16-Nights Untamed New Zealand

Untamed New Zealand
See New Zealand unfold from north to south on this 17-day tour from Auckland to Christchurch. With a Small Group of no more than 24 travellers, accompanied by a Travel Director and Driver, you’ll discover Maori culture in Rotorua, discover Napier’s striking Art Deco heritage and taste your way through boutique wine country in Wairarapa. Meet locals who bring each place to life, from a fifth-generation beekeeper to the Pavlova Queen of Lake Tekapo. You’ll cruise through majestic Milford Sound overnight, explore aviation history in Blenheim and travel through landscapes that feel almost unreal. This is New Zealand at its most varied, most beautiful and most unforgettable.

Dining Summary

• 5 Dinner (D)
• 16 Breakfast (B)
• 2 Lunch (L)
• 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Must-see Highlights

• Explore Art Deco Capital Napier on walking tour & Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
• Discover Maori culture at Te Puia Rotorua 
• Visit Whirinaki Forest interactive experience, Greytown Honey to meet a 5th generation beekeeper, Wairarapa Vineyard for tastings, Pavlova Queen Angie at Lake Takapo, and Highlands Motorsport Park Museum
• View Franz Josef Glacier from panoramic viewpoint 
• Scenic Cruise overnight on Milford Sound, and across Lake Wakatipu on historic steamship

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

• Whakatane: The tour begins with Mihi Whakatau (welcome) and Karakia (prayer) to keep you safe on your journey. Pristine native rainforest trails await you! Meet Nga Rakau Rangatira - the chiefly trees of the forest, see our 1,000 year old Totara, learn about our Rakau Rongoa (Natural Medicine Plants), hear and hopefully see our native and endangered birds in their natural habitat. Hear history, and learn about our myths and legends along the way, as you walk in the shadows of giants, and tread where dinosaurs once walked. Fill your water bottles from our pure waterfalls, and enjoy a packed picnic lunch infused with traditional cuisine – “Forest to Fork”. See the tallest moss in the world, and enjoy 'Forest Bathing' - the concept of connecting with nature and enjoying the health benefits of simply just 'being' at one with the forest. There are plenty of viewing spots along the way to see the beautiful Whirinaki River, and lots of waterfalls to meet throughout the day. Local Maori Guides: Our proud and knowledgeable guides will share with you all that you want to know...and more! The tour concludes with hot Kawakawa Tea. On the coach on the way out of the forest, the Whirinaki guides will share with the group our back story to our business and the massive community and social responsibility arm we have, and how their visit is positively impacting on our community.
• Napier: The Art Deco Trust in New Zealand is a Make Travel Matter experience that celebrates the architectural and cultural heritage of Napier, a city reborn through design and resilience after the 1931 earthquake. Through guided walks and immersive storytelling, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s stunning Art Deco buildings and the community’s dedication to preserving its unique character. This experience supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting heritage conservation, fostering local pride, and ensuring that Napier’s rich history is safeguarded for future generations. Every visit directly contributes to restoration efforts, helping maintain the city’s vibrant identity and sustainable urban development.

Choice Highlights

• Whakatane: The tour begins with Mihi Whakatau (welcome) and Karakia (prayer) to keep you safe on your journey. Pristine native rainforest trails await you! Meet Nga Rakau Rangatira - the chiefly trees of the forest, see our 1,000 year old Totara, learn about our Rakau Rongoa (Natural Medicine Plants), hear and hopefully see our native and endangered birds in their natural habitat. Hear history, and learn about our myths and legends along the way, as you walk in the shadows of giants, and tread where dinosaurs once walked. Fill your water bottles from our pure waterfalls, and enjoy a packed picnic lunch infused with traditional cuisine – “Forest to Fork”. See the tallest moss in the world, and enjoy 'Forest Bathing' - the concept of connecting with nature and enjoying the health benefits of simply just 'being' at one with the forest. There are plenty of viewing spots along the way to see the beautiful Whirinaki River, and lots of waterfalls to meet throughout the day. Local Maori Guides: Our proud and knowledgeable guides will share with you all that you want to know...and more! The tour concludes with hot Kawakawa Tea. On the coach on the way out of the forest, the Whirinaki guides will share with the group our back story to our business and the massive community and social responsibility arm we have, and how their visit is positively impacting on our community.
• Napier: The Art Deco Trust in New Zealand is a Make Travel Matter experience that celebrates the architectural and cultural heritage of Napier, a city reborn through design and resilience after the 1931 earthquake. Through guided walks and immersive storytelling, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s stunning Art Deco buildings and the community’s dedication to preserving its unique character. This experience supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting heritage conservation, fostering local pride, and ensuring that Napier’s rich history is safeguarded for future generations. Every visit directly contributes to restoration efforts, helping maintain the city’s vibrant identity and sustainable urban development.