Nature & Landscapes · Oceania
New Zealand: Beyond Vistas & Vineyards
OVERVIEW
New Zealand: Beyond Vistas & Vineyards
February 10 - 24, 2027
From $8,399 USD | $11,549 CAD
New Zealand is a land that invites wonder — where dramatic landscapes, living culture, and a deep respect for the natural world shape everyday life. This premium small-group journey explores the country at a thoughtful pace, moving beyond iconic views and celebrated vineyards to explore the deeper stories written into the land itself.
Rooted in an appreciation of God’s creation, this experience unfolds through mountains and glaciers, geothermal valleys, dark-sky reserves, and fertile coastlines. Along the way, travelers encounter Māori heritage, conservation efforts, rural life, and contemporary New Zealand culture; not as spectators, but as welcomed guests.
The journey balances guided discovery with time to slow down, breathe deeply, and take in the surroundings. Scenic walks, outdoor encounters, shared meals, and space for personal exploration allow the landscapes to speak for themselves. From vineyard-covered islands and thermal regions in the North Island to alpine lakes and glacier-fed valleys in the South Island, each day invites reflection, gratitude, and connection.
JB Miller
Tour Expert
New Zealand
Countries Visited
15 Days
Duration
Moderately Active
Activity Level
Trip Highlights
Waiheke Island Vineyards & Coastal Landscapes
Island vineyards overlooking the Hauraki Gulf.
Rotorua’s Geothermal Valleys
Steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and living thermal landscapes.
Hawke’s Bay Wine Country
Sun-drenched vineyards and coastal countryside.
Aoraki / Mount Cook & Glacier Lakes
Alpine scenery at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Tekapo Dark Sky Reserve & Southern Alps
Stargazing beneath some of the clearest night skies in the world.
DAY 1 • February 10, 2027
Arrival - Auckland
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where harbors, volcanic hills, and coastal neighborhoods shape daily life. After time to settle in, enjoy a guided introduction to the city’s waterfront and cultural story. In the evening, gather for a relaxed welcome dinner as the group begins the journey together.
DAY 2 • February 11, 2027
Auckland → Rotorua
Journey south through the fertile Waikato region toward Rotorua, a place where geothermal forces shape the land and Māori traditions remain deeply rooted. Steam rises from the earth across the region’s valleys and lakes. In the evening, experience a traditional cultural program featuring storytelling, music, and a shared hāngī dinner.
DAY 3 • February 12, 2027
Rotorua
Spend the day exploring Rotorua’s remarkable geothermal landscapes and living Māori heritage. Travelers may choose between a guided walk across the volcanic slopes of Mount Tarawera or a restorative experience at the region’s natural hot springs. The afternoon and evening allow time to wander the lakeside town and enjoy dinner at leisure.
DAY 4 • February 13, 2027
Rotorua → Taupō → Napier
Travel through a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic forces, pausing near Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. Continue south toward Hawke’s Bay, one of the country’s most celebrated wine regions. In Napier, enjoy a scenic countryside drive and vineyard visit before settling into this charming Art Deco coastal town.
DAY 5 • February 14, 2027
Napier → Wellington
Journey through rolling farmland and rural landscapes toward the lower North Island. En route, visit Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, where conservation efforts are helping restore native species to their natural habitat. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital set between forested hills and a dramatic harbour.
DAY 6 • February 15, 2027
Wellington
Discover Wellington’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural life. Highlights include panoramic views from Mount Victoria, the historic Parliament precinct, Old St. Paul’s Church, and the acclaimed Te Papa Museum. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the city’s lively waterfront, cafés, and galleries.
DAY 7 • February 16, 2027
Wellington → Christchurch
Fly to New Zealand’s South Island and arrive in Christchurch, a city that has rebuilt itself with creativity and resilience following the 2011 earthquake. A guided introduction reveals the city’s gardens, riverfront, and innovative urban renewal. In the evening, enjoy a progressive walking dinner through the revitalized downtown.
DAY 8 • February 17, 2027
Christchurch → Lake Tekapo
Travel across the broad Canterbury Plains, where farmland stretches toward the distant Southern Alps. En route, visit a working farm for a glimpse into rural life. By afternoon, the landscape opens into the Mackenzie Basin, where Lake Tekapo’s striking turquoise waters sit beneath snow-capped peaks.
DAY 9 • February 18, 2027
Lake Tekapo ↔ Aoraki / Mount Cook
Journey into Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain and some of its most dramatic alpine scenery. A glacier explorer boat trip reveals icebergs floating across a glacial lake, with optional scenic walks offering views of towering peaks and sweeping valleys.
DAY 10 • February 19, 2027
Lake Tekapo → Wānaka → Queenstown
Travel south through alpine passes and high-country landscapes. Pause in the lakeside town of Wānaka for a scenic walk and lunch before continuing through Central Otago wine country. Arrive in Queenstown, beautifully situated beside Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by rugged mountains.
DAY 11 • February 20, 2027
Queenstown
A full day to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. Options include a visit to historic Arrowtown, a lake cruise, gondola ride, scenic walks, or exploring nearby vineyards. The day invites travelers to experience the region according to their own interests.
DAY 12 • February 21, 2027
Queenstown
Another day to slow the rhythm of the journey and explore the surrounding landscapes. Whether walking lakeside trails, venturing into the mountains, or relaxing in town cafés, the day offers space to enjoy one of New Zealand’s most spectacular settings.
DAY 13 • February 22, 2027
Queenstown → Auckland
Fly north to Auckland, returning to the harbor city where the journey began. The afternoon and evening are free to revisit favorite neighborhoods, stroll the waterfront, or enjoy a final dinner in the city.
DAY 14 • February 23, 2027
Waiheke Island
Cross the Hauraki Gulf by ferry to Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards, olive groves, and coastal landscapes. Spend the day exploring the island’s relaxed charm with a vineyard lunch, tastings, and time to enjoy its beaches and village atmosphere.
DAY 15 • February 24, 2027
Departure - Auckland
Group transfers to Auckland International Airport for flights home, bringing the journey through New Zealand’s landscapes and communities to a close.
Pricing
Registration:
Early Bird Rate until August 10, 2026 (SAVE $1,000 USD | $1,375 CAD)
After August 10, 2026
Double Occupancy:
$8,399 USD | $11,549 CAD
$9,399 USD | $12,924 CAD
Single Occupancy:
$10,534 USD | $14,485 CAD
$11,534 USD | $15,859 CAD
Inclusions
Premium four- and five-star hotels in exceptional waterfront, alpine, and city-centre locations
Private motorcoach transportation and ferry travel throughout the tour
All breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 8 thoughtfully hosted group dinners featuring multi-course menus at carefully selected restaurants
TourMagination tour expert throughout the journey
Local step-on guides and cultural guides in select locations
All activities, excursions, and entrance fees listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for drivers, local guides, site guides, hotel porters (where available), and included group meals
Arrival and departure transfers between Auckland Airport and the group hotel on the tour arrival and departure dates
Exclusions
International airfare
Domestic flights within New Zealand (estimated at $420 USD/person, arranged by TourMagination and added to the final invoice once confirmed)
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Meals not listed above
Optional activities, alcoholic beverages, and personal purchases
TOUR EXPERT
JB Miller
Teacher · Adventurer · Epicurean · Bridge Builder · Fun-Loving Storyteller
JB, a former financial services executive with more than forty years of experience, has embraced retirement as a time to pursue his passions and share new adventures with others. Five years of organizing and leading “people-to-people” tours to Cuba allowed him to combine his love of travel, learning, and connecting with people.
JB also enjoys speaking to groups and teaching in an adult enrichment program—helping people gain a deeper understanding of the Mennonites and Amish who are part of Sarasota, Florida’s vibrant community. Whether in the classroom or on a tour, he thrives on creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and grow together.
Travel has always been one of JB’s greatest joys. For him, it’s not only about discovering new places and cuisines but also about building bridges across cultures and creating shared memories. He likes to think of himself as fun, outgoing, and a little adventuresome—and he enjoys a good joke along the way.
Questions?
Reach out to our team at office@tourmagination.com
or by phone at (877) 668-2732.