Rajah Travel Corporation

Dining Summary

• 18 Breakfast (B)
• 10 Dinner (D)
• 3 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
• Wellington: Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 500+ acre ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area. Take a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate expert guide.

Additional Included Highlights

• Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
• In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
• Included at all hotels.
• Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
• Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
• On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.​
• Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
• Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.

Curated Experiences

• Dunedin: Delight in the rich history of chocolate in Dunedin, uncover the origins of OCHO and learn the art of crafting true, artisanal chocolate. Indulge in an exquisite 10-sample bean-to-bar tasting, elevating your senses to the heights of luxury.
• Fiordland National Park: Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.
• Doubtful Sound: A warm welcome awaits you at a local farm, where you’ll savour a rustic lunch while listening to captivating tales from landowner Chris. Immerse yourself in the farm's charm, with the chance to interact with friendly animals and enjoy an abundance of fascinating stories—an unforgettable experience in nature.
• Queenstown: Ride the scenic trail on an e-bike, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.
• Queenstown: Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to learn more about New Zealand conservation and contribute to biodiversity.
• Cromwell: Visit the Highlands National Motorsport Museum and come face to face with top-of-the-line machines. Since you only ever see them in the movies or on TV, there’s just something about being in the same room with these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing.
• Lake Wanaka: Wānaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wānaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet our friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea & indulge in our lavender ice-creams. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Wānaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.
• Haast River: Enjoy the unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort on a Haast River jet boat safari. Zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin while you hear beguiling tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.
• Franz Josef: Experience the mighty natural wonder of the Franz Josef Glacier and what the ice age must have felt like. The sheer enormity of these giant ice puzzles will leave you spellbound as you explore the area with your Local Expert. 
• Christchurch: Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.
• Hokitika: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and hear about the area's rich history - from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.

Exceptional Dining

• Queenstown: Enjoy dinner at the majestic waterfront Bathhouse, try locally grown, foraged and farmed produce, local and international wines, against the spectacular lakefront backdrop of Lake Wakatipu.
• Gibbston Valley: Enjoy wine tasting in Gibbston Valley Wine Region at Kinross, followed by lunch.
• Franz Josef: Indulge in an exceptional dining experience at Te Waonui Rainforest Retreat, where exquisite, locally sourced cuisine is perfectly paired with fine wines, set against the serene backdrop of an ancient rainforest, offering an unforgettable journey of taste and tranquillity.
• Hawke's Bay: Indulge in wine tasting and an intimate dinner at the award-winning restaurant of Craggy Range Winery. Feast on local produce as you sit in the shade of Te Mata Peak and drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards.
• Rotorua: Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés), complimentary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.
• Auckland: The Trivet dining experience draws inspiration from Aotearoa’s rich cultural tapestry, blending global culinary traditions and techniques with the finest locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the sharing-style Auckland cuisine, where every dish tells a story and creates a sense of connection.

Magnificent Stays

• Franz Josef: Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.
• Hawke's Bay: Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with plush, classic furnishings and local artwork, all moments away from the charming village of Havelock North.

Make Travel Matter

• Dunedin: On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the process of turning bread into spirits.
• Napier: Brace yourself for a journey that takes you from coast to cape, to the world’s largest and most accessible Gannet colony in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay. Discover the mesmerising birds in an almost face to face experience and take in the stunning vista of the area.Your participation on Gannet Overland Safaris contributes to our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® initiative: TTC makes a donation on behalf of each guest to the Cape Sanctuary.
• Rotorua: Join Whirinaki Forest Footsteps, a guided eco-tour into the heart of the ancient Whirinaki Rainforest. 
• Rotorua: Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. Seek out skinks, geckos, and incredible trout amidst the thick foliage of the park. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. The hatchery has grown to become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, helping the North Island population considerably.

Passport Moments

• Queen Charlotte Sound: Cruise along Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Straight as you pass from South Island to North to begin the next leg of your incredible journey. See the coves, bays and lush green forests rising from the tranquil waters as you pass.
• Wellington: Familiarise yourself with the landmarks of Wellington on a city orientation tour. Discover the highlights of New Zealand’s capital from Old St Paul’s wooden cathedral and the Parliament Buildings through vibrant and colourful Cuba Street to Mount Victoria and the scenic waterfront.
• Napier: Climb into a luxury vintage car with a discerning local guide for your personal tour of Napier. Uncover the highlights of this world-famous town’s 140 art deco buildings and sculptures from the comfort of your luxurious vehicle.
• Rotorua: Stand eye to eye with giant redwoods on the Redwoods Treewalk. Immerse yourself in the serene majesty of these 118-year-old trees from your 20-metre high perspective. Cross swing bridges and platforms on your elevated path through Whakarewarewa Forest.
• Auckland: Discover the landmarks of New Zealand’s largest city on your afternoon tour. See the diversity of the city from bustling Queen Street and the rejuvenated Viaduct Harbour to the historic buildings around the city’s university and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge.
• Footwhistle Glowworm Cave: Enter the subterranean Footwhistle Cave for a private tour. Your guide will lead you down to the entrance of the cave, where on this intimate, private tour you will discover the beauty of the New Zealand Glowworm, and learn about the cave formations and beauty of Footwhistle Cave. A cup of locally brewed Kawa Kawa tea is the perfect finish.   

Personalise Your Day

• Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
• Wellington: Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 500+ acre ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area. Take a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate expert guide.

• Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.
• Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
• Fiordland Navigator
• The Rees Hotel
• Edgewater Wānaka Hotel
• Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
• Naumi Hotel Wellington
• Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay.
• Pullman Rotorua.
• JW Marriott Auckland.

Your New Zealand luxury tour begins by private car to your boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch and just minutes from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. Pay a visit to the blooms at the Botanic Gardens or ride the Christchurch Tram before meeting your Travel Concierge where you’ll raise a glass to a grand journey.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.

Travel down the coast through the towns of Timaru and Oamaru to Dunedin to uncover the city’s highlights. Discover grand Edwardian architecture at the Dunedin Railway Station before arriving at your heritage hotel. Dine on favourites such as surf and turf, braised lamb, catch of the day, or other modern twists on traditional local dishes at Parcels Restaurant.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before taking a guided tour at Dunedin Craft Distillers, the first distillery in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of only a handful worldwide, to produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Discover on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell do it in a ‘Bread to Bottle Tour’ which takes you through the process used to turn bread into spirits. Venture just next door for a special Chocolate tasting journey at OCHO Chocolate covering the history of chocolate in Dunedin, OCHO's genesis, how 'real' chocolate is made and a 10-sample bean-to-bar tasting. Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Peninsula or visit the iconic Larnach Castle.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.

Travel by road to Manapouri, then by Catamaran and coach to Doubtful Sound to meet the Fiordland Navigator. Doubtful Sound is a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife. Your overnight nature cruise comes complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures, not to mention delicious locally sourced cuisine.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator

Spend the morning discovering hidden coves and soaking up the serenity of this majestical fjord. At the completion of the cruise, you will be welcomed to a local farm, where you will enjoy a rustic lunch and hear from landowner Chris. There will be farm animals to pet and stories aplenty. Continue to Queenstown to enjoy lakeside views from your award-winning boutique hotel, The Rees.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: The Rees Hotel

Take in the surrounding landscape on a Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw and visit Walter Peak High Country farm for an Eco Experience - an idyllic place to spend a few peaceful hours. Or, choose a guided e-bike scenic ride along the lake. Enjoy dinner tonight at local restaurant The Bathhouse, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: The Rees Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before discovering the picture postcard historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting in Gibbston Valley of the Vines at Kinross before continuing to Highlands Motorsport Museum and come face to face with the state-of-the-art machines. Meet Mrs Jones Orchard, a traditional fruit stall owner, and indulge in real fruit ice-cream and stone fruit. Later today enjoy a breathtaking walk through the flower fields at the Wānaka Lavender Farm. Your destination is your hotel in Wānaka: sitting at the edge of Lake Wānaka and designed to flow with the seasons, Edgewater is a place you’ll find nature at your own pace.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Edgewater Wānaka Hotel

Be awed at the natural beauty around you while relaxing on a lake cruise. Complete your bonding-with-nature experience on an afternoon nature walk.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Edgewater Wānaka Hotel

Cruise down the Haast River in a purpose-built, fully enclosed jet boat past snow-capped mountains contrasting with sub-tropical, untouched rainforest basking in the beauty of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Your guide is eager to share their expert knowledge of this glacial valley as the sunlight pours across the wilderness or the waterfalls tumble down in a light, misty rain. In the the town of Franz Josef, your eco friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness welcomes with natural ambience paired with impeccable luxury, inviting you to enjoy the view from your private balcony.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.

Immerse yourself in the grand natural surroundings traversing the brilliant blue ice and deep crevasses of Franz Josef Glacier on a valley walk with a Local Expert. Learn about this uniquely accessible glacier with only a seven-mile descent from the Southern Alps and less than 1,000 feet above sea level. Take in its majesty surrounded by distant rainforest, mountain tops, waterfalls and the upper glacier.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.

Visit the charming town of Hokitika, the cultural centre of the West Coast where you will meet a local expert for a guided history walk. Travel from the lush rainforest of the West Coast to Arthurs Pass where you will embark on one of the world's great scenic railway journeys aboard the Tranzlapine train. Travel in luxury on the Scenic Plus purpose-built premium carriage designed to enhance every aspect of your journey including a specialist concierge. Enjoy service dinner onboard with exclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey with a Paddock to Plate regionally inspired food menu and Paired drinks menu. Travel through the dramatic Southern Alps passing the ice fed Waimakariri River and native beech forest, before you traverse the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.

Travel the dramatic rugged coastline to the whale watching hub of Kaikoura and onto the seaside town of Picton. Cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington where you’ll get acquainted with the city on an illuminating tour. Discover the highlights of this capital city, viewing the 1866 Old St. Paul’s gothic cathedral with an interior made of native timber. Stop at the political hub of the Parliament Buildings before finishing at Mount Victoria and the scenic waterfront. Unwind this evening with a drink and dinner in your hotel’s Lola Rouge Restaurant.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Naumi Hotel Wellington

Today personalise your day. Choose from the the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne or discover the stunning waterfront and hidden lanes of Wellington with a local expert.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Naumi Hotel Wellington

Wind your way through the pastoral dairy farming land of Manawatū to Napier in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand’s Art Deco capital and world-renowned winecountry. This evening savour a tasting and dinner at family-owned Craggy Range Winery in the shadow of Te Mata Peak. Sample the region’s premium wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while dining on Head Chef Casey McDonald’s signature seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce from their award-winning restaurant. After a sumptuous evening, relax in your plush room decorated with original local artwork in your boutique hotel in charming Havelock North Village.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay.

Partake in a Gannet safari. Your participation on Gannet Overland Safaris contributes to our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® initiative: TTC makes a donation on behalf of each guest to the Cape Sanctuary. Their amazing team is made up of over 300 volunteers that are giving their time to restore our beautiful land and replant grasses and natives to support the return of our wildlife. Take in Napier’s art deco architecture with a Local Expert in a vintage car.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay.

Continue your journey to Rotorua, where this afternoon, armed with a packed lunch, you'll join a local guide for a cultural walking eco-tour to discover the Jurassic Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Pullman Rotorua.

Unveil the sights of Rotorua viewing the 120-yearold Californian Coastal Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest at Redwoods Treewalk. Crossing 28 suspension bridges from 65 feet above ground, feeling like one of the native birds sweeping through the forest. Learn more about the “local residents” going behind the scenes on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa. Understand how this working kiwi nursery and hatchery is leading the conservation efforts of the national icon and perhaps see a newly hatched kiwi chick. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū for insights into the local rituals and traditions of fascinating Māori culture with a celebration of the abundant harvest of the season, and explore concepts, rituals and stories of ancient warfare and peace in an amalgamation of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a special three-course feast with aperitif.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Pullman Rotorua.

Your final full day finds you embarking on an exclusive, private guided tour of Waitomo Cave on a five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld. Your guide sets the scene for an underground cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Then you’re off to Auckland for a tour showcasing bustling Queen Street and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge before you're treated to a farewell dinner to remember.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: JW Marriott Auckland.

After one final breakfast, say farewell to your Christchurch-to-Auckland luxury tour as you are chauffeured to Auckland Airport.

Duration: 1 Day