Embark on a four-night journey in Auckland, New Zealand, beginning with scenic city spots and a visit to a Matakana winery for a lavish lunch and wine blending experience. Celebrate New Year's Eve with an exclusive dessert event and enjoy the Sky Tower fireworks display. Explore deeper cultural insights with visits to the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a Maori cultural performance and spend an evening at Auckland Zoo. The trip concludes with a rich cultural understanding and cherished memories of Auckland's vibrant offerings.

Day 1 – Monday, December 30, 2024

Upon arrival at the Auckland Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own. Transfer time is approximately 45-minutes. Check in is at 3:00pm

Please look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and /or your name once you have cleared the Customs/Immigration and baggage claim area.

Day 2 – Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Following breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel reception area. Today’s tour will begin with a short scenic driving tour of Auckland’s waterfront, with a stop for photos of the harbour from Bastion Point. You will carry onto Takapuna on the North Shore for free time, shopping, and even ice cream on the beach if you like!

Continue north to the Matakana Estate Winery. Enjoy a two-course lunch at the Matakana Estate and then step into the shoes of a winemaker and create your own wine blend.

Blending is at the heart of many great wines, the timing and trails for blending can vary and can be used for a multitude of purposes to complete a wine. You’ll firstly learn how to taste wine (look, swirl and sniff, taste), then you have the opportunity to create your own blend, envision what wine you would like to make, give your wine a name as you’ll cork your own 375ml bottle to take home or drink tonight celebrating the New Year.

Dinner will be at leisure, and then get ready to ring in the New Year in style. Gather for an exclusive RSSC gathering at the Horizon Hotel restaurant courtyard. You’ll be treated to delicious desserts, sparkling champagne, and unparalleled views of the iconic Sky Tower fireworks display, welcoming the arrival of the New Year in grand style.

Day 3 – Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Enjoy a leisurely day on the first day of the year. If you need suggestions on how to spend your time, the hotel concierge will be available to assist. Meals other than breakfast are on your own today.

Some local businesses may be closed today due to the holiday.

Day 4 – Thursday, January 2, 2025

Your day will begin with a visit to the historic Auckland War Memorial Museum. Here you will discover that the Museum tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its people, and you will come away with a deep understanding of New Zealand culture and heritage.

Upon arrival you will have free time to view the exhibits on your own, and then you will meet in the Auditorium Lobby on Level 2 for the Maori Cultural performance. You will experience a vibrant glimpse of Maori culture in an engaging performance culminating with a spine-tingling version of the world-famous haka. In this vibrant performance, you'll hear beautiful Maori songs, see the entertaining poi dance and learn about traditional Maori weapons.

Once the performance concludes, you will make your way to the main lobby and board the coach for transfer for the Winter Gardens Café for lunch. As this location is close to the museum, you may choose to walk. This will be a downhill 6-minute walk. After a delectable two course meal at the Winter Garden Café enjoy free time exploring the iconic Winter Gardens, before boarding the coach to return to the hotel.

In the evening, you will take part in the Auckland Zoo Evening Experience. This exclusive evening includes a private tour through the Zoo and dinner in an iconic venue. The private guided tour weaves through “Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm”, the New Zealand habitat of the Zoo. Your guide will introduce you to stunning and immersive habitats that showcase over 100 native plants and 60 native species. Learn about our native plant species and the importance of them in Maori culture and the environment.

The tour ends at the Old Elephant House where you will enjoy a buffet dinner in the iconic venue. Nestled deep within the Zoo, the Old Elephant House has been transformed into a bistro-style restaurant.

Day 5 – Friday, January 3, 2025

Following breakfast in the hotel, your morning will be at leisure. Please ensure you check out by 11:00am and take care of any incidentals. Luggage can be stored at reception until your transfer to the pier later in the day.

Land Program Details Step by Step

•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

Arrive Auckland International Airport

Meet and greet and transfer to your hotel

3:00pm Check-in at the hotel

Rooms may or may not be ready prior to this time

Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Meals are on own

Overnight at Horizon by Sky City or similar hotel

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

From 7:00am Breakfast in the hotel

8:50am Meet your driver in the hotel lobby

9:00am Depart for Auckland Sightseeing Drive

Stop at Bastion Point for photos

Stop at Takapuna for free time – beach visit, shopping, coffee

11:15am Depart Takapuna for Matakana Estate

12.00pm Lunch at Matakana Estate Winery

1:00pm Wine blending experience

3:00pm Depart for your hotel

4:30pm Arrive at the hotel

Dinner on your own

11:00pm Dessert and Champagne on the Horizon Terrace

12:00am View the New Years fireworks display

Overnight at Horizon by Sky City or similar hotel

DAY 3

From 7:00am Breakfast in the hotel

Day at leisure

Lunch and dinner on own

Overnight at Horizon by Sky City or similar hotel

DAY 4

From 7:00am Breakfast in the hotel

8:50am Meet driver / guide in lobby

9:00am Depart for Auckland Museum

9:15am Free time in Auckland Museum

10:50am Meet in Auditorium Lobby on Level 2 for performance

11:00am Maori Cultural Performance begins

11:45am Meet guide in lobby to transfer to Wintergardens – or walk.

12:00pm Lunch at Wintergardens Pavilion

1:30pm Free time at Wintergardens

2:15pm Depart for Hotel

3:00pm Arrive at hotel

Afternoon at leisure

5:45pm Meet guide in lobby for transfer to Auckland Zoo

6:00pm Arrive Auckland Zoo for Evening Experience and buffet dinner

9:00pm Depart Auckland Zoo

9:15pm Arrive back at the hotel

Overnight at Horizon by Sky City or similar hotel

DAY 5

From 7:00am Breakfast in the hotel

By 11:00am Check out– luggage can be held at reception until your transfer to the pier Morning at leisure

12:45pm Meet coach in hotel lobby and depart for pier

1:00pm Arrive pier for ship embarkation

Expected Weather:

New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. The average temperature for January is 20°C (68°F) and normally remains temperate and comfortable.

What to Bring:

As it will be summer lighter clothing is suggested. However, as the weather can be changeable is recommended that a rain proof jacket be carried and warmer sweater or jacket for cooler evenings and mornings. Sunscreen is considered essential.

Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities.

Currency:

US dollars are generally accepted only in establishments such as souvenir stores; however, credit cards are widely accepted.

Electricity:

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels provide 110- volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Please note that power outlets only accept angled two or three pin Type I plugs (as also used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. Remember to bring a travel adaptor for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Citizens of the United States do not generally require a visa to visit New Zealand however we recommend you refer to your local New Zealand embassy for further details and requirements.

Accommodation:

Horizon by Sky City

46 Nelson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If a similar hotel is required, it will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotel listed above will be used.

Program includes:

•4 nights at Horizon by Sky City or similar hotel including breakfast – Elite King Room

•2 lunches, 1 buffet dinner – includes 2 beers or glasses of wine

•Exclusive New Year’s Eve Event - Dessert and Champagne at the Horizon Terrace

•Tours and entrances per the itinerary, English-speaking guide

•Transfers

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program excludes:

Any meals not listed above

Gratuities to drivers and guides

Hotel incidentals such as mini bar, room service and laundry

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Price: $2,499 per guest based on double occupancy.

Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.