Luxury New Zealand

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Itinerary Highlights

Explore the quaint villages and secluded beach of the Bay of Islands
Visit Rotorua’s volcanic and geothermal attractions
Take a tour of Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre with a park ranger and learn more about New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna
Enjoy the pristine coastline on a private cruise in the Abel Tasman National Park

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Car Hire
Domestic Flights
International Flights

20 nights from £15,199 per person

Best time to travel OCT - MAY

01244 435 806

All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist.

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Set in the azure seas of the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is renowned for its green environment and remarkable scenic beauty from rugged mountains and ancient glaciers to beaches, bays and bush. Discerning travellers rate New Zealand a destination not to be missed. More than magnificent landscapes, New Zealand is about its people and a society that has vibrant and rich culture; a melding of a proud Maori heritage and modern European and Polynesian influences. New Zealand offers outstanding experiences – including wilderness fly-fishing, hiking, mountain-biking and heli-adventures. These can all be enjoyed while staying in absolute luxury at some of the world’s most spectacular luxury lodges and hotels, where their breath-taking setting is as important as the exceptional and faultless service and exquisite cuisine. This tailor-made itinerary takes in several of New Zealand’s destinations and provide you will the opportunity of ticking off an endless list of bucket list activities and attractions.

Itinerary

Day 1 UK to Bay of Islands, New Zealand

At Inspiring Travel Company we can offer flights on a variety of airlines, whether you wish to fly directly to New Zealand or take optional stopovers en route such as San Francisco, Hawaii, Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong.

Day 2 Bay of Islands

Northland

On arrival at Auckland International Airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you by private vehicle to the domestic airport for your flight to Keri Keri in the Bay of Islands. From here you will be transferred to the luxurious “The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs”, a beautiful plantation style lodge set on an unspoiled peninsula with outdoor decks from where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

Staying at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Main Lounge at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand

Verandas at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand

Deluxe Suite at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand

Day 3 Bay of Islands

Northland

The Bay of Islands encompasses more than 140 subtropical islands with quaint villages, secluded beaches and Maori cultural artifacts to discover. We can arrange a variety of experiences during your time in this beautiful area, including a private yacht charter sailing through glittering bays or a private helicopter flight to a deserted beach. Explore the historic village of Russell and dine at beach side restaurants, visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds play a round golf at an award-winning course.

Staying at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Day 4 Taupo

Taupo

artists palette pool in waiotapu thermal reserve rotorua

Your driver will transfer you to Keri Keri Airport for your flight to Rotorua where you will collect your full size AWD rental vehicle. Explore Rotorua’s volcanic and geothermal attractions at your leisure including Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Reserve – New Zealand’s most colourful volcanic area. Drive south to Taupo where you will stay at the iconic Huka Lodge, a retreat that is consistently ranked among the finest in the world. The Lodge is nestled in 17-acres of manicured gardens close upstream from the roaring Huka Falls.

Day 5 Taupo

Taupo

There are a whole host of activities and unique local experiences for you to enjoy while at Huka Lodge. Golfers can enjoy a round at one of the two world class courses at Kinloch and Wairakei. Take a scenic cruise on New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo or go fly-fishing on the surrounding rivers. Get the adrenaline pumping on the Huka Falls Jetboat or take a private helicopter trip to White Island, a volcano that is almost constantly active.

Day 6 Taupo to Hawkes Bay (107 miles)

Hawke’s Bay

view from te mata peak napier new zealand

Today drive to Hawkes Bay via the ‘Thermal Explorer’ Highway which provides contrasting scenery along the way. Stop at vantage points to soak up the stunning vistas and stop at the Waipunga Falls for photo opportunities. Hawkes Bay is renowned as one of New Zealand’s richest agricultural areas and is a long-established wine-growing region.

Staying at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Exterior of The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay

Owner's Cottage Kitchen at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay

Owner's Cottage Master Bedroom at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay

Day 7 Hawkes Bay

Hawke’s Bay

Farm at Cape Kidnappers offers a vast range of on-site activities as well as easy access to local wineries and nearby Napier, a town of pastel coloured Art Deco buildings which we can arrange a tour of in a 1930’s vintage vehicle. At Cape Kidnappers you can explore the 6,000-acre farm by mountain bike or take a shepherding tour, enjoy nature walks, clay pigeon shooting or view the massive colony of gannets.

Staying at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Day 8 Hawkes Bay to Palliser Bay (190 miles)

Wellington

Today drive south via the Wairarapa farming district of to Masterton, we suggest a stop at Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre where you can take a tour with one of the parks rangers to learn more about New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. Take the scenic Rimutaka Hill Road towards Wellington where you will stay at the gracious Wharekauhau Country Estate for two nights.

Staying at Wharekauhau Country Estate, Palliser Bay

Exterior of Wharekauhau Country Estate, Palliser Bay

Country Kitchen at Wharekauhau Country Estate, Palliser Bay

Owners Cottage at Wharekauhau Country Estate, Palliser Bay

Swimming Pool at Wharekauhau Country Estate, Palliser Bay

Day 9 Palliser Bay

Wellington

While at Wharekauhau there are opportunities to explore this country estate, its ancient native forests, spectacular rugged beaches and working farm by foot, mountain bike or quad bikes on the many tracks. You can visit the picturesque lighthouse at Cape Palliser, relax with a spa treatment or visit a high-end boutique vineyard of Martinborough. Enjoy the serenity and exquisite cuisine at this stunning Relais & Chateaux hotel and learn more about this working sheep station on a farm tour.

Staying at Wharekauhau Country Estate, Palliser Bay

Day 10 Nelson

Nelson

Today you will drive to Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital city where you are free to explore its attractions before your short flight over the Cook Strait to Nelson, on new Zealand’s South Island. You will be transferred by luxury vehicle to your next Luxury Lodge of New Zealand, the upscale Edenhouse. Enjoy the lodges idyllic setting and stunning gardens before an elegant evening of pre-dinner drinks, canapes and gourmet dinner paired fine local award-winning wines. Accommodation: Edenhouse Lodge

Day 11 Nelson

Nelson

boat excursion at abel tasman national park

Today is spent on the water on your private cruise in the Abel Tasman National Park. Explore its pristine coastline, sandy bays, Islands and seal colonies. This region is outstandingly scenic and sailing through the calms waters of the bay is the perfect way to experience its natural beauty. Dolphins often ride the bow wave of the boat as you cruise along. Stop where and whenever you wish for a swim or to paddle in a sea kayak or go ashore for a bush walk. Accommodation: Edenhouse Lodge

Day 12 Christchurch

Christchurch

This morning after breakfast at Edenhouse your private driver will take you on a scenic journey along the rugged and beautiful east coast to Christchurch, the “Garden city of New Zealand”. An optional stop can be made at Kaikoura, an eco-town renowned for its whale-watching activities by boat or from the air. Your accommodation, Otahuna Lodge is set in glorious gardens 30-minutes from Christchurch.

Staying at Otahuna Lodge

Entry Hall at Otahuna Lodge, New Zealand

Botanical Suite at Otahuna Lodge, New Zealand

Dutch Garden at Otahuna Lodge, New Zealand

Day 13 Christchurch

Christchurch

While at the exclusive retreat Otahuna Lodge you can enjoy its spectacular formal gardens and activities including swimming, croquet and tennis and the exceptional service and cuisine you would expect from a Relais & Chateaux property. Optional excursions can be arranged to the French village of Akaroa and cruise around its harbour where you might spot dolphins and the odd elusive penguin. Visit Christchurch and punt on the Avon River or take a cookery class at the lodge.

Staying at Otahuna Lodge

Day 14 Christchurch to Ahuriri Valley (210 miles)

Your driver will transfer you to Christchurch where you will collect your AWD rental vehicle. Drive along the Canterbury Plains before heading across country to Ahuriri Valley, a conservation park on the eastern flanks of the Southern Alps. There are some stunning spots to stop off en-route; gaze out over the remarkable turquoise coloured Lake Tekapo and the mountainous wonder of the Southern Alps. Accommodation: The Lindis Lodge

Day 15 Ahuriri Valley

The Lindis is nestled in the pristine Ahurri Valley, a sophisticated luxury hideaway where you can unwind and relax while enjoying the idyllic setting and stillness of nature. There are plenty of outdoor adventures and activities available to those that wish to explore the area further; enjoy the great outdoors on horseback, mountain bikes, hiking trails, ATV buggies or in a glider from nearby Omarama. At night view the Milky Way and listen to the sound of silence. Accommodation: The Lindis Lodge

Day 16 Ahuriri Valley to Wanaka (60 miles)

Wanaka

This morning you will leave Lindis Lodge and drive to Wanaka where you will be met and transferred to Minaret Station Alpine Lodge by scenic helicopter flight. Minaret Station is a working high-country farm set on 50,000 acres and home to over 10,000 deer, 7,000 sheep and 1,000 cattle. Surrounded by New Zealand’s pristine wilderness, Minaret Station is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with extensive hiking and biking trails, thrilling jet boat rides, heli-adventures and fly-fishing to keep you active.

Staying at Minaret Station

Dusky Sound Experience at Minaret Station, Wanaka

Day 17 Wanaka

Wanaka

Spend a full day enjoying the remoteness and solitude of Minaret Station, surrounded by spectacular scenery and wilderness. Explore this spectacular region in a variety of ways; take to the skies on a private gourmet heli-picnic in a stunning alpine setting; Load you mountain-bikes and take a helicopter to a mountain top and take an exhilarating descent on one of several remote trails in the Southern Alps.

Staying at Minaret Station

Day 18 Wanaka to Queenstown (42 miles)

Queenstown

Your day begins with a private 30-minute scenic helicopter flight to Wanaka before you drive to Queenstown, we recommend taking the scenic route via Arrowtown and Arthurs Point. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, if not the world. Adrenaline junkies are attracted by the thousands to try bungee jumping, sky diving, white water rafting and jet boating to name just a few.

Staying at Eichardt’s Private Hotel

The Penthouse at Eichardt’s Private Hotel, New Zealand

Suite Lounge at Eichardt’s Private Hotel, New Zealand

Lakefront Apartment at Eichardt’s Private Hotel, New Zealand

View from Eichardt’s Private Hotel, New Zealand

Day 19 Queenstown to Glenorchy (30 miles)

Queenstown

Today drive along the scenic shores of Lake Wakatipu to the remote idyllic haven of Glenorchy. Encircled by the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, the scenery and setting are awe-inspiring. You will stay at one of New Zealand’s ultimate Luxury Lodges and Alpine Escapes, Blanket Bay. Marvel at the lake and mountain views from the lodge, savour fine food and wine in elegant surrounds and discover the endless lodge activities.

Staying at Blanket Bay

Day 20 Glenorchy

Queenstown

The range of activities and adventures at Blanket Bay is phenomenal; Ride the high country on a horseback adventure along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and across the lodges Wyuna High Country Station. Enjoy word-class fly-fishing in nearby rivers or in a remote location reached by helicopter. Take spectacular hikes through this spectacular world heritage listed region, jet boat on the magnificent Dart River, mountain bike through the Rees Valley National Park or paddle to Paradise in an inflatable canoe.

Staying at Blanket Bay