Auckland -> Rotorua -> Queenstown

Welcome to your 10-day trip to New Zealand with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife!

Cost is: $9,500 per person

Please note: All activities, hotel locations and details are subject to change.

Processing fees to do apply:

• 2% fee associated for all transactions

• When paying via credit card, an additional 2.9-3.9% fee applies (2.9% for Visa/Mastercard, 3.9% for American Express)

• A wire, no matter the amount, is a flat $25USD with no WeTravel fee associated

Auckland

Often referred to as the "City of Sails," Auckland is New Zealand's vibrant gateway city, surrounded by sparkling harbors, volcanic landscapes, and beautiful coastlines. As the country's largest city, Auckland offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan energy and natural beauty, where world-class dining, waterfront culture, and rich Māori heritage come together. From scenic harbor views to nearby wine regions and island escapes, Auckland provides the perfect introduction to New Zealand's welcoming spirit and diverse landscapes.

Rotorua

Located in the heart of New Zealand's North Island, Rotorua is the cultural and geothermal center of the country. Famous for its steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and natural hot springs, the region offers a fascinating glimpse into the powerful forces that shaped New Zealand's landscape. Rotorua is also one of the best places to experience authentic Māori culture, traditions, and hospitality, creating meaningful connections to the country's indigenous heritage. Blending wellness, nature, and culture, Rotorua offers a truly unique New Zealand experience.

Queenstown

Nestled along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the dramatic Southern Alps, Queenstown is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Known as New Zealand's adventure capital, it offers everything from exhilarating outdoor experiences to luxury lodges, award-winning wineries, and breathtaking alpine scenery. Whether exploring nearby vineyards, cruising through majestic fjords, or simply taking in the mountain views, Queenstown delivers unforgettable moments at every turn.

Dates: March 1st - March 11th 2027 (11 Days)

Arrivals

Monday, March 1st - First activity is a Welcome Dinner & Discussions at 6pm. 

Fly into Aukland - Aukland International Airport (AKL)

Departures

Thursday, March 11th  - can depart anytime. (TRAVEL DAY ONLY)

Fly out of Queenstown - Queenstown International Airport (ZQN)

Air Travel

Immediately after securing your retreat spot, you'll be connecting to our travel team to book flights. We highly recommend working with our travel team so we can monitor air travel, delays, early arrivals, etc however, it is not required.

Ground Transportation

Once on the ground in the host city - our team will handle ground transport to and from the airport. 

Arrivals

Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver who will transport you from the airport to the Hotel.

Hotel Check In

After a scenic journey to the hotel, you'll be welcomed by a member of the Fueled Events Team to help you check into the hotel.

Welcome Dinner & Discussions - 6pm-10pm

Evening welcome dinner to kick off our week together with group introductions, instruction and discussion with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Location: Boulevard Room

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour - or similar hotel

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here

Breakfast

Morning breakfast at your leisure

9am-10:30am - AM Group Instruction & Discussions

Morning group instruction & discussion with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

11a-1pm - SPA APPOINTMENTS

Choose between a massage (Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone) or a facial.

Lunch

Lunch on own

1pm - Half day Auckland city tour

6:30pm - Dinner

Sky Tower Orbit Restaurant

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour - or similar hotel

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here

Breakfast

Morning breakfast at your leisure

9am - 4pm - Man O'War - Waiheke Island Cruise

Scenic cruise through the eastern Hauraki Gulf direct to Man O’ War Bay the northeastern end of Waiheke Island.

Optional Activity (additional fee applies)

• Forest Flight – glide through ancient Kauri canopies via three tandem ziplines and stroll through the native bush connecting them.

Group Lunch

3-course lunch at Tasting Room Restaurant

4:15pm - Return to hotel

5pm-7pm - SPA APPOINTMENTS

Choose between a massage (Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone) or a facial.

7:30pm-10pm - Group Instruction & Discussions

Dinner

Group Dinner

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour - or similar hotel

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here

Breakfast

Morning breakfast at your leisure

9am - Auckland’s West Coast tour 

• Black Sand Beaches

• Arataki Visitor Centre

• Rainforest Walk

Group Lunch

2 course lunch at Bravo at Cracker Bay

**Walk back to hotel (7-minute walk)

2pm - 7pm - SPA APPOINTMENTS

Choose between a massage (Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone) or a facial.

Dinner

Dinner on own

8pm-10pm - Group Instruction & Discussions

Group instruction & discussion led by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour - or similar hotel

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here

Breakfast

Morning breakfast at your leisure

Transport

Drive from Auckland to Hamilton (1.5 hours)

Instruction and discussion led by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Hamilton Gardens Guided Tour & High Tea

Full group instruction and discussions with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Lunch & Activity

Summerhouse at Hamilton Gardens

Transport

Drive from Hamilton to Rotorua (1.5 hours)

Instruction and discussion led by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Group Dinner

Tu Te Ra - Maori Cultural Dining Experience

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ ROTORUA HOTEL (or similar hotel)

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here

Breakfast

Morning breakfast at your leisure

Wai o Tapu Thermal Park Visit

Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, Wai-O-Tapu is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. This is a uniquely different natural landscape and the key to what visitors see lies below the surface; one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand.

Lunch

Gondola & Buffet Lunch

2:30pm - The Hell's Gate Experience

Includes: 

• Geothermal walk

• Maori carving

• Mud baths

• Sulphur spas

• Cool plunge pool

Return to Hotel

All couples are split into Group A or B for an intimate group Instruction & discussion with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Dinner

Dinner on own

Group Instruction & Discussions

Group Instruction & discussion with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ ROTORUA HOTEL (or similar hotel)

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here

Breakfast

Morning breakfast at your leisure

Ground Transport to Airport

Group Transports from Rotorua Hotel –-> Hamilton Domestic Airport (90 minutes)

Group instruction & discussion led by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife during group transport.

Lunch

Lunch on own at Airport

Air Transport to Queenstown

Auckland –-> Queenstown (2 Hours)

• Depart Hamilton @ 11.25 to Wellington @ 12.40

• Depart Wellington @ 13.55 to arrive Queenstown @ 15.20
  

Check into Hotel

Dinner on own

Dinner on own

• TBD

• Free Time
  

6pm - Dinner & Group Discussion

Group Dinner & Discussions led by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Notch restaurant with a 3-course set menu dinner.

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ QT Queenstown Hotel (or similar hotel)

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here

Breakfast

Morning breakfast at your leisure

Morning Group Instruction & Discussion

Group instruction & discussion led by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson Fife

Lunch

Lunch on own

Optional Activities:

• Skydiving

• Quad Bike Tour

• Horseback Trek

• Clay Target Shooting

• Private Flaoting Sauna

Dinner

TBD Group Dinner or Dinner on own

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ QT Queenstown Hotel (or similar hotel)

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here

Breakfast

Morning breakfast at your leisure

Milford Sound - Scenic Flight

Scenic Flight include famous Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region (made popular as film locations for Lord of the Rings/Hobbit Trilogies), and the Donne glacier among many other awe-inspiring features. Your 35 minute flight concludes with an over flight of the fiord of Milford Sound, prior to landing.

Catamaran Group Lunch

The second half of the adventure begins in Milford Sound, where your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks to board the “Spirit of Milford” for your Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Numbers aboard are capped at 150 passengers and your guide provides commentary while your catamaran explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail. A picnic lunch is included on board.

Return to hotel

5.45pm - Meet in the hotel lobby to walk to The Bunker, 10-minute walk 850m.

6pm - Group Dinner & Discussions

The Bunker - Private room, 3-course dinner

Group instruction & discussion led by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson Fife

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ QT Queenstown Hotel (or similar hotel)

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here

Breakfast

Morning breakfast at your leisure

Drive Queenstown to Glenorchy

45 minutes

This incredible road skirts alongside beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Towering mountains provide the most epic backdrop for the drive. You’ll find swimming spots, hiking trails, Lord of the Rings filming sites, and lots of photo ops along the way.

2 hour Wilderness Safari - Jetboat 

Discover and explore every aspect of this magnificent area with an exciting 2 hour wilderness jet boating experience. Surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time, you’ll be thrilled by an exciting jet boat journey navigating the ever-changing shallow channels of the Dart Rivers braided river system. Your jet boat driver will stop along the way to highlight points of interest and discuss the natural and cultural significance of this exceptional area. We’ll also take the chance to tie up the boat and let you walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests – an atmosphere you may recognize from The Lord of the Rings films. 

What to bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, warm outer layer, supportive footwear, small bag, carried at own risk, camera, carried at own risk.

Drive Glenorchy to Queenstown

45 minutes

Lunch

Lunch on own

Dinner - 6:30pm-9:30pm

Final Group Farewell Dinner

*Cocktail Party Attire

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ QT Queenstown Hotel (or similar hotel)

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here

Breakfast

Morning breakfast at your leisure

Morning Activity

Check out of hotel by 10am

Departures

**A notification will be sent to all participants when the full itinerary is set. Please note that all details, activities and hotels are subject to change but will be similar to what is shown here