While staying at some of the most prestigious lodges in New Zealand you can marvel at breath taking landscapes and magnificent scenery. By taking plane transfers between properties, you will be able to enjoy more time relaxing and less time travelling. Visit celebrated vineyards and enjoy small walks to some of our remote wildlife reserves. Take a helicopter flight over our largest National Park and be amazed by the sensational scenery of Fiordland. In the evenings enjoy a selection of our freshest seasonal cuisine prepared by our best local chefs.
Private, exclusive tour - 10 nights 5* luxury lodges (Domestic flights, Private chauffeured transfers)
Day 1: Auckland arrival - domestic flight to Hawkes Bay (Airport concierge service and private transfer)
Day 2: Hawkes Bay (Day to your own leisure)
Day 3: Hawkes Bay (Kiwi discovery walk, colony of gannets)
Day 4: Hawkes Bay – Napier - Wairarapa (Art Deco Napier, private winery tour in Martinbourough)
Day 5: Wairarapa (Farm tour or coastal tour and seal colonies)
Day 6: Wairarapa - Wellington - domestic flight to Queenstown (Private Capital City tour)
Day 7: Queenstown (Scenic helicopter flight to Milford Sound and landing on glacier)
Day 8: Queenstown (Private boutique winery tour, visit of Kawarau Gorge and gold town of Arrowtown)
Day 9: Queenstown – domestic flight to Christchurch (Afternoon to your own leisure)
Day 10: Christchurch – Day trip to Akaroa Peninsula or Arthur's Pass
Day 11: Christchurch departure (Private transfer to airport)
Prices: We recommend the following guidelines for customized tour packages, excluding international flights: ◦5* and 5*Plus from NZ$ $750 - $1650+ per person per day. The customized package will include accommodation, airport transfers and other transportation within New Zealand, guided tours or activities, unique experiences, trip planning, and 24X7 support during your trip. Please enquire for a custom quote. The price is customized based on final accommodation choices, travel dates, and other custom preferences.
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Day 1: Auckland arrival - domestic flight to Hawkes Bay (Afternoon to your own leisure)
Upon arrival in Auckland you will transfer to your domestic flight to Napier. Once you have arrived at Napier Airport you will be transferred to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. Set on a 6,000 acre sheep and cattle farm on the rugged coastline of the eastern coast on New Zealand's North Island (where the cliff's plunge 800 feet downwards) and on an amazing peninsula is the The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. Pure luxury awaits you in their beautiful suites all with dramatic and breath-taking views of the farm and adjoining sea!
Accommodation: Cape Kidnappers Lodge
Day 2: Hawkes Bay (Day to your own leisure)
Today is at your leisure to enjoy your accommodation. With a plethora of things to do you could enjoy activities such as walking trails, spa treatments or just relax and enjoy your surroundings. Optional - World Class Golf: New Zealand's top course is one that every serious golfer in the world must play. Considered "the leader among the many cliff side courses that claim to be the new Pebble Beach" Golf Digest ranked it the tenth best course in the world outside of the US, and stated "Kidnappers is terrific, a masterpiece no less". With 7,137 yards/6,520 meters of luxury golf, the par 71 Cape Kidnappers Golf Course simply must be seen, and played, to be believed.
Accommodation: Cape Kidnappers Lodge
Day 3: Hawkes Bay (Kiwi discovery walk, colony of gannets)
Take an exclusive experience to view our treasured native bird – The Kiwi. Because the Kiwi is a semi-nocturnal secretive bird, few New Zealanders have seen their national bird in the wild. Tours are arranged with an experienced guide from Environmental Services who carry out essential monitoring of the Kiwis. Guests are transferred from the Lodge and taken to a particular site. They then walk for up to 30 minutes to locate the Kiwi’s habitat. Guests can observe the guide checking the Kiwi’s transmitter and watch it being weighed and measured. Guests can touch the Kiwi and take photographs. Kiwi’s do not like to be disturbed excessively and therefore we can only the tour at certain times. OR: Cape Kidnappers is the home of the largest, most accessible mainland Colony of gannets in the world. The 20,000 gannets at the Cape are members of the Booby family, with distinctive black eye markings and a pale gold crown. Gannets are sized midway between a sea gull and an albatross. Visitors to the colony will see adults and young nesting in rows, carrying out their daily routine. The birds can be seen from September until early May, when they leave New Zealand for Australia. In September they return and build their nests, ready for the hatching of chicks during December and January. Due to the migratory nature of the birds, this activity is available from September until May.
Accommodation: Cape Kidnappers Lodge
Day 4: Hawkes Bay – Napier - Wairarapa (Art Deco Napier, private transfer and winery tour in Martinborough)
Driving distance 4.5h
Beautifully preserved 1930’s architecture is Napier's special point of difference. A national disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930’s architecture is quite extraordinary. Hawke’s Bay’s warm, maritime climate and varying landscapes also produce some of New Zealand’s richest and most complex Chardonnays. Visit some of the region’s oldest wineries like Mission Estate (est. 1851), Te Mata Estate, Vidal Estate, Church Road and Esk Valley Winery. Today Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s second biggest wine producing region with over 100 vineyards and more than 80 wineries producing both innovative and classic wine styles. Departing Hawke’s Bay, we drive through Martinborough and the winery region of Wairarapa. This is a region of big skies, wide valleys and small towns, full of character. Home of Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings) and also making headlines at the moment is James Cameron (Titanic and Avatar) who is making his new home there. Visit Greytown, a Victorian country village with metropolitan panache plus great food and coffee, before encroaching to the coast. Throw yourself into a bygone era and enjoy the grandeur and gracious lifestyle of the Edwardian times reflected in Wharekauhau.
Accommodation: Waiarapa – Wharekauhau Lodge
Day 5: Wairarapa (Farm tour or coastal tour and seal colonies)
With 5,500 acres of private land, including ancient forests, peaceful lakes, and a wild and beautiful coastline, there is little shortage of choice when it comes to choosing a route for walking or mountain biking. By Car: Travel along the rugged coastline to the picturesque, historic fishing village of Ngawi, looking back over Palliser Bay to Wharekauhau. Continue on to one of New Zealand’s largest Brown Fur Seal colonies where seals bask in this unspoilt natural environment. Whilst there, climb to the top of the lighthouse for magnificent views. On return, stop at the historical Lake Ferry Hotel for famous fish and chips and some local beverages from the southernmost tip of the North Island. By 4WD: Bordered by the Rimutaka Ranges and Pacific Ocean, this classic Kiwi Romney sheep station features all the activities that have created New Zealand’s legendary farming heritage, including sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs in action and daily farm events. Or Horseback Riding: Ride horseback over one of the most spectacular farms on earth. Enjoy a picnic, carefully prepared by the Lodge kitchen, and stop along the way to eat lunch by a babbling brook, or overlooking the rugged and dramatic coastline of Palliser Bay Or ATV Quad Bike: Ideal for the adventurous, these bikes are loads of fun. We’ll give you 20 minutes of tuition and you can enjoy a great way to travel along the black sand beaches, over scenic riverbanks and along open fields in the company of an experienced guide.
Accommodation: Wairarapa – Wharekauhau Lodge
Day 6: Wairarapa - Wellington - domestic flight to Queenstown (Capital city tour)
Driving distance 2h
In the morning we take you to Wellington. New Zealand’s capital city is nestled between rolling hills and a stunning harbour, and has a vibrant and compact down-town area that's best explored on foot. Get your city bearings and some of Wellington’s best views at the Mount Victoria Lookout, with panoramic sights of the city, watch the Cook Strait ferries sail into the harbour and the planes go in and out of the airport. Lonely Planet named Wellington ‘the coolest little capital in the world’ (2011), and the city is renowned for its arts, culture and native beauty. Wellington buzzes with delicatessens, cafes and restaurants – it’s a city that enjoys gourmet food and fine wine. From here you take a departing flight to the South island. Queenstown, is the Southern Hemisphere’s premier four season lake and alpine resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown’s stunning scenery is inspiring and revitalising. The region is renowned for incredible adventure activities and spectacular outdoor terrain. You could try skiing (winter months), bungy jumping, paragliding, jet boating, sky diving and more! Queenstown has transformed into a sophisticated cosmopolitan town, where there’s a permanent buzz downtown and where you’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, a lively bar scene and excellent shopping.
Accommodation: Queenstown - Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Blanket Bay Lodge
Day 7: Queenstown (Scenic helicopter flight to Milford Sound and landing on glacier)
In the morning you are taking a helicopter excursion into the Fiordland National Park. The Department of Conservation (In Māori, Te Papa Atawhai), commonly known by its acronym, "DOC", is the state sector organisation which deals with the conservation of New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage. Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” was carved out during successive ice ages and, at its deepest point off Mitre Peak, plunges to a depth of 265 meters. The awesome splendour of this region is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world, a daring claim in a country which offers extraordinary beauty around every corner. Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Discover isolated valleys of ancient forests and pristine rivers famous for their fishing as well as mountains sculpted from ice over thousands of years. Upon landing in Milford, enjoy a short nature walk and gain that iconic Mitre Peak photo. Experience an exhilarating flight past spectacular mountains and blue-green ice falls, and land upon Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Return to Queenstown via the famous Sutherland Falls and glaciers of the Fiordland National Park. Or: Helicopter flight to Doubtful Sounds. Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets - all deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in the National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound.
Accommodation: Queenstown - Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Blanket Bay Lodge
Day 8: Queenstown (Boutique Wine tour, Kawarau Gorge, Arrowtown)
Driving distance 1h
Central Otago is New Zealand’s fastest growing wine region and also it’s most scenic. Take the time to explore these incredible vineyards set in small micro climates in a landscape dominated by high snow-capped mountains, and tussock clad slopes. Travel to Cromwell and Bannockburn, the heart of Pinot Noir country, and depending on your personal tastes, we will guide you to a selection of boutique wineries. At some stage of the wine tour we suggest a stop for relaxing lunch at one of the wineries. Drive through the famous Kawarau valley and gorge. Visit the surrounding areas to Arthur's Point and stop in Arrowtown, a historic colonial village that takes you back into the gold mining days of the Otago region. Or: 4WD scenic Hills tour on private high country station with specular scenery, afternoon for relaxing Experience the rugged beauty and solitude of the spectacular high country, with this exclusive 4WD journey exploring an historic New Zealand sheep, cattle and deer farm. Maori and European historic sites, pure mountain air and breath-taking scenery. As braided river valleys, native beach forests and lush alpine meadows give way to the dramatic glaciated Southern Alps, the pure beauty of the scenery pushes daily pressures a million miles away. Part of Te Wahipounamu - Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, Mt Aspiring National Park is an area of unrivaled natural beauty and host to hundreds of hiking tracks, rock climbing routes and trout fishing rivers, all within easy reach of Lake Wanaka. At its heart is Mt Aspiring, the park’s highest mountain at 3,027m and known to early Maori as ‘Tititea’ or ‘glistening peak’. This journey offers an unique insight into Wanaka’s rich history, heritage and modern-day farming life. Wanaka is a new and modern Alpine resort and mostly visited by us New Zealanders. Accommodation: Queenstown - Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Blanket Bay Lodge
Day 9: Queenstown – domestic flight to Christchurch (Afternoon to your own leisure)
In the morning take a domestic flight from Queenstown airport to Christchurch. Christchurch is New Zealand's second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. Described by the Lonely Planet as a "vibrant city in transition, coping resiliently and creatively,” Christchurch is showing off its vibrancy with new developments popping up all over the place. Parts of the central city are still cordoned off due to the impact of a series of earthquakes. Set in pastoral surroundings against the fluted cone of an ancient volcano, Otahuna Lodge is a beguiling Victorian mansion that offers its guests a unique sense of wonder and discovery. New Zealand's largest private historic residence has been revitalised with luxury accommodation, glorious gardens and sophisticated cuisine. Accommodation: Christchurch - Otahuna Lodge
Day 10: Christchurch – Day trip to Akaroa Peninsula or Arthur Pass
Driving distance 1h each way
Originally settled by French immigrants, Akaroa is a picturesque seaside town that has retained many of its 19th century public buildings and cottages. The one-hour drive from Otahuna’s gates takes guests over the crater rim of an extinct volcano, with stunning views of the harbour and the patchwork of farms and forests below. Explore the village with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafés. Relax or take part in the many activities that are on offer. Explore the dramatic outer bays and take your time to soak in the magic of this area. Optional: In Flea bay you will find the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Akaroa waters are home to the rarest and smallest marine dolphin and all around you will find fantastic sea kayaking in spectacular surroundings. Or: Embark on one of the world’s great train journeys, the Tranz Alpine, which traverses across the South Island’s majestic landscapes. Your guide will collect you from Otahuna at 7:45 AM and drive you to nearby Rolleston Station. You will then experience the most scenic part of the rail journey as the train climbs into the heart of the Southern Alps, winding its way along the bright blue Waimakariri River and through dramatic alpine valleys before arriving at Arthur’s Pass National Park. Here, your guide will meet you for a hike in moss-laden forests teeming with glacial streams and waterfalls followed by a café lunch or picnic. You might even meet a kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. On your return trip via road to Otahuna, you may wish to stop at the monolithic limestone outcroppings of Castle Hill, one of the primary film locations from “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Or: Cooking class. Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the Otahuna experience.
Accommodation: Christchurch - Otahuna Lodge
Day 11: Christchurch departure (Private airport transfer)
You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.
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