Ultimate New Zealand

Be truly enamoured with the land of the long white cloud with its endless landscapes, sensational scenery and an abundance of activities to embrace. From wine tasting in Central Otago to guided food tours and river trips , from diving in Abel Tasman National Park to whale watching in Kaikoura whether you appreciate wildlife, wine, adventure, landscapes or culture New Zealand has it all in bucket-loads and this trip highlights the ultimate to experience from start to end.

1. Days 1-2: Auckland

   Begin your exploration of Aotearoa in the harborside city of Auckland, famed for its sensational views over the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland’s outer islands. Staying at the prestigious Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, a beautiful location in the heart of Auckland on the waterfront, prime to walk the spacious promenade to explore Queen Street, the entertainment and shopping hub of Auckland or wander down to the harbor and enjoy an al-fresco glass of Kiwi wine at one of the many first class waterfront restaurants there.
   
   Spend your day exploring this wonderful city and its surrounding areas, take a walk along the west coast beaches and then return to the hotel in time to rejuvenate at the So SPA featuring an indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi.
   

   Accommodation: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour (1 night)

2. Days 2-4: Taupo

   Driving south through the endless farmlands and green rolling hills of the Waikato region, you’ll pass by quaint Kiwi villages, sheep farms and uninterrupted countryside as you journey through the geothermal wonderland that is Rotorua and further south to Lake Taupo. The luxury, iconic Huka Lodge is nestled amongst 17-acres of mature and manicured gardens on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, upstream from the Huka Falls. The activities at Huka Lodge really are endless. From the adrenalin rush of sky diving, white water rafting, jet boating or even bungee jumping to the more relaxing pursuits such as horse riding, sailing, trout fishing and private picnics. 
   
   The crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo are fed by mountain streams and are home to some of the most sought-after Rainbow trout in the world.  With your expert private guide, you can be assisted in the art of fishing and finesse your skills in this beautiful and largely unexplored area, followed by a delicious picnic lunch on the waters edge surrounded by the dramatic scenery that surrounds you.

   Accommodation: Huka Lodge (2 nights)

3. Days 4-6: Wellington

   After driving south through the Wairarapa region you’ll soon arrive at Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Devour the local cuisine with a private taste of Wellington Walking Tour. You will be taken around Wellington's best food places, your personal guide will introduce you to new and favorite flavors. Your experience can vary seasonally, and you may visit a boutique coffee roaster and stylish cafe, renowned specialist fresh produce and gourmet food stores, and a unique contemporary chocolatier. This mouth-watering culinary experience concludes with a delicious lunch with matched New Zealand wines at a top Wellington restaurant.
   
   You can also take a short trip over to nearby Kapiti Island and visit the resident bird sanctuary home to some of New Zealand’s elusive kiwi’s.  A visit to the national museum Te Papa is an absolute must to add context to your vacation or you could simply wander the city taking the cable car up to the beautiful botanical gardens that offer panoramic views over the city towards the Cook Strait.
   

   Accommodation: Sofitel Wellington (2 nights)

4. Days 6-7: Christchurch

   Fly south from Wellington to Christchurch, New Zealand’s garden city for one night staying at the divine Otahuna Lodge.  An elegant, opulent lodge dating back to 1895, is regarded as the best example of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia.
   
   The ideal location to explore Canterbury and the Banks Peninsula. Be wowed as you embark on your private half day tour of the garden city, as you explore the iconic sites of this ever-changing city whilst enjoying the thorough knowledge from your expert guide throughout. You will visit the botanical gardens, the traditional cathedral and new cardboard cathedral as well as discover Christchurch’s many parks and traditional buildings. All this before enjoying a journey on one of the world’s greatest railways – the TranzAlpine.
   

   Accommodation: Otahuna Lodge (1 night)

5. Days 7-9: Canterbury and the West Coast

   After boarding this renowned train cross the Canterbury plains traveling through the continuous patchwork fields heading towards the mighty Southern Alps that define where east meets the west. A seemingly impenetrable boundary, the TranzAlpine skirts through a series of tunnels, across gorges and over thundering rivers navigating its way through the spine of the South Island towards its end destination, Greymouth. On arrival collect a car hire and continue south along the wild west coast skirting between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, inland towards The Lindis nestled in the Ahuriri Valley. A luxury lodge, encircled by a rugged landscape of wetlands, tussock land and mountains, providing guests with exceptional views both day and night but has also been architecturally designed to mirror the landscape it resides in. 
    
   Activities from the Lindis are abundant. Located near to one of New Zealand’s most renowned fly-fishing areas a wide variety of fishing-related activities are available whilst guests can also partake in horse trekking rides, cycling tours, and exhilarating 4WD tours.  The abundant wine producing region of Central Otago borders the Ahuriri Valley so vineyard visits are possible to arrange.
   

   Accommodation: The Lindis (2 nights)

6. Days 9-11: Queenstown

   Your next and final destination on your tour of New Zealand’s very best is the world-renowned resort of Queenstown, famed for its sense of adventure and breath-taking scenery. From Mt Aspiring National Park to Lake Wakatipu and the winelands of Central Otago, Queenstown offers something for everyone. Head to the skies from Queenstown in your private helicopter experience over Lake Wakatipu and the glacial lakes to Milford Sound taking in the magnitude of New Zealand’s scenery as you go.  Once at Milford Sound you’ll board your specialist boat to begin the leisurely cruise to the Tasman Sea. Experience the exceptional natural beauty and extensive wildlife of the Sound, with expert commentary from the guide as you pass waterfalls, seals, dolphins and penguins. With a picnic lunch and refreshments, this is an informative yet laidback way to discover the varied highlights of the region. 
   
   Sample the divine South Island wine, as you take this private boutique wine tour in Central Otago. Visiting several wineries and vineyards you will be shown the vineyards, processes and of course get to sample some of the delicious wine. After a gourmet lunch with wine at one of the more exclusive vineyards you can visit some of the region’s most iconic sites from the AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge to the quaint village of Arrowtown.
   
   After sampling everything that the awesome Queenstown has to offer, head back for some luxurious relaxation at the Eichardt’s Private Hotel, a majestic retreat on a sublime lakefront setting. Enjoy gourmet breakfasts, light lunches and pre-dinner drinks in front of the fire in the Parlour before venturing out to try one of Queenstown's many excellent restaurants.  Climb onboard the hotels private yacht and cruise across the lake for the night providing the most unforgettable experience. Or in ski season take advantage of Eichardt’s private slopes.
   

   Accommodation: Eichardt’s Private Hotel (2 nights)

Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown