Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with a population just under 500,000, and the primary transit hub on the North Island. Be sure to set your clocks—here, you're on New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), which is +19 hours ahead of Pacific Time, +12 hours ahead of GMT/ UTC.

Trip Start

Our trip begins on Monday, January 31, 2022 with an orientation and overnight at the Hotel Grand Windsor in Auckland, New Zealand. This first day is yours to settle in after a long flight, and to explore Auckland on your own and we will have an orientation this evening. We will then meet as a group at 9am on Tuesday, February 1, in the hotel lobby.

Arrival Airport

The best airport to fly into is Auckland International Airport (AKL), about a 30-minute drive from our hotel. Direct flights to Auckland are available from a handful of major US cities, including Chicago, Houston, Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco. From the US West Coast, the flight to New Zealand should take you between 14 and 17 hours.

We recommend arriving during the day on January 31 or earlier, in the case of unforeseen circumstances or travel delays. To arrive in Auckland on January 31, you will most likely start your travel on January 30 to account for the time difference.

Transfer from Airport

Private transportation is available from AKL airport to our hotel; we recommend booking directly through the concierge at the Grand Windsor Hotel no more than 30 days ahead of your arrival.

Alternatively, you can arrange your own taxi upon arrival at AKL airport. Taxi and shuttles queue up outside the arrivals area at both the international terminal (Door 8) and domestic terminal (Door 4). One-way fares from the airport into the city cost NZ$55 to NZ$70 for a taxi, or NZ$35 for a shared shuttle. For more information visit the AKL Airport website.

Ride-share services such as Uber are also available. Expect to pay around NZ$50 for a one-way ride share into the city.

Pre-Arrival Accommodations

We stay in unique, in-demand hotels on this trip—rooms go fast and daily rates change frequently. If you plan to arrive in Auckland prior to January 31, we recommend staying at Hotel Grand Windsor, which is also our meeting spot on the morning of February 1. Please contact the hotel directly to book, and let them know you will be on a trip with Modern Adventure and would like to extend your stay prior to the trip start. We will do everything in our power to avoid unnecessary room changes, allowing you to stay in the same room from start to finish—however, please note that this is not always an option and rooms are subject to change.

If Hotel Grand Windsor is booked, we also recommend the boutique, twenty-five room Hotel DeBrett, just a short walk from the Hotel Grand Windsor, and close to shops and restaurants.

Trip End

We end our trip—after a 9 days of exploration, connection, and impeccable wine and delicious food!—on the South Island at Hotel St Moritz in Queenstown on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

Departure Airport

We recommend booking your outbound flights from Queenstown Airport (ZQN), a 15-minute drive from our hotel. This is a different airport from the one we begin at, so make sure to book your outbound flights accordingly.

Transfer to Airport

After breakfast on our last day, Modern Adventure will provide a complimentary transfer to Queenstown’s ZQN airport. If you would like to join this transfer, your flight home should be scheduled to depart from ZQN at 12:30pm or later.

If you are planning on extending your time in New Zealand, it is your responsibility to arrange alternative transportation from Hotel St Moritz to the airport. Please arrange your taxi at least 5 days in advance by contacting the Hotel St Moritz, and let them know you are traveling with Modern Adventure.

Post-Trip Accommodations

We hope you have the opportunity to extend your stay in New Zealand. If so, we recommend staying at Hotel St Moritz. Please note that any post-trip accommodations are your responsibility to book, and reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly.

If Hotel St Moritz is unavailable, we recommend the historic Eichardt's Private Hotel and it sweeping bay views.