Tailor-made Holiday · New Zealand
New Zealand Gay Travel: Auckland, Rotorua & Queenstown
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Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
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At a glance
Eleven days covering both islands, moving at a pace that actually lets the country land. New Zealand rewards people who don't rush it.
It's one of the furthest-flung destinations on earth for European travelers, and around a fourteen-hour flight for American travelers.
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This itinerary starts in Auckland before heading south through the geothermal strangeness of Rotorua and on to the Abel Tasman coastline, one of the most beautiful stretches of water in the southern hemisphere.
From there it moves through Marlborough wine country before finishing in Queenstown and Milford Sound, where the scenery tips from beautiful into something harder to describe.
The routing covers the highlights without feeling like a checklist. There's enough time in each place to actually settle in, and enough variety across the two weeks to suit couples who want a mix of activity, scenery, and good food.
Auckland tends to surprise first-time visitors who aren't expecting much of a queer scene. Karangahape Road, known locally as K Road, is where the LGBTQ+ community is most concentrated, with bars, clubs, and cafes.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1: Crossing The International Date Line
The International Date Line is an invisible line running along the Pacific Ocean that determines when a calendar day begins and ends. Flights to New Zealand cross this invisible line so you can lose or gain a day as you arrive, essentially turning you into a time traveler. So, the first day of this trip could actually be the second day – it depends on where you travel from.
Day 2: Auckland
When you’ve proceeded through customs head to arrivals. Your driver will meet you and transfer you to your luxury hotel in the center of the city. You’ll have some time to unwind after the long journey before dinner.
Day 3: Waitomo to Rotorua
This morning you’ll travel by coach to the Glow Worm Caves in Waitomo. The soft glow of thousands of glow worms light up the cave and create a sense of wonder. Head to the beautiful Cave of the Spirit and explore a series of chambers. You’ll see speleothems and fossil remains.
Later, drive to Rotorua, a stunning place built on an active geothermal field. It’s surrounded by geysers, mud pools, and hot springs. It’s also the cultural heart of the native Maori culture.
Day 4: Rotorua
Visit Te Puia in Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Surrounded by gushing waters and bubbling mud pools, this is a spectacular place to explore. Your guide will show you the traditional arts and crafts maintained by the National Carving and Weaving Schools.
You’ll be able to discover Maori culture on a private tour of Ohinemutu. After a traditional welcome, you’ll be regaled with tales of Maori history. Keep an eye out for bubbling mud and geysers gushing on the sidewalks of Ohinemutu.
Day 5: Rotoura, Nelson and Kaiteriteri
Morning drive to Rotorua airport where you’ll catch a flight to the sunshine capital, Nelson. Surrounded by rugged mountains and golden beaches, this is the center of New Zealand’s arts scene. Evening at leisure to explore this stunning area.
Day 6: Kaiteriteri
This morning, you’ll be sailing into the park on a luxurious vessel. Your guide will teach you about the impact of early settler activity and Maori history. There’s so much vibrant flora and fauna to see here.
You could try your hand at kayaking in the sandy bays of deserted beaches.
Day 7: Kaiteriteri to Blenheim
Drive to Blenheim along the Richmond ranges. Some of New Zealand’s finest wines are produced here. There are over 70 wineries and many boutique breweries. The wonderful cafes and restaurants of Marlborough truly make this place a gourmet’s paradise.
Enjoy lunch at a local winery and go for a wine-tasting session at the fabled Cloudy Bay Winery. Cloudy Bay helped to put New Zealand wine on the map.
Day 8: Queenstown
Fly to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. The list of adrenaline-pumping activities really is unbeatable. Evening at leisure to explore the local bars and shopping areas.
Day 9: Milford Sound
The vast fjord of Milford Sound is a must-see when you’re in New Zealand. It’s flanked by rainforests and vast waterfalls. Known as the eighth wonder of the world, it’s quite a sight to behold. You can fly by light aircraft over the alpine scenery. Board a luxury vessel and cruise along the fjord to the Tasman Sea. Bring your camera as you’ll be passing incredible scenery.
Later that afternoon, brave the famous Shotover Jet – the finest jet boat experience. You’ll get a real adrenaline buzz as you surge along the Shotover River Canyons. Outcrops, boulders, and canyon walls will whizz by as you skim shallows just centimeters above the water.
Day 10: Day at leisure in Queenstown
Enjoy a day at leisure in Queenstown. There’s no shortage of things to explore. You could cruise Lake Wakatipu, visit a gold mining village, visit some native wildlife, play golf – you name it, there’s a lot to do here. If you’re looking for something more laidback, you could go for a wine-tasting session at the Central Otago wine region.
Day 11: Departure
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight. Your epic New Zealand adventure draws to a close.
Further information
Trip Highlights
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Kaiteriteri
- Blenheim
- Queenstown
- Sail along Milford Sound
- Visit the best wineries – including Cloudy Bay
- Discover native Maori culture
Our Experts
New Zealand is one of the most magical places in the world. If you love out-of-this-world landscapes, this island nation is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
Breathtaking landscapes, awe-inspiring environments - New Zealand impresses at every turn. The vibrant Māori culture on display here is also so special.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.