Description
Picture yourself in a sheltered glacial valley located high above the shores of Lake Wanaka on one of New Zealand’s iconic high country stations, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, tussock grass, native bush on the hillsides, Wild Deer and Chamois clambering on the surrounding slopes, cheeky Kea birds appearing from nowhere to say ‘hello’ with the only sound being the water in a nearby stream making its way downhill to the lake below. Your accommodation is at New Zealand’s first ever luxury tented camp, where there are only four ‘tented suites’, each with a king size bed; en-suite with double vanity, shower and WC; wardrobe with changing area and your own private deck with hot-tub. On-site facilities will include the camp ‘Homestead’ with its well stocked library, dining room, study area and open fires, a camp chef and on-site private guides.
With landscapes ranging from dense native forest in the tranquil alpine valleys to the sloping snow tussock grass covered mountaintops, Minaret offers its visitors ever changing views as they explore the more than 60,000 acres and experience the New Zealand high country. Over the next couple of days you’ll have the opportunity to explore this remarkably diverse location, see the restored musterer’s huts and learn about the history of this farming region; both on foot with your on-site camp guide. Additionally, you might be interested in taking a Heli Fishing Experience to a remote location and season permitting, hunting on the Station may be available too.
Depart Minaret by helicopter, whisking your way to the West Coast, landing on the helipad of the Tutoko II, a purpose-built charter fishing boat made to withstand the rigors of the Fiordland National park. Your home for the next 2 nights is comfortably rustic and full of the pioneering character of this remote region. Spend your days diving for lobster, fishing for blue cod and exploring the wilderness in true Kiwi fashion. The Vessel is fully equipped for every outdoor man’s dream escape. Hunter gather your own cuisine then have it exquisitely prepared for you while you kick back enjoying a cool beverage. Activities whilst onboard include diving, fishing, scenic helicopter flights and heli-hunting should you be so inclined.
If you enjoy the “off the beaten path” experience, then taking a helicopter to the Wild South-west coast will be a highlight of your life. With complete flexibility and numerous options of experiences to do, journey to one of the world’s most remotes and scenic regions with expert adventurers as your guides. Activities can be tailored from the arm chair to the radical; have your ever been surfing from a helicopter for example? Or do you enjoy scuba diving and would relish diving to catch your lunch for the day? If radical is not your thing and you love amazing scenery, you’ll have the opportunity to see a vast range of unspoilt wilderness and wildlife. The emphasis of our exclusive experiences is on unique environments and flexibility to suit individual interests.
Following your incredible adventures in the Sounds, you will fly back to Queenstown, nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the expansive snow-fed, glacial Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains. In winter the town is alive with the buzz of skiers and snowboarders - between Queenstown and the neighbouring resort of Wanaka are six international standard snow areas, with après ski culture to match. And while the town is the original home to the popular bungy jumping phenomenon, there are many less challenging treats awaiting your visit. Wine is a new yet chic industry in Central Otago, already producing internationally acclaimed pinot noirs and aromatics. At stylish vineyards, where the architecture matches the stark beauty of the surrounding rock gorges and tussock covered hills, you will be welcomed into character-filled cellar rooms and classy, alfresco restaurants. Queenstown is surrounded by national parks, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options. The Remarkables soar above you in the crisp air, their snow-clad peaks, rosy in the dawn, beckon you upwards, tempting you to explore the majestic mountain tops.
Eichardt’s Lakefront Cottages are just a few paces away from Eichardt’s Private Hotel and have stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and nearby mountain ranges. Each comprises four two-bedroom suites offering flexible and luxurious accommodation, each with stunning lake and mountain views.
Enjoy a day of adventure exploring the best that Queenstown has to offer; perhaps zipline through the trees, jetboat the waters of the Shotover River, paraglide to the base of Bob’s Peak or the ultimate – bungy off the Kawarau Bridge! Leave New Zealand feeling exhilarated, challenged and fundamentally renewed, a visit like this to this stunning, wild area of the world is truly a life changing experience.
Guide price
£9,350 Per Person
£9,350 Based on 6 people travelling including international and domestic flights, all accommodation, helicopter transfers where stated, private charter and all meals on board Tutuko II, guided helicopter experiences, bespoke adventure guiding throughout the trip
Itinerary
| Stay | Location / Route | Overnight |
|---|
| 2 nights
| London to Auckland | Overnight Flight |
| 2 nights
| Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, New Zealand | Minaret Station |
| 2 nights
| West Coast | Tutuko II |
| 2 nights
| Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand | Eichardt’s Private Hotel |
| 1 night
| Auckland to London | Overnight Flight |
Location and directions
New Zealand
