On this tour you will experience some of most spectacular scenery in the world and you will able to participate in some of the best activities this country has to offer. Enjoy remote scenery on an epic scale with helicopter excursions to active volcanoes and a wilderness jet boat experience like no other. Relax and stay in some of the finest boutique stays/lodges in the country and enjoy our local produce with great wines and warm hospitality.
Private, exclusive tour - 13 nights in 5* luxury hotels/lodges (With a personal driver-guide or private driver-guide)
Day 1: Auckland Arrival (Auckland airport concierge and transfer, day to your own leisure)
Day 2: Auckland – Domestic flight to Bay of Islands
Day 3: Bay of Islands/Northland (Private sailing charter in Bay of Islands)
Day 4: Bay of Islands – Domestic Flight to Lake Taupo/Rotorua
Day 5: Lake Taupo/Rotorua (Helicopter flight and landing in crater of volcanic White Island, Maori cultural performance and art centre)
Day 6: Lake Taupo/Rotorua – domestic flight to Christchurch - Arthur's Pass (Wilderness Alpine Lodge)
Day 7: Arthur Pass's – West Coast - Franz Josef Glacier (Blackwater Rafting in Glow-worm Caves, Pancake Rocks)
Day 8: West Coast – Lake Wanaka (Helicopter flight and landing at glacier, Waterfalls, "The Neck")
Day 9: Lake Wanaka (Mou Waho Island Eco Excursion)
Day 10: Lake Wanaka – Central Otago - Te Anau/Fiordland National Park (Private winery and area tour, Kawarau Gorge, Arrowtown)
Day 11: Te Anau – Fiordland National Park (Private Helicopter flight and lunch into remote area of Doubtful Sound)
Day 12: Te Anau – Southland - Queenstown (Wilderness Jet boat experience at Wairaurahiri River)
Day 13: Queenstown (Day to your own leisure)
Day 14: Queenstown departure
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 (Auckland airport concierge and private transfer, day to your own leisure)
You will be met on arrival at Auckland International Airport by your Aroha NZ Tours Representative and transferred to your accommodation in our luxurious vehicle. Here you can spend the day in the Inner City and near the America’s Cup Village and visit the nearby Viaduct Basin and its many lively bars and restaurants. Walk onto Queen Street and explore the new Britomart a vibrant shopping, entertainment and business precinct in the heart of down-town Auckland. Accommodation: Auckland - Hilton, Sofitel or Langham Hotel (Luxury)
Day 2: Auckland – Domestic flight to Bay of Islands (Private area tour, afternoon to your own leisure)
Private pick up from your inner city hotel to the domestic airport in Auckland where you will board a domestic flight to Keri Keri in the Bay of Islands. A taxi will await you and transfer you to your luxury lodge accommodation. The Bay of Islands is a stunning part of New Zealand, and has 144 islands in total just waiting to be explored. Located in the 'winterless' north it has a warm climate and many water based activities, making it a popular destination for New Zealand holiday makers and international tourists. The Bay of Islands can also claim to be the birth place of New Zealand. The Treaty of Waitangi - a treaty between the European settlers and the Maori people - was formally signed at Waitangi in 1840. The historic township of Russell, in the Bay of Islands was the first capital of New Zealand. You can wipe away the hours fossicking along the beach-front, wandering through little streets of some of New Zealand's oldest buildings, enjoy a drink at the waterfront Duke of Marlborough Hotel or dine at The Gables Restaurant, which was built in 1847. Accommodation: Bay of Island - Eagles Nest or Kauri Cliffs (Deluxe), Huntaway Lodge, Flagstaff lodge or Paihia Beach Spa Resort (Luxury)
Day 3: Bay of Islands/Northland (Private sailing charter in Bay of Islands)
Your NZ luxury yacht charter begins at Opua Marina where you board a luxury yacht. From there you venture out to experience some of the many beautiful islands, beaches and water-based activities the Bay of Islands is famous for. This is a boaties and fisherman's paradise. Escape to a world where your biggest decisions are fishing or sailing, white wine or red, sunbathing or snoozing. You can take the back-seat for once and let someone else take care of everything. You'll feel completely relaxed and totally indulgent. That feeling will last until exactly the moment you step back on land. (Overnight option available)
Accommodation: Bay of Island - Eagles Nest or Kauri Cliffs (Deluxe), Flagstaff lodge or Paihia Beach Spa Resort (Luxury)
Day 4: Bay of Islands – Domestic Flight to Rotorua/Lake Taupo (Day to your own leisure)
You will be transferred from your accommodation to the Domestic Airport in Keri Keri to board a flight back to Auckland and a connecting flight to Rotorua/Lake Taupo. In the afternoon you can relax in the tranquil settings of your luxury lodge style accommodation. There are many activities to participate in from walking treks to adventure activities like Sky diving. Recommended (Optional and extra charge): Boat cruise to Natural Hot Springs: Take a 15 minute private launch excursion to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera. Best accessed pre breakfast, - enjoy soaking in thermal. waters rising gently through the lake bed as the morning sun filters through native bush. Or: Fly-fishing experience: We can arrange a full day fly fishing with a regional expert. He will collect you from your lodge and take you to one of the many local rivers. Lake Taupo tributaries remain open all year, where many of the other rivers & streams around the rest of New Zealand are closed from May through to October, including the regions own back country rivers which we head for during the summer months. January & February are the warmest summer months with good dry fly fishing, with options galore around the region. He will supply you with top quality rods, lines, wades, licenses can be supplied if required along with superb rain jackets for your comfort. Late afternoon he will take you to your stay in the geothermal area of Rororua/Taupo. Here we can arrange a massage followed by a private dinner. Accommodation: Rotorua/Taupo - Solitaire Lodge, Treetops and Huka Lodge (Deluxe), Wildwood Lodge and The Point Villas, Hilton Hotel, Chalet Eiger or Acacia Cliffs Lodge (Luxury)
Day 5: Lake Taupo/Rotorua (Helicopter flight and landing in crater of volcanic White Island, Maori cultural performance and art centre)
Today we have arranged a helicopter flight and landing on an active volcanic island called White Island. Located 50 kilometres offshore, this active island volcano constantly emits a cloud of steam and periodically erupts to a greater extent expelling volcanic ash several thousand metres into the atmosphere. The main vent is below sea level and protected by crater walls. You can walk inside its main crater just above sea level with a minimum of physical effort and without undue risk. This allows you to experience at first hand nature's immense power as gas and steam burst up from far below the earth's crust. Later in the day visit Te Puia, the premier Māori cultural centre in New Zealand - a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools and spectacular geysers. The Māori tradition lives on at Te Whakarewarewa, our Māori culture, and our National Carving and Weaving Schools of New Zealand. The environment alone is of enormous geological significance, with thermal activity ranging from boiling mud to the world famous 30-metre (100-foot) Pohutu geyser, erupting up to 20 times each day. The Kiwi Conservation Centre is a valuable part of a national Kiwi breeding programme. Here you can see our New Zealand native flightless bird and national icon in a specially lit purpose-built nocturnal house, with expert guides and information at hand. Watch a cultural performance and learn about the past of our native people, carvings and ta moko (tattoo art). Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat, coupled with the grace and beauty of the poi dance. You’ll be amazed by the spine tingling haka finale. Accommodation: Rotorua/Taupo - Solitaire Lodge, Treetops and Huka Lodge (Deluxe), Wildwood Lodge and The Point Villas, Hilton Hotel, Chalet Eiger or Acacia Cliffs Lodge (Luxury)
Day 6: Rotorua/Lake Taupo – domestic flight to Christchurch - Arthur's Pass (Wilderness Lodge)
Driving distance 1,5h
Arrive at Christchurch International Airport and you will be met by your driver/guide. Depart Christchurch through the scenic untouched areas and through Arthur's Pass. From your car you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Stop for a walk at Castle Hill Basin, characterised by its distinctive limestone rock formations. These limestone rock formations are the water eroded remnants of limestone formed during the Oligocene age 30-40 million years ago when much of present day New Zealand was covered by the sea. Pass Lake Pearson and relax in your stay near Arthur's Pass Village, the South Islands highest Settlement, surrounded by mountain peaks rising more than 2,000 meters. There you will be taken on a great introductory tour to Arthur’s Pass National Park, 25 kilometres west of the lodge. This is mainly a sightseeing drive along the historic gold miner’s road; however opportunities are available to walk amongst alpine wild flowers and beech forest - and for the athletically inclined hobbit-filled gorges and waterfalls. The Lodge is tucked away in the heart of the Southern Alps. You may want to explore the network of forest, farm and mountain trails or join a guide to learn about natural history and farming life on the 4000 acre Wilderness Lodge sheep farm and nature reserve. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy the views and tranquil mountain setting. Accommodation: Arthur's Pass - Wilderness Lodge (Luxury)
Day 7: Arthur's Pass – West Coast - Franz Josef Glacier (Blackwater rafting in Glow-worm caves, Pancake Rocks)
Driving distance 5h
You depart Arthur's Pass and head towards Greymouth, your driver/guide will take you to the upper West Coast. The West Coast – New Zealand’s longest region – is a narrow 600km stretch of wild coastline, mountain peaks, glaciers, clear lakes and sparsely populated towns. This immense untamed natural environment is New Zealand’s most protected region. Take the Nile River Rainforest Train for transport through the primeval rain forest and towering limestone cliffs of the Nile River Canyon. Once changed, a short climb is required to enter the enormous Nile River Cave System where you meander through a calcite paradise of stalactites and stalagmites in the upper dry levels of the cave. Discovered only recently, the Metro cave is one of the few caves in the world you can walk through and see in its natural, unspoilt state, the way it was discovered. Down in the lower active levels of the Cave, you meet up with a slow moving underground river on which you float in your tube using only the natural light of a simply awe inspiring display of glow worms for navigation. You will explore an ancient wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites in the large dry upper levels and become entranced while under the galaxies of glow-worms in the awe-inspiring Ananui entrance series. You emerge from the cave into a remote and untouched world before leaving its tranquillity for the rushing bubbling waters of the low grade Nile River Rapids. On the drive back we stop at Punakaiki the jewel of the West Coast, which is world renowned for its pancake rock formations and blow-holes. Walk along some of the stunning and remote beach treks, though a dense rainforest with Nikau Palms and large ferns. We then follow the winding road along one of the most stunning coastal drives in the country. We visit the historical gold mining town of Hokitika. Nearby take a walk over a swing bridge to the Hokitika Gorge, this is truly one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand! The beautiful turquoise water is quite breathtaking as is the gorge itself. You can stop and enjoy an exhilarating treetop adventure on New Zealand’s first treetop walk among temperate rainforest giants as you experience life with the native birds, high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. It is an easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20 meters high and over 450 meters long. We then take a leisurely and scenic drive to the famous glacier region and your day’s itinerary will end in the tiny settlement of Franz Josef. The rugged West Coast is hemmed between the Tasman Sea and the imposing Southern Alps, making for spectacular contrasts in the surrounding scenery. Accommodation: West Coast - Te Waonui Forest Retreat or Westwood Lodge (Luxury)
Day 8: West Coast – Lake Wanaka (Helicopter flight and landing at glacier, Waterfalls, "The Neck")
Driving distance 3,5h
Two glaciers are located only 25 km from each other and are unique in the world as they seem to nearly reach the ocean. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier snowfields with a landing at high altitude. Step out of your helicopter and experience how it feels to stand in snow. The flight includes fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Mount Cook. Go as far south as the township of Haast. Beyond this point, the steep mountain ranges plunge directly into the sea - the first of the deep glacial fiords is just 60 kilometres away. A spectacular and scenic road links Haast and Wanaka. It reaches beyond wind-whipped Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, through golden tussock-covered hills, to wind among steep mountains cloaked in lush rainforest and cross tumbling rivers. Just 20 minutes from Haast you can take a 20 minute walk to the Roaring Billy Waterfall, an easy fern line walk takes you to the shores of the Haast River. Shortly later make a short stop at the 28m drop Thunder Creek falls. Further along your journey you stop and take a 30minute in return walk to the Blue pools. It features a carefully maintained gravel path and board-walks that wind through a native silver beech forest and lead to a swing bridge strung high above the Makarora River. The views back to the mountains of the Main Divide are absolutely breath-taking. The glacier-fed water in these deep pools is the colour of deep azure blue, and so clear that you can see right to the bottom, making the resident brown trout look like they are suspended in the air. As you exit Mt Aspiring National Park you will travel through what is known as “The Neck” a formation of land that separates two of our great South Island lakes, Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. Wanaka is a new and modern Alpine resort and mostly visited by us New Zealanders. A year-round destination set against the pristine alpine backdrop of Mount Aspiring National Park, you can still discover that totally relaxed Kiwi way of life at Lake Wanaka. Or recommended (Optional and extra charges) Heli-hike: By flying in you are able to access and explore a part of the glacier where its forces work hardest and often create spectacular ice caves and arches. Equipped with sturdy leather boots and other equipment, you board the helicopter for your first flight over the pinnacles of the lower ice-fall. Here, the ice is in constant motion. You then circle the upper ice-fall and Victoria Falls before landing. Your landing site on the ice is a remote and exceptionally beautiful part of the glacier. At this stage, your guide outfits you with crampons, specially designed for these ice conditions and you follow the ice steps cut by your guide as you explore the amazing formations and ice caves which are only seen here. Each departure is a true voyage of exploration. There are so many changing features that the guides always find something new. Accommodation: Lake Wanaka - Wharekea Lodge and Minaret Station (Deluxe), or Lime Tree Lodge, Tin Tub Lodge (Luxury)
Day 9: Lake Wanaka (Mou Waho Island Eco Excursion)
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 unrivalled 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’. Blessed with a myriad of tracks and trails suitable for walking, hiking and mountain biking, the Lake Wanaka region provides endless options for the avid outdoors person. Near the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island, a unique glacial remnant of the last ice age, the island is craggy and forested with several beaches and near the top is an idyllic little lake called the Arethusa Pool. The walk up to the pool from the boat landing is 15-20 minutes and you will get panoramic views of Lake Wanaka. The island serves now as a sanctuary and wildlife on the island includes Buff Weka, N.Z Falcon, Wood Pigeon, Bellbird, Tomtit, Fantail, Wax Eye, Grey warbler, occasional Kaka and Geko Lizards. This is a guided trip with excellent advice on the birdlife, history and geology of the area. A tree is planted for each trip. Accommodation: Lake Wanaka - Wharekea Lodge and Minaret Station (Deluxe), Tin Tub Lodge or Lime Tree Lodge (Luxury)
Day 10: Lake Wanaka – Central Otago - Te Anau/Fiordland National Park (Wine and area tour, Kawarau Gorge, Arrowtown)
Driving distance 3,5h
A personal host will take you on a day tour. 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 will suggest a stop for a relaxing lunch at one of the wineries. Your next stop is in Arrowtown, a historic colonial village that takes you back to the Gold Mining days of the Otago region. Visit the surrounding areas of Arthur's Point and then it's on to Coronet Peak for more spectacular views of Queenstown. In the afternoon the journey takes you past the Eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau. Here you will be visiting one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. The extraordinary scenic beauty has earned this region a reputation as a significant sightseeing and walking destination, and a 'must see' for anyone travelling to New Zealand. The scenery is spectacular and the track passes through many landscapes of the Fiordland National Park ranging from rocky mountain ridges to tall mossy forests along the lake shores. The township of Te Anau was originally established as a service community to the rural pasturelands on the eastern side of the lake. Accommodation: Te Anau - Dockbay Lodge or Fiordland Lodge (luxury)
Day 11: Te Anau – Fiordland National Park (Private helicopter flight and lunch into remote area of Doubtful Sound)
Experience scenery on an epic scale in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's very own land of sheer granite mountains, with spectacular fiords reaching ever inland. A premier experience! You will journey south over Lake Manapouri and across the Main Divide to the remote southern fiords. Over-fly the small, scattered islands that are unique to Dusky Sound, before heading north to Doubtful Sound. Take a spectacular journey past hidden alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls and lush native forest to Doubtful Sound. In the heart of the Fiordland National Park we have found a pristine spot hidden from the rest of the world, for you to enjoy a wilderness landing. After one hour you will be heading further north to view two more sounds and returning via the southern arm of Lake Te Anau. Or: (If weather does not permit the flight!) Milford Sound drive and cruise: Driving distance 4h return. We take you by car to the spectacular Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, which was carved out during successive ice ages and, plunges to a depth of 265 meters at its deepest point off Mitre Peak. 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. Accommodation: Te Anau - Dockbay Lodge or Fiordland Lodge (Luxury)
Day 12: Te Anau – Southland - Queenstown (Wilderness Jet boat experience at Wairaurahiri River)
Driving distance 6,5h
Today you take part in the longest, most daring and exhilarating jet boat trip In New Zealand. Hump Ridge Jet services the South Coast of Fiordland National Park including Lake Hauroko and the Wairaurahiri River. Lake Hauroko is the deepest lake in New Zealand and is drained by the Wairaurahiri River, which falls 200 meters to sea level and is 27 kilometres of grade 3 white water rapids. The river is commonly described as New Zealands longest waterfall. Take a short walk to explore the wild south coast line (lovely beach walk with views of Stewart Island and the Solander Islands) as well a as short walk to Waitutu Virgin Podocarp Forest (Oldest Podocarp Forest in NZ). On this journey you experience wonders of the wild south coast and you can still hear the call of the Wild (Native Bird Song). For lunch enjoy a bush style Venison BBQ Lunch. Late afternoon we take you to the Catlins. The Catlins is where native forest meets the sea fostering waterfalls and river valleys along the way. There are rocky coastal bays, inlets and estuaries along the seashore. Late afternoon we take you to Queenstown at the shore of Lake Wakatipu. Accommodation: Queenstown - Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Blanket Bay and Eichardt’s Hotel (Deluxe) or The Dairy, Sofitel Hotel (Luxury)
Day 13: Queenstown (Day to your own leisure)
Enjoy a relaxing day in Queenstown! 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, snowboarding, bungy jumping, paragliding, jetboating, sky diving and more! Or, if you want something a little more relaxed, you can choose from numerous family activities, nature experiences, tours and beauty spas. Queenstown has transformed into a sophisticated cosmopolitan town, tucked into a picturesque bay.There's a permanent buzz in down town, where you’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, a lively bar scene and excellent shopping. Accommodation: Queenstown - Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Blanket Bay and Eichardt’s Hotel (Deluxe) or The Dairy, Sofitel Hotel (Luxury)
Day 14: Queenstown departure
A taxi will transfer you to Queenstown Airport for your departure.
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