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Chasing Horizons: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Wonders, From Glowing Caves to Majestic Peaks



12/18/2024: Departure

• Drive from San Diego to Los Angeles
• Leave San Diego in the afternoon to avoid traffic.
• Park at LAX Hilton (book parking in advance for a smooth experience).
• Flight:

American Airlines 83

Departs Wed, Dec 18, 11:25pm

Los Angeles, CA, United States (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)

Terminal O 13h 40m duration


Arrives Fri, Dec 20, 10:05am 

Auckland, New Zealand (AKL-Auckland Intl.)

Terminal I

12/20/2024: Arrival in Auckland

• Arrive at AKL at 10:30 AM
• Go through customs and immigration (estimate 1-1.5 hours).
• Pick up car rental from Hertz: Intermediate Kia Sportage SUV.
• Snack Stop: Head to a local supermarket like Pak’nSave for snacks, energy bars and drinks, water, … for the Tongariro Alpine Crossings hike.
• Check-in at Hilton Auckland.
• Rest and explore SkyCity, Auckland Waterfront in the evening, perhaps dine at a local restaurant like Ahi.

12/21/2024: Waitomo Caves & Tongariro National Park

• Morning: Depart Auckland by 9:30 AM for Waitomo.
• Drive time: ~2.5 hours.
• Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour (1:40 PM, duration: 2 hours 45 minutes).
• After the tour, grab a quick bite before heading to Tongariro.
• Drive to Tongariro: ~2 hours. Dinner at Schnapps Bar.
• Stay: Plateau Lodge, Tongariro.
• Relax and prepare for the hike the next day.

12/22/2024: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

• Early morning breakfast at Spiral Restaurant @ Park. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (6-8 hours).

• Start early for the best experience (7-8 AM).
• Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
• After the hike, dinner at Schnapps Bar, rest at Plateau Lodge and perhaps enjoy a soothing soak in their hot tub.

12/23/2024: Hobbiton & Rotorua

• Drive to Hobbiton: Depart by 9:00 AM for a leisurely drive (~2.5 hours).

• Tour at 1:40 PM (booked via GetYourGuide).
• Drive to Rotorua: ~45 minutes.
• Check-in at Pullman Rotorua.
• Relax and perhaps explore local cafes or a geothermal park.

12/24/2024: Rotorua Activities

• Morning: Hells Gate Mud Spa.
• Evening: Mitai Māori Cultural Experience & buffet dinner (6:30 PM).
• Enjoy a traditional Māori show and feast.

12/25/2024: Rotorua to Auckland

• Morning: Walk around Kuirau Park or Government Gardens in Rotorua. Stop by Agrodome Farm Show.
• Drive to Auckland: ~3 hours.
• Dinner at Feriza’s Auckland
• Stay: Park Hyatt Auckland.

12/26/2024: Christchurch

• Flight to Christchurch: Air New Zealand at 9:00 AM, arrive at 11:00 AM.
• Pick up rental car from Hertz, Toyota RAV4.
• Grocery Stop: Stock up on essentials for the time in Mt. Cook.
• Drive to Mt. Cook: ~4 hours, stopping at Lake Tekapo. Lunch at TLV Restaurant and Bar.
• Stay: The Hermitage Hotel, Mt. Cook.
• Enjoy the stunning night sky at Mt. Cook.

12/27/2024: Explore Mt. Cook

• Tasman Glacier View and Blue Lake Hike
• Glacier Explorers boat tour.

12/28/2024: Hooker Valley Track

• Hike Hooker Valley Track (3-4 hours, easy to moderate hike).

• Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Cook, glaciers, and lakes.
• Afternoon free for relaxation or additional short walks.

12/29/2024: Drive to Te Anau

• Drive to Te Anau: ~5 hours, with road stops at High Country Salmon, Lindis Pass Summit Lookout, Gibston Winery, … Dinner at The Fat Duck, Te Anau
• Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau.
• Evening: Relax and prepare for Milford Sound.

12/30/2024: Milford Sound Cruise

• Drive to Milford Sound: 2 hours.
• Cruise at 1:30 PM (booked via GetYourGuide).

• Return to Te Anau by late afternoon.
• Dinner: Redcliff Restaurant and Bar, Te Anau

12/31/2024: Queenstown - New Year’s Eve

• Drive to Queenstown: ~2.5 hours.
• Explore the town in the afternoon. Onsen Hot Pools Retreat and Day Spa, Skyline Luge
• New Year’s Eve dinner at Tatsumi Modern Japanese Dining, Queenstown.
• Stay: Villa Del Lago.

01/01/2025: Jet Boat Tour

• Early morning walk to Vudu Cafe, for espresso and pastries.Jet Boat Tour at 12:00 noon (booked via GetYourGuide).
• Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Shotover River.

• Lunch at iconic, Fergburger. Afternoon free for exploring Queenstown’s lakeside or other activities. Dinner at Walter Peak.

01/02/2025: Biking & Canyoning

• Bike tour from Arrowtown to Queenstown, stopping at The Boatshed Cafe.

• Explore vineyards and enjoy wine tasting.
• Dinner: FINZ Seafood and Grill.

01/03/2025: Queenstown to Auckland

• Airport Return car rental at Queenstown Airport (10:30 AM).
• Flight to Auckland: Jetstar at 12:45 PM, arrive at 2:35 PM.
• Stay: Park Hyatt Auckland
• Evening: Relax and enjoy Auckland’s vibrant dining scene.

01/04/2025: Departure

• Flight to LAX: Qantas Airways, departs at 3:50 PM.
• Arrive early at the airport to check in.

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