Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival in Auckland, you’ll make your way through customs and immigration, then connect on a short flight to Kerikeri, the gateway to the beautiful Bay of Islands. A private transfer will take you to The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, your luxury base for the next three nights. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to explore the 6000-acre property, with its numerous walking and biking trails, and access to three private beaches. Indulge in canapes and pre-dinner drinks, followed by a delectable dinner, before retiring to your cozy suite.

3 nights at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Awake to a feast for the senses, taking in the vibrant beauty and peaceful nature of this stunning coastal retreat. Today is ideal for adventuring, and the choices are many! Kayak the pristine coastline, hike to a tumbling waterfall, horseback ride through native forests, take a surf lesson, or quad bike through farmland and along the coast. If golf is your passion, the David Harman-designed championship golf course is a dream, with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean. You could even try your hand at fishing for local snapper or kahawai, and bring your catch back to the lodge chef for a well-earned dinner.

For a bit of balance, how about a day of pampering, indulgence, and relaxation. The Bay of Islands is begging to be discovered from a bird’s eye view, and a luxury helicopter tour over the turquoise waters, quaint towns, and lush landscape will take your breath away. A gourmet picnic at one of the private beaches is a must during your stay at Kauri Cliffs, giving you the opportunity to absorb the ambiance and stunning scenery that surrounds you. To wrap up your day, escape to the forest spa for a treatment, with the sounds of a rippling stream and birdsong lulling you into a state of pure bliss.

This morning, transfer back to the Kerikeri airport for a short flight to Auckland. Take a short connecting flight to Taupo or, alternatively, meet a private driver who will take you on a journey from the Auckland airport through Middle-earth en route to Taupo. The Hobbiton movie set is a gem in the heart of the Waikato region, where you can immerse in the mystical and magical world that previously lived only on screen. You’ll then continue on to Taupo and the iconic Huka Lodge, nestled at the edge of the Waikato River. Settle into your suite for a sumptuous 3-night stay.

3 nights at Huka Lodge

Prepare for an epic day of exploration, combining an optional scenic helicopter flight and lake cruise, showcasing the best of this region. Your helicopter will veer past the stunning Huka Falls and along the Waikato River, to the fascinating geothermal areas of Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu. You’ll fly around the dormant Mt Tarawera volcano, and on to Lake Taupo over the lush, forested landscape that carpets the central North Island. Once at Lake Taupo, you’ll board your luxury vessel for a gourmet lunch cruise and trout fishing before returning to the lodge with time to relax in the serene riverfront setting before dinner.

New Zealand is a mecca for adventure, and this region doesn’t disappoint! The native bush laced with crystal rivers, the strong Maori culture, and the geological history make for fascinating hikes, while mountain biking, quad biking, and jetboating add an extra thrill to your time in the outdoors. Be sure to take a stroll through the 17-acre lodge grounds, with the eclectic landscaping that features native New Zealand trees and shrubs, a traditional English garden, and a magnificent water garden. Settle in for your final night of gourmet dining and Huka Lodge hospitality.

Fly to Nelson, the sunniest location in all of New Zealand, at the top of the South Island. Your ultimate destination is Edenhouse Luxury Lodge, a highly acclaimed boutique lodge nestled in the serene countryside between Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park. With just three cottages and suites, and refined hospitality, your time here will be nothing short of exceptional. Dining is an event in itself, featuring the best in local produce, and several charming settings around the property to choose from.

3 nights at Edenhouse or Bronte Lodge Luxury Lodge

Optional Tour: Abel Tasman welcomes you today with its golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and mellow walking trails. Depending on how active you’d like to be, you can set out on a hike along the stunning coastal route, paddle the shores and secluded bays in a kayak, or board a charter boat for some privacy and indulgence. Or we’ll find the perfect balance of activities and relaxation for your day in this gorgeous National Park.

Today we’ll design the perfect outing for you, be it visiting local wineries and artist studios, cycling the lush countryside, indulging your creative interests at the World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum, fly-fishing for spotted brown trout, taking a 4WD tour on the world’s longest sandbar and bird sanctuary, satiating your wilderness appetite with hikes in the Nelson Lakes or Kahurangi National Park, or simply enjoying the lovely gardens and pampering treatment at your accommodations. There is something for everyone in this special region of New Zealand.

Fly to Christchurch and pick up a rental vehicle for the 4.5-hour drive to the stunning Ahuriri Valley, taking in spectacular views of Mt. Cook along the way. Arrive at The Lindis, your luxury lodge accommodation nestled in the shadow of the mighty Southern Alps. The lodge is designed to blend seamlessly into the natural environment, with its elegantly contoured roof, and each suite features floor-to-ceiling views of the majestic valley. The unique and ultra-private Pods expand the views to 270-degrees, with mirrored glass walls on three sides, for total immersion in this stunning landscape.

Optional Tour: Board a helicopter for a dramatic flight along the Southern Alps, passing Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand, and landing on the impressive Tasman Glacier. Don a set of crampons and set out to explore the fascinating blue ice caves and structures with your local guide. Take a break to marvel at the dramatic landscape while indulging in a gourmet picnic lunch, and then continue admiring the alpine scenery from a birds-eye view aboard the helicopter. Your flight will take in more of the Alps, including the wild West Coast, before returning to your accommodation. This evening, be sure to step outside for some stargazing, as the dark skies and minimal light pollution create a vibrant celestial scene.

This area is truly an outdoor wonderland awaiting exploration. One of the most renowned stretches of river for fly fishing is just a short stroll from the lodge if you’re keen to try your skills, while the on-site stable provides ample opportunity for viewing the spectacular scenery from horseback. E-bikes are also readily available for pedaling along the rolling trails and venturing off-road for a more exhilarating ride.

3 nights at The Lindis

Enjoy your morning at leisure before driving onward to bustling and beautiful Queenstown, gracing the shore of gorgeous Lake Wakatipu. As the jumping-off point for Fiordland National Park and the Central Otago wine region, and boasting the title of “Adventure Capital of the World,” this lively town really does offer something for everyone. Even the accommodation choices cater to different fancies, whether you desire to stay in a luxury lakefront suite in the heart of Queenstown, or venture to a remote sheep station where the stunning lodge accommodation is enveloped by nature.

3 nights at Eichardt’s Private Hotel (central Queenstown) or Blanket Bay (Glenorchy)

A must for visitors to this area is a cruise on the majestic Milford Sound, with its dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and amazing wildlife. Your journey to Milford by helicopter or small fixed-wing plane is an experience in itself, as you cross a dramatic landscape of mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests. You may also want to hike a portion of the iconic Milford Track. After a fulfilling day of nature and the outdoors, you’ll undoubtedly want to unwind with a glass of local pinot noir in a lovely lakeside setting.

For a classic Queenstown day, start with an exhilarating jeboat ride on the Shotover River, speeding along a brilliant river between stark canyon walls, and listening to tales of history and lore from your skilled driver and guide. For a spectacular view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding white-capped peaks, a ride up the Skyline Gondola is in order. After absorbing the stunning scenery, you may want to speed down the luge track, zipline through the lush forest, or even paraglide back to town. A special dinner is in order for your final evening in New Zealand, be it a gourmet indulgence at your lodge or a BBQ dinner at a high country sheep station.

This morning, you will bid Queenstown farewell, as you make your way to the airport for your flights home.

Pricing is per person based on two people traveling together. From: $16,999 USD per person.

Call for a detailed quote and pricing for your exact dates.

Included:

Accommodations, tours, rental car and transfers as noted and select meals at each accommodation.

Not Included: 

International or domestic flights, tours that are noted as optional.

Room types are based on the lead in room or suite category at each accommodation. For example Pod at the Lindis.