Mon, Jan 5, 2026, 6:00 am - Sun, Jan 11, 2026, 4:00 pm
Packing: New Zealand Summer - Typically mid 70's with chance of cold nights and always preparation for rain, shine, hiking and relaxing
Two weeks before the wedding, Erica & Caleb will be heading to one of their favorite places in New Zealand—Glenorchy, via Queenstown. This side trip is entirely optional, but it's a breathtaking opportunity to experience both islands. Glenorchy is about an hour's drive from Queenstown, which is roughly a 1.5-hour flight from Auckland. Imagine a place where Aspen meets Grand Lake—Queenstown is the vibrant adventure hub, while Glenorchy is its peaceful, picturesque neighbor. This trip will be filled with daily adventures, weather permitting, with the ultimate goal of taking a helicopter over the mountain range from Glenorchy to the stunning Milford Sound.
Mon, Jan 12, 2026, 6:00 pm - Sun, Jan 18, 2026, 4:00 pm
New Zealand Summer - Typically mid 70's with preparation for rain, shine, hiking and relaxing
Day 1: Auckland - Piha (~45 min) | Piha to Matamata (~2.5 hrs) Highlights: Piha Beach - black sand & Lion Rock Afternoon: drive to Matamata Overnight: Matamata Day 2: Matamata - Rotorua (~1 hr) Highlights: Morning tour of Hobbiton Lunch at The Green Dragon Inn Drive to Rotorua Overnight: Rotorua Day 3: Rotorua Adventure Highlights: Morning: Explore geothermal parks Visit the Agrodome Afternoon: Try adventure activities like Zorb or Skyline Rotorua’s luge Evening: Maori cultural evening with a traditional hangi dinner Overnight: Rotorua Day 4: Rotorua - Taupo (~1 hr) Highlights: Huka Falls Take a yacht ride to see the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay Overnight: Taupo Day 5: Taupo - National Park (~1.5 hrs) Highlights: Full day for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (8-hour hike weather permitting) Explore other local hikes Overnight: National Park Village Day 6: National Park - Waitomo (~2 hrs) Highlights: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Overnight: Waitomo Day 7: Waitomo - Auckland (~2.5 hrs)
2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
New Zealand Summer at a Picturesque Island View Distillery
This is on Waiheke Island and if you are staying in Auckland will require a Ferry ride to the island followed by about a 40min drive to the opposite side of the island.
Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 4:00 pm - Wed, Jan 21, 2026, 12:30 am
Cocktail Attire: (f) Wear cocktail dresses, (m) jackets, and slacks.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Guests in Auckland take the ferry to Waiheke Island. Upon arrival, guests board the bus to the ceremony location. 4:00 PM Guests arrive at the ceremony location. Note: Guests may arrive earlier but will not be allowed into the ceremony venue until 4 4:15 PM The ceremony begins. 5:00 PM Drinks and canapés are served. 6:15 PM Guests transition to the reception site. 6:30 PM Dinner and reception begin. 12:00 AM Pickup for the last ferry back to Auckland (if staying in Auckland, this CANNOT be missed or you will be stuck on the island!) 12:30 AM Ferry departs Waiheke for Auckland.