Sacred Aotearoa - New Zealand

It's a deep invitation to witness the creation of the New Earth that is, right at this moment, birthing within you. The Whales are calling us forth to witness them and their new stories, to enter the waters and hear their song and feel their frequencies. To take this new song and weave it into the very fabric of our being. Wherever we walk, then we share this with the lands and its people.

After Tonga, we have 4 days in Fiji to rest and play, before we land in Auckland to answer this calling and begin our journey to fulfil our appointment with the King of the Forest.

We have an awesome outline of discovery and have partnered up with the most fabulous people to look after us every step of the way.

My husband, Nick, and I will be with you throughout, staying at the same places as you and on hand 24/7. In addition to that, we have our awesome company who are there 24/7 on the phone as backup for anything we all need as we go. It's quite a long way to travel for those coming from Europe, and many of us will want to stay longer and have personal choices in that. So Daniel White will be our main person to weave an individual journey, just for you and look after your own itinerary after you have completed our adventure.

Nick and I will certainly be staying on after our 17 days together.

We are going to share the Roadmap itinerary here, but I want you to hold it lightly in your heart. We have days of open choices where there are so many things you can choose from; also, in addition to this wonder trip, we will all be chatting about your hopes, dreams and needs before we go, and will include all we can, without feeling like we are rushing about.

We are set to take this adventure from the northern part of the North Island to the Southern Fiords of the South Island. Epic!!!!

As we will be driving, we have the luxury of including all sorts of intuitive detours along the way.

Within this journey you will be invited to experience the sacredness that is inherent within us all.

The intuitive chatter that is ongoing for us all, the deep connection to the raw alchemy that makes up Mother Earth and her wonders. The sacredness,  creation stories of the Māori people, and their love of this land. We are visitors and are welcomed into their home.

The power of Mother Nature and Father Sky is raw, beautiful and enriching in this place. I know we are going to love it. Absolutely.

So let's look at our journey and some of the experiences designed and booked to assist you in knowing more about the land you are in, more about the being that you are, a full immersive experience.

I find travelling gives us the biggest educational experience when we see beliefs and knowledge through others' eyes. We are often forever changed in the best of ways, so here we go.

We have booked a few large cars and intend to have lots of room, so we will be travelling with just 4 people in each.

I do recommend a fast response, because when you know, you just know.

 Day 1: Wednesday 29 September 2027 - Your trip begins, Auckland International Airport

 A private transfer takes us to the Legacy Airedale Hotel (😴), where we will meet together to open this sacred circle.

We have chosen this hotel as it is set in the heart of the theatre district. Legacy Airedale Hotel is just a short walk to a wide variety of Auckland amenities and local sights, including the Auckland Art Gallery and Aotea Square. The hotel prides itself on its heritage, with modern interiors contrasted with classical Art Deco architecture. The rooms are all equipped with smart TVs, air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant offers a seasonal New Zealand-inspired menu, and the hotel also features a gym and guest laundry facilities. We will be very comfortable here.

Day 2: Thursday 30 September 2027 - Auckland to The Kauri Coast

From Auckland we head north on the main highway. This takes us first to Warkworth, home to boutique wineries and plenty of arts and crafts shops. We then pass through the Dome Forest and Wellsford before bearing west at Brynderwyn. 

We travel to the little waterfront town of Matakohe to visit the excellent Kauri Museum. There are many exhibits; one is a ceremonial Waka Canoe. 

Continuing north, you pass the 100 km long Baylys Beach (Ripiroi) and Kaiiwi Lakes turnings before driving through the tiny towns of Aranga and Kaitui. North of Kaitui, we enter the Waipoua Forest. Here the majestic Kauri trees that this area is so famous for flank the road as we carry on to Hokianga.

This is such a special place to start the trip. The first Māori was said to have landed in this harbour, coming on a Waka (canoe) from "Hawaiki". He relied on a Long White Cloud that led him to find New Zealand, which he then named Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud).

We arrive at The Sands Hotel in Hokianga (😴) for a couple of nights. We have reserved newly renovated Superior rooms that come with modern furnishings and private balconies and views of the water. Additionally, the property provides tea- and coffee-making facilities, super-king beds, and bathtubs. The hotel is fairly basic, but clean, comfortable and well located in Hokianga, close to Waipoua Forest, home to the King of the Forest.

We have time tomorrow morning to explore this beautiful area of the Northland.  North of the Waipoua Forest is the Hokianga Harbour. The original name, still used by local Māori, is Te Kohanga o Te Tai Tokerau ("the nest of the northern people") or Te Puna o Te Ao Marama ("the wellspring in the world of light"). The full name of the harbour is Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe — "the place of Kupe's great return".

Options exist to explore this beautiful inlet by organised boat tour, or you can just take the ferry from the pretty town of Rawene over to Rangiora to get a taste of the scenery. If you do not have time to fit this in, then a drive up to the Hokianga Heads is a must just to see the power of the Tasman Sea on the one side and the tranquillity of the harbour on the other. For the more adventurous, sand-boarding on the dunes is also available here. Further south is the Trounson Kauri Park, a smaller stand of forest which has become a 'mainland island', meaning many of the non-native pests have been eliminated, and the kiwi are slowly coming back again. It is best to visit this area at night, with a guide, if you want to see kiwi. Close by, the Kai-iwi lakes are great for swimming, fishing and boating. Almost constantly out of sight from the road is one of the other impressive features of this coastline, New Zealand's longest drivable beach, topping Ninety Mile Beach, yet without being well known. This is a great place just to relax and watch the Tasman Sea pounding in on the beach. You can quad bike here, fish from the beach, or just walk along the vast stretch of empty sand.

Day 3 Friday 1 October 2027 - The Northland and the Kauri Coast

We have a free morning to explore before...

The Manea, Footprints of Kupe Experience, a shared guided experience...

A 75-minute immersive cultural experience that takes you on a multisensory journey into Te Ao Māori, the Māori world. It tells the story of Kupe, the Polynesian navigator whose arrival in Hokianga around 950 years ago marked the beginning of Aotearoa’s human history. The experience combines guided storytelling, traditional art, taonga (cultural treasures), film, live performance, and digital interaction to bring Kupe’s legacy to life. Visitors are welcomed by his descendants and introduced to tribal histories that explore Kupe as a voyager, discoverer, and leader. Set against the panoramic backdrop of Hokianga Harbour, Manea is located in Opononi, in the cradle of tribal heritage known as Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe. Developed over two decades, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with Māori culture and the origins of Aotearoa in an engaging and meaningful way.

This experience is led by direct descendants of Kupe and tells the story of how he and the Māori people came to inhabit the land.

This experience will be directly followed by the Waipoua Twilight Encounter. Led by our Māori guide, who will lead us on a sacred walk as he sings and chants to the trees, or Kauri, which will be a very sacred time aligning with the Māori belief that the Father of the Forest (Te Matua Ngahere) is holding up the sky.

The spiritual environment of the Waipoua Forest is palpable as we have an unforgettable encounter with some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world. Our local guide will include a journey to meet their ancestors and explain how these remarkable trees are intertwined with the lives of the local Māori. Here we are honoured to meet the mighty Te Matua Ngahere, the Father of the Forest, whose girth is over five metres in diameter. He is estimated to be over 2,000 years old. This is the sacred moment when we answer the invitation to meet with the King of the Forest.

The tour is about four hours in duration, and all walking is on fully maintained Department of Conservation tracks.

There will be some free time between Manea and Footprints, during which time we will take dinner, as the twilight tour runs quite late. The food at the Sands is very good, and they are used to serving people before this tour.

Day 4: Saturday 2 October 2027 - The Kauri Coast to Paihia/Russell & Waitangi Treaty Grounds

We make our way over to the Bay of Islands today. For the Māori, the Bay of Islands and Russell (Kororareka) are places of profound spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. They are at the heartland of the Ngapuhi Iwi (tribe) and the site where modern Aotearoa was shaped. For example, Tapeka Point, located just outside of Russell, is the site of the historic Tapeka Pa, the resting place of Māori ancestors, considered highly sacred and deeply respected for its history of tribal defence and ancestral connection to the land.

Exploring Waitangi Treaty Grounds. 

The Bay of Islands is home to, arguably, New Zealand’s most important historic site — Waitangi Treaty Grounds - which is often called the birthplace of the nation. It was here that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Māori chiefs and James Busby, who represented the British Crown in 1840.  We can learn more about the Māori and European history and the formation of New Zealand as a nation. As well as visiting the Treaty House, where pen was put to paper. Fully restored, it’s maintained as a national memorial, where photographs and displays weave together the strands and stories of the event, plus a copy of the original treaty.

At the visitor facility, we can watch an audio-visual presentation that brings the events surrounding the Declaration of Independence to life, while cultural performances include an energetic pōwhiri (welcome), songs, and the chanting and stamping that’s integral to the traditional haka (war dance).

During our time here (Recommended at least half a day), we can explore two contemporary museums, a carved Māori meeting house, and a carving studio. The grounds are also home to the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe. 

 Paihia to Auckland

We then drive on to Auckland, and we will stop briefly at the Waipu Caves on the way down to see glow-worms.

Our accommodation for the next couple of nights is the Castaways Resort Auckland (😴). Castaways is set atop Kariotahi Beach in Waiuku, just South of Auckland. Each unit comes equipped with a kitchenette or kitchen, en suite, and a deck or balcony. It’s a great spot to relax and recharge...

Day 5: Sunday 3 October 2027 - Castaways...

A morning session with Carol to process our journey so far. The rest of the day is Free Time for relaxation, relaxing at the accommodation, or you may wish to explore the local area on your own terms.

Day 6: Monday 4 October 2027 - Auckland to Hobbiton (Matamata)

This morning we have a gentle few hours' drive south through open farmland to get to The Shire’s Rest, where we begin our Hobbiton tour.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, 2.5 Hours (Shared Excursion)

We head to Matamata, where Peter Jackson created the village of Hobbiton for the filming of The Lord of the Rings. Once you have arrived at the farm, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the only surviving set from the filming of the movie. Hobbit holes are nestled in the sides of the rolling hills, and the party tree stands proudly in the heart of the village. Pay a visit to Bag End before retreating to The Shire's rest for a light lunch (at your own expense). 

Matamata to Taupo

This is a straightforward drive across the green and rolling Waikato Plains, south to the town of Taupo.

We will pass the Putaruru Blue Springs today on our way to Rotorua, where we could also stop for a dip at a hot spring on the way to Taupo - Hot n Cold and Kerosene Creek are public, or Orakei Korako is ticketed.

Lake Taupo to Tongariro National Park

In Māori mythology, the three (now 2) mountains in the park, Tongariro, Taranaki, Ruapehu, and other mountains once stood together. They fought over the beautiful female mountain Pīhanga. Taranaki, defeated and heartbroken, fled west, carving the Whanganui River on his way.

The first part of our drive takes us south along the shores of Lake Taupo, which has many beaches and picnic sites to stop off at along the way. We make our way south as far as Turangi, where we make our way along the northern edge of the national park. From here, the landscape is transformed as it climbs from the enclosing hills of Taumarunui to the open tussock-covered plateau below Tongariro National Park's active volcanoes.

Passing through the small town of Taurewa, we reach the turning for Whakapapa; the starting point for the Tongariro Crossing and the gateway to the park.

Continuing south, shortly before the National Park township, railway buffs will appreciate the Raurimu Spiral lookout, although even cartography experts may struggle to decipher the explanatory map!

Accommodation

We have some excellent lodges to choose from, depending on how many people join our adventure. (😴)

Nearby optional activities include kayaking, fishing, trekking, mountain biking and first-class golfing. If you wish to walk the Tongariro Crossing, a shuttle pick-up and drop-off can be arranged for you.

Day 7: Tuesday 5 October 2027 - Tongariro Sunset Guided Walk

We have a free morning - unless you want to do the full day Tongariro Crossing!  (Optional Extra).  For those who don't, we have arranged a guided walk that is ideally suited for those who would like to experience the volcanic terrain of Tongariro National Park but are not keen on the more strenuous full-day treks. The walk comprises a choice of two tracks: one on Tongariro, a return trip to the Soda Springs, and one on Mt Ruapehu, a loop to Mead's Wall. The beauty of these two options is the ability to comfortably watch the sun set in an Alpine environment with knowledgeable guides talking about the area, incorporating geology, volcanology and New Zealand cultural history. As the sun sets, enjoy a glass of New Zealand sparkling wine to finish off this fantastic scene perfectly.

Tongariro Sunset Guided Walk

Day 8: Wednesday 6 October 2027 - Ohakune to Wellington

We travel through the national park, enjoying the Rangitikei River Valley. The wide open estuary plains of the west coast afford great views of the Tararua Range. From here we follow the coast, crossing over the inlet at Mana and into the northern suburbs of the city of Wellington.

We are booked into the Boulcott Suites (😴) before going on our Zealandia by Night, Private tour (2.5 hrs)

Zealandia, which encompasses the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, is an urban wildlife haven where some of New Zealand's most endangered native animals thrive in this predator-free environment. The privately guided night tour begins with highlights of the fully immersive and interactive exhibition, where you will discover how this safe haven was created. Then step through the predator-exclusion fence into the forest, where you will experience evening birdsong that hasn't been heard on the mainland for more than a century. As darkness begins to fall, your guide will start looking for wildlife including the elusive kiwi, along with other flora and fauna.

Boulcott Suites offer a variety of quality apartments in the heart of Wellington. Well-designed, spacious and fully-equipped. You're within walking distance of a variety of key tourist attractions in the city, and there is a selection of restaurants and cafes nearby, or opt to self-cater instead. All apartments have Wi-Fi, Sky TV, and laundry facilities, along with a small kitchen.

Day 9: Thursday 7 October 2027 - Wellington, Capital of New Zealand.

We have a free day today with OPTIONS to explore this wonderful place. There are many choices available, such as the National Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa). This Māori name means the container of treasures and is said to be the best in New Zealand. For Lord of the Rings fans, head toward the Mount Victoria town belt where a trail takes you to many places where scenes of The Lord of the Rings were filmed. Additionally, we can book you into the famous Weta Workshop for any film buffs! 

Day 10: Friday 8 October 2027 - Wellington to Picton Ferry - Premium Plus Service

The Interislander cruises from New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, in the North Island, across to Picton, which is nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island. From the comfortable lounges and decks, you can take in the wonderful views as you arrive in the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds. Having said that, there is a brief dash east-west across the Cook Strait, after you leave Wellington Harbour, which can get a little bumpy.

Your Kaitaki Plus ticket offers the most comfortable and luxurious way to travel between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. This ticket includes an exclusive, premium on-board lounge, providing comfortable seating, free Internet access, Sky TV, newspapers and magazines, and complimentary food and beverages. Sit back and relax in absolute comfort as you are transported across the open waters of the Cook Strait and through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Cruising time is approximately three hours. Access to the Kaitaki Plus lounge is restricted to passengers aged 18 and over.

Picton to Kaikoura

From Picton, we have a few hours' drive as we head to Blenheim and the heart of the Marlborough wine country. :) Just south of Blenheim is the large Brancott Estate. Optional stop-off for a tour and tasting if we have time. After this, the vistas west are filled by the foothills of the mighty Southern Alps. The road now joins the coast, where we continue south to Clarence River, flanked by shingle beaches on our left and the Kaikoura Mountains on our right - keep our eyes open for seals! As we approach the township, we will see small crayfish vans at the side of the road, a great place to stop for a simple snack by the sea, or to pick up a cray for later.

We now arrive in Kaikoura. Kaikōura means “to eat crayfish” (kai = food, koura = crayfish). The name refers to an ancestral journey by the demigod Māui, whose travels shaped much of Aotearoa. Kaikōura marks a place of abundance gifted by the Gods, where the ocean provides sustenance both physical and spiritual.

With a seabird-brimming ocean and some of the best whale and dolphin watching in the world, Kaikōura’s passion for wildlife and the outdoors is second to none. This small seaside township is the halfway point between Picton and Christchurch, and rich with adventure. It also has a great deal of history, ranging from the archaeological remains of Māori hunters to the whaling industry that attracted Western settlers to the area in the 1800s. As for the seafood, the local delicacy is crayfish!

The Fairways at Ocean Ridge (😴)

Ocean Ridge is a mere five-minute drive and a 20-minute walk from the heart of Kaikoura township, and it overlooks the Kaikoura golf course, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the coastline and nearby mountains. The accommodation consists of stylish and luxurious one- or two-bedroom serviced apartments with a fully equipped and spacious kitchen. All bedrooms are en suite, and there are barbecues and sun terraces at each apartment.

Day 11: Saturday 9 October 2027 - Dolphin Encounter Swim, Half Day

Kaikōura sits above a dramatic underwater canyon that creates unusual richness in marine life — whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds — far more than most coastlines. We have booked a ½ day Swimming with Dolphins experience (weather-dependent ) and the rest of the day is free. 

Kaikōura attracts dolphins to the coastal waters all year round, which increases the chances of being able to get in the water and swim with these curious creatures. We will have a briefing and board the boat to begin the activity and search for dolphins. With small numbers of people swimming and watching, this is a more personal experience. There is also the chance that you may spot other marine life such as New Zealand fur seals. 

Day 12: Sunday 10 October 2027 - Kaikoura to Christchurch, then a flight to Queenstown.

We have about a 3-hour drive to Christchurch today to catch a flight to Queenstown, which is just over an hour.

Exploring Queenstown

Queenstown, self-proclaimed ‘adventure capital of the world’, is an entry point to a world of mountain biking, walking, jetboating, and the opportunity for you to ride the steepest gondola in the southern hemisphere. But, paired with the drama is the time to admire the blues of Lake Wakatipu and the greens of the Remarkables Mountains.

Queenstown House Boutique B&B (😴)

Overlooking Queenstown Bay, with lake and mountain views, Queenstown House offers charming, elegant accommodation, with a relaxed atmosphere and a genuine commitment to providing New Zealand hospitality at its best.

The rooms in the main house are welcoming and full of character, with small en suite bathrooms and alpine or lake views, whereas the villa wing offers more spacious, contemporary suites, with outdoor decks and expansive views. Conveniently located only a short distance from the heart of the town, it is the ideal base for the many activities on offer in Queenstown, and the fireside sitting rooms provide a perfect place to relax during hospitality hour at the end of a busy day. Please note that the owner has two small dogs that you may occasionally see with them at the property.

Day 13: Monday 11 October 2027 - Exploring Queenstown: walking

Queenstown doesn’t always have to be about big and bold adrenaline-pumping activities. The town is renowned for playing a part in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and is surrounded by Middle-earth scenery you can enjoy on foot. This day is your own - free to choose your own adventure! (Will it be BOLD or Gentle?)

Day 14: Tuesday 12 October 2027 - Queenstown to Milford Sound

The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is one of the most rewarding in New Zealand. We first head along the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu towards the town of Kingston. Stopping off at Athol after passing Kingston, we can visit the Athol Shop, with its fine country-cooking and New Zealand meat pies! We continue into Fiordland National Park, the largest in New Zealand. The drive skirts Lake Te Anau, New Zealand's second largest lake, offering views across the water to the Stuart and Murchison Mountains before reaching McKay Creek, where we get our first views of Fiordland's dramatic glacial landscape.

Heading north, there are many sites of interest, such as Lake Gunn with its 45-minute nature trail, before reaching The Divide, which separates the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys. The steep descent into the Hollyford Valley is one of the scenic highlights of the drive, during which you can stop briefly at Pop's View to see the U-shaped hanging valleys.

After a winding ascent, we will then enter the Homer Tunnel, emerging into the spectacular Cleddau Valley. We will take a short walk here to The Chasm, where you can see the impressive sight of the Cleddau River being forced through a gorge in an immensely powerful torrent. The road now descends through forests towards Milford Sound; we will try and stop on the Tutoko River Bridge to take in the views of Mount Tutoko, which is the highest peak in Fiordland National Park. Continuing over the Donne River, we are greeted with our first views of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound.

Milford Sound Cruise, Approx. 2 Hours

This is the day we connect with the Silver Dragon... We had two invitations to come to New Zealand. One was to meet with the King of the Forest.  The second was to connect to the energies which lie within Milford and Doubtful Sounds. When the boat leaves, make sure you are with Carol as she will be guiding you into the Dragon kingdom. The silver dragon energies are due to rise within us, and we are here to witness that.

Milford Sound is a UNESCO Heritage Site within the Fiordland National Park. This is the only fjord accessible by road in New Zealand. We will board the small cruise boat for around 2 hours, either inside or on the outdoor viewing decks. You'll return to the boat terminal to disembark before we travel on to Te Anau.

Milford Sound to Te Anau

We have a few hours' drive through this spectacular National Park, passing through The Divide, a forest pass separating two valleys; the highway then heads south past Lake Gunn and the Mirror Lakes, before reaching McKay Creek. We begin to leave behind the dramatic landscape of Fiordland as the land becomes open and grassy and we join the shoreline of Lake Te Anau. This takes us all the way down to Te Anau township. 

Annie’s on Milford (😴)

Consisting of a small accommodation complex in quiet, private surroundings, Annie's on Milford is situated just 1.1 kilometres from the Te Anau town centre, which is only a 5-7 minute walk or a short drive. There is a good variety of restaurants, bars and shops for all your supplies while you are exploring Fiordland. Rooms include kitchenettes, private bathrooms and access to the communal outdoor area.

Day 15: Wednesday 13 October 2027 - Free time for your own relaxation

A morning session with Carol to process our Dragon and Milford Sound experience! The rest of the day is Free for you to explore. We do have the option of an additional tour: Optional, Te Anau Glow-Worm Caves, 2.5 Hours (Not Included)

From Te Anau, we will cruise across Lake Te Anau to the glow-worm caves to begin our tour. We will step along walkways in small groups through cathedral-like caves with waterfalls, whirlpools and rock formations before drifting on a small boat through the 'glow-worm grotto' where we will learn about Māori legends and the formation of the caves from our guide as we go through these geologically young caves.

Day 16: Thursday 14 October 2027 - Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise, Full Day

This is our last day for our connection with the Silver Dragon, and it feels like a pilgrimage.

Get close to Carol once on the boat for any further messages from the Dragon Kingdom. Today, nobody drives as we have a coach transfer to the township of Manapouri. Then our day of adventure begins as we cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. After disembarking at West Arm, you travel over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland's most dense rainforest and to view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. On reaching Deep Cove, we board a catamaran for our three-hour cruise, which takes in the scenery of Doubtful Sound. We may be accompanied by the resident Bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and the smallest penguin in the world (The "blue" penguin) or even the yellow-crested penguin.

We will be absorbing all that we can before being returned to Te Anau. When we return to Annie's place, we will find a venue for a celebration dinner and the closing of our circle.

Day 17: Friday 15 October 2027 - Te Anau to Queenstown

We are delivering you all to Queenstown today, for the completion of our journey. (Daniel says it is the best place to be dropped off for your own flights or car hire for your onward journeys.)

We leave Te Anau, passing through Athol again, hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu - a particularly scenic part of the drive - before passing The Remarkables mountain range and arriving in Queenstown. This will take us around 3 hrs plus stops; please bear this in mind for any onward flight plans.

Our support representative, Daniel, will look after all of our ongoing travel details, so whether we have decided to stay a few more days or leave for another place, he is primed and ready to assist us.

We have partnered with an internationally renowned ATOL-registered travel partner, and we will be looked after by Daniel, our dedicated liaison, who is looking forward to speaking with you all. He will curate all our individual needs for any/all flights and potential stayovers, from wherever you might be travelling from or to!

(N.B. Daniel is also looking after our previous journey for the Swimming with Humpback Whales experience in Vava'u, Tonga. This will provide a seamless service for those who wish to continue from that retreat to this one).

On a personal note, and by way of example…

Nick & I are travelling from Fiji and catching a flight to Auckland, following the epic adventure of Swimming with Humpback Whales.

We will also be staying on after our shared experience, and should anyone else wish to do so, Daniel's knowledge of New Zealand will assist you in curating your own personal itinerary.

Other routes are available (e.g. via Los Angeles), all of which Danial can assist you with, and all details can be supplied following booking.

All payments secure your registration and are non-refundable due to committed bookings with partners. (See T&Cs for full details.)  Appropriate Health and Travel insurance is mandatory to cover unexpected cancellations. However, if your plans change due to unforeseen circumstances, please reach out—we assess each situation individually and will do our best to find a supportive solution where partner agreements allow.

"I am dedicated to supporting your journey for the duration of the retreat, offering personal intuitive insights and continuous guidance."

• Carol & Nick - providing dedicated support for your journey for the duration of the retreat, offering personal intuitive insights and continuous guidance.
• This trip starts in Auckland and finishes in Queenstown.
• 16 nights’ accommodation in Twin en-suite rooms throughout.
• Private car hire for the 17-day journey, including fuel.
• Kauri Museum entrance fees. 
• Shared guided experience at the Manea, Footprints of Kupe. 
• The Waipoua Twilight Encounter. A private tour, led by our Māori guide, who will lead us on a sacred walk as he sings and chants to the trees, or Kauri, which will be a very sacred time aligning with the Māori belief that the Father of the Forest (Te Matua Ngahere) is holding up the sky.
• Entrance to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. 
• Entrance to the Waipu glow worm caves.
• Hobbiton, Movie set tour (2.½) hrs Shared excursion.
• Tongariro National Park -  sunset guided walk.
• Private tour Zealandia (2½ hrs) - hopefully to see the Kiwi birds.
• The Premium Plus service on the Wellington to Picton ferry (3 hrs).
• Dolphin Encounter Swim. (½ day). 
• Flight Christchurch to Queenstown.
• Milford Sound Cruise (2 hrs).
• Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise (full day).
• There will be an introductory Zoom session before departure and another wrap-up session following our return.
• Continuous support and Guidance via the event private WhatsApp group.

What is not included:

• Personal travel insurance including cancellation and repatriation cover. (Mandatory)
• All meals.
• International flights.
• NZeTA visa (approx £60)
• Any Excursions listed as additional/optional above, or not listed above.  

🛂 Passport Requirements

For UK, EU, and US passport holders, your passport must meet the following criteria:

• Validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from New Zealand (6 months recommended if transiting through other countries).
• Blank Pages:  At least one blank page is required for entry processing.

🎫 Entry & Visa Requirements (NZeTA Required)

Citizens of the UK, EU, and US are from visa-waiver countries. You do not need a full visa for a tourist trip, but you must apply for an NZeTA online before travelling:

• NZeTA Fee & IVL: When applying for the NZeTA, you must also pay the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
• Processing Time:  Apply at least 72 hours before departure (via the official NZTD / NZeTA app or government website).
• Length of Allowed Stay:
  • UK Citizens:  Up to 6 months.
  • EU & US Citizens:  Up to 3 months.

📋 Mandatory Supporting Documents & Formalities

Border officials and airline staff will check for the following before boarding and upon arrival:

• Confirmed Return / Onward Ticket:  Proof of travel departing New Zealand within your allowed stay duration.
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD): A free digital arrival card that must be submitted online or via the NZTD app shortly before your flight.
• Sufficient Funds:  Proof of at least NZD $1,000 per person, per month of stay (or NZD $400 per month if accommodation is fully prepaid). Bank statements or credit cards are acceptable.
• Accommodation Details:  The name and address of your first night’s hotel, resort, or tour stay for your NZTD submission.