Tuesday, February 5th
Tonight we begin our New Zealand Quilting Expedition with a flight from LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND. This is a non-stop flight. Dinner, breakfast and snacks will be served onboard the airplane during our flight. Be sure you bring some reading material to occupy your time during the flight, and wear comfortable clothing. You may also consider bringing a neck or back pillow so you are comfortable. D, B

Wednesday, February 6th
Because we are crossing the INTERNATIONAL DATELINE, we lose a day in transit! But not to worry, we’ll get this day back on our return home.

Thursday, February 7th
We arrive at the Auckland International Airport, collect our luggage, pass through customs formalities and are meet by our driver who will take us to our first class hotel. We will check in and settle in for the afternoon. Tonight we will all enjoy a "welcome dinner" and meet everyone traveling in our group. Jim will also provide a brief plan on how our expedition will go. B, D

Friday, February 8th
This morning, following breakfast, we will participate in a PANORAMIC TOUR OF AUCKLAND. This afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy at your leisure for shopping and sightseeing. B

Saturday, February 9th
Today, following a delicious buffet breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and travel south, to the town of ROTORUA. Along the way, we will stop at the incredible WAITOMO CAVES, where we will see thousands of glow worms illuminate the inside of the caverns. There will be time for lunch and restroom breaks along the way. Upon our arrival into Rotorua, we will check into our hotel and relax. Dinner will be served at the hotel. B, D

Sunday, February 10th
This morning, after a delicious breakfast, we will be introduced to the Maori culture with a visit to TE PUIA, the Maori Arts and Crafts Center and Thermal Reserve,with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. There is a spectacular Skyline Gondola offering superb views over city, lake and mountains. We will have the opportunity to visit the AGRODOME where we will see a sheep shearing demonstration and learn more about New Zealand's various sheep breeds. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Tonight, there will be an opportunity to enjoy an "optional tour" to a Tamaki Village and experience a Maori Concert & Hangi Dinner. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your evening. B

Monday, February 11th
This morning we will drive south to the town of WELLINGTON, the southern most city in the north island. We will check into our hotel and relax. This evening we will enjoy dinner together at our hotel. B, D

Tuesday, February 12th
Following breakfast this morning, we will enjoy a PANORAMIC TOUR OF WELLINGTON. We will drive to the summit of Mount Victoria for views overlooking the city and harbor, see the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive "Beehive", drive past the Wellington Cathedral, Oriental Bay and through the City Center. Included in the tour will be a stop at the New Zealand Quilter Magazine office, where we will meet the magazine editor, Anne Scott and shop in her store. This afternoon is free for shopping on your own. Tonight is free for you to enjoy dinner on your own. You may opt to take a ride on a famous cable car or learn more about New Zealand’s history at the Te Papa Museum. Whatever you decide to do, have a great afternoon and evening. B

Wednesday, February 13th
This morning, following breakfast, we will drive to the pier to take the Interislander Ferry to the South Island. This three hour ferry ride takes us to the town of PICTON, where we will immediately board a train that takes us on a scenic train ride south along the coast to the city of CHRISTCHURCH. We will be met by our driver at the train station who will take us to our first class hotel. Along the way, we will enjoy a PANORAMIC TOUR OF CHRISTCHURCH. This tour will highlight all of the important sightseeing attractions in the city. It will give us an opportunity to learn why it is considered one of the most fabulous cities in the entire country. When we finish the tour, we will be transported to our first-class hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. B

Thursday, February 14th
Today is a day of leisure. There are plenty of things to do in this beautiful city of Christchurch. Tonight, we will all gather for a special "farewell dinner," as we bring our New Zealand Expedition to a close. B, D

Friday, February 15th
This morning, following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive to the Christchurch Airport for our flight back to LOS ANGELES. We will gain the extra day we lost when we cross the INTERNATIONAL DATELINE. We will arrive in Los Angeles on the same day we leave New Zealand. B, L, D

This itinerary, pricing and escorts are subject to change. Insurance is available and highly recommended. Space is limited and based on first come, first served. Single rates are available upon request. Please consult the Terms and Conditions located on our website, as they apply once the first deposit is received.