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! Upon arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to the domestic terminal to take a short flight (not included) to Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. From here, a private driver will transfer you to Kauri Cliffs, your home for the first two nights. A prestigious lodge decorated in warm Hamptons-like style, Kauri Cliffs is renowned for its championship golf course, flawless service and cozy, private suites.
Day 2 Kauri Cliffs at Leisure
Today is yours to enjoy Kauri Cliffs at leisure. With two private beaches (one of which is pink), a working farm, championship golf course and more, there’s endless ways for you to relax or explore. Join a local guide for some land-based fishing, or let your catch come to you at a leisurely beachside BBQ. Enjoy a guided walk through the grounds or grab a quad bike to explore the more remote parts of the property. Farm tours, nature walks, horse riding and even surfing can be enjoyed here.
Day 3 Bay of Islands to Auckland
Taking a private transfer along a winding, scenic road back to Auckland, this is your chance to explore what New Zealand’s biggest city has to offer. Check into the Sofitel on Viaduct Harbour and walk along the promenade for a multitude of dining options. Wander the streets of the city popping into shops on a whim or take it upon yourself to go sailing aboard one of the America’s Cup yachts.
Day 4 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 5 Auckland to Lake Taupo with Waitomo Caves (267km / 165mi)
This morning, collect your rental car and drive through idyllic countryside to the Waitomo. It’s hard to believe that a hidden labyrinth of glowworm caves lies just beneath you, and once inside you’ll find formations and creatures that are simply out of this world. Afterwards, continue your drive to Lake Taupo and check into the acclaimed Huka Lodge. Situated on the immaculate banks of the Waikato River, your accommodation will delight with pristine views, gourmet meals, attentive service and a selection of activities.
Day 6 Private 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 7 Huka Lodge at Leisure
After yesterday’s adventure, take your time to enjoy everything Huka Lodge has to offer. Sleep in, savor breakfast and then explore the gorgeous grounds. Tennis courts, a yoga and meditation lawn, a pool and spa area and more will surprise around every corner, while the main lodge holds a treasure trove of artifacts pointing to the property’s esteemed heritage. For the more adventurous, hiking, horse riding, and white-water rafting can all be arranged, as can wine tasting in the lodge’s own private cellar.
Day 8 Taupo to Napier (181km / 87mi)
Departing Huka Lodge today, travel through the vineyards of the Hawke’s Bay region to arrive at your next accommodation: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. A sister property to Kauri Cliffs, let the warm service of the staff embrace you and the views from its stunning clifftop location delight. As expected, a multi-course meal awaits this evening after which the comforts of your suite will lull you into a serene state of sleep.
Day 9 Cape Kidnappers at Leisure
The expansive Cape Kidnappers property boasts an array of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Today, take your time to enjoy one or multiple, from Kiwi discovery walks and Can-Am tours to clay-bird shooting and horse riding. The 6,000-acre farm is a favorite of Cape Kidnappers guests, offering an introduction to life raising sheep and cattle. Just as well, the championship golf course also receives plenty of credit having been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf.
Day 10 Napier to Wanaka
Dropping your rental car off at the airport today, catch a domestic flight (not included) to the South Island. Queenstown awaits as the ‘adventure capital of the world’, however for now we’re whisking you away to Wanaka for another glorious property: Mahu Whenua. As much a luxury lodge as it is an eco-sanctuary, this stunning high-country homestead is dedicated to regenerating the land through a series of conservation initiatives, and we’ve booked you in for the next two nights.
Day 11 Mahu Whenua at Leisure
Enjoy Mahu Whenua’s prime location today with a wine tour through the vineyards of Central Otago or horse ride from the on-site stables. Adventurers will love rock climbing or taking a heli-hiking tour, especially as the heli picks you up right from the lodge’s own front lawn. As for the artistic? Art and photography workshops can be held right on the grounds, unsurprising as the views look like they’re straight out of a painting.
Day 12 Wanaka to Queenstown
Take a private transfer today from Mahu Whenua to Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown. This property will play as your base to explore the world-famous Milford Sound. Enjoy a delicious dinner and get a good night’s rest – your day tomorrow is full of awesome adventure.
Day 13 Private Helicopter Excursion to Milford Sound with Remote Beach & 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 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 at Leisure
Waking once again at Eichardt’s Private Hotel, spend the day today exploring everything Queenstown has to offer. The Skyline Gondola is a great way to see Queenstown from above, or you can get a famous burger from Fergburger over on Shotover Street.
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.
