New Zealand North and South

17 days from $8,800 Experience New Zealand from north to south as you journey from Auckland to Queenstown, visiting winelands, fjords, volcanic landscapes, and the Southern Alps.

HIGHLIGHTS

� Float through glowworm caves and discover the geysers and mud pools of Rotorua. � Enjoy a full-day winery tour in the lovely

Marlborough region.

� Explore Arthur’s Pass National Park with

a guide, and embark on a wilderness safari near

Queenstown.

� Spend the night aboard a three-masted

sailboat on the serene Doubtful Sound.

The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1–3 – Auckland, New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland and head out on a half-day private city tour. Enjoy a day at leisure to settle into the relaxed pace of life in New Zealand. Then embark the ferry to lovely Waiheke Island for a small-group winery tour.

Days 4–6 – Rotorua and Wellington

Enter Waitomo Caves, which are illuminated by thousands of glowworms, duing an exhilarating boat ride. Stop in Hobbiton to visit the beautiful farm that was transformed into the Shire for The Lord of the Rings movies. Discover the steaming volcanic landscapes of Rotorua on a private tour, encountering geysers and boiling mud pools, and explore enchanting Whirinaki rain forest. Fly to Wellington and enjoy free time.

Days 7 & 8 – Blenheim

Board a ferry to cross Cook Strait to the South Island, cruising through the surreal Marlborough Sounds. Settle in at Blenheim in the heart of New Zealand’s winelands. Spend a day on a private gourmet tour of Marlborough’s best wineries, tasting fine wines and other local delicacies.

Days 9–11 – Kaikoura and Christchurch

Take the train to Kaikoura, following the spectacular coast. During a free afternoon, consider setting out on one of the outstanding hiking trails that begin in the town center. After a leisurely morning, travel by rail to Christchurch. Visit the city on your own, opting to punt on the River Avon or see innovative efforts to rebuild after the 2011 earthquake. Join a small group for a full-day excursion to Arthur’s Pass National Park, a stunning section of the Southern Alps.

Days 12–17 – Queenstown and Doubtful Sound

Fly to Queenstown and enjoy free time to explore. Then head out on a Dart River Wilderness Safari that includes a thrilling jet boat ride, a short hike with a naturalist, and a 4x4 wilderness drive. Travel by private car into Fiordland National Park and meet fellow passengers for your overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. Settle into your private cabin aboard the Fiordland Navigator, a three-masted scow, and set sail, watching for wildlife, kayaking along shore, and enjoying a magical evening on the silent sound. Take advantage of a final free day to explore Queenstown and the surrounding mountains before heading home.

WHERE TO STAY Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor

A chic waterfront hotel.

Regent of Rotorua

An intimate boutique hotel with an awardwinning restaurant. Orari – An intimate B&B in a Chiristchurch Victorian heritage home. Hidden – A stunning lodge overlooking Lake Wakatipu outside of Queenstown.

Fiordland Navigator

A three-masted sailing vessel for 72 guests, with modern comforts.