The below itinerary is only a suggestion, we offer tailor-made personal service and solutions to help you plan your perfect vacation. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Day 1 Bay of Islands | Arrival
Welcome to New Zealand! Fly into Kerikeri on the North Island, where you’ll pick up your rental car and drive to your luxury retreat in the Bay of Islands. Your home for the next 3 nights is a magnificent suite with ocean views and a spacious private balcony. Large windows open to the sea and subtropical landscapes, seamlessly connecting the outdoors to their interior spaces. Relax in your villa this evening and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this unique retreat, with the township of Russel close by for dining options.
Day 2 Private Sailing Charter in Bay of Islands
Today you’ll have the opportunity to experience the Bay of Islands like a local with a private sailing charter. Cruise between the islands on a spacious yacht that’s purpose-built for day sailing. Help set and trim the sails, relax on the spacious decks, watch for penguins, petrels, and other ocean birds and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch onboard. If you’re lucky, you might even have a chance to watch dolphins and they swim alongside the yacht!
Day 3 Bay of Island
Today is entirely at your leisure to do as much or as little as you like. Golfers shouldn’t miss the chance to play a round at nearby Kauri Cliffs, consistently rated among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World. Helicopter excursions, fishing, horseback riding, skydiving, and many more adventurous activities are at your fingertips. For some local history and Maori culture, explore the excellent interactive museum at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Day 4 Bay of Islands to Auckland (242km / 150mi)
There are plenty of interesting stops along the way to Auckland today. Turn left at Waipu and follow the road down through Langs Beach and Mangawhai to Waipu Cove, the local surf beach in the area. Further on at the old Bohemian settlement of Puhoi, have a drink and sample some local cheese before arriving to Auckland. Here you’ll spend two nights in the heart of the city, between the vibrant Viaduct Harbour and the new Wynyard Quarter. Venture into town to explore designer shopping and fabulous restaurants, or enjoy fine dining at the hotel’s sleek Lava Dining restaurant.
Day 5 Auckland – Today you have the choice of one of five tours
Today you can personalize your Auckland experience by choosing one of these five tours, all sure to leave you with lifelong memories:
1. Full Day Private Waiheke Island Gourmet Food & Wine Tour
Travel by ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, Auckland’s food and wine neighbor just 12 miles away. Sample succulent New Zealand oysters, award-winning olive oil and other locally produced foods, all accompanied by wines from some of Waiheke’s top vineyards. Your private guide will provide an entertaining and informative commentary as you go, and treats may include wild honey, the famous local green herb spread and artisan cheeses. A lunch platter at one of the area's top vineyard restaurants is included.
2. Half Day Private Art, Food & Fashion Downtown Walking Tour
Discover the more cultured, creative and indulgent side of Auckland with a private walking tour of Auckland Art Gallery, leading dealer galleries, artisan food producers and top fashion labels. Cameras are welcome, but please respect the privacy of the property owners and the copyright of the artist. Food and wine tastings will be provided during the tour, but full meals are not included. You are welcome to purchase additional food and beverages at your own cost.
3. Half Day Private Gourmet Tasting Tour
Discover some of Auckland’s best eateries and artisan food producers on this short – and very easy – downtown walking and tasting tour. The route takes in Britomart, one of the city’s coolest new entertainment precincts filled with bars, restaurants and boutiques that you can explore once the tour concludes. Tour highlights include a local artisan bakery, an award-winning cheese producer, a hand-crafted gelato factory, a chocolatier and desert restaurant, plus a leading New Zealand coffee house.
4. Full Day Private Tawharanui Nature and Kiwi Tour with Picnic Dinner
Much of New Zealand's insect, marine and bird life is nocturnal, and this tour through native forest offers a great opportunity to experience what goes on in the dark. Tawharanui Regional Park is home to the New Zealand brown kiwi, the morepork (New Zealand owl) and Weta, all of which are nocturnal animals. Experience how the bush environment changes after sunset as your private guide takes you on a search for nocturnal wildlife.
5. Full Day Private Auckland’s City Sights & Maori Cultural Performance Tour
Experience Auckland’s fascinating Maori culture on a very personal tour to important historic sites. Learn how this unique living culture is an integral part of what Auckland and New Zealand has to offer, from its well-known cityscapes to its numerous volcanoes and the amazing West Coast. Finish with a visit to the Auckland Museum with its Maori and Polynesian Gallery. You can enjoy the Museum's Maori Cultural Performance to see a postural war dance (the haka) first-hand.
Day 6 Auckland to Lake Taupo (278km / 173mi)
Enjoy a drive through the lush green hills of the Waikato region as you arrive to Lake Taupo and your accommodation for the next 3 nights, the acclaimed Huka Lodge. Enter a world where elegant and generous hospitality meet sophistication and style, creating a welcoming haven among awe-inspiring surrounds. Rejuvenating massages, facials, and other beauty treatments are available in the comfort of your spacious suite.
Day 7 Helicopter to Mt Tarawera / Orakei Korako Dual Landing & Sailing Lake Rotoiti
Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Experience hot springs, spurting geysers and the natural beauty of a geothermal wonderland, then return by air to the Lakefront pier where you will embark on a private sailing charter across Lake Rotoiti. Fish for rainbow trout, swim in the warm waters, soak in thermal pools and hear the stories and legends of the local Maori. After the cruise, transfer back to Taupo.
Day 8 Day at Leisure Taupo
Stay in at Huka Lodge today to enjoy a day of leisure. After yesterday’s excitement, relaxing in your luxurious suite with gourmet cuisine and a bottle of local wine will be just the ticket.
Day 9 Taupo to Nelson
Traveling to the airport today, drop off your rental car and catch your flight (not included) to the South Island. Upon arrival, pick up your new rental car and make the short drive to your accommodation at Edenhouse Lodge. An enchanting country retreat set in the heart of rural Nelson, this aptly-named lodge is surrounded by fifty acres of private grounds and eight acres of internationally-acclaimed gardens.
Day 10 Private sailing charter in Abel Tasman National Park (includes lunch)
Today you’ll feel entirely pampered as you explore the sunny beaches of Abel Tasman National Park aboard a private charter. The day’s adventures are completely up to you, meaning you can explore golden sandy beaches, watch dolphins and New Zealand fur seals in the water and even cruise past the famous Split Apple Rock. When you get hungry, pull into a sheltered bay for a delicious lunch. While lunch is prepared, you can swim, sea kayak, go ashore for a bush walk or simply relax on the boat.
Day 11 Nelson Day at Leisure
Today is at leisure to enjoy the local sights. The Nelson region is known for being one of the sunniest spots in New Zealand, and is home to a thriving arts and crafts community where locals enjoy a relaxed, easy-going lifestyle. The region is surrounded by sheltered mountain ranges, golden beaches, boutique wineries and breweries.
Day 12 Nelson to Queenstown
This morning you’ll drop off your rental car at the airport and fly (not included) to Queenstown, your final destination. Enjoy a scenic transfer into the bustling alpine town and ready yourself for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range. Your home for the next 3 nights is an elegant boutique hotel with an enviable location overlooking the lake and township.
Day 13 Private, Full-Day Helicopter Excursion to Milford Sound and West Coast with Glacier Landing
Today, you’ll have the chance to explore the natural beauty of Queenstown, Fiordland, and the rugged West Coast all from the luxurious vantage point of a helicopter. See dramatic mountain peaks, rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes and impressive glaciers. The scenery seems to change every minute, yet every inch is absolutely breathtaking. During your adventure you’ll have the chance to take an easy walk to a New Zealand fur seal colony, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch at a remote mountain top or lake location and even land on an ancient glacier for a quick snowball fight. This is the best way to experience the stunning scenery of the South Island in a short amount of time!
Day 14 Queenstown Day at Leisure
Your final day in New Zealand is yours to spend however you please. Enjoy a scenic stroll along the lakefront, discover some of the lively restaurants and bars in town or simply relax and soak up the views from your hotel.
Day 15 Depart Queenstown
Your incredible New Zealand adventure comes to an end today as we transfer you to the airport to begin the journey home.
