New Zealand - Sweet As!*

Day 1-3

Your overnight flight out of San Francisco actually takes three days by the calendar as you'll cross the International Date Line en route, landing just after 5 a.m. (yawn!) in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Following an orientation tour of the city and lunch, your hotel awaits! But don't nap too long - dinner is served at Orbit 360, a revolving restaurant spiraling high above the city offering fantastic views from the top of the Sky Tower. The Grand by SkyCity - 2 nights (L, D) 

Day 4

New Zealand is famous for its wines, and no place shines brighter than Waiheke. The island is located a 40-minute ferry ride from the city center, but a world apart playing home to award-winning wineries, lush vineyards, olive groves, and inviting beaches. Visit multiple wineries, taste their vintages and have lunch in this popular playground for NZ's rich and famous. (FB, L) 

Day 5

Hamilton Gardens takes you on an amazing trip through time as you wander through 18 enclosed themed gardens spanning over 4000 years of botanical and world history. Rated one of NZ's top three attractions by Trip Advisor! Do we have any Hobbit fans? Much of the movie trilogy was filmed right here in Hobbiton, which you'll explore on a 2-hour guided tour. The day ends in Rotorua. Pullman Rotorua - 2 nights (FB, L) 

Day 6

New Zealanders are called "kiwis," but the word also refers to the beloved flightless bird indigenous to these islands. Learn more at the National Kiwi Hatchery. Other treasured island creatures are sheep, and the dogs specifically trained to herd them. You'll see both in action at the Agrodome Farm Show. Long before the arrival of the English, Polynesians ruled these islands. Known as Maori, you'll have a chance to meet their descendants and sample their food and culture at the Tamaki Maori Village where Matariki (your dinner feast) is served. (FB, D) 

Day 7

See the spectacular Huki Falls on your way to Napier City, famous for its vast assortment of Art Deco buildings which you'll discover on a neighborhood walking tour. Your hotel is located on the city's scenic Marine Parade which you'll want to explore both before and after dinner! Scenic Hotel Te Pania (FB, D) 

Day 8

At the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre you'll see a captive breeding site focused on reestablishing native bird populations across New Zealand including not just the kiwi, but also brown and blue ducks, orange-fronted parakeets, shore plovers and more. Located at the southern tip of the North Island, the Capital City of Wellington is known as "The Windy City." Why? Well, let's just say you better hold onto your hats! Sofitel Wellington - 2 nights (FB) 

Day 9

This morning you'll see "The Beehive" and Parliament buildings on a city highlights tour, followed by a guided walkabout of NZ's national museum of history and culture, Te Papa. Next visit the Cable Car Museum, then enjoy the view with a ride on one of their vintage cars. The afternoon and evening are left for personal exploration. (FB) 

Day 10

Say goodbye to Te Ika-a-Maui (North Island) and hello to Te Waipounamu (South Island) on a short one-hour flight from Wellington to Christchurch. Known to many as Quake City, a disastrous seismic event struck them on February 22, 2011, nearly destroying the community. Today visitors witness their impressive rebirth whilst remembering their storied past. On a guided city tour you'll visit the Quake City interactive exhibit, the Cardboard Cathedral and kick back on a restful punting cruise upon the Avon River. Crowne Plaza Hotel (FB, D) 

Day 11

All aboard! Take the TranzAlpine, NZ's finest inland rail journey, across the Canterbury Plains, through the Waimakariri River Valley and cross the "Southern Alps" at Arthur's Pass. The 5-hour scenic journey ends in Greymouth where you'll travel south along the rugged coast to Franz Josef and NZ's premier 5-star eco-resort. Te Waonui Forest Retreat (FB, D) 

Day 12

The drive to Queenstown will make most of the day and spotlight South Island's pristine, remote nature. Glacier-carved. Underdeveloped. Small population. A UNESCO World Heritage Site compared to the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef simultaneously; the south of South Island is a feast for all the senses. The Rees Hotel - 3 nights (FB, D) 

Day 13

The drive to Milford Sound is nearly as spectacular as the 2-hour cruise on the famed fjord. Home to towering cliffs and peaks (including Mitre Peak that rises more than a kilometer straight out of the sea), rain forests and waterfalls, Milford Sound lives up to its reputation as the "eighth natural wonder of the world"! Though the drive was stunning, you'll see the return to Queenstown from a bird's eye perspective aboard a half-hour flightseeing adventure! (FB, L) 

Day 14

Need more time on the water? Your wish is our command! Board the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak and return. The afternoon is left to explore Queenstown or take a well-earned siesta. In the evening ride a gondola to Bob's Peak for dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant boasting great food and sensational views. (FB, D) 

Day 15

Depart via the Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell, Lake Tekapo and Canterbury where you'll visit the Dark Sky Experience. This indoor multi-media attraction charts history of the world through scientific research and Maori tradition, resulting in a "big bang" of awe and inspiration. Onward to Twizel. Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel - 2 nights (FB, D) 

Day 16

Unlike famed explorer Sir Edmund Hillary, we'll begin our exploration of this amazing area by motor coach - no ice hooks required! Mt. Cook Village is our midday destination where you can visit the Alpine Center, a museum dedicated to all things Hillary. After stocking up on provisions, continue to the Tasman Valley where we'll take a 1.5km alpine walk to board the Glacier Explorer. The 2.5-hour narrated cruise will take you alongside the Tasman Glacier Ice Wall where icebergs are periodically seen calving into the lake. This is nature at its most pristine best! (FB) 

Day 17

It's a sizable jaunt back to Christchurch, but the scenery is guaranteed to keep you spellbound. Tonight's Farewell Dinner is an unexpected treat. The Curator's House is located within the picturesque Botanic Gardens. The chef hails from Barcelona, so you can expect a night of authentic Spanish dishes made only with the freshest NZ ingredients. Ole! Crowne Plaza Hotel (FB, D) 

Day 18

The time has come to say goodbye via a late afternoon departure out of Christchurch. Transfer in Auckland for the trans-Pacific return flight to San Francisco. Whereas you won't get that lost day back, you will be landing (by the clock) 9 hours before you took off! (FB)