New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests.  New Zealand is known as "Middle Earth" for its Lord of the Rings trilogy. New Zealand born Peter Jackson filmed the entire three films in various locations around New Zealand.  The rolling hills of Matamata became Hobbiton, while the volcanic region of Mt. Ruapehu transformed into the fiery Mt. Doom, and Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, was the setting for numerous scenes including the Eregion Hills and the Pillars of Argonath.

Enjoy a total of (9) nights at these award-winning hotel properties, as well as round-trip domestic airfare in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada, international airfare from Los Angeles and all airfare within New Zealand. All hotel certificates are valid one year from event date subject to availability and include room taxes.

Auckland (North Island):

Considered as an international gateway to New Zealand, Auckland is located in the northern region of the North Island of New Zealand. Called the 'City of Sails', Auckland is an irresistible aquatic playground and crosses an 8-mile wide volcanic isthmus separating two harbors. You're never far from breathtaking scenery and beaches, outstanding dining, great shopping and exciting nightlife. Suggested activities:  Walk or ride to the summit of Rangitoto, the lava rock sleeping volcano in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf. Enjoy wine and olive tasting, lazing on the beach and art trails on laid back Waiheke Island, a 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.  Spanning the Waitemata Harbour, the Auckland Harbour Bridge offers spectacular views of Auckland city and the islands of the gulf.  Auckland's temperate climate, easy access to the coast and variety of activities earn the city consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. Discover for yourself why it is one of New Zealand's best destinations.

Hyatt Regency Auckland - Enjoy a two-night stay at this 4-star hotel, an undeniably posh pick that will please even finicky travelers. On entering Hyatt Regency Auckland, there is an impression of a European-style hotel-sophisticated, classical and stylish. Guests are greeted with friendly enthusiasm and unsurpassed efficiency. No request is too large, no detail too small. The perfect place to discover a cosmopolitan yet unspoiled city.

Queenstown (South Island):

Queenstown is a growing alpine resort town set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Boasting world-class skiing on any number of fields during the winter months, Queenstown is surrounded by picture postcard views at every step.  Enjoy the village atmosphere of the attractive town with its roaring fires and outstanding cuisine and nightlife. Suggested activities:  Take a day trip to Wanaka or Arrowtown and sample the best of local wine and fresh produce.  Queenstown's wildly exciting environment is irresistible to adventure seekers. In the ‘Adventure Capital of the World' you'll find adrenalin-stirring, sanity-reducing exploits of the most extreme kind.

The Heritage Queenstown - Enjoy a four-night stay in a deluxe room. Located in one of New Zealand's most idyllic destinations, Heritage Queenstown is a unique European style lodge surrounded by native forest. Heritage Queenstown is a short walking distance from the town centre and offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range, creating an unforgettable holiday experience.  A complimentary shuttle service to/from town operates hourly and half hourly at peak times.

Christchurch (South Island):

Known as New Zealand's garden city, Christchurch is the most English of all New Zealand cities. From the grand architecture of the Cathedral to the winding Avon River, Christchurch skips to its own unique tune. Suggested activities: Take a short drive from the city centre to the beaches at Brighton or just enjoy a fine selection of local fare on "The Strip", Christchurch's nightlife precinct. Christchurch is the perfect base for a skiing trip to Mt. Hutt or to catch the Trans-Alpine Express for the train journey of a lifetime.

The Heritage Christchurch - Enjoy a three-night stay in a deluxe room.  Heritage Christchurch is a unique hotel of historical significance centrally located in Cathedral Square, the heart of Christchurch. Rooms in the Heritage Tower wing have a contemporary style with majestic views of the city and southern alps. 

Airfare:

Air New Zealand

Enjoy coach class for (2) from Los Angeles to Auckland, Auckland to Queenstown, Queenstown to Christchurch, and Christchurch to Los Angeles, subject to availability.  Changes to this itinerary may incur additional charges. Upgrade pricing is available.  Flight travel must be booked at least 60 days in advance.  Valid through December 8, 2010.  The following blackout dates apply: December 9, 2009 through February 15, 2010.

American Airlines

This package includes round-trip coach class service for (2) from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada to anywhere American Airlines flies in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada subject to availability. Upgrade pricing is available.  The winning bidders can upgrade their coach class airfare to first class airfare by calling 325-201-0432. A minimum of 21 days advance booking is required as is a Saturday night stay. The winning bidders will be able to earn AAdvantage miles in accordance with the terms and conditions of the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Miles cannot be utilized to upgrade these coach class certificates to a higher level of service. The certificates will have a one-year expiration date from the date issued and all reservations are subject to availability. The following blackout dates apply: 2009:  Jan 1-5, Feb 13-15, Feb 20-22, Nov 20-25, Nov 28-30, Dec 19-23, Dec 26-30.  2010: TBD.

Any airport departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the winning bidder. Ground transportation and sightseeing tours are not included in this package.

Travel is valid 12 months from event date.  Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed.  All packages have a no refund policy.  Suggested retail value is calculated using tariff air rates and rack room rates.