Feb. 8, 2019

Gabriel reporting … jotting some notes as I wait for my return flight to the USA …

I’ve just wrapped up a week-long site inspection of New Zealand, in advance of our WOW! Travel Club journey. I’ve often thought I should provide a blow-by-blow account of this kind of tempest trip – lest anyone get too envious of my “glamorous” job. Don’t get me wrong – I love doing this … but it is exhausting. And worth every moment.

Because I’ve fallen in love – again – with New Zealand. And I’m over-the-moon excited about what we’ll be doing and seeing. New Zealand is one of my top 3 favorite counties in the world. (Can you guess the other two??)

As of now, 13 lucky guests will be traveling with me (including one female hoping to find another solo traveler to share a room). Otherwise, I have only one more (double) room. (Hint: if you’re interested – don’t delay!)

The trip is going to be amazing, with lots of WOW! stuff all around. Since I’ve been down here I’ve made some changes to the itinerary which are not yet reflected on the website. One significant change: I pulled a real coup by confirming rooms in the “completely booked” Millbrook Resort just outside Queenstown. We’ve used this property before and always loved it. But they were unable to confirm space when I put the proposal together, so I included a very nice property which would have been acceptable to all . . . but just didn’t have the “special something” of Millbrook. I went over to meet with the General Manager – had a glass of wine and sweet-talked him into confirming the rooms we need! (Nice to know I haven’t lost my touch! See below…I think that’s the official “Okay, okay, you win!!” gesture over here in New Zealand. Man, I love this country.)

And this, dear reader, is why we do these inspection trips!

Here are the highlights:

March 22: Depart USA (you lose a day crossing the International Dateline – but you get it back when you come home!)

March 24: Arrive Auckland early this morning, where your hotel room is guaranteed for immediate occupancy. (Nobody wants to wait around for “official” check-in!) Spend a day exploring Auckland, plus another day to visit the utterly gorgeous Waiheke Island, a haven of art, food, wine, and stunningly beautiful scenery and beaches.

March 26: It’s a short flight to Rotorua, spending 2 magical nights at Treetops Lodge & Estate. I hadn’t been here before – and was blown away by this very special property. During our time in Rotorua, we’ll explore the important Maori culture and learn more about the geothermal activity in the region.

The stunning Treetops Lodge in Rotorua – on 2,500 acres, in an 800-year old native forest.

March 28: Jet off toWellington, the capital of New Zealand, to see the National Museum – Te Papa, followed by a special visit to the workshop of Weta Studios, a special effects and prop company run by Peter Jackson, who was responsible for such amazing movies as Avatar, The Hobbit trilogy, King Kong and many more.

March 29: Time to head to my favorite part of New Zealand, Queenstown on the South Island. Truly one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. We’ll spend 5 nights in the area; four at Millbrook as explained, and a middle night at spectacular Milford Sound. Most visitors go to Milford Sound for the day (a 5-hour drive each way), do a 2-hour boat ride and head back. No, not us. We are WOWees! We’ll enjoy the scenic drive and stay onboard a small ship for a magical and unforgettable night. Think stargazing as you’ve never seen before, kayaking under the moonlight or maybe just sitting on deck looking for dolphins! WOW WOW WOW! Whatever you do, it’s going to be amazing! On the way back, we’ll fly over all that remarkable scenery! Then, two final nights in Queenstown.

April 3: Fly to Auckland with continuing service to the USA.

So, have I convinced you to join me? We have a wonderful and merry group of repeat travelers who will be traveling – and have space for a few more. C’mon … you’ll never regret it!

Click here for all the details.

I’m out for a few days in New York (yes – I sometimes take personal time!), but am available to speak with you about the trip. You can reach me at 818-335-0133.