The Long White Cloud - 19 days Christchurch to Auckland

On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the process of turning bread into spirits. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Delight in the rich history of chocolate in Dunedin, uncover the origins of OCHO and learn the art of crafting true, artisanal chocolate. Indulge in an exquisite 10-sample bean-to-bar tasting, elevating your senses to the heights of luxury.

Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.

A warm welcome awaits you at a local farm, where you’ll savour a rustic lunch while listening to captivating tales from landowner Chris. Immerse yourself in the farm's charm, with the chance to interact with friendly animals and enjoy an abundance of fascinating stories—an unforgettable experience in nature.

Enjoy dinner at the majestic waterfront Bathhouse, try locally grown, foraged and farmed produce, local and international wines, against the spectacular lakefront backdrop of Lake Wakatipu.

Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to learn more about New Zealand conservation and contribute to biodiversity.

Journey through the dramatic landscapes surrounding Queenstown that brought Middle-earth to life on screen. Visit iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, from rugged river valleys and glacier-carved gorges to soaring mountain backdrops. Along the way, hear fascinating stories from the production and discover how this remarkable corner of New Zealand became one of cinema’s most unforgettable settings.

Visit the Highlands National Motorsport Museum and come face to face with top-of-the-line machines. Since you only ever see them in the movies or on TV, there’s just something about being in the same room with these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing.

Wānaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wānaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet our friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea & indulge in our lavender ice-creams. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Wānaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.

Enjoy wine tasting in Gibbston Valley Wine Region at Kinross, followed by lunch.

Take a leisurely cruise across the pristine waters of Lake Wānaka to Stevenson’s Arm, gateway to the Mount Burke high-country sheep station. Verdant pastures give way to the dramatic rise of Mount Gold, dominating the northern skyline. Step ashore on Stevenson’s Island for a short hike led by your Local Expert, then return aboard to unwind with a refined selection of refreshments served against a backdrop of alpine serenity.

Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.

Indulge in an exceptional dining experience at Te Waonui Rainforest Retreat, where exquisite, locally sourced cuisine is perfectly paired with fine wines, set against the serene backdrop of an ancient rainforest, offering an unforgettable journey of taste and tranquillity.

Discover the wild beauty of the West Coast with a personalized scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest, where a guided nature walk follows a low-impact track created by your skipper, Dale, and his team. Wander through untouched old-growth forest, rich in native flora and teeming with birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful white herons and New Zealand’s native bush birds in this peaceful, otherworldly sanctuary. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land.

Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.

Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and hear about the area's rich history - from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.

Cruise along Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Straight as you pass from South Island to North to begin the next leg of your incredible journey. See the coves, bays and lush green forests rising from the tranquil waters as you pass.

Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.

Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 500+ acre ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area. Take a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate expert guide.

Indulge in wine tasting and an intimate dinner at the award-winning restaurant of Craggy Range Winery. Feast on local produce as you sit in the shade of Te Mata Peak and drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards.

Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with plush, classic furnishings and local artwork, all moments away from the charming village of Havelock North.

Journey from coast to cape in Hawke’s Bay for a rare, close encounter with the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Take in sweeping coastal views as you witness these magnificent birds up close. As part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, a donation is made on your behalf to support conservation at Cape Sanctuary. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you climb into a luxury vintage car with a discerning local guide for your personal tour of Napier. Uncover the highlights of this world-famous town’s 140 art deco buildings and sculptures from the comfort of your 1930s vintage vehicle, while learning how the Trust safeguards these treasures. Hear how it preserves a collection of art deco buildings constructed after the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake and fire, tells the stories of courageous locals who rebuilt with creativity and optimism. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a guided cultural walk through Whirinaki Native Forest. Begin with a traditional Māori welcome before venturing into pristine Whirinaki Forest, discovering ancient trees, waterfalls, native birds, and rich cultural stories. Guided by proud locals, you’ll enjoy forest bathing, a packed picnic lunch, and Kawakawa tea. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. The hatchery has grown to become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, helping the North Island population considerably. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a celebration of 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. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés), complimentary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Discover the landmarks of New Zealand’s largest city on your afternoon tour. See the diversity of the city from bustling Queen Street and the rejuvenated Viaduct Harbour to the historic buildings around the city’s university and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Enter the subterranean Footwhistle Cave for a private tour. Your guide will lead you down to the entrance of the cave, where on this intimate, private tour you will discover the beauty of the New Zealand Glowworm, and learn about the cave formations and beauty of Footwhistle Cave. A cup of locally brewed Kawa Kawa tea is the perfect finish.   

The Trivet dining experience draws inspiration from Aotearoa’s rich cultural tapestry, blending global culinary traditions and techniques with the finest locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the sharing-style Auckland cuisine, where every dish tells a story and creates a sense of connection.