New Zealand Brochure 2026-2027 by compasstravelmt

NEW ZEALAND

2026/2027

17th January 2027 17th January 2027

Highlights Include: 28th December 2026 – 28th December 2026 –

New Year’s Eve celebration in Auckland, The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua Geysers and Maori Cultural night, Whale Watching,

The scenic Trans Alpine train, Gondola ride over Queenstown, The Milford Sound Cruise, Penguin watching, The Hermitage Glacier experience

Plus many more unforgettable experiences throughout New Zealand.

€6995 per adult in a double/twin sharing

€8450 per adult in a single room

Price Includes:

Flights with Emirates:

Malta – Dubai – Auckland /

Christchurch – Dubai – Malta

Luggage Allowance: 30KG

Overnight in Dubai

All hotels with daily breakfast

3 dinners

1 lunch

English speaking local guide

Experienced tour guide with you all the way from Malta

Auckland city tour

Waitomo Glowworm caves

Hobbiton Movie set

Rotorua Wai-O-Tapu and tour of Te Puia

Evening experience Te Pa Tu – Maori

cultural event with dinner

Scenic drive by Lake Taupo

Stop at Huka Falls

Ferry between Wellington and Picton

Whale Watching experience

Entry to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

Treetop Walk at Westcoast Treetop walk and café

Hokitika Gorge

Lake Wanaka cruise and a walk on Ruby Island

Gondola at Skyline Queenstown

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ dinner including a steamboat ride

Milford Sound Cruise with lunch

Penguin Pukekura experience

Hot pools admission at Tekapo

Springs

Glacier Explorer at the Hermitage

Air-conditioned coach transfer

throughout

Entry visa to enter New Zealand

Airport Taxes and Service Charge

Insolvency Fund Certificate

Not Included:

Tips to guides and drivers: Tipping guidelines will be provided

Travel Insurance: We can offer insurance with Gasan Mamo

Optional Excursions: Refer to the optional experiences in the programme

NORTH ISLAND

Auckland, Waitomo, Matamata, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington

SOUTH ISLAND

Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Greymouth, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Mt. Cook, Lake Tekapo & Christchurch

BriefItinerary

Day 1

Depart from Malta with Emirates at 15:30hrs and travel to Dubai. Overnight Dubai

Travel from Dubai to Auckland. Departure at 10:05hrs. Overnight on the flight

Arrival in Auckland at 11:15hours. Overnight Auckland

Auckland city tour. Evening witness the New Year's Celebration from the Sky Tower - Overnight Auckland (B)

Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie set. Overnight Rotorua (B)

Rotorua geysers, Whakarewara geothermal valley and Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening. Overnight Rotorua (B/D)

Rotorua – Taupo – Wellington via Huka Falls. Overnight Wellington (B)

Wellington – Picton by ferry, travel to Kaikoura. Overnight Kaikoura (B)

Whale Watching – Hanmer Springs Thermal pools. Overnight Hanmer Springs (B)

Trans Alpine Train, Treetop Canopy Walk. Overnight Greymouth. (B)

Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17

Day 18 Day 19

Day 20 Day 21

Greymouth – Franz Josef. Overnight Franz Josef (B/D)

Franz Josef – Lake Wanaka, Lake Wanaka cruise and Ruby Island walk. Overnight Wanaka (B)

Wanaka – Queenstown, Gondola Ride and Gourmet BBQ. Overnight Queenstown (B/D)

Milford Sound Cruise. Overnight Queenstown (B/L)

Free day for optional activities in Queenstown. Overnight Queenstown (B)

Queenstown – Dunedin. Penguin visit. Overnight Dunedin (B, D)

Dunedin – Lake Tekapo. Tekapo Hot Springs. Overnight Tekapo (B)

Mount Cook – Glacier Explorer at the Hermitage. Overnight Tekapo (B)

Lake Tekapo – Christchurch. Overnight Christchurch (B)

Christchurch – Departure at 18:20hours to Malta

Arrival in Malta at 13:00hours

DetailedItinerary

28 December: Depart Malta to Dubai th

Departure from Malta at 15:30hours with Emirates and fly to Dubai

29 December: Dubai to Auckland th

Arrival in Dubai at approximately 01:00hours and overnight in an airport hotel nearby Fly to Auckland departing at 10:05 hours

30 December: Arrive Auckland (B) th

Arrive at Auckland International Airport and transfer to your hotel

31 December: Auckland (B) st

Cooked breakfast is included.

Half day Auckland City sightseeing highlights: (Harbour Bridge, Waterfront, Mission Bay, Tamaki Drive, Savage Memorial Park, Parnell Rose Park and Village, Auckland Domain and Gardens and City centre).

Rest in the afternoon and tonight watch the New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks from the Sky Tower - Auckland Skytower New Year Countdown

01 January: Auckland - Waitomo - Matamata - Rotorua (B)

Happy New Year!

Cooked breakfast is included

Depart from Auckland and travel to Rotorua via Waitomo and Matamata.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Your guided tour takes you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery, beginning at the impressive Cathedral. You will enter the upper part of the cave and follow a narrow limestone passage leading to the Tomo, a deep vertical shaft.

Your experienced guide will provide informative commentary on the formations, sharing stories, cultural legends, and the natural wonders of this unique environment

A highlight of the tour is an unforgettable boat ride through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto. As you glide silently along the underground river, you will witness thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling like a star-filled sky.

This magical experience offers a peaceful, otherworldly atmosphere as you move through

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour at Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Check in at Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Road, 30 minutes before your tour time. 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 sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the rolling green hills on your way to the Movie Set.

Your guide will then escort you around the 12-acre set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be fully guided on a walking tour through the Shire, journey past Bag End, explore the inside of the newly completed Hobbit Hole™ on Bagshot Row and into the worldfamous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.

02 January: Rotorua (B/D)

Cooked breakfast is included.

Rotorua City Sightseeing highlights: Lake Rotorua, Redwood Forest and Government Gardens.

Wai-O-Tapu – Admission Included

The technical description for this remarkable place is that it's part of an 18-sq km active geothermal park at the northern perimeter of the Reporoa Caldera (a collapsed volcanic crater) formed 230,000 years ago within the Taupo Volcanic Zone.

Te Ra - 90 Minute guided Tour at Te Puia

Discover the wonders of Te Puia on a guided journey through the world-famous Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, home to the Pōhutu geyser, bubbling mud pools, and steaming vents Learn about Māori traditions and artistry at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where master carvers and weavers share their skills. See native kiwi birds up close at the Kiwi Conservation Centre and experience the unique connection between people, culture, and nature as you explore the Jurassic-like landscape of the valley.

Tour includes: Guided tour of Whakarewarewa geothermal valley. New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Kiwi Conservation Centre

What to wear/bring: comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and a water bottle.

Evening Experience at Te Pa Tu

Enjoy an evening experience that changes with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within a forest Pā (village), blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre Cultural knowledge unique to each season is shared through rituals, songs and stories throughout the evening. Across the lunar phase of Tū Te Rā (summertime), the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tū Te Rā celebrates abundant harvest and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace. Kai horotai (indigenous canapes) are followed by a torch lit walk to a lavish three course Māori fusion feast Hāngī remains hero of the feast and shares the table with lesser-known Māori delicacies, prepared fusion style.

Duration: approx. 4 hours.

Experience Includes: An evening performance, entertainment, and kai hākari (feasting). Forest canapes Complimentary chef choice aperitifs Three course seasonal Māori-fusion feast. Complimentary return transport from central Rotorua.

Please note: Dress for warmth and comfort. Licensed bar onsite. Māori wine and nonalcoholic Māori beverage pairings available for an additional charge.

03 January: Rotorua - Taupo - Wellington (B)

Cooked breakfast is included.

Depart Rotorua and transfer to Wellington via Lake Taupo – Drive time of 5 ½ hours with a few stops along the way. En-route, we will also stop at Huka Falls for a photo opportunity.

04 January: Wellington - Ferry - Picton - Kaikoura (B)

Cooked breakfast is included.

Check out of the hotel and transfer to the Wellington ferry terminal, and depart Wellington for Kaikoura via the Interislander Ferry

Meet your coach captain in Picton and transfer to Kaikoura.

Wellington to Picton - Passenger at Interislander

Journey from Wellington to Picton aboard the Interislander Ferry Cross the Cook Strait, then cruise through the tranquil, scenic waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Relax in comfort as you enjoy spectacular coastal scenery, wildlife spotting opportunities, and one of the world’s most picturesque ferry voyages. Duration: approx. 3 hours and 30 mins.

Please note: Food and beverages are available for purchase from the onboard café and bar. Cash is not accepted at the Interislander Terminals and onboard the ferries Payment options include debit, credit, or EFTPOS cards, as well as PayWave, Apple Pay, and Google Pay apps.

05 January: Kaikoura / Hanmer Springs (B) th

Breakfast is included. Before departing Kaikoura, go on a Whale Watch Cruise with Whale Watch Kaikoura.

Whale Watching Tour - Ocean Cabin at Whale Watch Kaikoura

Check in at Whalewatch Kaikoura, Whaleway Station. A typical whale-watching tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest, the Hector's Designed for New Zealand whale watching tours, their modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise. The enclosed passenger cabin and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities.

06 January: Hanmer Springs / Greymouth (B)

Cooked breakfast is included.

This morning, we head to Arthur's Pass Station to board the Tranz Alpine Train for a scenic journey to Greymouth

Treetop Walk at Westcoast Treetop Walk & Cafe

This afternoon, enjoy an exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20 metres high and over 450 metres long. Come and enjoy a leisurely 45-minute to one-hour stroll through the beautiful West Coast rainforest tree tops.

07 January: Greymouth - Hokitika - Franz Josef (B) th

Cooked breakfast is included.

Depart Greymouth and transfer to Franz Josef via Hokitika

A stop at the Hokitika Gorge.

08 January: Franz Josef - Wanaka (B) th

Cooked breakfast is included.

Please see the description of each tour at the end of the itinerary

Suggested Optional Activity:

Franz Josef Glacier Guides | Heli-Hike - €395p.p.

Suggested Optional Activity:

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours | Kayak Discovery Tour - €70p.p.

09 January: Wanaka - Queenstown (B)

Cooked breakfast is included. Depart Lake Wanaka and transfer to Queenstown.

Gondola at Skyline Queenstown

Take a return Skyline Gondola ride up Bob's Peak, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Please note: Includes Skyline PhotoPass, so you can capture high-quality photos against the stunning backdrop of Queenstown Bay and surrounding mountains that you can instantly access, download and share. Premium and print products available for purchase.

Walter Peak - Gourmet BBQ Dinner at RealNZ (Duration: 4 hours)

Enjoy a dining experience unlike any other in Queenstown. Following your cruise to Walter Peak, you will be escorted through the lakeside gardens to Colonel's Homestead and seated for dinner. Relax in the unique ambience in front of a roaring open fire and soak in the views from this stunning lakeside setting while chefs prepare a gourmet BBQ on the outdoor grill Enjoy a selection of succulent New Zealand meat and seafood accompanied by delectable seasonal salads, tasty dessert treats and local cheeses. All meat and seafood are cooked on the outdoor BBQ and rotisserie in view of guests and served immediately (buffet style). A locally influenced wine list and other beverages are available for purchase from the bar. After your meal, guests join an entertaining farm experience which gives guests an insight into life on a New Zealand high country, including a sheep shearing demonstration. The night cruise home is magical. Join in the camaraderie of a sing-along with the ship's pianist on the return journey.

Tour includes:

Return scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu (40mins)

Delicious gourmet BBQ dinner

Farm tour.

Please note: During Survey Period where the TSS Earnslaw is dry-docked for annual maintenance, it will be substituted with an alternative vessel. If conditions are not favourable and wet, sheep will not be sheared for the safety of the sheep and the shearer.

10 January: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown (B)

Cooked breakfast is included

Coach Transfer to Milford Sound.

Milford Sound: Coach/Nature Cruise/Coach ex Queenstown at Southern Discoveries

The day trip to Milford Sound on board glass-roof coaches connecting with spacious, purposebuilt boats is a fully seamless experience Board the coach in Queenstown and travel alongside Lake Wakatipu and then through farming countryside to Te Anau, where there will be a short rest stop. From Te Anau, the overland journey to Milford Sound is a showcase of sheer mountains and towering cliffs, rugged valleys and native rain forest surrounded by teeming waterfalls and glacial lakes. The premium coaches offer reclining seats, multi-lingual commentary, and additional legroom Experienced coach drivers tailor each journey to ensure the best photo stops are included for short walks and photo opportunities along the way. On arrival, board a vessel for an extended and leisurely cruise on a purpose-built, day cruise vessel with an up to two-hour duration and English-only commentary (others on request). Cruise the full length of the fiord on board with comfortable indoor seating and tall windows for panoramic viewing of spectacular Milford Sound With a flexible and relaxed itinerary, enjoy a large and wide open outdoor, upper-level deck for excellent wildlife viewing, including seals, dolphins and penguins when in season. The skipper shares their local knowledge with lively and informative commentary, and the wheelhouse is open to join and speak with the skipper. A buffet lunch is included along with complimentary tea and coffee on the cruise. Following the cruise, return to Queenstown by coach.

Tour includes:

Scenic drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof coach.

Scenic cruise of Milford Sound (2 hours).

Buffet lunch, tea and coffee.

The multi-lingual app provides commentary in English on the coach & cruise Wi-fi on board the coach.

What to Bring: Warm clothing, waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, insect repellent.

11 January: Queenstown (B)

Cooked breakfast is included. Free day for optional activities. Please see description of each tour at the end of the itinerary

Suggested Optional Activity:

Shotover Jet | Shotover Jet Boat Ride | ex The Station – €90 p.p.

Suggested Optional Activity

Dart River Adventures | Funyaks Experience | ex Queenstown – €250p.p.

Suggested Optional Activity

Appellation Wine Tours | Gourmet Food and Wine

Suggested Optional Activity

Altitude Tours Queenstown | Best of Queenstown |

12 January: Queenstown - Dunedin (B/D)

Cooked breakfast is included.

Depart Queenstown and transfer to Dunedin

Blue Penguin Pukekura Experience at Blue Penguins Pukekura.

This 90-minute tour starts from within the Royal Albatross Centre situated at the end of the Otago Peninsula at Taiaroa Head. Hear local stories and understand how the plentiful resources, the shape and position of this headland, led to the area's use by different iwi (tribes) over many centuries. The beach you visit to view the penguins is owned by local Māori, and you will spend time learning about their dedication to the preservation of the area and the wildlife inhabitants. This small beach (Takiharuru) has a population of over 250 breeding pairs of kororā/little penguins. It is now the largest blue penguin colony on the Otago Peninsula Weather permitting, take a ''behind the scenes'' look at the reserve See where the birds live, understand the habits of the penguins and admire the efforts of the whanau (local families) in their care of the land, the restoration of the habitat for a variety of wildlife inhabitants. Tours regularly see seals and sea lions on the beach and often see other seabirds such as albatross flying overhead. Then just before sunset, move back onto a purpose-built platform to watch and wait for the first birds to return from sea Penguin arrival time does vary from night to night, and it is highly recommended to come prepared by wearing extra layers of clothing. It can get cold when the sun goes down - wearing extra layers of clothes will help to make this a memorable wildlife experience. Diffused lights are used to view the penguins at night (these don’t harm or cause any disturbance to the birds). Photography is allowed, but no flash photography is permitted An added bonus on clear nights is that there are often great views of the Southern Cross and the Milky Way above, and the guides will point out celestial features of the night sky when they are visible!

13 January: Dunedin / Lake Tekapo (approx. 287kms) (B)

Cooked breakfast is included.

Depart from Dunedin for Lake Tekapo

Hot Pool Admission at Tekapo Springs Included

Please see the description of each tour at the end of the itinerary

Suggested Optional Activity Dark Sky Project | Crater Experience - At Cowan’s Private Observatory - €65p.p.

Suggested Optional Activity

Sky Project | Summit Experience - At Mt John Observatory | Evening -

14 January: Mount Cook (B) th

Continental Breakfast is included. Today, travel from Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook Region.

Glacier Explorer at The Hermitage

Take a boat cruise on the Tasman Glacial Lake and experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs. This is the only tour of its kind in New Zealand and one of the only accessible glacial lakes containing icebergs in the world It’s a surreal and mesmerising experience in a unique environment No two days are the same on the Tasman Lake with a constant shifting of conditions, which simply adds to the magic of this very special place. This tour is designed to both thrill and educate as you learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape.

With the effects of climate change and other climatic processes taking their toll on New Zealand glaciers, their retreat is sadly imminent. The lateral moraines remind us of the grand scale that the glacier has reached in previous times. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake. It is difficult to predict when a calving will take place, but you may witness one whilst you are on tour

Tour includes: Return transport from the Hermitage Hotel to the beginning of the walking track | Short alpine walk through the National Park to the lake edge (1.5km / approx. 25mins each way). Boat trip on Tasman Glacier Lake | Life jackets.

What to wear/bring: Extra layer of warm clothing, suitable walking shoes, sunblock, sunglasses, wet weather gear, camera/phone.

Please note: Guests must be physically capable of walking 1.5km each way to the lake. This tour is weather-dependent at The Hermitage's discretion. Weather call can be made at any time up to trip departure

15 January: Tekapo - Christchurch (B)

Cooked breakfast is included.

Depart Lake Tekapo and transfer to Christchurch.

Free time to explore Christchurch on foot.

16 January: Depart Christchurch (B)

Cooked breakfast is included.

Transfer to Christchurch Airport and depart New Zealand at 18:20hrs via Sydney (same aircraft) and Dubai.

17 January: Arrive in Malta

Arrival in Dubai at 05:15hrs and connect with the following flight to Malta departing at 07:35hrs and arriving at approximately 1300hrs.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Franz Josef Glacier Guides | Heli-Hike - €395p.p

The Franz Josef Glacier Guides Heli Hike is one of New Zealand’s most iconic glacier adventures, combining a scenic helicopter flight with a guided hike on the stunning Franz Josef Glacier

Your experience begins at Glacier Base in Franz Josef, where expert guides provide all necessary equipment including waterproof clothing, boots, crampons, helmets, and trekking poles. After a safety briefing, you’ll take a short but spectacular helicopter flight over rainforest-covered valleys and dramatic alpine scenery before landing directly on the glacier ice

Once on the glacier, your guide leads you on an unforgettable hike through constantly changing ice formations such as deep crevasses, towering pinnacles, blue ice caves, tunnels, and frozen seracs. The route changes daily depending on glacier conditions, making every tour unique. Guests typically spend up to 2.5 hours exploring the glacier itself, with the full experience lasting around 4 hours from check-in to completion. The hike is considered moderately challenging and suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. No previous glacier hiking experience is required. Along the way, guides share fascinating information about the glacier’s geology, local Māori history, and the rapidly changing alpine environment. Many visitors describe the Heli Hike as a once-in-a-lifetime experience thanks to the combination of breathtaking helicopter views, pristine glacier scenery, and close-up access to ice formations that are impossible to reach on foot.

Shotover Jet | Shotover Jet Boat Ride | ex The Station – €90 p.p.

The Shotover Jet Boat Ride by Shotover Jet is one of Queenstown’s most famous adrenaline experiences, delivering high-speed thrills through the dramatic canyons of the Shotover River.

The adventure begins with a short transfer from central Queenstown to the Shotover River base, where experienced drivers provide a safety briefing before you board the powerful twin-engine jet boat. Once underway, the ride quickly accelerates into an exhilarating journey through narrow rocky canyons, skimming across shallow water at speeds of up to 85 km/h.

Expert drivers perform the company’s signature 360-degree spins while navigating tight turns and racing within metres of canyon walls, creating a fast-paced and unforgettable experience The specially designed jet boats are able to operate in very shallow water, allowing access to areas of the river that traditional boats cannot reach.

Throughout the ride, passengers also enjoy spectacular alpine scenery, rugged cliff formations, and views of the historic Shotover River, once famous during the Otago gold rush. The combination of natural beauty and high-energy action makes this tour one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure activities

The jet boat ride itself lasts approximately 25 minutes on the water, with the full experience taking around 1.5 hours including transfers and check-in. Waterproof spray jackets and life jackets are provided, and no previous experience is required.

The Kayak Discovery Tour by Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is a relaxed and scenic guided kayaking experience on the peaceful waters of Lake Mapourika, near Franz Josef on New Zealand’s West Coast.

The tour takes guests across the calm glacial lake surrounded by lush Jurassic-style rainforest and spectacular mountain scenery, including views toward the Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier valley on clear days. Designed for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, the trip is guided by knowledgeable local experts who share stories about the area’s ecology, birdlife, history, and Māori heritage.

Guests paddle stable double kayaks through reflective waters and sheltered inlets, often exploring hidden rainforest coves that are inaccessible by foot. The lake is famous for its mirror-like reflections of snow-capped mountains, especially during calm weather conditions, making it a popular photography experience.

The Discovery Tour typically lasts around 3 hours and includes all kayaking equipment, waterproof gear, and safety instruction. No previous kayaking experience is necessary, and the pace is generally gentle and suitable for families, couples, and casual adventurers.

Wildlife sightings may include native birds such as kōtuku (white heron), royal spoonbills, tui, and bellbirds. Sunset departures are especially popular for the changing light and tranquil atmosphere on the lake.

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours | Kayak Discovery Tour - €70p.p.

Dart River Adventures | Funyaks Experience | ex Queenstown –€250p.p.

The Funyaks Experience by Dart River Adventures is a full-day wilderness adventure that combines an exhilarating jet boat ride with a peaceful inflatable canoe journey through the spectacular landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park near Queenstown. The experience begins with a scenic coach transfer from Queenstown to Glenorchy, followed by a thrilling jet boat ride along the braided channels of the Dart River. As you travel deep into the UNESCO-listed Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, guides share stories about the region’s Māori history, unique ecology, and famous film locations featured in movies such as The Lord of the Rings.

After the jet boating section, guests transfer into “Funyaks” — stable inflatable canoes designed for easy and relaxed paddling Drifting downstream at a gentle pace, you’ll paddle through crystal-clear water surrounded by ancient beech forests, snow-capped mountains, and untouched wilderness scenery. The calmer pace allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photographs, and spot native birdlife.

A picnic lunch is included during the day, often enjoyed at a secluded riverside location within the national park. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels and no previous kayaking or canoeing experience is required, making it popular with families, couples, and nature lovers looking for a balance of adventure and scenic exploration.

The full-day experience typically lasts around 9 hours including transfers, with all safety equipment, waterproof clothing, and expert guides provided

Altitude Tours Queenstown | Best of Queenstown | Half Day Tour - €115 p.p.

The Best of Queenstown Half Day Tour by Altitude Tours Queenstown is a premium small-group sightseeing experience designed to showcase the highlights of Queenstown and the surrounding region in just half a day

Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour takes guests to a collection of hand-picked scenic locations, including panoramic viewpoints above Lake Whakatipu, historic Arrowtown, Arthurs Point, and the famous Gibbston wine region. Along the way, visitors can enjoy spectacular alpine scenery, learn about the area’s gold mining history, and discover local stories and hidden gems that many travellers miss

One of the highlights of the experience is time to explore the charming village of Arrowtown, known for its preserved 1860s gold-rush buildings, boutique shops, riverside walks, and relaxed atmosphere. Guests also visit the Kawarau Bungy Bridge area, where they can watch bungy jumpers leap above the dramatic gorge below.

The tour includes a wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley region, famous for its world-class Pinot Noir, along with a shared cheeseboard at a local cellar door To finish the experience, guests enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Whakatipu with stunning views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains.

Travelling in a modern Mercedes Sprinter with a small group atmosphere, the experience is designed to feel relaxed, personal, and informative.

The tour typically lasts around 4 5 hours

Appellation Wine Tours | Gourmet Food and Wine Tour |

The Gourmet Food and Wine Tour by Appellation Wine Tours is a premium small-group experience showcasing the award-winning wineries, local cuisine, and stunning scenery of the Central Otago wine region near Queenstown.

Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour takes guests through some of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine-growing areas, including Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell. Along the way, visitors enjoy tastings at a selection of boutique vineyards and cellar doors, with opportunities to sample internationally renowned Central Otago Pinot Noir as well as other cool-climate varietals such as Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.

In addition to wine tastings, the experience includes gourmet food pairings and a relaxed winery lunch featuring fresh regional produce. Guides provide insight into the area’s winemaking history, viticulture, and unique alpine terroir that contributes to the region’s distinctive wines

The tour also incorporates scenic drives through dramatic landscapes including mountain ranges, river valleys, historic gold-mining areas, and the Kawarau Gorge, making it as much a sightseeing experience as a culinary one.

Small group sizes create a personalised and social atmosphere, and hotel pick-up and drop-off from Queenstown are typically included for convenience. The tour usually lasts around 5 to 6 hours and is designed for both wine enthusiasts and casual travellers looking to experience the flavours and scenery of Central Otago.

Dark

Sky Project | Crater Experience - At Cowan’s Private Observatory - €65p.p.

The Crater Experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory by Dark Sky Project is an immersive stargazing experience located in the internationally recognised Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve one of the best places in the world for observing the night sky.

The experience takes place at Cowan’s Private Observatory near Lake Tekapo, where guests are guided by expert astronomy hosts through an unforgettable exploration of the southern night sky. Far away from city lights, the exceptionally clear and dark conditions allow for remarkable visibility of stars, planets, constellations, nebulae, and distant galaxies.

During the tour, guests use powerful telescopes to observe celestial objects in incredible detail while guides share fascinating insights into astronomy, Māori celestial knowledge, space science, and the significance of the Southern Hemisphere sky. Depending on the season and weather conditions, visitors may also see the Milky Way, the Southern Cross, star clusters, Saturn’s rings, or even distant deep-space objects.

One of the highlights of the Crater Experience is the observatory’s secluded location and intimate atmosphere, offering a more exclusive and personal stargazing experience compared to larger group tours. The experience often includes astrophotography opportunities, with guides helping guests capture images of the night sky using smartphones or cameras

The tour typically lasts around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes and operates in most weather conditions, although telescope viewing is weather dependent.

Dark Sky

Project | Summit Experience - At Mt John Observatory | Evening - €110p.p.

The Summit Experience at Mt John Observatory by Dark Sky Project is a premium stargazing tour set on the summit of Mt John above Lake Tekapo, offering some of the clearest and most spectacular night sky views in the Southern Hemisphere. The experience begins with a guided drive up the winding road to the summit of Mt John, located within the internationally recognised Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. At the top, guests are welcomed into one of New Zealand’s leading research observatories, where expert astronomy guides introduce the night sky and the science behind it

Using high-powered telescopes, visitors observe a range of celestial objects in exceptional detail, including planets, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches vividly across the sky, along with iconic southern constellations such as the Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds

Alongside telescope viewing, guides also share insights into modern astronomy research conducted at the observatory, as well as traditional Māori celestial navigation and storytelling, offering a rich blend of science and cultural perspective.

The summit location provides panoramic views of Lake Tekapo, the surrounding mountains, and the Mackenzie Basin, making sunset and twilight particularly memorable parts of the experience before full darkness sets in Because of the altitude, conditions can be cold and windy, but the clarity of the sky is what makes this location worldfamous.

The experience typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours and is weather dependent, with alternative indoor presentations offered if conditions prevent telescope viewing.