Journey to new zealand

Prepared for KATHY AND BROOKS SIMPSON
Dec. 27, 2026 - Jan. 14, 2027

Itinerary Outline

Dec. 27 - 29 | Travel to Queenstown

DEC. 27 | Departure DAY

Flight from Seattle to Auckland

Domestic Flight: Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)
Flight: Alaska Airlines AS0688
Departure: 1:43 p.m. (Sun, Dec 27)
Arrival: 4:00 p.m. (Sun, Dec 27)
Flight time: 2h 17m
Cabin: First
Seats: Brooks 02D, Kathleen 02F
Baggage: 3x23kg (50lbs) checked & 2 pieces cabin per person
Confirmation: WJAPES

3hrs 50m in transit in San Francisco.

International Flight: San Francisco (SFO) to Auckland (AKL)
Flight: Air New Zealand NZ0007
Departure: 7:50 p.m. (Sun, Dec 27)
Arrival: 5:45 a.m. (Tue, Dec 29)
Flight time: 12h 55m
Cabin: Business
Seats: Brooks 05A, Kathleen 06A
Baggage: 3x23kg (50lbs) checked & 2 pieces cabin per person
Confirmation: ASF8BH

2hrs 10m in transit in Auckland.

Private Transfer to Domestic Terminal

On arrival at Auckland International Airport you will be met and transferred in a private vehicle to the Domestic Terminal for your onward flight to Queenstown.

DEC. 29 | QUEENSTOWN

Flight from Auckland to Queenstown

Domestic Flight: Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN)
Flight: Air New Zealand NZ0613
Departure: 7:55 a.m. (Tue, Dec 29)
Arrival: 9:50 a.m. (Tue, Dec 29)
Flight time: 1h 55m
Cabin: Economy
Seats: Brooks 03C, Kathleen 03D
Baggage: 3x23kg (50lbs) checked & 2 pieces cabin per person
Confirmation: ASF8BH

Arrival and Private Transfer

Welcome to New Zealand! A private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, QT Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the Southern Alps. The hotel is walking distance to restaurants and bars, and has a beautiful view of the lake.

STAY: QT Queenstown | QT Remarkables Lake View King | Breakfast

DEC. 30 - jAN. 3 | own arrangements

At Leisure at Wocka’s Place

After breakfast, check-out and meet Wocka for your stay at his place for the next five nights.

STAY: Own Arrangements

jAN. 4 | CHRISTCHURCH

Flight from Queenstown to Christchurch

Make your own way to Queenstown Airport for your short flight to Christchurch (55 min flight).

Arrival and Car Rental Collection

On arrival, collect your rental vehicle (Intermediate SUV, Nissan X Trail or similar) and self drive to your hotel (25 minute drive).

Check in

Check in at Otahua Lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

STAY: Otahuna Lodge | Suite | Breakfast, Lunch, 4 Course Degustation Dinner with Wine Pairing, Pre Dinner Drinks and Canapes

jAN. 5 | CHRISTCHURCH

At Leisure

A day at leisure giving you time to explore the area independently or meet up with Mike. Depending on your interests, we can arrange a cooking class, a garden tour, a picnic lunch, spa relaxation treatments, and walking or biking on the grounds.

We can also arrange experiences further afield such as a trip to Akaroa and Banks Peninsula, swimming with dolphins, touring the gardens of Banks Peninsula, Christchurch highlights, a North Canterbury wine tour, culture and food experiences, heli touring, hiking, e biking, fishing and golf.

STAY: Otahuna Lodge | Suite | Breakfast, Lunch, 4 Course Degustation Dinner with Wine Pairing, Pre Dinner Drinks and Canapes

jAN. 6 | Lake Taupo

Flight from Christchurch to Rotorua

Return your rental car at the airport and take a short flight from Christchurch to Rotorua (1 hour 55 minutes), arriving 1:00pm.

Arrival and Rental Car Collection

Collect a new rental vehicle and self drive to Taupo (about one hour), passing the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Wai O Tapu geothermal park en route.

STAY: Acacia Cliffs Lodge | Lake View Guest Room | Breakfast, Pre-dinner drinks and canapés, Dinner on the first night

jAN. 7 | Lake Taupo

At Leisure at Lake Taupo

Spend today at leisure exploring Lake Taupo. Perhaps enjoy a private Geothermal Parks by Helicopter tour. There is no-where else in the world where you can see the sea, the volcanic region and the geothermal parks all within the same tour and in such close proximity to each other. The tour includes spectacular aerial views of the pristine crater lakes, stunning waterfalls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves, and lands on the top of the dormant volcano. Please note, this tour is at an additional cost.

STAY: Acacia Cliffs Lodge | Lake View Guest Room | Breakfast

jAN. 8 | Lake Taupo

At Leisure at Lake Taupo

A day at leisure to explore Taupo's geothermal parks. There are plenty of wonderful experiences we can arrange depending on how active you'd like to be, including a cruise across Lake Taupo to see the Māori Rock Carvings, a visit to Orakei Korako geothermal park, the Huka Falls Jet Boat, fly fishing, scenic walks, a private or shared helicopter experience and many more.

If you prefer a shared helicopter or seaplane experience rather than private, these depart from Rotorua, an hour drive from your hotel.

STAY: Acacia Cliffs Lodge | Lake View Guest Room | Breakfast

jAN. 9 | AUCKLAND

Drive to Waitomo

Self drive from Taupo to Auckland via Waitomo (4 hours 30 minutes in total), stopping half way for a private Glowworm and Cave Explorer tour through the Mangawhitikau Glowworm Cave.

Private Glowworm Cave Experience

On arrival in Waitomo, meet your guide for your private journey through a scenic back country farm to see two wonderful caves. Marvel at thousands of glowworms overhead as you glide gently downstream on an inflatable raft. Enjoy easy walks through stunning limestone caves and landscape. The Mangawhitikau Glowworm Cave appeared on BBC's Planet Earth television series, taking its place among the exceptional caves of the world.

It takes at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust completely to glowworm light and with such exceptional glowworms on display, it's worth taking some time to experience. The Spirit Cave complements the Mangawhitikau Cave by showcasing speleothems, fossils and beautiful natural lighting. Over many millennia, this cave has trapped and hidden away the bones of ancient animals that once roamed around Waitomo. This thoughtfully designed presentation can make you feel like an explorer from a past age as you stroll through the cave.

Continue to Auckland

After your tour, continue to Auckland. Upon arrival, return your rental vehicle in downtown Auckland and take a short taxi or walk ten minutes to your hotel, Park Hyatt, for check in. Positioned on the water’s edge and with the city right on the doorstep, you couldn’t find a better located hotel.

STAY: Park Hyatt | Harbour View Room with Balcony | Breakfast

jAN. 10 | WAIHEKE ISLAND

Private Transfer and Ferry to Waiheke Island

Meet your driver in the hotel lobby and transfer to the ferry terminal for your ferry to Waiheke Island (40 minutes).

Arrival and Greeting

Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to Omana, a secluded retreat above a private beach in Whakanewha Regional Park, for check in.

At Leisure

Spend the rest of the day relaxing in your remote villa with gorgeous views, and walking on the private beach. Please note Omana is a secluded four villa retreat rather than a full service hotel, there is no reception desk or on site restaurant, but your host/concierge is available to assist throughout your stay and daily breakfast provisions are delivered directly to your villa.

Dinner

We will make reservations for dinner at nearby restaurants, only a short taxi ride away. Your host can arrange taxis on the day for you.

STAY: Omana | Villa, Super King Bed | Continental Breakfast Provisions

jAN. 11 | WAIHEKE ISLAND

Shared Hauraki Gulf Eco Sailing Adventure at Waiheke Island

Enjoy a full day shared eco sailing adventure through the outer Hauraki Gulf aboard the Pacific Star catamaran. Discover the outer Hauraki Gulf aboard the 41-foot sailing catamaran Pacific Star, departing daily from Waiheke Island. Stop at a beautiful island for a guided walk, plus you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding.

Your guide will help you learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, its islands and people. You’ll spot seabirds and may see dolphins, and even whales, as you glide along with the wind in the sails. This unique eco adventure is the only day sailing trip offered in the outer gulf and departing from Waiheke Island. If you’d like to take the helm or help trim the sails, skipper Bruce will be happy to show you the ropes. Your itinerary will depend on the wind direction and weather, so that we can give you the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.

STAY: Omana | Villa, Super King Bed | Continental Breakfast Provisions

jAN. 12 | WAIHEKE ISLAND

Private Personalized Waiheke Island Tour

A full day private, personalized tour of Waiheke Island. Enjoy a stunning day of adventure, relaxation and local charm on Waiheke Island with your expert guide. Visit historical sites of Māori occupation, such as Rangihoua or Putiki-o-Kahu; ‘the top-knot of Kahu’. See a range of native birds and swim at a secluded beach if you feel like it. Waiheke's serene beaches offer a true escape and are perfect for taking a relaxing dip or simply soaking up the sun.

As an alternative option, visit a local and internationally renowned artist at their studio, and see why they choose to live and work on Waiheke. You can see vibrant pastels, oil and acrylic paintings, delicate watercolours, intaglio etchings, woodcut prints, collages, ceramic and innovative mixed media works in a wide range of styles. Some of the artists can include Mike Morgan, Gabriella Lewenz and Gwen Rutter plus many others. Sample Waiheke’s delicious wines, award winning olive oil, local artisanal products and fabulous vineyard lunches. Enjoy spectacular views and learn all about Waiheke and its people. Finish with foraging in the rainforests for native plants to take home for a cup of tea. There’s time for wine tasting at two of Waiheke’s best-loved vineyards.

STAY: Omana | Villa, Super King Bed | Continental Breakfast Provisions

jAN. 13 | AUCKLAND

Ferry from Waiheke Island to Auckland

Check out and board the ferry at Waiheke Island to return to Auckland.

Arrival and Private Transfer

Upon arrival your driver will meet you to transfer you to your hotel for your final night in the city. Spend the rest of the day catching up with old friends.

STAY: Park Hyatt | Harbour View Room with Balcony | Breakfast

jAN. 14 | DEPARTURE

At Leisure in Auckland

Enjoy your final day in Auckland at your own leisure, we can provide recommendations closer to departure.

Private Transfer

Meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport for your departure flight back to the US.

Flight from Auckland to Seattle

International Flight: Auckland (AKL) to San Francisco (SFO)
Flight: Air New Zealand NZ0008
Departure: 7:55 p.m. (Thu, Jan 14)
Arrival: 11:05 a.m. (Thu, Jan 14)
Flight time: 12h 10m
Cabin: Business
Seats: Brooks 02A, Kathleen 03A
Baggage: 3x23kg (50lbs) checked & 1 piece cabin per person
Confirmation: ASF8BH

3hrs 40m in transit in San Francisco.

Domestic Flight: San Francisco (SFO) to Seattle (SEA)
Flight: Alaska Airlines AS1445
Departure: 2:45 p.m. (Thu, Jan 14)
Arrival: 4:56 p.m. (Thu, Jan 14)
Flight time: 2h 11m
Cabin: First
Seats: Brooks 02D, Kathleen 02F
Baggage: 3x23kg (50lbs) checked & 1 piece cabin per person
Confirmation: WJAPES

PRICING & inclusions

See our Booking Terms & Conditions here.

$13,420 per person

Paid by wire. Price based on two adults in shared occupancy.

All Accommodation: As listed in the itinerary at the bottom of each day with the respective room category
- Otahuna Lodge: 4 course degustation dinner with wine pairing, breakfast, laundry, lunch, pre dinner drinks and canapes.
- Acacia Cliffs Lodge: Pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and dinner on the first night.
Transport: Private airport transfers, and transport for all activities and tours listed in the itinerary.
Tours & Activities: All activities and tours listed in the itinerary are included, as well as their associated fees and entrances.
- Private Glowworm and Cave Explorer Tour
- Private Personalized Waiheke Island Tour
- Shared Hauraki Gulf Eco Sailing Adventure at Waiheke Island
Domestic Flights: Two domestic flights in economy class: Queenstown to Christchurch and Christchurch to Rotorua.
Ferry: Ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island and back.
Car Hire: Car hire as listed in the itinerary.
Meals: All breakfasts, most dinners and some lunches, as indicated in the itinerary at the bottom of each day.
Restaurant & Spa Reservations: Restaurant and spa reservations and coordination.
Other: City taxes associated with your accommodations. Recommendations for independent exploration and insider tips. On trip support.

Exclusions

International flights
Travel insurance
Spa treatments
Tips

Your Travel Curator:
LIBERTY BARRONS

I have travelled extensively across New Zealand and return regularly, drawn back each time by the incredible variety of the country. From the volcanic landscapes and beaches of the North Island to the mountains, lakes, and wild coastline of the South Island, there is a huge amount to discover, often within surprisingly short distances.

My connection to New Zealand is also deeply personal. I have family on both the North and South Islands, so my relationship with the country goes well beyond knowing it as a destination. I have spent time getting to know the places, people and landscapes that make each island so different, as well as the quieter spots that can easily be missed when following a typical itinerary.

When I design a trip through New Zealand, I draw on that personal experience alongside my knowledge of the country. I look for the places worth making time for, the scenic routes that deserve a slower pace, the restaurants and producers worth knowing about, and experiences that give you a real sense of where you are.

Mother-Son Trip to Morocco

“Excellence is the word that comes to mind when I think of Sarah Casewit and my recent trip to Morocco which she organized for my son and I. The trip was well planned with lots of attention to detail and five star service. It was a stress free, life changing experience for me. Can't wait for our next adventure!"

G. A. | Austin TX
Anniversary Trip to Chile

“I wanted to thank you so much for putting together such an amazing trip for us and we fell in love with Argentina and its incredible diversity of landscapes. It was one of the best trips we have done!"

P. H. | London UK
Luxury Tour to Argentina

"The Argentinian trip was very well planned. Sarah did an excellent job in matching our trip expectations with the planned itinerary. The tour guides magnified the overall fun of the trip. It was an awesome overall experience."

B. M | Chicago, IL
Family Trip to Oman

“When traveling with a family whose needs are specific–with the young and elderly in tow–it is a luxury to not be responsible for all details. Sarah stepped in and provided an excellent itinerary that met and understood our needs, allowing for us to sit back and enjoy the hidden treasures of Oman.”

A. Y. | Dubai
Thailand Adventure

“Thanks so much for an insane trip. It was incredibly well-planned and I could tell you took a lot of time to fit in the things we were looking to experience. I loved starting the day with culture and ending it with relaxation and an amazing dinner. Everything seemed to have a rhythm to it that you orchestrated to create a certain mood for each part of the trip.”

P. H. | Chicago IL
Family Trip to Spain

“We had an amazing trip. Everything was executed seamlessly and it was fascinating to get a different perspective of the country through each region we visited. Each guide was excellent, and we particularly enjoyed Fabri, who is such a character! Can't thank you enough."

N. T. | Los Angeles CA
Designer's Trip to India

"We had an incredible time and it was completely seamless. The hotel choices were perfect. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, we felt taken care of. We can’t thank you enough for all of the planning - the itinerary was perfect. We felt truly spoiled but so grateful for every moment."

S. O. | New York NY
travel Agent Testimonial

"As a travel professional for over 43 years, it is important to have expert travel partners. When working with Sarah, you are not only going to look amazing to your shared clients but are dealing with a true professional. She is enthusiastic, she is passionate and knows her product inside out. I trust her with my top tier luxury clients."
P. A. | Toronto, Canada
Cultural Tour of Morocco

"Sarah planned a wonderful trip to Morocco and an unforgettable experience for us! She prepared an excellent itinerary, one that introduced us to a variety of areas in the country. She chose an excellent guide and driver to lead us on this Moroccan adventure. I feel as though I came away from the trip with a true sense of the country."
A. P. | Raleigh NC
Sri Lanka Exploration

“Sri Lanka has been incredible, with seamless logistics throughout. From the beauty of Sigiriya and its charming hotel to a fun-filled ride to Kandy, complete with an Ayurvedic stop and a little back rub, every moment has been memorable. Tea Trails has been a peaceful retreat, and our guide has been wonderful: helpful, thoughtful, and knowledgeable! While the roads can be bumpy, the private charters have made all the difference, and we’re so grateful for your help in crafting this unforgettable journey.”
C. T. | Seattle, WA
Portugal in Style

"Our trip to Portugal was wonderful. I will give much of the credit to Sarah organizing and being there with us every step of the way. The team on the ground were so good about moving things around to accommodate our needs and we all had the best time!"

T. L. | Atlanta GA
Travel Agent Testimonial

"I have been working with Sarah on some complex itineraries . She is a true professional. She has the rare quality to really listen when I try to convey some clients' personalities, needs etc. so we manage to design a perfect holiday."

M. V. | Montreal, Canada