ATLAS ADVENTURES
NEW ZEALAND
AUCKLAND, TEKAPO + QUEENSTOWN
February 18-25, 2024
*This trip is for women traveling with partners. If you’re interested in a women-only trip instead, please see THIS PAGE
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
Atlas Adventures prides ourselves in the following values:
WE CREATE FUN EXPERIENCES
Our carefully curated itineraries offer authentic experiences for the cultural curious. We minimize the stress of planning so you can fully immerse yourself in fun the moment you arrive!
WE FOSTER MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
We value inclusivity and create spaces for individuals of different backgrounds to listen and learn from one another in order to build long-lasting relationships through shared love of travel.
WE EMPOWER BETTER TRAVELERS
We encourage travelers to step outside their comfort zone and explore destinations from a different perspective. Our mission is to collectively be more intentional and mindful travelers who respect the communities we are visiting, as well as the greater planet.
Still not convinced? Read the testimonials from the girls who have come on our previous trips to see what they had to say!
WHAT WE’RE DOING
We’ll be spending a week visiting some notable highlights and iconic scenery that New Zealand is famous for. We’ll spend two nights together in Auckland before venturing to the South Island: where we’ll travel from Christchurch to Queenstown! We’ll spend 2 days exploring around Lake Tekapo before heading to Queenstown for our final 3 nights (including a stop in Central Otago for lunch and wine tasting!)
Our itinerary is carefully crafted to give you a balance of planned group activities and free time to spend at leisure. But don’t worry… even with the free time you’re given, our team is here to equip you with ample suggestions and additional opportunities to sign up for so you’re never short of things to do.
For more details on our itinerary, see the pricing and inclusions list below.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Whitney is a Luxury Travel Advisor and the founder of Atlas Adventures. She and her team have planned countless trips (both individual and group) around the world, and have access to ground partners everywhere we go. Whitney is also a certified Sommelier, and certified Baptiste Yoga instructor (which means you can expect plenty of wine expertise and opportunities for morning yoga at your disposal!)
Her partner Andrew was born and raised in New Zealand, possessing endless knowledge about his home country! Andrew also planned a month-long tour around New Zealand last year for him and Whitney. He continues to support Team Atlas plan itineraries for clients who also want to venture to this part of the world.
We’re so excited to combine our backgrounds and knowledge to show you one of our favorite places in the world! New Zealand is a destination that means a lot to the both of us and we can’t wait to share it with you!
PRICING + INCLUSIONS
TOTAL COST PER TRAVELER: $4,850
DUE AT REGISTRATION (May 31): $850 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT
SECOND PAYMENT DUE (August 15): $2000
FINAL PAYMENT DUE (November 15): $2000
*This trip is open to women traveling with partners. For women traveling without a partner who want to travel alongside other women, join us for THIS TRIP
WHAT’S INCLUDED
7 nights accommodation split between Auckland, Tekapo + Queenstown
Breakfast Daily
Welcome Dinner (Auckland)
Farewell Dinner (Queenstown)
Day trip to west coast beach from Auckland (includes a walk, picnic lunch & transfer)
Day trip to Mt. Cook from Tekapo (includes transfer and guided walk)
Day trip to Glenorchy from Queenstown (includes guided walk, transfer & lunch)
Winery Lunch + Tasting (in Central Otago en route from Tekapo to Queenstown)
All ground transfers (for included group activities, excluding your individual airport arrival and departure transfers)
NOT INCLUDED
Flights + transfer to hotel
Taxis/transportation for personal leisure / add-on activities
Alcohol/meals not listed in the inclusions
Travel Insurance (required)
Daily add-on activities + souvenirs (optional)
DAY 1: AUCKLAND (WAIHEKE ISLAND ADD ON OPTION)
We suggest arriving a day or two before our time together starts so you can adjust to the time zone and enjoy Auckland. Regardless of when you arrive or where you’re coming from, we’ll officially start our time together this evening with a welcome cocktail reception -followed by dinner at a local Auckland favorite! If you’re looking for things to keep you busy during the day today, we’ll have a fun add-on option available to sign up for if you want to join Andrew and I for lunch at a winery on Waiheke Island— The Hampton’s of New Zealand!
DAY 2: AUCKLAND + LOCAL BEACH
Today we’ll venture to the west coast to explore beautiful beaches known for their strong surf and rugged scenery. We’ll start with a leisurely walk to before enjoying a few hours on the beach… enjoying a picnic lunch for our group and some time to enjoy the scenic views. We’ll be back to Auckland in time to change and relax a bit before dinner (which will be at leisure, with an option to add-on and dine with the group if you wish!)
DAY 3: FLY TO CHRISTCHURCH + TRANSFER TO LAKE TEKAPO
We’ll have breakfast at our hotel before transferring to the airport, where we’ll fly to the South Island! Arriving in Christchurch, we’ll have a ~3 hour drive (transfer included) to the gorgeous Lake Tekapo… where we’ll spend the next two nights. Not only will you be wowed by the remarkable turquoise waters, Lake Tekapo is also part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. We’ll arrive to our hotel (overlooking Lake Tekapo!) before sunset so you have time to enjoy a walk or explore the town. Dinner will be at leisure (with an option to add-on and join the group if you wish!)
DAY 4: DAY TRIP TO MT. COOK
For those interested, we’ll spend the day venturing to Mt. Cook National Park: home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense! We’ll drive an hour each way from Lake Tekapo (stopping on the way so everyone can grab what they want for picnic lunch supplies). Once we arrive to Mt. Cook, we’ll enjoy a 2-3 hour walk (for all skill levels). We’ll be home well before sunset and dinner will be at leisure.
DAY 5: CENTRAL OTAGO + QUEENSTOWN
We’ll have breakfast at the hotel before venturing to Central Otago: one of the most prestigious wine regions in New Zealand (and the world!) We’ll enjoy a winery tour, tasting and lunch before hopping back on the road for a final 45 minute stretch to beautiful Queenstown! We’ll get checked into the hotel and enjoy dinner at leisure (with the option to add on and join the group if interested!)
DAY 6: QUEENSTOWN + GLENORCHY
We’ll spend the day slowly making our way up to Glenorchy— stopping along the way for leisurely walks and scenic lookouts. Once we arrive to Glenorchy, we’ll enjoy lunch together before making our journey back to the hotel…with more stops and walks! Dinner this evening will be at leisure, and the team is available to help make recommendations/bookings.
DAY 7: QUEENSTOWN
Our final day will be at leisure in Queenstown so you can do anything on your list! You can venture to see Milford Sound, go out on the lake for a boat ride, venture to Arrowtown to explore, take a helicopter ride… or whatever else you fancy! This evening we’ll come together for a special farewell dinner at our hotel to wrap up a wonderful trip!
DAY 8: DEPARTURES
Our time together as a group may be over, but there is still plenty more of New Zealand to see! We’ll have plenty of suggested extension options and suggested itineraries to help you continue your journey if you wish.
*Itinerary is weather dependent and subject to change as necessary.
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
Atlas Adventures are built around a shared set of values that are rooted in kindness. We believe in prioritizing connection (whether with locals or fellow travelers), keeping an open mind through all experiences, and being adaptable with all that travel may bring. If the descriptions below sound like you, we want you to join us!:
You are extremely flexible, open minded, easy-going and always up for a range of experiences.
You’re a positive person who looks for the best in all circumstances.
You enjoy meeting new people and are keen to make friends on this trip.
You desire to be a better traveler: respecting other people, other cultures + the planet along the way.
UNIQUE CONSIDERATIONS FOR THIS TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND
You’re traveling with your partner. Atlas Adventures are trips by women, for women. For this particular trip, we’re inviting women who also want to travel with their partner: whether that’s your husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend.
You’re a nature lover. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world! It’s an ideal destination for those who are seeking a nice mix of natural beauty and adventure, along with a relaxed and easy-going culture.
You’re happy to ride via car/van/coach!: We will be spending a lot of time in a coach (two days with 3 hour drives, and a couple days with 1-2 hour drives). Please ensure you’re comfortable being a passenger this frequently/for these periods of time.
You’re able to walk for an hour or two at a time. While we won’t be doing strenuous hikes as a group (though you can arrange during your free time if you wish!) there are a few walks we plan to take together that will last between 1-2 hours.
You’re up for a laid-back experience. Kiwi culture is incredibly relaxed by nature. While we’ll be staying at the nicest hotels in each area we visit, you can expect an experience that’s comfortable, yet “no-frills”.
You’re prepared for all types of weather. New Zealand is known as the “land of the long white cloud” which means different weather patterns can come and go quickly. While February is one of the most ideal months to visit weather-wise… travelers should keep a flexible mindset and be prepared for both rain + shine!
The Atlas Adventures standard cancellation policy can be viewed HERE. Travelers are required to purchase additional travel insurance (which we can help you navigate!)
