Fly from Dhaka into Christchurch Airport, allowing time for immigration, baggage collection and any biosecurity inspection before meeting your private transfer. The drive to The George in central Christchurch usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic; with 12 travellers and luggage, the two Mercedes Sprinters are the right arrangement. Check-in is from 2:00 PM at 50 Park Terrace. After settling into your rooms, take a gentle late-afternoon stroll through Hagley Park, following the paths beside the Avon River beneath the mature trees. Keep this unhurried after the long journey—about an hour is plenty.
Continue into the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where the Avon-side paths and conservatories make an easy introduction to the city. The gardens are generally open from early morning until evening, with seasonal closing times, while conservatory access can be more limited; check the official opening information if you arrive close to closing. From the gardens, walk or take a short taxi ride into the central city for Riverside Market, a good place to browse New Zealand produce, baked goods and small artisan stalls. It is usually busiest around lunchtime and afternoon, so stall availability may be more limited later in the day; confirm the day’s trading hours before relying on it for food.
For dinner, choose a contemporary central-city restaurant such as King of Snake on The Terrace or Twenty Seven Steps on New Regent Street, both suitable for a relaxed group meal with advance reservations. Allow roughly NZ$45–80 per person for dinner, excluding drinks, and request one or two adjoining tables for the six couples. The central-city sights are walkable from The George, but arrange taxis or rideshares if anyone is tired after the flight.
Leave The George early enough to meet the helicopter operator’s confirmed check-in time at Christchurch Airport; the precise departure time is weather- and operator-dependent. Your luggage should travel separately by scheduled road transfer to Hotel St Moritz Queenstown, so keep passports, medication, warm layers, sunglasses and essentials with you. Allow flexibility for passenger-weighing procedures, safety briefings, changing weather and the comfort stop at Mount Cook Airport. Confirm all 12 passenger weights, glacier clothing requirements and the luggage handover before departure.
The route crosses the Canterbury Plains and the blue waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki before reaching Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. At The Tasman Glacier, expect roughly an hour on the ice with your guides, walking carefully among crevasses, sculpted ice and seasonal meltwater features. Conditions can change quickly even in December: wear sturdy footwear and bring a waterproof outer layer, as the helicopter operator’s clothing guidance takes priority.
Continue to the Upper Neve Snowfield for the planned champagne picnic, allowing about 45 minutes on the snowfield. This is a quiet, spectacular pause rather than a conventional lunch stop, with clear views toward Aoraki/Mount Cook when visibility cooperates. Keep food and drinks secured in the wind, apply sunscreen frequently and avoid wandering beyond the guide’s marked area. The onward flight toward Queenstown may include views of the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, but the exact route is always subject to cloud, wind and safety conditions.
After the final stop at Mount Cook Airport to return glacier gear, continue to Queenstown and transfer directly to Hotel St Moritz Queenstown. Allow around an hour to check in, collect luggage and reset after the alpine outing; the hotel’s position near the waterfront makes it easy to take a short, unhurried stroll along Marine Parade if energy allows. If the helicopter sector is delayed or cancelled, the experience may need to be shortened or replaced with the confirmed airline fallback, so avoid booking any non-refundable activity before dinner.
Walk or take a short taxi from the hotel into central Queenstown for dinner at The Bunker, an intimate restaurant tucked into a historic cottage. Allow about 90 minutes and reserve ahead for a group of 12, requesting the earliest suitable table if the helicopter arrival is weather-sensitive. The menu is seasonal and generally focused on New Zealand produce; dinner commonly sits around NZ$60–100 per person before drinks, though the current menu should be checked when booking. Afterward, return via Cow Lane and the waterfront rather than over-planning the evening—tomorrow is best enjoyed with a relaxed start.
Start with a gentle walk through Queenstown Gardens, reached in about 5–10 minutes from Hotel St Moritz by taxi or a downhill stroll through central Queenstown. Allow around 1½ hours for the lakeside paths, rose gardens and quiet viewpoints across Lake Wakatipu toward the Remarkables. Go early for softer light and fewer visitors; the gardens are open from dawn until dusk, and there is no admission charge. Wear comfortable shoes—the paths are easy but partly gravelled.
Continue to Steamer Wharf for the late-morning TSS Earnslaw cruise. Allow roughly 15–20 minutes from the gardens on foot, or use taxis for the group if anyone prefers not to walk. The historic steamship typically spends about 1½ hours on Lake Wakatipu, with excellent views from the upper deck; the exact sailing schedule varies, so reserve the 12-person group in advance and arrive at least 20–30 minutes before departure. Bring a light layer, as the lake can feel cool even in December.
The cruise continues to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where allow about two hours for the rural demonstrations, farm setting and views back toward Queenstown. Keep the group together when the ship’s crew gives return-boarding instructions, and confirm the final sailing time before exploring. After returning to Steamer Wharf, walk into the town centre for a relaxed lunch at Fergbaker. Expect around 45 minutes and approximately NZ$15–30 per person for pies, sandwiches or baked treats; queues can be long at peak lunchtime, so split into two ordering groups and meet outside.
Finish at Skyline Queenstown on Bob’s Peak. From Fergbaker, it is a short walk to the gondola base, though the uphill streets are steep; taxis are easier for anyone who would rather avoid the climb. Allow about two hours for the gondola ride, summit viewpoints and an unhurried look over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Book gondola access ahead for all 12 travellers and check the operating timetable on the day, as wind can affect services. Return to the hotel by taxi or on foot if the group still has energy; sunset light is especially good from the summit, but allow extra time for the descent queue.
Set off from Queenstown around 7:00 AM for Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, allowing 12–13 hours door to door by coach or private vehicle. The route follows State Highway 6 and the Milford Road through changing alpine scenery; the drive is long, with comfort stops and meal breaks, so carry water, warm layers and snacks. A private vehicle gives your group more flexibility, while a coach removes the need to navigate the winding road and limited parking yourself. Depart promptly, as the planned cruise departure should be confirmed in advance and cannot be treated as a walk-in activity.
Make your morning stop at the Te Anau Lakefront, roughly two hours from Queenstown, for about 45 minutes beside the water. Pick up coffee and breakfast from a local café near the town centre, then take a short lakeside stroll before continuing south. On the Milford Road, pause at Mirror Lakes for its easy boardwalk—allow around 30 minutes, and bring a rain jacket even in fine weather, as Fiordland weather changes quickly.
Continue through the Eglinton Valley and the Homer Tunnel toward Milford Sound, allowing plenty of time for photo stops and possible traffic delays. Join the pre-booked Milford Sound Nature Cruises sailing for approximately two hours. From the deck, look for Mitre Peak, rainforest-covered cliffs and waterfalls dropping directly into the fiord; wildlife sightings may include fur seals, dolphins and native birds, but they are never guaranteed. Keep waterproof layers handy—spray and wind can make the open deck cool, even during December.
After disembarking, begin the long return journey to Queenstown. There are limited dining choices around Milford Sound, so use the operator’s planned meal stop or bring a packed lunch rather than relying on a late restaurant meal. Expect to arrive tired after the 12–13-hour excursion; reserve an easy late dinner at a Queenstown waterfront restaurant near Hotel St Moritz, such as Finz Seafood & Grill or Boardwalk, allowing about 1½ hours. Confirm the table in advance and ask for a relaxed seating time, as return traffic and weather-related delays on the Milford Road are possible.
After breakfast, drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown in about 25–30 minutes via State Highway 6 and Lake Hayes Road. A private vehicle or pre-arranged minibus is easiest for 12 people; parking is generally available around Buckingham Street, though the village is busiest late morning. Spend around 1½ hours exploring the Arrowtown Historic Precinct, where stone cottages, timber miners’ huts and quiet lanes recall the area’s 19th-century gold-rush days. The compact centre is very walkable, but some paths are uneven, so comfortable shoes are worthwhile. Opening hours for individual galleries and shops vary, particularly on Sundays.
For a relaxed, informal lunch or morning tea, stop at Arrowtown Bakery in the village for pies, filled rolls, sandwiches or something sweet—allow about 45 minutes. Expect roughly NZ$12–25 per person, with takeaway practical if the group prefers to eat outdoors. From Arrowtown, continue about 20 minutes through the Gibbston wine country to Gibbston Valley Winery; book both the cellar-door tasting and vineyard lunch in advance for all 12 guests, as Sunday availability can be limited. Allow about two hours here, and nominate a non-drinking driver or keep the private vehicle and tasting arrangements coordinated.
Continue from Gibbston Valley Winery to the Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre, usually a 10–15-minute drive. You do not need to jump—the historic bridge and viewing platforms make this a worthwhile stop for spectators, with roughly an hour to watch the action and take in the steep Kawarau Gorge. Check the operator’s current Sunday hours before setting out, and allow extra time for the group to move between the car park and viewing areas. The centre is close to the main route back toward Queenstown, making it an efficient afternoon stop rather than a detour.
Finish at Lake Hayes, around 15 minutes from the bungy centre by road. Take an easy section of the lakeside path for about an hour as the light softens over the water and surrounding ranges; there is no need to complete the full circuit. Bring a light layer, as the open shoreline can feel cool even in summer, and check the forecast for wind before walking. From Lake Hayes, return to Hotel St Moritz in approximately 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic. For dinner, keep the evening unhurried in central Queenstown and reserve ahead for the group, especially on a Sunday in December.
Allow roughly 30 minutes by vehicle from Hotel St Moritz to Queenstown Airport, plus 60–90 minutes at the terminal for bag drop, security and organising 12 travellers. Use the confirmed direct flight schedule rather than relying on a fixed departure time; for a morning service, have the group ready in the hotel lobby with luggage well ahead of the airline’s recommended check-in deadline. Keep baggage allowances consistent across the group, and confirm whether the hotel or your arranged vehicle can accommodate all suitcases comfortably.
After landing, transfer from Auckland Airport to Pullman Auckland Airport—usually around 5–15 minutes, depending on the terminal and the hotel’s current shuttle arrangements. Leave larger luggage at the hotel if rooms are not ready, then take a taxi or rideshare into central Auckland; allow about 30–40 minutes each way in daytime traffic to reach Auckland Domain. Have lunch near the museum or bring water, as the afternoon involves walking between indoor galleries and the gardens.
Spend around two hours at Auckland War Memorial Museum, where the Māori and Pacific galleries, New Zealand’s natural-history displays and military exhibitions give a useful introduction to the country beyond its scenery. Check the museum’s opening hours and any timed-entry requirements before travelling, especially with a group of 12; allow extra time for cloakroom use and regrouping. Admission policies and concessions can change, so verify the current arrangements on the museum’s official website.
Continue on foot through Auckland Domain to the Auckland Domain Wintergardens, a much quieter stop after the museum. Allow about an hour to see the historic glasshouses and the fernery, with time to wander the surrounding paths. The Wintergardens’ hours can vary by season and maintenance, and the fernery is often darker and damp underfoot, so comfortable shoes are worthwhile. Return to Pullman Auckland Airport after the visit rather than trying to fit more central sightseeing into the evening.
For the farewell dinner, reserve a group table in Viaduct Harbour or Wynyard Quarter, travelling by pre-booked minibus, taxis or rideshares from the airport hotel. Choose a waterfront seafood restaurant with a set or limited group menu—this keeps service manageable for six couples and makes dietary requests easier to confirm in advance. Expect approximately NZ$50–90 per person before drinks, and allow at least 1½ hours; book early and reconfirm the final headcount, seating arrangement and return transport. After dinner, return to Pullman Auckland Airport for an easy departure morning, keeping passports, flight documents and any duty-free items together for the next day.
Begin with Mount Eden / Maungawhau, reached from Pullman Auckland Airport by taxi or pre-arranged minibus in roughly 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic. Allow about 1½ hours for the summit walk and viewpoints; vehicles cannot drive to the crater rim, so wear comfortable shoes and expect a steady uphill section. The summit gives one of Auckland’s best 360-degree views across the harbour, suburbs and volcanic cones. Please remain on marked paths and do not enter the sacred crater area. Early morning is usually cooler and clearer, though access can be affected by weather or temporary closures.
Continue into the city centre by vehicle, allowing approximately 20–30 minutes. At Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, spend around 1½ hours with the New Zealand, Māori and Pacific collections alongside international works. Check the gallery’s current opening hours and exhibition schedule before travelling; timed or special-exhibition entry may require advance booking. For a group of 12, arrange a drop-off near the gallery and confirm luggage storage if you are carrying more than day bags.
From Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, walk downhill through the city centre toward Commercial Bay in about 15–20 minutes, or use a short taxi ride if the group prefers. This is a convenient final stop for browsing local and international retailers, picking up gifts and having a relaxed lunch in the dining precinct. Allow about 1½ hours and roughly NZ$20–40 per person for a casual meal. Keep the group together around the waterfront and leave a little time for toilets, collecting purchases and regrouping before the airport transfer.
Leave central Auckland approximately three hours before the international flight. A pre-booked minibus or private transfer is simplest for 12 travellers and luggage; allow around 35–60 minutes to Auckland Airport, with additional time possible during weekday traffic. Follow the airport motorway route and confirm whether the group is departing from the International Terminal. At the airport, allow time for luggage drop, outbound processing, security and any duty-free or biosecurity requirements. Keep passports and travel documents together, and agree on a meeting point before anyone separates for shopping or refreshments.
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