Epic New Zealand Winter Adventure: Auckland, Hobbiton & Queenstown Skiing Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Auckland, New Zealand on July 30, 2025

5:30am

Airport Transfer Pickup

Pickup from Balgownie to Sydney Airport, starting your trip early and ensuring a smooth transit to your flight.
Included in transfer, 30m

9:10am

Flight QF3 Sydney to Auckland

Depart Sydney on a direct flight to Auckland taking approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Included in airfare, 3h20m

2:45pm

Airport Transfer to QT Auckland

A quick 30-minute drive via Transfeero shuttle to your stylish accommodation at QT Auckland.
NZD 40 approx., 30m

3:15pm

Hotel Check-in

Settle into the QT Auckland, a boutique hotel known for its modern art and hip vibe in the city centre.
Pre-paid accommodation, 1h

4:15pm

Evening Relaxation at QT Rooftop

Enjoy sunset drinks and a relaxed atmosphere at the QT rooftop bar, perfect to unwind after your flight.
Varies by order, 2h

Day 2: Hobbiton Tour

Auckland & Matamata, New Zealand on July 31, 2025

6:45am

Pickup for Hobbiton Tour

Luxury coach pickup from Auckland for a scenic 2-hour drive to Hobbiton, immersing you in the Lord of the Rings movie set.
Included in tour package, 2h

9:30am

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Explore 44 Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and more with expert guides sharing behind-the-scenes movie secrets, a must-see for fans and nature lovers alike.
NZD 89 per adult, 2h

11:30am

Buffet Lunch at Hobbiton Party Marquee

Enjoy a hearty buffet lunch with complimentary ale or non-alcoholic drinks in the atmospheric Party Marquee in Hobbiton.
Included in tour, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Auckland

Scenic 2-hour transport back to your hotel in Auckland to rest or explore the city at leisure.
Included in tour package, 2h

3:30pm

Free time

Afternoon at leisure: explore Queen Street for shopping or visit the Auckland Art Gallery.
Varies depending on activity, Remainder of day

7:00pm

Dinner at The Grove

Dine at The Grove, open 5:30pm-10pm, offering modern New Zealand cuisine with innovative seasonal dishes in an elegant setting.
Approx. NZD 60 per person, 1.5h

Day 3: Flight to Queenstown & Ski Prep

Queenstown, New Zealand on August 1, 2025

8:45am

Airport Transfer to Auckland Airport

Pickup for transfer to Auckland Airport by Transfeero, ensuring timely arrival for your domestic flight.
Approx. NZD 40, 30m

10:30am

Flight to Queenstown (JQ297)

Fly from Auckland to Queenstown, enjoying spectacular views of New Zealand’s South Island landscapes.
Included in airfare, 1h50m

12:45pm

Airport Transfer to Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

Short transfer via Black Lane service to your accommodation, placing you in the heart of Queenstown.
Pre-booked transfer approx NZD 30, 15m

1:00pm

Hotel Check-in at Hilton Resort & Spa

Enjoy luxury amenities and relax before afternoon ski appointments.
Pre-paid accommodation, 1h

2:00pm

Ski Appointment at Snowpro Studio (Cooper & Amy)

Get fitted for ski equipment to prepare for upcoming skiing days at a professional studio known for expert service.
Confirmed appointment, 1h

3:15pm

Onsen Appointment (Cooper & Amy)

Relax and soothe your muscles at a local onsen spa, perfect post-fitting relaxation.
Approx NZD 50-70, 1h

5:00pm

Ski Appointment at Snowpro Studio (Cass & Sam)

Equipment fitting and prep for Cass and Sam’s skiing adventures.
Confirmed appointment, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Reserve a table at Botswana Butchery, open from 5pm, for a high-end dining experience featuring prime meats and local wines.
Approx. NZD 70 per person, 1.5h

4:00pm

Cornets Peak Night Ski

Optional night skiing opportunity from 4pm to 9pm, available Wednesdays and Fridays, ideal for keen skiers looking for a unique experience.
Lift ticket approx NZD 50, Up to 5h

Day 4: Full Ski Day

Queenstown, New Zealand on August 2, 2025

8:00am

Full Day Skiing

Enjoy a full day on the slopes with access to some of the best skiing terrains Queenstown has to offer.
Lift passes approx NZD 120, 8h

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a full breakfast buffet at the Hilton Queenstown Resort, offering hot and cold selections including local produce.
Included with accommodation or approx NZD 30, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch on the Mountain

Enjoy casual lunch at the ski resort cafe, offering soups, sandwiches and warming hot drinks.
Approx NZD 20-30, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Rata (Sam & Cass)

Intimate dinner at Rata, a highly regarded boutique restaurant in Queenstown, reservation at 8pm. Payt will babysit during this time.
Approx NZD 60+ per person, 2h

Day 5: Ski & Dinner

Queenstown, New Zealand on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Optional Ski Day

Spend another exhilarating day skiing in the breathtaking Queenstown area; perfect for all skill levels.
Lift pass approx NZD 120, All day

8:00am

Breakfast at Hilton

Savour a hearty breakfast buffet featuring fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, and local breads.
Approx NZD 30, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jervois Steak House

Group dinner reservation for 8 at Jervois Steak House from 5:30pm. Known for its excellent steaks and lively atmosphere.
Approx NZD 70 per person, 2h

Day 6: Cass’s Birthday & Winery Day

Queenstown & Central Otago, New Zealand on August 4, 2025

9:30am

Winery Day Tour

A full day exploring vineyards in Central Otago, tasting exquisite wines and enjoying beautiful countryside scenery.
Approx NZD 150 per person including tastings and transport, 7.5h

8:00am

Birthday Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen

Celebrate Cass’s birthday with a delicious breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen, known for its fresh ingredients and great coffee.
Approx NZD 25, 1h

7:00pm

Casual Birthday Dinner at Hotel

Wind down with a relaxed dinner at the hotel restaurant, celebrating with friends and reflecting on the day.
Approx NZD 50, 2h

Day 7: Adventure & Dinner

Queenstown, New Zealand on August 5, 2025

9:00am

Shot Over Hill Luge & Gondola

Ride the gondola for stunning views, then enjoy the thrilling luge tracks, the perfect adrenaline rush in Queenstown’s iconic adventure hub.
NZD 35 gondola + NZD 35 luge combo, 3h

8:00am

Breakfast at Fergbakery

Grab a quick gourmet pastry and coffee at Fergbakery before heading out for the day.
Approx NZD 15, 30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Ayrburn

Dinner reservation at Ayrburn, a cosy local restaurant known for its contemporary New Zealand cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
Approx NZD 60 per person, 2h

Day 8: Departure Day

Queenstown & Sydney on August 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at the hotel before packing up for your journey home.
Included or approx NZD 30, 1h

12:00pm

Airport Transfer to Queenstown Airport

Black Lane transfer ensures a timely trip to the airport for your flight home.
Pre-booked approx NZD 30, 30m

3:25pm

Flight QF122 Queenstown to Sydney

Enjoy your flight back to Sydney with scenic views, arriving in the late afternoon.
Included in airfare, 3h15m

4:40pm

Sydney Airport Transfer to Balgownie

Final transfer from the airport back to your home base in Balgownie.
Included in transfer, 30m