket Office, located at the Downtown Ferry Terminal (109 Quay Street), and quote your Fullers confirmation number to exchange for Fullers Group Ltd tickets. As the ferr...

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Waiheke Island Gourmet Food & Wine Tour

Gourmet Food & Wine Tour at Ananda Tours Enjoy a fantastic tour of some of Waiheke's best vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany their wines. Treats may include oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, Waiheke olive oil and Wa...

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Day 5 · Fri, Apr 16 · Rotorua

Coach from Auckland to Rotorua via Matamata

Depart Auckland and travel by coach to Rotorua via Matamata. Your local guide will be joining you for the remainder of the North Island journey. Cooked breakfast is included.

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Hobbiton Movie Set Tour & Lunch Combo

Movie Set Tour & Lunch Combo at Hobbiton Movie Set Tours Check in at Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Road, 30 minutes prior to your tour time. Experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton Movie Set, in the heart of the Waikato region, where you ca...

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Stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Apr 16 – Apr 19 · Check in: 2:00PM

1270 Hinemaru Street, P.O. Box 1044, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua | 3 Nights 1270 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua Centrally located in the heart of Rotorua, the Millennium puts you within easy walking distance of the lake, key attractions, and the geothermal wonders the region is...

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Day 6 · Sat, Apr 17 · Rotorua

Visit to Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland

Admission at Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland Thousands of years in the making, explore spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colorful natural volcanic area. Walk at your own pace past unique volcanic features including: Champagne Pool Hot springs...

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$195 / person · Optional

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL: Ultimate Canopy Tour at Rotorua Canopy Tours

Suggested Optional Activity (not included in costing) – USD$195.00 per person The Ultimate Canopy Tour at Rotorua Canopy Tours Embark on a magical journey through untouched native New Zealand forest from a unique, elevated perspective. This guided...

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Te Pō – Indigenous Evening Experience at Te Puia

Te Pō - Indigenous Evening Experience at Te Puia This immersive evening invites you to connect with Māori heritage, savour authentic kai (food), and witness the natural beauty of Rotorua’s geothermal landscape illuminated by night. Begin with a mo...

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Day 7 · Sun, Apr 18 · Rotorua

Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa

Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Drawing on mineral-rich, deeply restorative waters directly from the earth, Wai Whakaora (the Restorative Journey) delivers a unique therapeutic, relaxing and rejuvenating experience, with every...

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$95 / person · Optional

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL: Kaituna River Rafting with Rotorua Rafting

Suggested Optional Activity (not included in costing) – USD$95.00 per person Rotorua Rafting | Kaituna River Rafting Kaituna River rafting is one of Rotorua’s most iconic adventure activities. The Kaituna River descends through 14 thundering Grade...

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Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour at Waimarino

Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour – includes light refreshments at Waimarino Start your Evening Glowworm Tour at Waimarino alongside the Wairoa River. Enjoy delicious refreshments while watching the sun set over the rolling hills. At twilight your guid...

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Day 8 · Mon, Apr 19 · Christchurch

Transfer to Rotorua Airport

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Rotorua to Christchurch

ROT

1:35PM

1hr 55min

CHC

3:30PM

Fly from Rotorua to Christchurch (flight not included in the package pricing). This domestic flight is arranged separately from the land arrangements. Pricing is current as of July 10, 2026.

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Transfer from Christchurch Airport

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Stay at Crowne Plaza Christchurch

Apr 19 – Apr 21 · Check in: 3:00PM

764 Colombo Street, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Christchurch | 2 Nights 764 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City Right in the heart of Christchurch's central city, the Crowne Plaza puts you steps from the main attractions and within easy reach of everything the ...

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Day 9 · Tue, Apr 20 · Christchurch

$79 / person · Optional

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL: Waka Paddle at Waka on Avon

Suggested Optional Activity (not included in costing) USD$79.00 per person Waka Paddle at Waka on Avon Leaving from 794 Colombo Street opposite Victoria Square this 45-minute waka paddling experience is an amazing cultural journey of the Ōtākaro A...

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$219 / person · Optional

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL: Amiki Cultural Food Tours

Suggested Optional Activity (not included in costing) USD$219.00 per person Experience the flavours and stories of Christchurch on a progressive evening walking tour that combines local cuisine with rich cultural storytelling. Led by knowledgeable...

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Day 10 · Wed, Apr 21 · Queenstown

Scenic drive from Christchurch to Queenstown

Check out of the hotel and transfer to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo. The drive from Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo is one of New Zealand's most scenic road trips. Travel across the Canterbury Plains, through the striking turquoise waters...

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$129 / person · Optional

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL: Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Shotover Jet Boat Ride at Shotover Jet (not included in costing) – USD$129.00 per person Please check in for your Shotover Jet excursion at the Shotover Jet base, Arthur's Point, 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour departure time. From the mom...

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Stay at Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Apr 21 – Apr 25 · Check in: 2:00PM

32 Frankton Road, Queenstown 9300, Queenstown-Lakes District, Otago, New Zealand

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown | 4 Nights 32 Frankton Road, Queenstown A short, easy walk from Queenstown's town centre and close to the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the Millennium is a comfortable and well-situated base for your South Isl...

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Day 11 · Thu, Apr 22 · Queenstown

Full Day Lord of the Rings tour with Nomad Safaris

Full Day Lord of the Rings at Nomad Safaris This tour combines the thrill of an off-road adventure with exploring Lord of The Rings filming locations. The morning offers breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shore of Lake Wakatipu towar...

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Day 12 · Fri, Apr 23 · Milford Sound

Milford Sound coach and nature cruise excursion from Queenstown

Coach transfer to Milford Sound. Milford Sound - Coach/Nature Cruise/Coach ex Queenstown at Southern Discoveries Please be ready 20 minutes prior to pick up time. What to bring: Warm clothing Waterproof jacket Comfortable shoes Insect repellent In...

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$899 / person · Optional

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL: Milford Sound to Queenstown helicopter flight

Suggested Optional Activity (not included in costing) – USD$899.00 per person The Helicopter Line | Milford Sound to Queenstown - One Way Heli Flight Option to return from Milford Sound to Queenstown on a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost).

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$369 / person · Optional

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL: Milford Sound scenic flight back to Queenstown

Suggested Optional Activity (not included in costing) – USD$369.00 per person Milford Sound Scenic Flights | Milford Fly Back Option to return from Milford Sound to Queenstown on a fixed-wing scenic flight (additional cost).

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Day 13 · Sat, Apr 24 · Queenstown

$255 / person · Optional

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL: Zip and Sip Tour (Ziptrek + Appellation Wine Tours)

Zip and Sip Tour at Appellation Wine Tours (not included in costing) – USD$255.00 per person Spend an exhilarating morning zipping on 4 fun ziplines through the beautiful forest canopy high above Queenstown on the Skyline Gondola hill. Check in at...

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$269 / person · Optional

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL: Nevis Bungy with AJ Hackett Bungy

AJ Hackett Bungy | Nevis Playground - Nevis Bungy 134m | Includes jump, T-shirt & transport (not included in costing) – USD$269.00 per person Experience the Nevis Bungy, a 134-metre jump offered by AJ Hackett Bungy, including transport and a souve...

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Farewell dinner at Momentos By The Lake Restaurant

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Momentos By The Lake Restaurant (set menu).

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