Description
Starting in Auckland, take in the sights of this buzzing city and its surroundings either by foot or even air. In the evenings relax at Mollies, a unique hotel full of antiques and art located in the trendy suburb of Ponsonby. Have a drink on the balcony overlooking the harbour whilst listening to the owner sing and play on the grand piano in the heart of the hotel.
Fly to the rolling hills of the Bay of Islands where you will stay at the Bay of Islands Lodge, perched on a cliff overlooking the glistening ocean. During the day, cruise the bay of islands on a luxury motor launch, dive into the sea to pluck your lunch from the seabed or take the boat further afield and spend your day deep-sea fishing. Finish the day off by wandering around the stunning town of Russell where there are many boutique galleries and shops before returning to Bay of Islands Lodge for an outstanding home cooked dinner.
From the semi-tropical climes of the Bay of Islands, fly south to the geothermal heart of New Zealand, rich with Maori culture and a fascinating area to visit, with boiling mud pools and spouting geysers in abundance. Staying at the acclaimed Treetops Lodge and Country Estate, set in the midst of thousands of acres of native New Zealand bush. Enjoy the comforts of the lodge and its beautiful location, with miles of dense woodland to be explored.
Continue further south to the Hawkes Bay region, famed for superb wine and an upcoming gastronomic scene. Your base here is the incredible Farm at Cape Kidnappers, an amazing lodge set on the cliffs amidst the rugged landscape. Spend your days wine tasting and exploring the town of Napier, completely rebuilt after an earthquake in 1931 in the Art Deco style of the era.
Fly to the South Island to the superb wineries of the Marlborough Nelson wine region. Spend a few nights at the stunning Edenhouse, voted by Tatler as one of the ‘101 Best Hotels in the World’. Set amidst 48 acres of private gardens, Edenhouse is perfectly located for the Abel Tasman National Park. From Nelson, drive through the Marlborough wine region en-route to Kaikoua, visiting famous wineries such as Cloudy Bay to do some wine tasting. The Marlborough area is not only well know for having some of the best vineyards in the world, but it is also full of world class chefs serving up some of the best food you will find in New Zealand – this area really is a gastronomic’s dream.
Upon arrival in Kaikoura, let childhood nostalgia take hold as you stay in the most amazing tree house at Hapuku Lodge, set high in a native Manuka grove. Each tree house is utterly luxurious, with heated slate floors and native wood accents and the lodge serves up some amazing cuisine. Kaikoura is home to a huge variety of marine life, join in a boat trip to view the resident sperm whales, which feed in the deep waters of the Hikurangi Trench, or swim with pods of hundreds of dusky dolphins, which frequent the area.
Head further south to Christchurch where you can enjoy some city life and shopping for the night before taking in more New Zealand’s famously beautiful scenery by taking the Transalpine train across the snowy peaks of Arthur’s pass to Greymouth on the west coast. It is here you will journey to the small township of Franz Josef, at the foot of the mighty ice monolith of Franz Josef Glacier. Take a helicopter to the higher reaches of the glacier where the ice is brilliant blue and explore the ice caves, peaks and seracs with your knowledgeable guide. Stay at the wonderfully located and supremely comfortable Westwood Lodge, with its warm wooden interiors and cosy fires.
Finally, make your way down through Central Otago to the vibrant lakeside town of Queenstown for the finale of your amazing trip. Whilst this pretty alpine town is known for its extreme sports, there are plenty more relaxing things to do and it is also the gateway to the stunning Fiordland National Park, showcasing both Milford and Doubtful Sounds. It is also a great area for biking, horse riding and wine tasting - the Central Otago region produces the most fantastic Pinot Noir! Stay at Eichardts Boutique Hotel, right on the shores of the lake in the heart of the town. With luxurious linens, possum fur throws and sublime surroundings, this is the perfect end to an amazing adventure through New Zealand.
Guide price
£11,540
per person
£11,540 Per person for 20 nights based on two people sharing including Air New Zealand international flights, internal flights, private transfers and most meals.
Itinerary
Location and directions
New Zealand
