New Zealand Tour – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience!

March 23, 2027 – April 3, 2027

New Zealand

Here is your invitation to join us in making memories for a lifetime as we tour this beautiful country. This is definitely one of those “bucket list” opportunities! We don’t think you will find a more beautiful country with such a variety of topography—coastal plains, volcanic areas, beaches, rivers, rain forests, glaciers, and lakes. Milford Sound has waterfalls over 3,000 feet wide and 450 feet high. Niagara Falls pales in comparison. Many of NZ towns have their own character, depending on the origins of those who settled there. You will think you are in England when you visit Christchurch!

New Zealanders developed extreme sports like bungee jumping and zorbing (rolling down a hill inside a giant plastic ball). They invented the jet boat, the tranquilizer gun, electric fences, stamp vending machines, and the electric gas pump, to name a few. Remember the fantastic vistas in the Lord of the Rings movie? You will see some of them in person.

Best of all, you will enjoy wonderful times of Christian fellowship CMDA colleagues, family, and friends. Though this won’t be a biblical tour per se, we will have special times for worship and devotions each day. Space is limited to 45 people, so register to confirm your spot today. We can’t wait to travel with you—join us for the adventure of a lifetime!

Schedule

Optional Pre-Tour – Sydney, Australia

Saturday, March 20 – Arrive Sydney, Australia

Welcome to Sydney, Australia! Radiating from the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, Australia’s largest city stretches from the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the foothills of the Blue Mountains.

Upon arrival in Sydney, board your private transfer to your accommodation.

Tonight, enjoy a dinner cruise on iconic Sydney Harbour, taking in stunning sights such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney skyline while enjoying a delicious dining experience on the water.

Overnight at InterContinental Sydney.

Sunday, March 21 – Sydney

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Sydney’s historic Rocks district, renowned for having the oldest streets in the city, dotted with beautifully restored nineteenth-century buildings. Wander through hidden alleyways and cobbled laneways while strolling along the sparkling Sydney Harbour shoreline with glorious views.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, where beneath the magnificent sails lie incredible spaces and fascinating stories. Seeing the unique building up close, you will learn about its history and architecture.

After the tour, enjoy lunch at the Opera Bar overlooking the harbour.

Your final tour of the day is an Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour. Walk with your First Nations guide through the Royal Botanic Gardens to learn about Indigenous bush foods, how they were traditionally used, and how they have been adapted for the modern plate and palate.

Dinner tonight will be high above the city at the Sydney Tower Restaurant. SkyFeast offers a buffet dinner with spectacular 360-degree revolving views of the harbor and city below.

Return to the InterContinental Sydney.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Monday, March 22 – Sydney & Blue Mountains

Today, immerse yourself in the beauty of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Known for soaring sandstone ridges blanketed in native bushland, impressive rock formations, and endless vistas, the natural beauty of this region will take your breath away.

First, visit Featherdale Wildlife Park where you can discover the unique behaviors, habitats, and stories of Australia’s diverse wildlife.

From here, continue into the Blue Mountains and stop at Echo Point to see the famous Three Sisters rock formation before lunch at the nearby Lookout Restaurant.

The remainder of the afternoon is spent at Scenic World. Ride the world’s steepest passenger railway, traveling 310 meters down into the forest on a 52-degree incline. Glide between the clifftops on the Scenic Skyway and explore the Jamison Valley rainforest boardwalk before returning to the top on the 545-meter Scenic Cableway.

Later, return to Sydney where dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Tuesday, March 23 – Sydney

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport to connect with your flight to Auckland, New Zealand for the main tour.

New Zealand Tour Itinerary

Tuesday, March 23 – Arrive Auckland, New Zealand

Kia Ora – welcome to New Zealand!

After clearing customs and immigration at Auckland Airport, you will be met by your local tour driver. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax after your journey and begin exploring this vibrant city.

Auckland is a cosmopolitan destination with lively nightlife, world-class restaurants, bush-clad mountain ranges, and diverse neighborhoods. The Waitematā Harbour is a mecca for sailors, earning Auckland the affectionate nickname “City of Sails.”

Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

Overnight at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour or similar.
Dinner Included

Wednesday, March 24 – Auckland / Waitomo Caves / Rotorua

Depart Auckland and travel south across the Bombay Hills through the dairy-rich Waikato countryside to the famous Waitomo Caves.

Here, a guide will take you underground to explore spectacular limestone caves featuring stalagmites and stalactites formed over centuries. Continue to an underground stream where you will board a small boat to see the magical glowworm grotto illuminated by thousands of glowworms.

Continue to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and vibrant Māori culture. Situated on the geologically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Rotorua features bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and natural hot springs.

In the late afternoon, visit Te Puia for a guided tour followed by the Te Pō (The Night) cultural experience. Explore the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley where you will see boiling mud pools, steaming terraces, hot springs, and the famous Pohutu Geyser which can erupt up to 30 meters high.

Visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Māori artisans learn traditional carving and weaving.

Your evening continues with a buffet dinner featuring food cooked in a traditional hangi. After dinner, enjoy a cultural performance featuring song, chant, poi, and haka.

Overnight at Pullman Rotorua Hotel or similar (2 nights).
Breakfast and Dinner Included

Thursday, March 25 – Rotorua / Matamata

Begin the day with a visit to the Redwood Treewalk for a unique daytime forest experience among towering 120-year-old redwood trees.

Next, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa for a guided tour. The kiwi, New Zealand’s national icon, is endangered, and this facility is a world leader in kiwi conservation and breeding programs. During your visit, learn about kiwi recovery efforts and observe conservation work in action.

This afternoon travel to Matamata to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, the famous setting of the Shire from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. Walk through the 10-acre movie set, view Hobbit holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn, and hear fascinating stories from filming.

Following the tour, enjoy dinner at the Green Dragon Inn before returning to Rotorua.

Breakfast and Dinner Included

Friday, March 26 – Rotorua / Napier

Enjoy a leisurely start before traveling south to Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. Along the way you may stop at Huka Falls where the Waikato River surges through a narrow gorge.

Continue through pine plantations and rolling countryside into Hawke’s Bay and the city of Napier.

Upon arrival, visit the Art Deco Centre and view a film about the devastating 1931 earthquake that reshaped the city. Afterwards enjoy a guided walking tour through the Art Deco Quarter.

Dinner tonight will be at Mission Estate Winery, New Zealand’s oldest winery, founded in 1851 by French missionaries.

Overnight at Scenic Hotel Te Pania or similar (2 nights).
Breakfast and Dinner Included

Saturday, March 27 – Napier

This morning enjoy a 4WD Gannet Safari across Cape Kidnappers Station with spectacular views across Hawke’s Bay.

Later, visit a local vineyard for lunch and wine tasting.

The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore Napier and enjoy dinner on your own.

Breakfast and Lunch Included

Sunday, March 28 – Napier / Wellington

Travel through the farmlands of Central Hawke’s Bay and the Wairarapa before heading south along the scenic Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

Upon arrival enjoy an orientation tour showcasing harbor and hilltop views along with many of the city’s landmarks.

Later visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, before dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Overnight at Sofitel Wellington Hotel or similar.
Breakfast and Dinner Included

Monday, March 29 – Wellington / Queenstown

Fly to Queenstown (domestic flight included).

Surrounded by majestic mountains and located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand.

This evening cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a farm tour and gourmet BBQ dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead.

Overnight at The Rees Hotel or similar (3 nights).
Breakfast and Dinner Included

Tuesday, March 30 – Milford Sound Excursion

Depart early for a full-day excursion to Milford Sound through Fiordland National Park.

Enjoy a scenic cruise past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea where seals and dolphins are often seen.

Picnic lunch served onboard.

Return to Queenstown for dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Wednesday, March 31 – Queenstown (Leisure Day)

Today is at leisure to explore Queenstown or participate in optional activities such as:

Jet boating
Scenic flights
Winery tours
Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak
4WD tours to filming locations from Lord of the Rings
Bungy jumping

Reservations are recommended, but activities can also be arranged locally.

Breakfast Included

Thursday, April 1 – Queenstown / Franz Josef

Travel through Central Otago and along Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea before crossing the Haast Pass through the Southern Alps.

Continue along the rugged West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier.

Dinner and overnight at Te Waonui Forest Retreat or similar.
Breakfast and Dinner Included

Friday, April 2 – Franz Josef / Arthur’s Pass / Christchurch

Travel north along the West Coast before heading inland to Arthur’s Pass where you will board the famous TranzAlpine train.

This spectacular rail journey crosses the Southern Alps alongside the Waimakariri River before arriving in Christchurch.

Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

Overnight at Sudima Hotel Christchurch or similar.
Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included

Saturday, April 3 – Depart New Zealand

This morning is at leisure before your transfer to Christchurch International Airport for your flight home or onward journey.

Tour Inclusion and Exclusion

Optional Pre-Tour – Sydney, Australia Includes the Following:

Arrival and departure transfers
3 nights hotel accommodation at Intercontinental Sydney
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
Breakfast at Intercontinental Hotel
Glass Boat Signature Dinner Cruise
Sydney Opera House and main meal plus one beverage at Opera Bar
Skyfeast Buffet Dinner with unlimited soft drink at Sydney Tower Eye
Restaurant @ The Lookout Echo Point
3 course dinner at Treasury Bar and Lounge, Intercontinental Sydney
2 Hour Clearview Glass Boat Signature Dinner Cruise
Signature and Circular Quay Tour with The Rocks Walking Tours
1 hour tour of Sydney Opera House and main meal plus one beverage at Opera Bar (additional drinks excluded)
Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour at Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
General admission and personal koala encounter at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Ultimate Discovery Pass at Scenic World
International Travel Insurance (NOT Trip Cancelation Insurance) from Thursday, March 18 – Tuesday, March 23, 2027 (allows for an extra day of travel at the beginning and continues uninterrupted with insurance included with main tour). Additional days are available for $8 per person per day. This coverage includes Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Medical Expenses, Disability Income, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Crisis Management, including the expense and coordination of a security evacuation, Personal Property, and General Liability.

Coverage does not include trip cancelation, flight cancelation, or trip interruption. This type of coverage can be purchased individually through companies like: Travelex https://www.travelexinsurance.com/,Travel Guard https://www.travelguard.com/ or Allianz Travel https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/. CMDA does not endorse any of these companies or benefit from insurance purchased by those who travel on a CMDA tour.

New Zealand Tour Includes the Following:

Arrival transfer from Auckland International Airport to hotel.
Departure transfer to Christchurch International Airport.
11 Nights’ Accommodation as indicated on the detailed itinerary
Baggage assistance at each hotel
Domestic flight from Wellington to Queenstown
All Tour Admissions per the detailed itinerary:
- Waitomo Glow-worm Caves Guided Tour
- Guided Te Puia experience, including entertainment and food
- Guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery
- Guided Hobbiton Tour of movie set and dinner at The Green Dragon featured in The Lord of the Rings.
- 2- hour Art Deco guided walk
- Milford Sound cruise, including packed Lunch
- Walter Peak BBQ dinner
- Tranz Alpine Train journey – Arthur’s Pass / Christchurch
11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 9 Dinners as indicated on the detailed itinerary. Unless otherwise noted breakfasts and dinners will be provided at hotels
Private Coach Charter in modern air-conditioned coach
Government-licensed tour guide throughout the tour
Tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff
International Travel Insurance (NOT Trip Cancelation Insurance) from Monday, March 22 Sunday, April 4, 2027 (allows for an extra day of travel at the beginning and end of the tour). Additional days are available for $8 per person per day. This coverage includes Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Medical Expenses, Disability Income, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Crisis Management, including the expense and coordination of a security evacuation, Personal Property, and General Liability.

Sydney, Australia Pre-Tour and New Zealand Main Tour Package Do NOT Include:

International flights or increased expenses related to travel interruptions
Airport baggage transfer
NZ International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy
Meals not specified in the detailed itinerary
Beverages during tour
Optional excursions
Personal expenses – most hotels will request an imprint of your credit card to cover any personal extras. If you do not have a credit card they may ask for a cash deposit.
Any costs incurred due to changes to NZ Government travel protocols

Cost

Tour Costs

Double Occupancy (per person)

CMDA Member and Spouse/Family $6,075
Non-Member $6,175

Single Occupancy

CMDA Member $7,550
Non-Member $7,650

Sydney Pre-Tour Costs

Double Occupancy (per person) $2,275

Single Occupancy $2,940

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations and requests for refund must be submitted in writing to the Christian Medical & Dental Associations at P.O. Box 7500 Bristol, TN 37621 or email [email protected]:

Cancellation Charges:

Before or on December 1, 2026 $250 per person

December 2, 2026 – January 15, 2027 25% per person

January 16, 2027 – February 1, 2027 50% per person

January 16. 2027 – February 15, 2027 75% per person

On or after February 16, 2027 No Refund

No Refunds on any unused portions of itinerary.

No Refund for cancellation of additional hotel nights reserved for early arrival or delayed departure.

Travel Arrangements

Travel Arrangements – NOTE WE FLY IN AND OUT OF DIFFERENT AIRPORTS

Sydney Pre-Tour and New Zealand Tour Participants

Arrival to Sydney Australia

Fly IN – TO Syndey International Airport (SYN) no later than 4:00 p.m. (16:00) Saturday, March 20, 2027

Departure from Sydney Australia International Airport (SYN), Tuesday, March 23, 2027

Depart this day at your leisure
Arrive in Auckland New Zealand, (Auckland International Airport – AKL) no later than Tuesday, March 23, 2027

Departure from New Zealand

Fly OUT OF Christchurch (Christchurch International Airport – CHC) Saturday, April 3, 2027

New Zealand Tour Only Participants

Arrival to Auckland New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland New Zealand, (Auckland International Airport – AKL) no later than Tuesday, March 23, 2027

Departure from New Zealand

Fly OUT OF Christchurch (Christchurch International Airport – CHC) Saturday, April 3, 2027

Passports, NZ Electronic Travel Authority and Visas

Each participant must have a valid passport. Passport expiration date must be six months beyond the last day of your intended departure date from NZ (October 3, 2027).

Travelers from the U.S.A. are not required to have a Visa, however you must have an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) BEFORE travelling to New Zealand. Here is where to apply for your NZeTA at https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/
NZ Traveler Declaration: All visitors to New Zealand are required to have a NZ Travel Declaration status. Submit within 24 hours of starting your journey to NZ https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz/
NZ has strict Border Controls and there is an instant NZ$400.00 (+/- $250 U.S.) fine for bringing in restricted goods. Please ensure that all items are correctly listed on your declaration form on entry to NZ. Dispose of any food, fresh fruit and leftovers from your airline meal in the trash bins.
There are no longer any COVID-19 related travel restrictions for New Zealand. You do not need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand.

Hotels for the Main Tour

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour – 1 night
Pullman Rotorua Hotel – 2 nights
Scenic Hotel Te Pania – 2 nights
Sofitel Wellington Hotel & Resort – 1 night
The Rees Hotel – 3 nights
Te Waonui Forest Retreat – 1 night
Sudima Christchurch Hotel – 1 night

Luggage Allowance

Each traveler is strictly limited to 1 suitcase not to exceed 50 pounds (23kg) measuring no larger than 30″ x 18″ x 10, plus one piece of hand luggage (e.g. a small soft backpack, NOT a carry on suitcase). Although your airline may have a greater luggage allowance, you will be unable to bring additional luggage as there is no room on the touring coach for additional luggage.

Health and Fitness – Activity Level

All participants should be in good health and able to walk moderate distances to fully participate and experience the sightseeing opportunities included in this tour. The activity level for this tour is moderately strenuous. You should be able to walk several miles on uneven terrain without difficulty. If you have mobility issues, this tour may not be for you.

By registering for this tour, travelers are acknowledging that they are of reasonable health and are considered to be fit to travel and are not travelling contrary to any medical advice. By acknowledging their health and fitness to participate travelers are indemnifying us from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any lack of health and fitness. We reserve the right to remove a passenger from a tour activity if their health or fitness interferes with any other passenger’s experiences or the day-to-day running of the tour. In this instance our normal cancellation terms and conditions will apply.

If you have questions, please contact the CMDA Tour Planning Team ([email protected]) before registering.

CMDA Host

	George Courtney serves CMDA as the Vice President of Stewardship Development and Legacy Giving. With more than 30 years of experience in Stewardship Development, he finds much joy in helping families navigate their stewardship and legacy-planning journeys. Earlier in his career, George served in leadership roles in Christian day schools, higher education, and international mission organizations. George’s wife, Rose, has served CMDA members for more than 30 years as a placement specialist in CMDA Placement Services. They are blessed to have a son, Noah, and daughter-in-law, Zade and one grandson, Malakai.

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