Ultimate New Zealand
Auckland, Rotorua, Nelson, Christchurch, Franz Josef, QueenstownBe 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.
At a glance
Throughout your trip you will only stay in the very best handpicked luxury lodges and hotels that New Zealand has to offer
Be mesmerized by the vast wilderness as you travel from North to South Island, taking in the diverse range of scenery, from lakes and rolling hills to glaciers and mountains
Immerse yourself in the abundance of activities available; from private food tours, epic helicopter trips, fly fishing; wine tours and heli-hiking to name but a few
Devour local cuisine in the best of restaurants and sample the world-renowned New Zealand wines
Journey highlights
-
Throughout your trip you will only stay in the very best handpicked luxury lodges and hotels that New Zealand has to offer
-
Be mesmerized by the vast wilderness as you travel from North to South Island, taking in the diverse range of scenery, from lakes and rolling hills to glaciers and mountains
-
Immerse yourself in the abundance of activities available; from private food tours, epic helicopter trips, fly fishing; wine tours and heli-hiking to name but a few
-
Devour local cuisine in the best of restaurants and sample the world-renowned New Zealand wines
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
Price Guide: (Per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | $53,400 | $13,400 | plan your trip |
| March | $49,300 | $12,300 | plan your trip |
| April | $49,300 | $12,300 | plan your trip |
| May | $49,300 | $12,300 | plan your trip |
| June | $45,100 | $11,300 | plan your trip |
| July | $45,100 | $11,300 | plan your trip |
| August | $45,100 | $11,300 | plan your trip |
| September | $49,300 | $12,300 | plan your trip |
| October | $49,300 | $12,300 | plan your trip |
| November | $53,400 | $13,400 | plan your trip |
| December | $53,400 | $13,400 | plan your trip |
| January | $53,400 | $13,400 | plan your trip |
-
February
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$53,400
Deposit from*$13,400
-
March
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$49,300
Deposit from*$12,300
-
April
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$49,300
Deposit from*$12,300
-
May
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$49,300
Deposit from*$12,300
-
June
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$45,100
Deposit from*$11,300
-
July
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$45,100
Deposit from*$11,300
-
August
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$45,100
Deposit from*$11,300
-
September
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$49,300
Deposit from*$12,300
-
October
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$49,300
Deposit from*$12,300
-
November
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$53,400
Deposit from*$13,400
-
December
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$53,400
Deposit from*$13,400
-
January
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$53,400
Deposit from*$13,400
- plan your trip
Itinerary
Central North Island
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.
Marlborough and Nelson
After driving south through the Wairarapa region you’ll soon arrive at Edenhouse. Devour the local cuisine with a private taste of Nelson 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 Nelson 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.
Canterbury and the West Coast
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.
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.
Central Otago and the Southern Lakes
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.
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Experiences included in this itinerary
-
![Bike the Wineries of Central Otago - Bike the Wineries of Central Otago]()
Read moreBike the Wineries of Central Otago
Explore the vineyards and scenic wine lands of Central Otago by bike on this self-guided winery tour and visit some of the region’s most well-known wineries.
-
![Waiheke Food and Wine - New Zealand]()
Read moreExclusive Gourmet Food and Wine on Waiheke - Shared
Waiheke Island located in Auckland’s Hauruki Gulf is renowned for its verdant vineyards, empty beaches and freshly caught seafood. Explore this island escape on a guided food and wine tour.
-
![Huka Jet Boating - Huka Jet Boating]()
Read moreHuka Jet Boating (Shared)
Experience the sheer adrenaline rush of the Huka Falls Jet, as you speed along the Waikato River at an incredible 80km an hour.
-
![Te Papa Taonga Maori Tour - Wellington]()
Read moreIntroducing Te Papa (Shared)
During your time in Wellington, visit the Te Papa Museum on a hosted Taonga Maori Tour. You can learn about the fascinating Maori culture and its people. Tour the Maori National Museum before enjoying some light refreshments with the knowledgeable staff.
-
![Food]()
Read morePrivate Taste Wellington Walking Tour
Wellington is a wonderfully compact, cosmopolitan city, lauded as New Zealand's culinary, cafe and coffee capital. Wellington is said to have more cafes and restaurants per capita than New York and a walking gourmet tour is the perfect way to explore.
-
![Shotover Jet]()
Read moreShotover Jet (Shared)
Nothing you've experienced will have you prepared for the thrill and excitement of a Shotover Jet ride! From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your adrenaline hits the roof as you speed in mere centimeters of water along the famous Shotover River.
-
![Te Puia - Te Puia Daytime Experience]()
Read moreTe Puia Daytime Experience (Shared)
Home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia is a cultural center just 5-minutes from the center of Rotorua. Immerse yourself in Maori culture and visit the Pohutu Geyser during your visit to the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.
-
![TranzAlpine]()
Read moreTranzAlpine Train - Christchurch to Greymouth - Shared
The fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, deep gorges and glacial rivers await as you take one of the world’s most iconic train journeys from Christchurch to Greymouth.
/791064-huka-jet-boating-huka-jet-boating.jpeg)
/783714-wellington--te-papa-taonga-maori-tour.jpeg)
/703452-shotover-jet-central-otago-and-the-southern-lakes-new-zealand-australasia-australasia.jpeg)
/791387-te-puia-te-puia-daytime-experience.jpeg)
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your vacation.
Why Scott Dunn?
At Scott Dunn, we live and breathe travel. An insatiable appetite to discover the world runs through everything we do. We relish the planning and revel in the detail. We know it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference, and we stop at nothing to make every trip not only exceptional but totally unique.
- Every itinerary is crafted from scratch, based around exactly what’s important to you
- Packed full of unique experiences, hand-picked by our journeys team
- Expert local guides enrich your experience in every destination
- Your own dedicated Travel Specialist who will take care of every detail of your trip
- We have a 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- We offer flexibility and financial protection to give you total peace of mind