Extraordinary New Zealand

Leap headfirst into this epic trip through stunning New Zealand. Submerge in the breath-taking beauty of both islands from the dreamiest and most fashionable properties. You will encounter mind-blowing landscapes, scrumptious cuisine, seclusion and tranquillity as you take in majestic sights, from wild forests and glassy lakes to azure-blue glaciers and curated experiences, on this trip of a lifetime.

1. Days 1-3: Waiheke Island

   Kickstart your trip in New Zealand onboard the ferry in Auckland crossing the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. This tiny island has a wonderful, laid back atmosphere, ‘the’ place to go as a weekend retreat from Auckland and fast becoming one of the North Islands most reputable wine-producing regions.  
   
   You will stay at the fashionable boutique seaside property, The Boatshed – a contemporary hotel inspired by the traditional boatsheds of the 1900’s that scattered New Zealand’s shores. Offering panoramic views over the ocean from all rooms as well as freestanding baths and stylishly appointed suites and bungalows, the Boatshed is a welcome introduction to island life in New Zealand.  Waiheke Island is a wine and nature lovers paradise but many of the islands hidden gems, secret bays and undiscovered coves are only accessible with a 4WD.  Hire one of The Boatshed's ‘Picnic Trucks’ - a 4WD jeep and explore the island at your leisure. Stop at some of the islands iconic wineries for bespoke tastings or head of and sample olive oil at the islands only olive oil producer. Pack your swimwear and discover one of Waiheke's lesser visited beaches or arrange a gourmet picnic through The Boatshed and drive off in search of one of the islands romantic viewpoints. Spend the rest of your time on this beautiful island enjoying the sophisticated al-fresco restaurants, visiting local artists’ studios and galleries or simply relaxing on one of the island’s deserted, golden beaches.
   

   Accommodation: The Boatshed (2 nights)

2. Days 3-5: Taupo

   From here, return to the mainland by ferry, and travel down by car to Taupo for a stay at the fabulous Huka Lodge, consistently voted as one of the best hotels in Australasia. Spread over eight hectares of private parkland on the bend of the mighty Waikato River, you are just ten minutes from Taupo and just over one hour from Rotorua. The views from the lodge are spectacular and the high level of service here makes it the ultimate hideaway. There is plenty of activities to enjoy too from visiting nearby hot springs, heading out on an exhilarating jet boat ride to Huka Falls, a high-speed adventure along the stunning Waikato River in one of their state-of-the-art jet boats with a trademark 360-degree spin along the way!!
   

   Accommodation: Huka Lodge (2 nights)

3. Days 5-7: Hawkes Bay

   Following your stay at Huka Lodge, drive down to the Hawkes Bay wine region, for a stay at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a stunning, country property with incredible attention to detail and delicious food. Set in the most dramatic location atop cliffs that plunge into the Pacific, it is a superb property with a wealth of activities on offer, from hot air balloon flights to wine tasting, horse-riding to heli-fishing – the options are endless. Despite offering a wealth of activities, the surrounding area of Hawkes Bay produces some of the nation’s best wine and for connoisseurs a bespoke tour of the local vineyards is a must. Join the private Marlborough wine lovers delight tour, you’ll get to meet with local producers passionate about their craft and learn about the processes involved in creating wine, visit some of the artisan food producers and of course taste some of their produce – a fantastic day out for food and wine lovers.
   

   Accommodation: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (2 nights)

4. Days 7-9: Wairarapa

   Continue south towards the nations capital and the epicurean region – the Wairarapa. Your stay for the next two nights will be the luxurious Wharekauhau.  Perched upon 3,000 acres of private land sandwiched between bountiful forests, rolling farmland and the wild coastline of Palliser Bay this lodge is famed country wide for offering a farm-to-table concept.  For devoted foodies the lodge offers a wide range of food and wine activities for you to partake in and for those that seek adventure a plethora of activities from quad-biking to archery, clay shooting to golf are also available whilst staying on the estate. Join the private Wellington walking tour, you will get to explore the city sights at street level, as your personal guide shares local stories and an insider's view of the gastronomic delights of Wellington, revealing selected favorites in the Cuba and Courtenay Quarters, often missed by most visitors.

   Accommodation: Wharekauhau (2 nights)

5. Days 9-12: Blenheim, New Zealand

   From Wharekauhau, fly across the Cook Strait to Nelson in the heart of the South Islands Tasman Marlborough Region. Your destination is Marlborough Lodge, a grand country estate in the heart of the Marlborough wine region, the lodge is famed for its gastronomic delights. Enjoy stunning canapes, three-course fine dining and of course the exceptional wines from the local vineyards. Here you can explore the golden beaches and quite bays of Abel Tasman National Park by foot or kayak or hire bikes and cycle the vines along Nelson’s Great Taste Trail. We’ve included a guided kayaking tour of Marlborough Sounds, nn idyllic way to spend an hour or longer to paddle the shoreline up Queen Charlotte Sound past boat huts, modern architecture homes and wild forests, getting up close to cormorants and perhaps spotting seals or dolphins if you’re lucky!
   
   Back at the lodge, take a dip in the outdoor heated pool, explore the 16 acres of gardens, get lost in the vineyards or enjoy a game of tennis on one of the six grass courts at the Rapaura Tennis Club just next door. 
   

   Accommodation: The Marlborough Lodge (3 nights)

6. Days 12-15: Queenstown

   Your last destination on this stylish tour of New Zealand is just a short flight away, Queenstown in the heart of the South Island’s dramatic Southern Alps. 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. We’ve included a guided Heli glacier walk at the renowned Franz Joseph Galcier, take a scenic flight over the glacier to the icefall where you will embark on a two hour hike though the stunning ice caves and features.  Your accommodation whilst in Queenstown is the sophisticated hideaway of Matakauri Lodge, a luxury Robertson Lodge perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu that offers breath-taking views of Walter Peak and The Remarkables Mountain Range.  After a day of adventuring in Queenstown, return to the lodge and relax at the Matakauri Spa where holistic hot stone massages and volcanic dust body scrubs beckon.

   Accommodation: Matakauri Lodge (3 nights)

Waiheke Island, Taupo, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Nelson & Queenstown