Airways Expeditions • New Zealand

New Zealand
Air Expedition

A curated journey across Aotearoa - from Auckland through Rotorua in the North Island, to Queenstown, Christchurch and Blenheim Marlborough in the South Island.

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Auckland Rotorua Christchurch Queenstown Milford Sound Blenheim Marlborough
Nov 6–17, 2026

12 days across the North & South Islands.

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 New Zealand Air Expedition is a carefully choreographed adventure exploring the North and South Islands by air. Mixing city culture, classic scenery and an array of behind the scene aviation experiences few travelers get to see. Expect comfortable pacing and attentive guidance from your local Tour Director throughout the program,

  • Start in Auckland with a guided city discovery walk and welcome dinner.
  • Visit Rotorua for a private Maori for cultural experience.
  • Continue to South Island stretch via Queenstown with a day trips to Milford Sound often described as the eight wonder of the world and Croydon Aircraft company.
  • Continue to the Garden City of Christchurch and onwards to Marlborough.
New Zealand Expedition — trip overview image New Zealand Expedition — highlight 1 New Zealand Expedition — highlight 3 New Zealand Expedition — highlight 2

Trip highlights

Private charter flights: SAAB 340 + Cessna Caravans AKL–ROT–ZQN by SAAB 340, plus Caravans to Croydon—skip long drives and maximize exploring time
Private Māori cultural experience in Rotorua A hosted, intimate introduction to te ao Māori—beyond the standard visitor track
Soar over Milford Sound by private charter helicopter A bucket-list aerial perspective over Fiordland, with time for photos and dramatic alpine scenery
Croydon Aircraft Company: private guided visit + vintage flight option Go behind the scenes and, if you choose, take to the skies in a beautifully preserved vintage aircraft
Coastal Pacific train: Christchurch → Marlborough, then Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre One of NZ’s great rail journeys—then immersive WWI & WWII aviation storytelling at Omaka
Marlborough aviation & seascapes: Omaka + Marlborough Sounds cruise Blenheim-based highlights—from warbirds and restoration culture to a premium Sounds cruise
Chartered Cessnas to Mandeville Aerodrome A true aviator’s day: scenic South Island flying, heritage collections, and grass-strip energy

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 4

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
Upon arrival, proceed through customs and immigration and meet your transfer to Hotel Indigo. Following lunch, join your private guide for an entertaining walking discovery around central Auckland—local culture, heritage, and regenerated downtown areas, with visits to heritage and modern buildings and public art spaces. This evening, convene for private pre-dinner drinks and canapés, followed by a welcome dinner.
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
This morning, enjoy a privately guided tour highlighting New Zealand’s rich history of flight, rare aircraft, and pioneering designs—including stories of innovation and the history of Jean Batten. After lunch, transfer to Ardmore Airport for a privately guided visit of two modern hangars with aircraft spanning WWI biplanes to modern jets, plus one of the world’s largest scale-model aircraft displays. Return to your hotel with the evening at leisure.
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
Transfer to Auckland Airport and board your charter to Rotorua, uniquely built atop an active geothermal field. On arrival, join your Māori hosts for a privately guided tour of Ohinemutu, including areas not open to the public and a visit inside Te Papaiouru Marae, beginning with a traditional mihi (welcome). Enjoy lunch at Ohinemutu, then transfer to Rotorua Airport for your charter flight onward to Queenstown. Arrive and transfer to Hotel St Moritz, with dinner at leisure.
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
No trip to New Zealand is complete without Milford Sound—often described as the eighth wonder of the world. Fly by helicopter over snow-capped mountains and alpine landscapes to view Milford Sound and Mitre Peak, with a glacier/alpine landing for a once-in-a-lifetime photo. Then transfer to Shotover Jet for an adrenaline-packed ride through the Shotover River canyons before returning to central Queenstown, with the afternoon at leisure.
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
Embark on an exhilarating day flying from Queenstown across South Island landscapes to Mandeville Aerodrome. Enjoy a privately guided tour of the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre, including a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration workshop and the collection spanning decades of aviation history. After lunch, those seeking an extra thrill can take one flight in a vintage aircraft before returning to Queenstown with the evening at leisure.
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
Transfer to Queenstown Airport and board your commercial flight to Christchurch, the Garden City. On arrival, enjoy a private tour of the Air New Zealand Maintenance Hangar for an inside look at the facilities and engineering processes that keep the airline flying. After lunch, take a private guided tour of the Wigram Air Force Museum—including restoration areas and aircraft from WWI, WWII, and beyond—then transfer to the Crowne Plaza. This evening, stroll to Riverside Kitchen for a private dinner.
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
Experience a private tour of the Air Traffic Control radar room in Christchurch, with an exclusive look at the technology and operations that keep the skies safe—plus time for Q&A. Return to your hotel, then meet your private guide for an exceptional three-hour journey through indigenous storytelling, local cuisine, and Ōtautahi Christchurch’s cultural layers. Conclude at the Antigua Boatsheds with a guided punt ride on the Avon River, then enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
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
Travel in comfort by private coach to Ashburton across the Canterbury Plains (about one hour). On arrival, enjoy a privately guided tour of the Ashburton Aviation Museum, exploring aircraft, engines, and memorabilia, with stories that bring New Zealand’s aviation history to life. Relax over a BBQ lunch before returning to Christchurch, with dinner at leisure.
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
Travel from Christchurch to Blenheim aboard the Coastal Pacific—one of New Zealand’s most scenic train journeys—enjoying Pacific coastline, rivers, and rolling countryside. On arrival, transfer for lunch, then head to Omaka Aviation Centre for an exclusive privately guided tour of the WWI and WWII exhibitions, with immersive dioramas and historic aircraft. Continue to a private visit at Jem Aviation to learn about the craftsmanship behind restoring classic antique aircraft and warbirds, including rare Eastern Bloc types. Dinner is at leisure.
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
Transfer to the breathtaking Kaituna Valley for a working sheep and beef farm visit at Kaituna Ridges. Begin with a warm welcome in the woolshed, including demonstrations of huntaway and heading dogs, a live sheep shearing demonstration, and insights into New Zealand farming and sustainable land use—followed by morning tea. Enjoy lunch showcasing seasonal Marlborough produce, then visit Mahi Wines for a private tasting and behind-closed-doors look at the winemaking process in the barrel hall and cave cellar. Return to your hotel with the evening at leisure.
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 10 highlight
Today’s narrative
Transfer to Picton to embark on a premium cruising experience showcasing the very best of the Marlborough Sounds. Glide across tranquil waterways framed by forested hills and secluded bays as your crew shares insights into marine life, history, and the pristine environment. Enjoy a BBQ lunch onboard featuring local ingredients and award-winning wine, then return to your hotel before gathering for your farewell dinner to toast the journey and reflect on highlights.
Today’s inclusions
  • Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Farewell Dinner
  • Activities: Private charter cruise in the Marlborough Sounds, includes, lunch and one glassbeer/wine
  • Transfers: Private return transfers
Day 11 highlight
Today’s narrative
This morning, bid farewell to Blenheim and 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 12 highlight

Pricing & terms

Twin / Double (per person)
US$10,520
USD · twin/double share
Limited availability. Prices and inclusions follow the program terms.
Single (per person)
US$12,640
USD · single occupancy
Includes single supplement of US$2120.
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).

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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.

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New Zealand Expedition · Nov 6–17, 2026 $10,520 per person (twin/double) · Deposit $1,000
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