Discover the Beauty of New Zealand and Australia

Welcome to New Zealand!

Upon arrival at Auckland Airport (AKL), Amy Walker will greet you with a Walker Wellness Retreats sign. Transportation to the hotel will be provided.

Depending on your arrival time, the day is free to spend at your leisure before the retreat officially begins this evening with a group welcome dinner and retreat orientation.

6:45 PM - Meet in the hotel lobby to take the short 5 minute walk to the restaurant.

7:00 PM - Dinner at Oyster & Chop.

Situated in the heart of Auckland's vibrant Viaduct Harbour with great water views from every table, their menu showcases the finest beef and lamb, grass and grain fed, sourced domestically and internationally from the best suppliers. A two-course meal is included, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

8:00 AM- Auckland Sightseeing (Rangitoto Island Walk). This is a self guided walk. No local guide is needed for this excursion.

This morning, we will take the 5-minute walk to the ferry terminal to take the ferry and enjoy a beautiful hike up Auckland's youngest island and volcanic crater, Rangitoto. This Iconic Island in the heart of Auckland feels like a world away for the millions who call Auckland home. A climb through the pōhutukawa forest and lava fields gives way to panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf from the summit of this volcanic island.

Please wear appropriate footwear, and bring water and anything else you may need, as Rangitoto Island has nothing on there to buy! Return to Auckland in the afternoon.

A packed lunch will be provided for you to take with you.

6:30 PM - Meet in the hotel lobby to walk to Orbit 360.

7:00 PM - Tonight, we will dine at Orbit 360, the Sky tower's rotating restaurant with spectacular views of Auckland.

Soaring high above Auckland, you'll discover Orbit, a truly iconic New Zealand brasserie offering diners sensational views - and food to match. Situated at the top of Auckland's Sky Tower, the dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience with incredible 360-degree panoramas of the city, the Hauraki Gulf, and beyond. A two-course meal is included, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

9:00 AM - Meet in the lobby of the hotel to walk 10 minutes to the ferry pier.

10:00 AM - Ferry departure from Auckland pier 11 or 12 to Waiheke Island.

This morning, we will ferry out to Waiheke Island to enjoy a private guided tour of the Island and stop at several boutique wineries for tastings. Please note that this is a private tour experience.

10:40 AM - Meet your guide with Kiwi Connect at Matiatia ferry terminal.

11: 15 AM -Postage stamp (small boutique vineyard with superb wines)

12:30 PM - Lunch at Three Seven Two, Waiheke Island

Three Seven Two is named for the first three numbers of the Waiheke phone number, and it's something of a metaphor for this cheerful beach spot right across the road from Onetangi. It's a sprawling space with a big dining room – terracotta tiles and blond wood chairs – and a big outdoor area of long tables under white tablecloths. The menu, by the excellent Bronwen Laight, is produce-driven and seasonal.

1:00 PM - Batch winery (again superb by wine & Highest point on the island Views all over the gulf and as far back to Auckland

3:00 PM -Our final vineyard is Mudbrick renowned for its beautiful setting & stunning wines

4:00 PM - Ferry departing Waiheke

We'll return to Auckland in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner at one of the beautiful waterfront restaurants that line the Viaduct Harbor.

7:00 PM - Dinner at White + Wong's

White + Wong's 'East meets West' cuisine takes classic street foods from China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand.

A two-course meal is included, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

7:15 AM - Depart Auckland for Rotorua with Bush and Beach.

Ref Number: 040325WAL

Today, we will bid farewell to the 'City of Sails' and head south to Rotorua, a hot spot for Māori culture and geothermal activity. En route, you will visit Hobbiton and The Shire's Rest, the only remaining film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.

The drive is about 3.5 hours (~250 km)

11:40 AM - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch. Our Tour will begin at 11:40 am, followed by a meal in the Party Marquee at 1:40 pm. Please note that this is a shared tour experience.

Experience the taste of the Shire™ with a delicious buffet lunch served in the Party Marquee. The painted canvas exterior, vibrant bunting, and colorful lanterns immerse visitors in the festive magic of the movies. The Party Marquee is adjacent to The Green Dragon™ Inn, with the garden bar seating overlooking the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, providing an exquisite view for all our guests. This meal is buffet-style from a specially themed table bursting with hobbit fare, with shared table seating to dine family-style with our group.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Our guide will then escort us around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations, and explaining how the movie magic was made.

We will be fully guided around the 12-acre set, past Hobbit Holes™, the Mill, and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where we will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage to conclude our Middle-earth™ adventure.

Arrive in Rotorua in the afternoon. Perhaps you can experience a relaxing soak in the thermal waters of the famous Polynesian Spa (optional – extra cost).

Drop Off Point:

Regent of Rotorua

Drop Off Time:

2.15 PM (approx)

7:00 PM - Dinner at a local restaurant

A two-course meal is included, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

9:30 AM - Waimangu Volcanic Valley + Lake Rotomahana Cruise

Discover the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana with the Full Waimangu Experience. We'll enjoy beautiful walking & hiking trails woven through a natural geothermal ecosystem. Complete the experience with a 45-minute boat cruise around Lake Rotomahana, the final resting place of the Pink & White Terraces. Please note that this is a shared tour experience.

1:00 PM - Lunch at Atticus Finch

The Atticus Finch team will transform our dining experience into more than just a meal—a destination for lingering over lively conversation, playful plates, and thoughtful concoctions. A two-course meal is included, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

4:30 PM - Meet in the hotel lobby to go to the Te Pā Tū - Tū Te Rā Summer Harvest Celebration. Please note that this is a shared tour experience.

Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration aligned with the maramataka – the Māori lunar calendar. This is when the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tū Te Rā celebrates the abundant harvest of this season and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine.

This four-hour evening is a feast of knowledge and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) in our forest Pā (sanctuary), with its tawa trees and crackling bonfires.

Kai horotai (morsels) welcomes guests with seasonal favorites that may include crispy pork and candied apple encased in kawakawa leaves, pāua (abalone), pickled pikopiko (native fern frond), smoked fish, ika mata (ceviche) and chilled kawakawa tea.

Within the forest-formed amphitheater, attention shifts to stories relayed through haka, song, and drama before torchlight guides manuhiri (guests) to an al fresco dining space with a three-course feast.

The famous hāngī shares a table with Māori fusion dishes developed and curated by celebrated Māori chefs, prepared by our ringawera (hot hands). If the weather is inclement, we serve dinner al fresco on warmer nights and in our wharekai (dining room).

Celebration Includes:
— Haka Pōwhiri
— Four hours haka, song, connection
— Forest kai horotai (summer season canapes)
— Complimentary chef choice aperitif
— Seasonal three-course dinner

Please note this is a cashless site, accepting all major credit and debit cards for bar purchases. Alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

Today's itinerary includes a tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and a domestic flight to Queenstown, New Zealand.

321 km, 4 hours driving, 2-hour flight

9:30 AM - Cave World Waitomo - Private Footwhistle Glow Worm Cave Tour

Our guide will help enhance every aspect of our time at Footwhistle. After meeting the guide at the Caveworld office, we will enjoy an air-conditioned scenic shuttle to the family-owned cave. Our guide will bring the rich history of Waitomo to life, setting the scene for your journey into the earth. This tour will be about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Our tour begins with a short walk through breathtaking New Zealand bush, where you might catch a glimpse of our native NZ birds – part of the Caveworld conservation effort. Our guide will lead us down to the entrance of the cave, where, on this intimate tour, we will discover the beauty of the New Zealand Glowworm and learn about the cave formations and beauty of Footwhistle Cave (also known to local Maori as Te Anaroa Cave).

This tour is the perfect opportunity to take your Camera or tripod and take your time getting those unique shots. The environmentally conscious solar-powered lights are kept low so you can appreciate the magnificent Glowworm displays at their best, only inches away.

As you journey through the cave, you will be delighted and amazed, always with the soothing sound of the Footwhistle cave stream flowing in the darkness below.

Complete the tour by enjoying a complimentary Kawakawa tea while you relax in our ponga hut nestled in native forests and surrounds. Please note that this tour could be challenging if you struggle with Claustrophobia.

12:00 PM - Lunch at a local restaurant on our way to the airport.

Following this, we'll continue to Auckland, departing the North Island and flying south to New Queenstown. Queenstown is a beautiful town on Lake Wakatipu's shores and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps.

5:45 PM - Depart from Auckland Airport (AKL)

7:40 PM - Arrive at Queenstown Airport (ZQN)

8:30 PM - Dinner at Hilton Queenstown. A two-course meal is included, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

9:55 AM - Pick up from the hotel for your Milford Sound Fly-Cruise- Fly Adventure!

Take a stunning Scenic Flight to Milford Sound from Queenstown, with our fly cruise fly package including a 2-hour Cruise. Milford Sound is New Zealand's premier tourist destination, and the sheer scale and staggering beauty of the fiord are experienced from all viewpoints. We will fly you from Queenstown over the Southern Alps with breathtakingly spectacular and endless panoramic views of lakes, forested river valleys, waterfalls, jagged razor-backed ridge lines and snow covered peaks. After landing at Milford we will choose whether to take the shuttle bus or, if time permits, take you on a short walk through the bush and foreshore to the cruise boat. Once on the boat, you will take a leisurely cruise along the whole length of the fiord. After the cruise, your pilot will escort you back to the aircraft for the return flight to Queenstown along a different flight path.

Upon landing at Milford Sound Airport, you are welcomed to a view of Mitre Peak, standing tall at the head of the fiord. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, you’ll board your Mitre Peak Cruises vessel and begin your voyage cruising the length of the 16km fiord out to the Tasman Sea. Listen to the informative commentary and interact with our hosts while enjoying the complimentary tea, coffee, and water onboard.

Overview

Round-trip flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound take you deep into the spectacular Southern Alps. Following a scenic flight with views of snow-covered peaks, remote valleys, and waterfalls, touch down for a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Traveling by both air and water takes you to the dramatic places that you'd miss by sticking to the road. Fly to Milford Sound to experience the true scale of the Southern Alps Leave crowds behind by flying over the UNESCO-listed landscape Watch for wildlife on an included cruise along Milford Sound Return trip follows a different route to ensure even more scenery

7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. A two course meal is provided. Alcohol will be at your own expense.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

8:30 AM:You will be picked up from your hotel in Queenstown by Wanaka Transfers for a picturesque hour drive along the lake towards Glenorchy. This stretch of road between Queenstown and Glenorchy was recently named “one of the most beautiful drives in the world” by Lonely Planet.

10:30 AM: The beech forest signals the beginning of Mt Aspiring National Park where the journey starts, on the renowned Routeburn Track. It is a leisurely walk on a smooth and flat path following the picturesque Route Burn river before heading up to the Bridal Veil Waterfall. A swing bridge then leads through to the spectacular alpine pastures of the Routeburn Flats. After finding a tranquil spot to rest, take in the views and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch.

1:30 PM: Return back to the starting point for our drive back to Queenstown.

3:00 PM: Back to the hotel in Queenstown. Free time until dinner.

7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

7:30 AM: Pick up from Wanaka Wine Tours for a full day of fun!

We'll depart the hotel as a group and meet at the boat at the jetty next to the Marina on Lakeside Road 1 at 8:50 AM.

9:00 AM - Mou Waho Island Cruise and Nature walk (~4 hours)

A visit to Mou Waho Island offers the perfect combination of a lake cruise, nature walk, wildlife encounter & outstanding panoramic views. A thirty-minute cruise takes us to this nature reserve in the middle of Lake Wanaka, surrounded by stunning alpine vistas.

We will cruise across Lake Wanaka to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve, a predator-free home to the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920). Our Ecoguide will take you on a guided bush walk to reveal the ‘island’s secret’ a lake on top of the island! Enjoy ‘high tea’ overlooking both of these lakes - where we are often joined by the Buff Weka. Plant a native tree as part of your eco-experience - a unique opportunity to give back to this special island and New Zealand’s. Please note that this is a shared tour experience.

Total duration of trip 3 to 4 hours

Total scenic boat cruise time 40 minutes to 1 hour

Total Walking time 1 hour

What You Need:

Moderate level of fitness

Well-treaded walking shoes or boots

Waterproof jacket

Suitable layers of clothing

Day pack

Water bottle

Sun screen

Sun glasses

Sun hat

Camera

Also, bring any medications you may require on the tour, e.g., EpiPen for allergies.

Following this, we will enjoy a wine tour with Wanaka Wine Tours. This small group wine tour offers a relaxed and personal introduction to the wines and scenery of the Central Otago region. This tour is a great way to explore award-winning vineyards hidden amongst the rugged landscape of Central Otago.

1:00 PM - Wanaka Wine Tours - Boutique Central Otago Wine Trails

Discover some of Wanaka and Central Otago's fabulous vineyards and scenery while meeting numerous characters that produce these gorgeous, award-winning wines. We'll take you to the little gems quietly making a big name for themselves with their dedication to creating the best possible wine. Here, you'll get up close and personal with the vineyard owners and winemakers. The Boutique Wine Tour includes tastings at three vineyards and a delicious barrel-cooked, 5-course banquet lunch, matched with five unique wines. Whether you are a complete wine novice or a dedicated wine connoisseur, we will ensure you have an enjoyable time!

7:00 PM - Dinner at a local restaurant. A two-course meal is included, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

Today, you will have free time to explore Queenstown as you wish. Queenstown is known as an adventure capital with something for everyone. With its towering mountains and lakeside location, Queenstown is a hub of adventure, bursting with adrenaline and fun. Here is a list of activities that are particularly popular to do in Queenstown:

Shotover Jet

Bungy Jumping

Skydiving

Paragliding

Luge

Onsen Hot Pools

Please book these activities in advance and at your own expense.

6:00 PM - Skyline Queenstown - Gondola Return

We plan to arrive at the Gondola base (53 Brecon Street) by 5:30 PM to ensure sufficient time to collect our tickets and take the Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak.

We'll take a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola and enjoy the stunning views as we ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! We'll be carried 480 meters above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, where we'll enjoy a spectacular 220-degree panorama with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown.

At the top, we'll enjoy a sumptuous dinner experience at Skyline's Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar. As you dine, the floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains will captivate your day. Please note this is a buffet dinner. Alcoholic beverages at your own expense.A two-course meal is included, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

12:00 PM - Flight from Queenstown to Sydney, Australia.

Flight on Virgin Australia. Flight time is approx. 3 and a half hours. There is a 2 hour time difference between New Zealand and Australia.

Free time to explore before dinner. Recommended activity: Sydney Bridge Climb

This activity would need to be booked in advance and is at your own expense.

7:00 PM - Dinner at a local restaurant. A two-course meal is included, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

7:00 AM - Depart for a full-day Hunter Valley Wine Tour

The Hunter Valley, renowned for its wineries and delectable cuisine crafted from fresh local produce, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Led by Jimmy, a seasoned chef with 20 years of culinary expertise and 12 years of guiding experience, this small tour company, founded in 2015, offers a unique fusion of gourmet delights and exploration. Please note that this is a shared tour experience.

Pick-up Details:

Pick-up Location: Hyatt Regency Sydney on Sussex Street

Time: 7:00 AM

Embark on a captivating journey from vine to glass, indulging in Australian-made wines paired with carefully crafted menus designed to enhance every sip. Jimmy's mission is to transform your day into an extraordinary expedition, guiding you through vineyards and treating you to exceptional cooking in idyllic surroundings.

Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Sydney Fish Markets and boutique wineries in the Hunter Valley, where you'll have the opportunity to savor Aussie delicacies like barramundi, kangaroo, and locally made treats. The package encompasses a delectable breakfast, sumptuous lunch, wine tastings, and other chef-prepared delights, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience with round-trip transportation from your Sydney hotel.

What sets this tour apart is the personal touch provided by your guide, who will skillfully cook your meals on location and expertly pair them with the wines of the day. This means you can fully immerse yourself in the enchanting surroundings without the limitations of a standard restaurant menu. Additionally, Gourmet Getaway Tours brings the kitchen with them, boasting a custom-built kitchenette on their bus, allowing them to prepare and serve delicious, fresh food in any location.

Join us on this extraordinary culinary adventure through the Hunter Valley, where fine wines, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking scenery converge to create a truly memorable experience.

Time/Duration:

7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

11 hours (approx.)

Details/Inclusions:

Sydney hotel pick-ups/drop-offs

Comfortable air-conditioned minibus

Transport to and from the Hunter Valley

Water and muesli bars upon pick-up

Breakfast (fresh fruits/banana bread/savoury-filled flatbreads/fruit juice)

Progressive lunch (most dietary requirements and food allergies catered for)

3 Boutique winery tastings

What You Need?

Hat and Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Reusable water bottle

Credit card for additional wine purchases

Comfortable clothes

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

10:00 AM — After breakfast, Amy Walker will lead you to the Sydney Opera House to take in the views before heading over to Circular Quay. We will then take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for lunch and free time to explore. Manly Beach is one of the most popular and scenic beaches in Sydney.

From there, we'll head to Bondi Beach to view the most photographed pool in the world. After some beach time, we will head over to the Royal Botanic Gardens for an evening stroll before dinner. Please note this is a self guided tour led by Amy.

5:45 PM - Group Dinner at Mr. Wong's Restaurant ( Amy's personal favorite!)

A two-course meal is included, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

Today, you are free to depart anytime. Airport transportation will be arranged for you. We want to thank you for choosing us for your adventure to Australia and New Zealand!