When planning a trip to New Zealand, the wealth of majestic national parks, exhilarating activities and fabulous food and wine experiences to choose from can sometimes feel overwhelming. The good news is that we can tailor the perfect New Zealand itinerary incorporating all that is special about the country, no matter how much time you have.
ONE WEEK IN NEW ZEALAND
Photo by Miles Holden / Tourism New Zealand
If you have just one week to spend in New Zealand, you might as well do it in style. We recommend you head straight to the South Island to absorb breathtaking landscapes, world-class cuisine and thrilling outdoor adventures..
- Arriving in Christchurch, soar over the Kaikoura Ranges by helicopter to Middlehurst Station. Here, an authentic slice of life in rural New Zealand awaits as you feast on farm-to-table cuisine, explore endless expanses of High Country by bike or quad bike, participate in sheep herding and soak under the stars in a wood-fired hot tub.
- Next, fly south over the Southern Alps to iconic Mount Cook. Embark upon an unforgettable heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier and spend an evening with one of the astronomers at the Pukaki Observatory. From your luxurious base at Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat, you may even a glimpse of the Aurora Australis at certain times of year.
- Round off your week in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital that can be enjoyed in sophisticated style from Eichardt’s Private Hotel. Encircled by soaring mountains and vertiginous river valleys, Queenstown’s striking natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for thrilling jet boat rides, leisurely lake cruises and maybe even a memorable day trip to Milford Sound by air.
Photo by Miles Holden / Tourism New Zealand
TEN DAYS IN NEW ZEALAND
With ten days in New Zealand, an in-depth immersion into the North Island offers coastal wonders and wildlife, superb scenery and fabulous wines.
Photo by Alistair Guthrie / Tourism New Zealand
- Begin in the Bay of Islands and recover from your journey in a pristine setting of sandy beaches, secluded coves and dramatic cliffs. Take a leisurely cruise around the islands or kayak, swim and paddle board through sparkling waters. You can also visit New Zealand’s most significant historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Ground.
- Journey south to cosmopolitan Auckland and delve into its fabulous shops, galleries, and restaurants. Perhaps challenge yourself to a hike on Rangitoto Island to take in its lava caves and the sweeping views from the summit. A visit to Waiheke Island is also a must – New Zealand’s ‘wine island’ is just 40 minutes from Auckland and offers a little slice of paradise.
- Conclude your visit in Hawkes Bay and stay in one of New Zealand’s finest hotels, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers. This clifftop hideaway boasts fabulous views of the Pacific, an award-winning golf course and wildlife tours in Cape Sanctuary. Lunch or dinner at Cellar 495 in Hastings is also a must. Here you can encounter top local winemakers and enjoy a fabulous meal with wine pairings.
Photo by Gary Lisbon / Tourism New Zealand
TWO WEEKS IN NEW ZEALAND
Combine the unmissable highlights of both the North and South Islands including New Zealand’s picturesque ‘wine island’, the lush forests and coves of Abel Tasman and the magnificent Fiordlands National Park.
- Start your New Zealand adventure in style with a helicopter flight from Auckland to Waiheke Island. Spend time with a top local guide exploring the arts and craft scene, deserted beaches and wine tasting at some of the country’s finest boutique wineries.
- Returning to the mainland, you may wish to spend some time at Te Arai Links, a world-class golf destination overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. We can even arrange for a PGA professional to help you hone your skills, while non-golfers can enjoy riding on the beach, spa relaxation, surfing and paddle boarding.
- Fly to the southernmost tip of the South Island to one of New Zealand’s most magnificent country estates. A renowned hideaway for the world’s A-Listers, Wharekauhau enjoys an enviable position in the foothills of the Remutaka Range looking out over Paliser Bay. Enjoy coastal explorations by e-bike, ATV adventures, seal colony tours and star gazing amongst a plethora of other activities. Feast on world-class cuisine, fine wines and rest your head in a beautiful Cottage Suite with uplifting ocean views.
- Cruise across the Cook Straight to the South Island and delve into the stunning surroundings of the Abel Tasman National Park. Sail away for the day onboard a private boat where you can go kayaking, paddle boarding and dine in style as you spot pods of dolphins in the bay.
- Take a scenic drive to Kaikoura and take an unforgettable heli-whale watching experience. From your base at Hapuku Lodge & Treehouses, you will also travel by helicopter to a remote outpost hidden away in the high country, and enjoy an evening cooking and dining with a former Masterchef New Zealand finalist.
- Fly to Queenstown and meet your private helicopter. Here you will fly to a luxury alpine lodge located in the Southern Alps for memorable days of off-the-beaten-track adventures. Experience life on a working high-country farm observing sheep shearing and mustering, or perhaps take an incredible helicopter flight to Dusky Sound - one of the country’s most remote and pristine fiords that very few visitors get to see.
- Return to the North Island to round off your adventure with a few days of relaxation in the picturesque Bay of Islands. Whether it is scenic yacht charters, spa indulgence, championship golf or private barbecues on the beach, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs has all the ingredients for a luxury slice of the Bay of Islands.
Photo credit South Pacific Helicopters
NO LIMITS
If you have no restrictions on time, why not weave in some more outstanding New Zealand experiences into one of the itinerary suggestions above and create the ultimate New Zealand adventure.
- Go hiking in the Tongariro National Park, fly fishing in pristine rivers or soak in geothermal from the magical Huka Lodge near Lake Taupo
- Travel from Christchurch to the Arthur’s Pass National Park on the scenic Tranzalpine train
- Venture to Middle Earth and visit some of the most iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations on the North Island
- Ramp up the adventure with canopy ziplining and white water rafting near the geothermal town of Rotorua
