At a glance
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Our group trips are a great chance to travel with others. We also recommend adding in a few extra nights tailor-made to ensure you build the perfect itinerary.
This gay group trip will show you the cultural riches of New Zeland. You’ll see penguins, drink the finest New World wines and explore the mountainous landscapes where Lord of the Rings was filmed. You’ll also sail on a vintage 1912 steamship and head underground to explore Ruakuri Cave.
More Information
New Zealand has one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks for LGBTQ+ rights in the world. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1986. In 2013, New Zealand became the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to legalize same-sex marriage.
Anti-discrimination protections cover sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression across employment, housing, and public services.
Legal gender recognition does not require surgery or medical intervention, placing New Zealand among the most accessible countries in the world for transgender travelers seeking legal recognition.
In practical terms, LGBTQ+ couples and solo travelers will find New Zealand uniformly welcoming.
Auckland has the most visible LGBTQ+ scene, centered on the Karangahape Road area, and hosts a Pride festival each February.
Wellington has a similarly relaxed culture in a more compact setting. Outside the cities, the absence of any need for caution is itself notable: checking into a remote lodge in Fiordland or a vineyard estate in Central Otago, same-sex couples are received without comment.
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In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
- Day 1: Auckland
- Day 2: Waiheke Island
- Day 3: Waitomo to Rotorua and the Ruakuri Cave
- Day 4: Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Day 5: Rotorua to Wellington
- Day 6: Taonga Māori Tour
- Day 7: Dunedin Wildlife Tours
- Day 8: Dunedin to Te Anau
- Day 9: Milford Sound
- Day 10: Te Anau to Queenstown
- Day 11: Queenstown and the TSS Earnslaw
- Day 12: Queenstown
Day 1: Auckland
When you’ve settled into the hotel it’ll be time to head to the races: The America Cup Sailing Experience. The America Cup is the oldest sports trophy in the world. You’ll be able to take the helm of one of their Grand Prix racers. Alternatively, you can sit back and enjoy the views as we sail down Auckland harbour.
In the evening we’ll have a three-course meal and get to know each other.
Day 2: Waiheke Island
From the Downtown Auckland Ferry we’ll set out on a short cruise to Waiheke Island. It has perfect beaches, olive groves, vineyards and seaside villages. Our tour guide will show us some of the sites.
We’ll visit an olive oil mill and eat oysters freshly caught from Te Matuku Bay.
Day 3: Waitomo to Rotorua and the Ruakuri Cave
Today we’ll visit the Ruakuri Cave where you’ll find hidden waterfalls, underground rivers and limestone formations. After lunch we’ll head to Rotorua and check into our hotel.
Evening at leisure. You’ll be given a voucher for The Polynesia Spa – be sure to try the mineral pools.
Day 4: Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Today we’ll go for a walking tour along the Waimangu Volcanic Valley Crater. Later, we’ll be greeted by a Maori chief as we visit a Maori village. We’ll learn about the customs of this indigenous tribe and enjoy a meal with them.
Day 5: Rotorua to Wellington
We’ll visit New Zeland’s parliament building and Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Then we’ll head off to explore the Botanical Gardens.
Evening at leisure.
Day 6: Taonga Māori Tour
In the morning we’ll check out the local art scene – including the national museum. Here we’ll enjoy a private tour of the museum’s Maori objects. This will be an exclusive tour that isn’t available to the public.
Day 7: Dunedin Wildlife Tours
Today we’ll head to Dunedin a see the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. After lunch we’ll head on the Albatross Tour.
Over at Taiaroa Head we’ll see the Little Blue Penguin Colony. They are the world’s smallest and by far cutest penguins.
Day 8: Dunedin to Te Anau
Today we’ll travel to Te Anau where you’ll be greeted with glorious views from the lakeside and Fiordland National Park.
Day 9: Milford Sound
Today we’ll go for a cruise around Milford Sound. We’ll stop to visit a waterfall, a rainforest and observe the local wildlife.
Day 10: Te Anau to Queenstown
We’ll drive to Queenstown. On the way we’ll see glacial lakes and jagged mountain peaks. Also, we’ll head to a winery in Arrowtown to sample some of New Zeland’s finest with a gourmet meal.
We’ll stay in a boutique hotel in Queenstown.
Day 11: Queenstown and the TSS Earnslaw
Today we’ll cruise to Walter Peak across Lake Wakatipu. An onboard pianist will entertain us – you can also visit the Fo’c’le gallery onboard.
When we reach dry land we’ll head for a High-Country Farm Tour where we’ll observe a wool spinning demonstration. In the evening we’ll head back to Queenstown.
Day 12: Queenstown
Today you’ll be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your return flight.
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Call our travel experts on +44 (0)20 7157 1570
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