Experience cosmopolitan Auckland and stay at a boutique downtown hotel and then two of the most beautiful and romantic areas of New Zealand - the Bay of Islands and Queenstown. In the Bay of Islands you are perfectly located as the golden sands of the Bay of Islands curve out to greet the wide blue south pacific ocean. Picture perfect sunrises stream over the hills of Russell. Dolphins play curiously in the late afternoon waters. t. Queenstown is renowned for its stunning untouched natural beauty and accompanied by some of the best nature walks and adrenalin activities in the world.

• Economy air round trip from Los Angeles - Auckland - Los Angeles
• Add-on airfares available from other cities
• Domestic flights Keri Keri to Queenstown, Queenstown to Auckland
• Private airport transfers
• 8 nights accommodation: 2 nights Hotel DeBrett (Auckland), 3 Edgewater Palms (Bay of Islands), 3 nights The Rees Hotel (Queenstown)
• 4 days car rental
• Daily breakfast
• All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
• All hotel, local and VAT (Goods & services taxes)
• Additional sightseeing options available

Day 1 - Depart US
Ask about our options with Premium Economy and Business class airfare.

Day 2 - Cross International Date line

Day 3 - Arrive Auckland
Don't think of Auckland as a city, even though it's New Zealand's largest. Think of it as half urban, half marine - a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world and surrounded by over 50 islands. Private car transfer to your accommodation.

Accommodation - Settled in downtown Auckland, Hotel DeBrett links two unique precincts – High Street’s hip fashion and Shortland Street’s tailored commerce. Hotel DeBrett’s iconic building has been stylishly reinterpreted into a 25-room luxury boutique hotel. Every room is individually designed and complemented with eclectic furniture, New Zealand art and photography.

Day 4 - Auckland
Explore Auckland at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites:

• Time Unlimited - Auckland Highlight Luxury Half Day Tour - Morning or Afternoon (also available for private use)
  See the highlights of Auckland city with its 55 volcanoes and the marine village of Devonport on Auckland's North Shore. Be amazed by spectacular views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, dramatic views of several volcanoes and the marine village of Devonport.
• Bush and Beach - Coast and Rainforest Tour
  Visit Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, with panoramic views from the sweeping decks extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Next, your guides walk you through Auckland’s coastal rainforest to the West Coast Beach with soft black sand, enjoy a kiwi style picnic lunch before moving onto untouched original rainforest with mature 1000 year old Kauri trees, where 70 percent of the world’s native plants are found nowhere else in the world.
• Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
  Board your Explore Group vessel at Viaduct Harbour, Auckland to commence an Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise. Dine on the Waitemata Harbour, an experience not to be missed in Auckland. Enjoy great sailing and as the sun sets watch the night lights of the cityscape come alive. Sail where the wind takes while enjoying Auckland's city highlights; including sailing under the Harbour Bridge and other well-known landmarks along the harbours edge. The crew's local knowledge will give you the best harbour sailing experience Auckland has to offer. Cruise concludes at approximately 2.5 hours after commencement, back at Viaduct Harbour Auckland.
• Waiheke Island - Wine Tour<
  All day tour of three vineyards with pickup from and return to Auckland ferry or Waiheke Island accommodation . This tour includes commentated scenic tour of the Island with time to stop for photographs. One vineyard may be replaced with an olive oil visit and tasting

Auckland to Orewa 36 km (23 miles) Approximately 0.5 hour At the beginning of your journey, you’ll drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland’s North Shore. The motorway will quickly sweep you northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to peaceful farmland. The town of Orewa spreads along the edge of a large, white sand surf beach. You can explore bush trails at the northern end of the town, visit the friendly shopping centre or dive into the waves for a refreshing swim.

Orewa to Warkworth 27 km (17 miles) Approximately 0.5 hour Driving north, you’ll pass Hatfield’s Beach before coming across Waiwera, which means ‘hot water’ in Maori. The hot springs are the main attraction in this small, seaside village. Enjoy native forest and farmland scenery all the way to Warkworth, a pretty town located on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it’s easy to explore the many attractions of the district – surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.

Warkworth to Whangarei 99 km (68 miles) Approximately 1.25 hour A drive through the Dome Forest will lead you into the rural service town of Wellsford. Whangarei is a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you'll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls.

Whangarei to Paihia 71 km (44 miles) Approximately 1 hour From here the road to the Bay of Islands becomes quite twisty, but you’ll enjoy some delightful scenery along the way. A short detour takes you to the port of Opua, where cruise ships often call. The resort town of Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands or a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation.

ACCOMMODATION - Edgewater Palms Apartments, set on the waterfront with tropical landscaping and exceptional facilities – is the perfect place to enjoy all that Northland has to offer. Golden sands of the Bay of Islands curve out to greet the wide blue south pacific ocean. Picture perfect sunrises stream over the hills of Russell. Dolphins play curiously in the late afternoon waters.

Day 6 & 7 - Bay of Islands
Explore the Bay of Islands at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites:

• Half Day Walking Adventure an dCrusie
  Stop at two of the islands in the bay, first for a short visit to either Roberton or Moturua Island, both of which offer stunning views of the Bay and beyond. Next, stop off at the northern end of stunning Urupukapuka Island with its white sandy beaches, rolling hills and a sanctuary for native birdlife of all kinds. New walking tracks have made the island accessible to hikers of all abilities. Enjoy a six-kilometre walk through amazing coastal scenery and remote beaches towards Otehei Bay. You will have plenty of time to soak up the views and swim in New Zealand's warmest water. Walking maps are provided.
• Swim with the Dolphins
  Encounter these intelligent and playful mammals in their natural environment. Get the Swim with the Dolphins experience in the warmest waters in New Zealand. Cruise picturesque islands while searching for dolphins. Once we find a pod of dolphins, Department of Conservation regulations will determine whether a swim is possible. Swimming is optional however you need to be a confident swimmer.The high speed catamaran is purpose built for dolphin watching and swimming and offers easy access to the water and ample viewing areas including observation decks and side opening windows.
• Waitangi Treaty Ground Pass
  The Day Pass includes admission to the Treaty Grounds, entry to the Museum of Waitangi, entry to the introductory film, a 50 minute guided tour and a 35 minute cultural performance. During the guided tour you learn more about the history, the stories, the personalities and events that shaped New Zealand as a nation. The cultural performance starts with a spine tingling challenge outside, followed by a full performance inside the carved Meeting house including waiata (singing), poi, stick games, Maori weaponry display and the famous haka
• Waitangi Treaty Ground Pass
  The Day Pass includes admission to the Treaty Grounds, entry to the Museum of Waitangi, entry to the introductory film, a 50 minute guided tour and a 35 minute cultural performance. During the guided tour you learn more about the history, the stories, the personalities and events that shaped New Zealand as a nation. The cultural performance starts with a spine tingling challenge outside, followed by a full performance inside the carved Meeting house including waiata (singing), poi, stick games, Maori weaponry display and the famous haka

Day 8 - Fly Keri Keri to Queenstown
This morning return your rental car to Kerikeri airport. Depart Kerikeri by air to Queenstown. On arrival into Queenstown you will be transferred by private car service transfer to the Rees Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION - Showcasing breath taking panoramic lake and alpine views, The Rees Hotel Queenstown is a sophisticated Five Star hotel situated right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with its own beach and private wharf. The many unique features at The Rees Hotel include a fine dining restaurant with an award winning chef who creates exquisite menus showcasing the spectacular produce available in Central Otago, an extensive award winning wine cellar, library and courtesy shuttle to/from Queenstown town centre.

Queenstown is an established international four-season resort with a diverse number of experiences on offer. There are over 200 attractions from bungy jumping to arts trails, a full range of accommodation from camp-sites to major hotels and luxury lodges, and a compact town centre. In winter, Queenstown and the surrounding region turns into an alpine playground, with skiing and snowboarding opportunities everywhere as well as the annual Queenstown Winter Festival. Milford and Doubtful Sounds in Fiordland National Park are a day trip distance from Queenstown, A range of multi-day tramping tracks, including the Routeburn, Hollyford, Greenstone and Rees-Dart, are within driving distance of Queenstown.

Day 9 & 10 - Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites:

• Milford Fly Cruise Fly/Dart River Safaris Combo
  Join your Milford Sound Scenic Flights crew at Queenstown Airport, Sir Henly Wigley Dr, Frankton, to commence a full day Milford Fly Cruise Fly/Dart River Safaris Combo tour. Fly from Queenstown to magnificent Milford to enjoy a launch cruise travelling the full length of Milford Sound. Return by scenic flight landing at Glenorchy to join Dart River Safaris to journey into the untouched wilderness of a World Heritage Area before coaching back to Queenstown. Tour concludes approximately 10 hours after commencement, at Queenstown Airport.
• Milford Sound Nature Cruise
  An on board nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region's history, flora and fauna provides detailed interpretation in English with a roving microphone. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and the towering peaks; and keep a lookout for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins when in season. Coach or flight transfers available.
• Appellation Central Wine Tours
  Appellation Central offers guided tours showcasing Central Otago's fine wine and cuisine. These tours venture into the heartland of Central Otago visiting vineyards in Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Small groups and custom fit minibuses ensure a relaxed and interactive day out from Queenstown and a great way to experience Central Otago.
• Nomad Safari - Skippers Canyon
  A half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. Hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. Navigate this awe-inspiring canyon and visit many historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge, township of Skippers, and the restored school house - gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and histories of life in this tough environment.
• Queenstown Rafting Triple Challenge - Shotover Jet,Helicopter & WhiteWater Rafting
  The Ultimate Adventure. Begin with the shotover jet, speed through rocky canyons and experience the Hamilton 360 spins. Climb aboard a helicopter for a spectacular flight into Skippers Canyon. Land at Deep Creek and meet your rafting guide, peaceful waters at first before hearing the roar of the"mother" section.
• Zipline Ecotour
  Commence an ecotour on Queenstown's original zipline course and the perfect starter to your adventure experience. Comprised of four ziplines, starting and finishing at the top of the Skyline gondola, the tour is designed to start low and slow and gradually build your confidence as it gets progressively longer, higher and faster. All ages love the interaction this guided aerial tour has to offer.

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Note: Daily departures, this package is an independent itinerary with flexible departures (not a group tour)

Single Supplement: From $1,299

NZETA & IVL to enter New Zealand $50 per person. Before committing to your trip please ensure you hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date you plan to return to the USA.

Read More about NZETA & IVL

Add on airfares (coach) available from most major airports - Add $200 from San Francisco, Add $250 from Dallas, Seattle, add $300 from New York, Denver, Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, add $400 from Boston, Miami, Add $450 from Washington DC, Atlanta - ask an Aspire consultant for a quote from your local airport.

• Upgrade to Skycouch (2 pax) from $449 each way*
• Upgrade to premium economy from $700 per person each way*
• Upgrade to business class from $2,000 per person each way*
Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket

* Starting from pricing based on Monday through Thursday departures - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee for travel Friday through Sunday

Conditions

Package from pricing is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room) from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Ask an Aspire consultant for pricing for other travel dates. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Certain blackout dates apply on the accommodation and tour value add offers - check with your Aspire consultant. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect a discount for purchases made by cash/wire transfer/check, please see terms and conditions for credit card payments. There are no discounts for payment made by credit cards. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.