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Luxury tour operator Scenic is keeping its New Zealand programme on track for next season, with familiar partners and a growing international following.
Carissa Alder, Scenic Regional manager, Luxury Cruises & Tours Marketing, APAC, says “Scenic has 10 New Zealand departures planned for 2027/2028, maintaining the same number as the 2026/2027 season. Guests can choose from a tour in the North or South or a seamless journey that combines both.”
Alongside stays at the Hermitage at Mount Cook and Te Waonui in Franz Josef, and a trip on the TranzAlpine, the itineraries lean on well-known local names.
“Our overnight Milford Sound experience is aboard Milford Mariner, our Māori cultural experience is with Te Pā Tū, and our Marlborough wine experience is at Cloudy Bay Vineyard. These experiences reflect the strong relationships we have built with our established New Zealand partners,” Carissa says.
Australians fill many of the seats, but the operator’s reach goes well beyond the Tasman.
“Many of the guests are from the Australian market as well as The UK. Canada is an emerging market. Our international presence gives us a platform to showcase New Zealand’s landscapes, culture and experiences to guests around the world,” she says.
While the journeys are delivered here, the team behind them is largely offshore.
“Our New Zealand journeys are led by experienced Scenic Tour Directors with longstanding tenure to the business. While not based in New Zealand, they bring extensive experience travelling and leading journeys throughout the country,” Carissa says.
“We work directly with our New Zealand suppliers with our Product and Operations teams based in Australia, alongside local sales representatives.”
For now, the focus stays on the existing programme.
“Our focus is on showcasing New Zealand through our established programme, bringing together its extraordinary landscapes, Māori culture and regional food and wine. We value our relationships with local partners and continue to work closely with them to deliver memorable experiences for our guests,” she says.
The 2027/2028 itineraries can be viewed here.
