Wonders of New Zealand
October 19-29, 2027
10 Nights / 11 Days
from $12,499 per person –
A Luxury Small-Group Journey Across the North & South Islands
Wonders of New Zealand is a journey through a land of extraordinary contrasts — where snow-capped peaks rise above shimmering lakes, ancient forests meet cascading waterfalls, and rolling vineyards stretch toward the sea. Traveling across both the North and South Islands, you’ll experience the diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes, cultures, flavors, and stories in a way that feels immersive, unhurried, and deeply authentic.
Drift through glowworm-lit caves in Waitomo. Wander the whimsical green hills of Hobbiton. Soothe body and spirit in Rotorua’s natural thermal waters and share in an evening of Māori storytelling and cultural connection. Stand beneath the towering presence of Aoraki / Mount Cook, taste world-class wines among the golden hills of Central Otago, and fly into the heart of the breathtaking Milford Sound — a moment of pure awe.
Thoughtfully curated, beautifully paced, and shared among a small group of Source travelers, this journey is designed to inspire wonder, build connection, and leave you changed in ways that linger long after your return.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Explore both the North and South Islands in one seamless itinerary
- Enjoy a day on Waiheke Island with a vineyard lunch and coastal views
- Drift beneath glowworm constellations in the Waitomo Caves
- Wander the iconic Hobbiton film set among rolling emerald hills
- Experience Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes and Māori cultural traditions
- Stay in boutique luxury hotels and an alpine lodge at Aoraki / Mount Cook
- Witness the turquoise beauty of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps
- Optional glacier lake experience in the Tasman Valley
Taste world-renowned Pinot Noir in Central Otago wine country - Fly to Milford Sound, cruise the fjord, and fly back — the most spectacular way to experience Fiordland
- Travel with a small, welcoming group of Source guests and expert hosts
- Signature Moment: Flying into Milford Sound and cruising beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls — a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with pure awe.
Itinerary
OCT 19
Arrive in Auckland
Welcome to Auckland — New Zealand’s “City of Sails,” where sparkling harbors meet a skyline shaped by ancient volcanic peaks. Settle into the Sofitel Viaduct Harbour, perfectly positioned along the waterfront with easy access to cafés, galleries, and marina boardwalks. This afternoon, you might enjoy a gentle walk along the harbor or simply relax and soak in the coastal atmosphere.
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
OCT 20
Waiheke Island
Take a scenic ferry across the harbor to Waiheke, an island of vineyards, coastal forests, and a relaxed artistic spirit. Here, hillside wineries overlook sparkling bays, and olive groves roll toward the sea. Visit boutique estates and enjoy a leisurely vineyard lunch with sweeping ocean views. Return to Auckland in the afternoon.
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
OCT 21
Auckland → Waitomo Glowworm Caves → Hobbiton → Rotorua
Travel south to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where a silent underground river drifts beneath thousands of tiny, glimmering lights — like floating constellations. Continue into the rolling green hills of Matamata to visit Hobbiton, the beloved film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Wander past round-door hobbit holes, fragrant gardens, and the charming mill and stone bridge. Enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before continuing to Rotorua to settle into your boutique hotel.
Treetops Lodge & Estate — Rotorua
OCT 22
Rotorua: Geothermal Landscapes & Māori Cultural Traditions
Begin your day with a restorative thermal spa experience, where mineral-rich waters rise naturally from the earth — a reminder of the volcanic forces that shaped this land. Then explore one of Rotorua’s remarkable geothermal valleys, where steaming vents, bubbling pools, and technicolor terraces create a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. In the late afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into a Māori cultural gathering place for an evening of storytelling, song, and seasonal cuisine. Shared with warmth, humor, and generosity, this experience offers a deeper connection to the spirit of the land and the people who have called it home for centuries.
Treetops Lodge & Estate — Rotorua
OCT 23
Rotorua → Christchurch
Fly south to Christchurch, a city known for its elegant English gardens and creative spirit of renewal. Reimagined after the 2011 earthquakes, Christchurch blends restored heritage architecture with bold modern design, vibrant street art, and peaceful riverside green spaces. Enjoy a guided walk through the Botanic Gardens and along the Avon River, where charming footbridges arch over tree-lined paths. Evening at leisure to dine, stroll, or unwind.
Hotel Montreal
OCT 24
Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Aoraki / Mount Cook
Journey inland past rolling farmland and golden tussock plains to the luminous turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, framed by the graceful stone chapel of the Good Shepherd. Continue into Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, where snowcapped peaks rise sharply above vast glacier valleys and alpine air feels crisp and pure. Check in at The Hermitage, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and endless sky.
This region offers some of the clearest night skies in the world — weather permitting, enjoy spectacular stargazing.
The Hermitage
OCT 25
Aoraki / Mount Cook → Queenstown
This morning, experience the glacier-carved Tasman Valley — with the option of a gentle lake boat excursion among floating icebergs at the base of the Southern Alps. Then, continue south through sweeping high-country landscapes, where wide-open plains give way to mountain passes and deep glacial lakes.
Arrive in Queenstown — a vibrant alpine town surrounded by peaks and set along the shimmering shores of Lake Wakatipu. Settle into your lakeside retreat and enjoy the evening at leisure.
The Rees Hotel
OCT 26
Queenstown & Central Otago Wine Country
Spend the morning as you choose — lakeside strolls, spa time, or gentle exploration. Later, travel into the golden hills of Central Otago for wine tasting and a relaxed vineyard lunch. Return to Queenstown in the late afternoon — a perfect time for a lakeside walk, a glass of Central Otago pinot noir, or a relaxed evening in town.
The Rees Hotel
OCT 27
Milford Sound — Fly–Cruise–Fly
This morning, take to the skies on our chartered flight for one of the most unforgettable experiences in New Zealand. From your window, watch as the landscape changes from alpine lakes and braided rivers to towering granite peaks rising straight from the sea. Snow-dusted summits, deep glacial valleys, and cascading waterfalls unfold beneath you — a perspective few travelers ever witness.
Cruise Milford Sound’s mirror-like waters beneath towering cliffs and mist-laced waterfalls before returning by air to Queenstown — the landscape now not just seen, but felt.
The Rees Hotel
OCT 28
Queenstown: A Day to Enjoy & Farewell Dinner
Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown in your own way. Ride the Skyline gondola for panoramic alpine views, browse boutiques and galleries, relax lakeside, or simply take in the beauty of the surrounding peaks. For those seeking adventure, optional activities such as jetboating, gentle hiking, or spa experiences can be arranged. This evening, we gather for a celebratory farewell dinner — a time to share stories, clink glasses, and savor the journey we have experienced together.
The Rees Hotel
OCT 29
Depart Queenstown → Auckland → International Flights
Transfer to Queenstown Airport for your flight to Auckland and onward journeys home.
Accommodations
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour — Auckland
Set along the marina in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, the Sofitel blends contemporary elegance with calm waterside ambiance. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sailboats gliding through the harbor, while soft design tones and polished finishes create a sense of refined ease. Just steps from coastal walkways, dining, and galleries, it makes for a stylish and serene arrival in New Zealand.
Treetops Lodge & Estate — Rotorua
Hidden in a 2,500-acre wilderness sanctuary, Treetops Lodge & Estate embodies the essence of New Zealand luxury — where nature, nurture, and adventure meet. Guests are surrounded by native forests, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls, with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting right from the doorstep. The elegant lodge, crafted from natural timber and stone, feels both grand and intimate — a true retreat into nature’s embrace.
Hotel Montreal — Christchurch
This boutique hotel brings a refined European elegance to the center of Christchurch. Overlooking the greenery of Hagley Park, it offers quiet, restful spaces while remaining steps from the city’s creative precinct and riverside walkways. Stylish, intimate, and welcoming, it’s a gentle landing as we transition toward the alpine South Island.
The Hermitage — Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Situated at the foot of New Zealand’s highest mountain, The Hermitage places you immersed in the grandeur of the Southern Alps. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame soaring peaks, shifting light, and star-filled skies. The atmosphere is peaceful and remote, allowing the dramatic scale of Aoraki / Mount Cook to take center stage. Evenings here feel expansive, still, and deeply restorative.
The Rees Hotel — Queenstown
Positioned along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, The Rees is known for its understated luxury, curated wine cellar, and sweeping alpine views. Spacious rooms and suites open to balconies overlooking the lake and the Remarkables mountain range, creating a continuous sense of connection to the landscape. Welcoming, elegant, and quietly indulgent, this is a perfect base for our days in Queenstown.
Pricing
| Category | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy | Availability | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Accommodations | $12,499 / person | $16,999 / person | Available | BOOK NOW |
Deluxe Room - Double Occupancy
Deluxe Room - Single Occupancy
Included in this Journey
- 10 nights luxury accommodation
- Daily breakfasts
- 5 lunches and 4 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
- All sightseeing and cultural activities listed
- Waiheke Island winery visits and lunch
- Waitomo Glowworm Cave experience
- Hobbiton Movie Set tour with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn
- Māori cultural evening experience
- Scenic drive through Lake Tekapo and Aoraki / Mount Cook
- Fly–Cruise–Fly Milford Sound experience
- Private transportation and professional driver-guides
- Entrance fees and national park permits
- Source tour escorts throughout
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
Not Included in this Journey
- International & Domestic airfares
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (required)
- Personal expenses, spa treatments, and laundry
- Meals not listed as included
- Prepaid gratuities of $350
- Visa Fees
Please Note: Your valid passport should have at least two blank visa pages and should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the country you are visiting.
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U.S. citizens traveling to or transiting through New Zealand under the visa waiver program are required to have an NZeTA. It can take up to 72 hours to process an NZeTA, so apply well in advance of your trip. The NZeTA is valid for multiple visits for up to two years.
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If your NZeTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a visa. Visit the Embassy of New Zealand website for the most current visa information.
Arrival and Departure Auckland. Airport Code: AKL
Call Us: 305-672-9779