DAY 1 |

WELCOME TO QUEENSTOWN!

From Auckland, board your flight bound for Queenstown, together with your American Expeditions tour manager.

Positioned on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by towering mountains, Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere’s premier resort town. Nicknamed the ‘adventure capital of the world', Queenstown provides something for everyone. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan you’ll recognize many Middle‑earth™ locations here. 

Welcome to New Zealand's South Island! Check-in to your Queenstown’s hotel to refresh and relax. 

Your stay begins with a free afternoon to explore the adventure capital at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a hike up Queenstown Hill Time Walk, a 500-metre climb through pine forest to the summit offering magnificent views of the lakeside city below.

Tonight, the city offers a range of cuisine, from contemporary New Zealand fare to delicious ethnic food, so travelers with all tastes are sure to find something delicious to savor!  

DAY 2 |

MILFORD SOUND EXCURSION

Following breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day excursion to Milford Sound.

Travel by private motorcoach south through the incredible landscape of Fiordland National Park. Today, you'll see rainforest, ancient glaciers and mountain ranges. Make a stop at Mirror Lake. You'll be awestruck with the lovely reflections of the Earl Mountains. There will be time to stop along the route for photos and to purchase lunch.

With its magical combination of mountain peaks, ink-dark waters and superb dramatic forest-clad cliffs, Milford Sound's beauty must be seen to be believed! A narrated cruise of the Sound allows you to take in the wonders of this fjord, from towering waterfalls to jumping dolphins to Mitre Peak. 

Tonight, your tour manager would be happy to lend dinner suggestions in town. Be sure to try the famously creative Fergburger at some point during your stay!

DAY 3 |

WANAKA EXCURSION & WINE TASTING

Together depart for an excursion to nearby Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Enjoy some time to take in the scenery and meander through the nature trails. On the return, enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting in Gibbston Valley, known as the "Valley of Vines". Vineyards here are perched between rugged mountains and the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River. Enjoy tastings of wines, including Pinot Noir, the signature wine of the area.

This evening, hop aboard a gondola and experience stunning views. You’ll be carried 450 meters above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak for a 220-degree panorama! The iconic view of Queenstown with The Remarkables in the background will leave you in awe.

It’s time to recount the many highlights of your tour!  Toast to the success of your races, new friends, great sightseeing in gorgeous locations, and all of the work and dedication it took for you to be here over a delicious farewell dinner with spectacular sunset views. Wrap up the night with cheers and memories to last a lifetime.

DAY 4 |

INDEPENDENT ADVENTURES & SIGHTSEEING

Today is yours to explore Queenstown and its exciting surroundings.

For the adrenaline-seekers, the possibilities are endless. Queenstown offers thrills from jet boating through the Shotover River Canyons, ziplining, bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, canyoning, stand-up paddling or kayaking, paragliding, parasailing. To name a few. There is no shortage of trails for all interests and abilities.  Access trail heads right from Queenstown city center to hike easy, moderate and difficult trails offering spectacular views of the Remarkables, Lake Wanaka and other notable Queenstown landmarks. Within a short drive (1-1.5hrs) explore the regional trails.