Airways Expeditions • New Zealand

New Zealand
Expedition

A curated journey across Aotearoa—from Auckland through Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and the South Island—culminating in Queenstown and a signature Milford Sound day.

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Auckland Rotorua Wellington Kaikōura Christchurch Tekapo Queenstown Milford Sound
Nov 6–17, 2026

12 days across the North & South Islands (Auckland → Queenstown).

Small-group, guided

Private guides, pre-arranged transfers, paced itinerary for comfort and discovery.

Signature experiences

City walks, geothermal + cultural stops, scenic rail/coast, alpine lakes, Milford Sound day.

Hotels + select meals

Accommodation throughout, with meals included on key days (see daily inclusions).

What this trip is

This Airways-hosted expedition is a carefully choreographed New Zealand loop—mixing city culture, landmark landscapes, and classic South Island scenery. Expect comfortable pacing, hands-on guidance, and curated daily activities.

  • Start in Auckland with a guided city discovery and welcome dinner.
  • Progress through Rotorua and Taupō for geothermal and lakeside highlights.
  • Wellington for museums and capital culture.
  • South Island stretch via Kaikōura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, and onward to Queenstown.
  • Milford Sound as a signature day trip before departure from Queenstown.
New Zealand Expedition — trip overview image

Trip highlights

Private city walks & local insights
Guided discovery in major stops
Geothermal + cultural North Island stops
Rotorua and regional experiences
Capital city museums & waterfront
Wellington day programming
Coast + wildlife experiences (Kaikōura)
Seascapes, marine life, and curated time
Alpine lakes & stargazing region (Tekapo)
Iconic South Island scenery
Queenstown + Milford Sound day
Signature finale experience

Every day includes a clear set of inclusions (accommodation, meals, activities, transfers) so you can travel light and focus on the journey.

New Zealand Expedition — highlight 1 New Zealand Expedition — highlight 2 New Zealand Expedition — highlight 3

Day-by-day itinerary

Expand each day to see the narrative summary and the “Today’s inclusions” (accommodation, meals, activities, transfers, room type).

Today’s narrative
Arrive, transfer to hotel, and begin with a guided city introduction and a hosted welcome moment.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Hotel Indigo, includes early check-in
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Private Predinner Drinks, Canapés and Welcome Dinner
  • Activities: Privately guided 2-hour walking tour of Auckland
  • Transfers: Private airport transfers to Hotel Indigo – group or individual
Day 1 highlight
Today’s narrative
Guided stops en route and curated afternoon programming focused on geothermal landscapes and cultural context.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Hotel Indigo
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Activities: Privately guided tour of MOTAT,Privately guided tour of Ardmore Hangars
  • Transfers: Private return transfers for all activities
Day 2 highlight
Today’s narrative
A full Rotorua day with programmed experiences and curated downtime.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Hotel St Moritz
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Activities: Privately guided tour of Ohinemutu, includes lunch
  • Transfers: Private airport transfer from Hotel Indigo to Airport. Private return airport transfer from Rotorua Airport to Ohinemutu. Private airport transfer from Queenstown Airport to TBC
Day 3 highlight
Today’s narrative
Scenic move day with curated stops and a comfortable arrival.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Hotel St Moritz
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Activities: Private return Milford Sound helicopter flight, Private 30-minute jet boat ride
  • Transfers: Private transfer from hotel to heli base, Private transfer to Shotover Jet then into Queenstown
Day 4 highlight
Today’s narrative
Capital city arrival with curated museums/waterfront experiences.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Hotel St Moritz
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Activities: Fly to Mandeville in chartered Cessnas, privately guided tour of Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre, 1 flight in a vintage aircraft
  • Transfers: Complimentary return transfers to Queenstown Airfield, Private Charter Cessna Caravan from Airfield to Mandeville Aerodrome return
Day 5 highlight
Today’s narrative
Full day program in Wellington with pacing for comfort and discovery.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Private Dinner
  • Activities: Privately guided tour of the Air NZ Hangar, Privately guided tour of Air Force Museum
  • Transfers: Private airport transfer from Millbrook Resort to Airport, Private transfer from Airport to all activities, then Crowne Plaza
Day 6 highlight
Today’s narrative
South Island transition with coastal arrival and arranged evening program.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Activities: Privately guided tour of Air Traffic Control Radar Room, Privately guided food, art and culture 3-hour tour including lunch, beverages and tastings, Private charter Punting on the Avon
  • Transfers: Private return transfers to ATC
Day 7 highlight
Today’s narrative
Christchurch exploration with hosted dinner experience.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
  • Meals: Breakfast and BBQ lunch
  • Activities: Private tour of the Ashburton Aviation Museum
  • Transfers: Private return transfer to the Ashburton Aviation Museum
Day 8 highlight
Today’s narrative
Relax and enjoy stunning views of the Pacific coastline, rivers, and rolling countryside.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Activities: Privately guided tour of WWI and WWII exhibitions at Omaka, Privately guided tour of Jem Aviation.
  • Transfers: Private airport transfer from Crowne Plaza to Train Station. Private airport transfer to all activities and lunch and to Chateau Marlborough.
Day 9 highlight
Today’s narrative
Connect personally with the land, the animals, and the farmers who nurture them.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Activities: Privately guided Farm Tour includes morning tea, Privately guided wine tour at Mahi Wines.
  • Transfers: Private return transfers to ATC
Day 7 highlight
Today’s narrative
Settle in as you glide across tranquil waterways framed by forested hills and secluded bays.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Farewell Dinner
  • Activities: PPrivate charter cruise in the Marlborough Sounds, includes, lunch and one glassbeer/wine
  • Transfers: Private return transfers
Day 7 highlight
Today’s narrative
Take with you the memories and stories that will forever soar as part of the New Zealand Air Expedition.
Today’s inclusions
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Transfers: Private small or group transfer from Chateau Marlborough to Blenheim Airport
Day 7 highlight

Pricing & terms

Twin / Double (per person)
$9,880
USD · twin/double share
Limited availability. Prices and inclusions follow the program terms.
Single Supplement
$2,500
USD · additional
Applies to guests requesting a single room for the program duration.
Deposit
$1,000
Deposit due upon booking
Final payment: due by August 6, 2026.
Cancellation: deposits non-refundable; after final payment, cancellations non-refundable.

What’s generally included

  • Accommodation throughout the itinerary (see daily inclusions).
  • Scheduled activities and guided experiences listed day-by-day.
  • Ground transfers as listed in daily inclusions.
  • Select meals as specified each day.
Note: the definitive inclusions are the “Today’s inclusions” listed per day.

Common exclusions

  • International flights to/from New Zealand.
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
  • Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, souvenirs).
  • Optional activities not listed as included.
  • Gratuities (unless explicitly included).

Request to join

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New Zealand Expedition — route map

Expedition Program

Download the full expedition program PDF for complete day-by-day details, inclusions, and travel notes.

↓ Download Expedition Program
New Zealand Expedition · Nov 6–17, 2026 $9,880 per person (twin/double) · Deposit $1,000
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