Our favorite place on earth has been getting a lot of attention now that it has been "discovered" by Hollywood. Movie director Peter Jackson said that New Zealand was the only place considered for the filming of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. According to Jackson, who directed all three movies:

"Tolkien’s world was one of deep hidden valleys, barren wastelands, remote mystical mountains, and lush low valleys and we found all these places throughout New Zealand.”

More recently, New Zealand has returned to the silver screen in the blockbuster movies; "The Chronicles of Narnia" and parts of "King Kong".

Indeed, when our friends and clients travel to New Zealand, they invariably say that New Zealand is the most beautiful country they have ever seen.

New Zealand consists of two large main islands in the South Pacific. The North Island and South Island combined have more than 3,000 miles of ocean coastline and countless golden beaches. Because the warm and friendly people of New Zealand are generally active and outdoors oriented, there are an endless number of ocean and beach related activities available from springtime until early fall. Abel Tasman National Park, for example, offers boating, sunbathing, hiking, kayaking, scuba diving and water sports in a variety and quality that compares favorably to the best venues on earth.

However, the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand involve the mountains. It has been said that Queenstown is to New Zealand as Aspen was to Colorado in the 1970's and skiers come to this area from around the world for the beauty and uncrowded slopes. Located on the banks of breathtaking Lake Wakatipu at the base of the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is also the gateway to the fiordlands. Milford Sound, the centerpiece of the fiordlands, is what the fjords of Norway or Alaska might look like if they were moved against the tall, green Alps of Switzerland or Austria.

In the warmer months, mountain biking, hiking, parasailing, bungee jumping, boating, fishing, horseback riding and golfing are readily available in all areas of New Zealand.

Although there are not many "5-star" hotels in New Zealand (by European and North American standards), we have found many luxury lodges in all areas of New Zealand that exceed the expectations of even the most discriminating of travelers. Whether you are looking for three star hotels, charming boutiques, four or five star full service hotels, or luxury lodges --- we have personally hand-picked our properties to fit your needs.

You should be aware that the flying time to New Zealand is roughly 13 hours from Los Angeles and 13+ hours from San Francisco, so you may want to consider breaking up the trip with a stop at one or more of the Tahitian Islands. (Indeed, it makes some passengers very sad to discover they have passed directly over this island paradise without considering stopping for at least a few days.) With several new non-stop flights from New York to Tahiti, this has become an even more popular package!

Our process is very simple:

First pick the package you prefer. From our "Our Tours" page, please click on the vacation package that best fits your interests, follow the link to a more detailed description. (The independent tours can be self-drive in rental cars, or on a "seat in coach" basis between the cities/towns on your trip route.)

Next click on the "Request Booking" link to request a booking.

Lastly, instruct us to begin booking your trip by mailing your refundable $300 per person deposit, or by FAX if using a credit card. (The balance of the land package price is due 45 days before departure. See TERMS)

If you do not find one of our tours that exactly fits your schedule or plan, we will customize to your expectations (A small non-refundable development fee may be required depending upon the complexity or your request.) Also, all requests for tours leaving within 30 days are considered "last minute travel" and will require a non-refundable rush fee of $100 per person to be added to the deposit before any action is taken or advice given.)

If you prefer escorted group tours, please inquire about our groups departing Auckland and Christchurch most weeks of the year.

We are sure that you will love your time downunder in the South Pacific and the enchanting land of New Zealand!