North & South Islands - Luxury Escape (13 nights)
Bay of Islands (2) - Taupo (2) - Napier (2) - Wellington (1) - Christchurch (20 - Omarama (2)
Queenstown (2)
Bay of Islands (2) - Taupo (2) - Napier (2) - Wellington (1) - Christchurch (20 - Omarama (2)
Queenstown (2)
BAY OF ISLANDS :
The picturesque Bay Of Islands, is a comfortable 3.5 hrs drive north of Auckland. This magical location has an enviable climate which makes it a popular destination for big-game fishing and water sports from kayaking to sailing.
The area hosts several high end accommodation options from a 5* golf retreat to a collection of private villas offering total privacy. Private tours and transport are available to make your stay here nothing short of perfect.
About the Bay Of Islands
Distance from Auckland to Paihia (Bay of Islands) - 257kms / (3hrs 30 mins)
or
Private flights - fixed wing and helicopter transfers are available from Auckland to the Bay of Islands
Recommended Sightseeing: Waitangi Treaty Grounds | Sailing Day Tour | Waipoua Forrest Tour |
Cape Reinga & Waipoua Forrest Helicopter Tour
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges - Kauri Cliffs Lodge | Eagles Nest | Helena Bay Lodge
The picturesque Bay Of Islands, is a comfortable 3.5 hrs drive north of Auckland. This magical location has an enviable climate which makes it a popular destination for big-game fishing and water sports from kayaking to sailing.
The area hosts several high end accommodation options from a 5* golf retreat to a collection of private villas offering total privacy. Private tours and transport are available to make your stay here nothing short of perfect.
About the Bay Of Islands
- Made up of 144 islands and a handful of small historic towns there are many ways to explore this area by land, sea or air
- Historically significant and known as the 'birth place of the nation' The tiny village of Russell was the first sea port, and first European settlement. Original street names and layout still remain from its beginnings in 1843
- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where our founding document was signed on 6th February 1840 by many of the North Island Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown
- Fishing, kayaking and sailing opportunities abound from short cruises to full day fishing trips
- Visit Cape Reinga at the very top of the island and witness the rare and powerful sight of two bodies of water coming together - the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea
Distance from Auckland to Paihia (Bay of Islands) - 257kms / (3hrs 30 mins)
or
Private flights - fixed wing and helicopter transfers are available from Auckland to the Bay of Islands
Recommended Sightseeing: Waitangi Treaty Grounds | Sailing Day Tour | Waipoua Forrest Tour |
Cape Reinga & Waipoua Forrest Helicopter Tour
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges - Kauri Cliffs Lodge | Eagles Nest | Helena Bay Lodge
LAKE TAUPO:
The Great Lake Taupo region is 'Nature's Ultimate Playground’, centrally located in the middle of the North Island, it’s an adventure and sporting mecca and a nature-lover's paradise. The region is one of New Zealand's top tourist destinations with beautiful forests, volcanic mountains and the north islands largest lake Taupo.
Experience the raw beauty of the dual World Heritage area of Tongariro National Park on one of the many walks or simply relax in one of the region’s geothermal hot springs.
About Taupo
Domestic flight from Kerikeri to Taupo (via Auckland) - travel time approx 3 hrs
or
Private flights available - travel time approx 1 hr
Recommended Sightseeing: Huka Falls Jet Boat | Lake Cruise | Scenic Flight Lakes and Mountains |
Nature's Pathway of fire + Winery Excursion | Heli Tour and Mountain Bike Adventure | Fly Fishing
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges Huka Lodge
The Great Lake Taupo region is 'Nature's Ultimate Playground’, centrally located in the middle of the North Island, it’s an adventure and sporting mecca and a nature-lover's paradise. The region is one of New Zealand's top tourist destinations with beautiful forests, volcanic mountains and the north islands largest lake Taupo.
Experience the raw beauty of the dual World Heritage area of Tongariro National Park on one of the many walks or simply relax in one of the region’s geothermal hot springs.
About Taupo
- Visit the amazing Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second.
- Take a boat trip out on the mighty Lake Taupo where you can visit ancient Maori rock carvings and just enjoy the tranquility of the lake
- The Taupo area is home to the North Island's best fly fishing and anglers from aroud the world visit regularly to test their skill and reap the benefits of their catch
- Take a scenic flight over the lake and Central Plateau's magnificent mountain range, or out to White Island which is a living active volcano.
Domestic flight from Kerikeri to Taupo (via Auckland) - travel time approx 3 hrs
or
Private flights available - travel time approx 1 hr
Recommended Sightseeing: Huka Falls Jet Boat | Lake Cruise | Scenic Flight Lakes and Mountains |
Nature's Pathway of fire + Winery Excursion | Heli Tour and Mountain Bike Adventure | Fly Fishing
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges Huka Lodge
NAPIER - via LAKE TAUPO :
Today's road journey (private car or self drive - 2.5 hrs) takes you up to Taupo township and across to the Art Deco city of Napier.
The aftermath of a national disaster (February 3rd 1931) has resulted in Napier becoming the most well preserved
Art Deco city in the world. Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930's architecture is quite extraordinary.
About Napier
Distance from Taupo to Napier - 142 kms / (1hr 50)
Recommended Sightseeing: Vintage Car Tour | Cape Kidnappers Safari | Kiwi Discovery Walk |
Premium Wine Tour & Lunch
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges - The Farm Cape Kidnappers Lodge
Today's road journey (private car or self drive - 2.5 hrs) takes you up to Taupo township and across to the Art Deco city of Napier.
The aftermath of a national disaster (February 3rd 1931) has resulted in Napier becoming the most well preserved
Art Deco city in the world. Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930's architecture is quite extraordinary.
About Napier
- Napier is the worlds best living example of the Art Deco period. Take yourself on a free walking tour of the town to view the beautiful examples of this style of architecture.
- Also in a vintage theme are the wonderful array of vintage cars in the city. Take a tour in a classic car with your driver who will explain more of the history of the region as you go. Options to take in some of the areas wineries are available.
- Another special attraction includes the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Small group tours take you along the beach so you can get up close to this incredible place that the gannets call home.
- Wineries abound in the Hawkes Bay, making good use of the regions alluvial soils. Pinto Gris and Syrah are the regions signature drop and there are several tours available to go on and taste for yourself
- The region is also known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand as excellent soil, high hours of sunshine and crisp winter frosts make for a bounty of produce throughout the year.
Distance from Taupo to Napier - 142 kms / (1hr 50)
Recommended Sightseeing: Vintage Car Tour | Cape Kidnappers Safari | Kiwi Discovery Walk |
Premium Wine Tour & Lunch
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges - The Farm Cape Kidnappers Lodge
AWELLINGTON:
Wellington, dubbed "the coolest little capital in the world" (Lonely Planet) and it is! The city is compact and cosmopolitan, renowned for its arts, heritage and culture.
Home to some of the countries best cafes and restaurants you'll have a wide range of options to explore during your stay. It's hard to walk the city streets during the day without smelling the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans, resulting in the best cup of coffee you could wish for.
About Wellington
Distance from Napier to Wellington 322 kms / (4 hrs 15)
or
Scheduled flights and private flight options are available - flight time 1 hr
Recommended Sightseeing : Te Papa Museum | Cable Car | Gourmet Walking Food Tour |
Weta Workshop Tour
Recommended Accommodation 5* Hotels - Intercontinental | Sofitel
Wellington, dubbed "the coolest little capital in the world" (Lonely Planet) and it is! The city is compact and cosmopolitan, renowned for its arts, heritage and culture.
Home to some of the countries best cafes and restaurants you'll have a wide range of options to explore during your stay. It's hard to walk the city streets during the day without smelling the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans, resulting in the best cup of coffee you could wish for.
About Wellington
- Street art is a everywhere and you can take a free self guided walk picking up a map showing the way.
- Museums and art galleries are a must, with Te Papa being the most visited museum in the country. It's modern and hands on, so perfect if travelling with children of all ages
- The cable car is another must do to enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbour as you go.
- Weta Workshop - say no more, as this is a highlight tour for young and old
Distance from Napier to Wellington 322 kms / (4 hrs 15)
or
Scheduled flights and private flight options are available - flight time 1 hr
Recommended Sightseeing : Te Papa Museum | Cable Car | Gourmet Walking Food Tour |
Weta Workshop Tour
Recommended Accommodation 5* Hotels - Intercontinental | Sofitel
CHRISTCHURCH:
Described by Lonely Planet as a "vibrant city in transition, coping resiliently and creatively,” Christchurch's energy is evident wherever you go. The city has bounced back after the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 with innovative new attractions, as well as some old favourites. Visit the Re Start container mall, the transitional Cardboard Cathedral, and some of the many pop up restaurants and bars.
Contemporary art galleries, boutique shops and open-air markets add to Christchurch’s creative vibe.
About Christchurch
Scheduled, direct flights from Wellington to Christchurch - flight time 1 hr
or
Private flights are available
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodge - Otahuna Lodge
Recommended Sightseeing: City Highlights Tour | Arthur's Pass Train Tour | Mt Cook Spectacular |
Banks Peninsular & Akaroa Tour | Kaikoura Day Tour
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodge - Annadale Lodges
Recommended Sightseeing: On Site Activities
Described by Lonely Planet as a "vibrant city in transition, coping resiliently and creatively,” Christchurch's energy is evident wherever you go. The city has bounced back after the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 with innovative new attractions, as well as some old favourites. Visit the Re Start container mall, the transitional Cardboard Cathedral, and some of the many pop up restaurants and bars.
Contemporary art galleries, boutique shops and open-air markets add to Christchurch’s creative vibe.
About Christchurch
- Traditionally known as the Garden City, Christchurch’s award winning Botanic Gardens are over 150 years old and boast an enviable collection of exotic and native plants.
- The Avon River flows through the city centre so why not take an Edwardian punt ride while you're there
- Vintage trams make their way around the city making it an great way to see the city sights. The tram car restaurant is also a popular way to enjoy a meal onboard the lovingly restored carriages
- The city is nice and flat making a leisurely bike ride a great option in the summer months. Biking through the Botanic Gardens and stopping off for an ice cream is the perfect way to spend an afternoon
Scheduled, direct flights from Wellington to Christchurch - flight time 1 hr
or
Private flights are available
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodge - Otahuna Lodge
Recommended Sightseeing: City Highlights Tour | Arthur's Pass Train Tour | Mt Cook Spectacular |
Banks Peninsular & Akaroa Tour | Kaikoura Day Tour
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodge - Annadale Lodges
Recommended Sightseeing: On Site Activities
OMARAMA
New Zealand is renowned for it high standard in luxury lodge accommodation. There is now a new addition to the select group of already established properties.
The Lindis is located in what feels like Middle Earth. Situated on a 6,000 acre working high country farm in the pristine Ahuriri Valley, surrounded by fast swathes of wilderness on all sides, you really know you're getting away from it all as you arrive.
The lodge sits quietly in the landscape ensuring that the natural beauty surrounding it remains the focus. The five bespoke suites offer a mix of sculptural modern fittings which creates a sense of comfortable opulence. The lodge makes use of it's wild untouched location with expansive windows which frame the dramatic views both day and night.
Fine dining and top quality wines caters to all appetites, and a team of dedicated professional staff will ensure your every need is tended to. Outside of the lodge there are world class fly fishing spots on your doorstep, as well as opportunities to walk, cycle, mountain bike and explore by horse back.
Travel by road from Christchurch to The Lindis - 4 hrs 30 mins - but allow time for sightseeing enroute
or
Helicopter flights available
Accommodation: 5* Lodge - The Lindis
New Zealand is renowned for it high standard in luxury lodge accommodation. There is now a new addition to the select group of already established properties.
The Lindis is located in what feels like Middle Earth. Situated on a 6,000 acre working high country farm in the pristine Ahuriri Valley, surrounded by fast swathes of wilderness on all sides, you really know you're getting away from it all as you arrive.
The lodge sits quietly in the landscape ensuring that the natural beauty surrounding it remains the focus. The five bespoke suites offer a mix of sculptural modern fittings which creates a sense of comfortable opulence. The lodge makes use of it's wild untouched location with expansive windows which frame the dramatic views both day and night.
Fine dining and top quality wines caters to all appetites, and a team of dedicated professional staff will ensure your every need is tended to. Outside of the lodge there are world class fly fishing spots on your doorstep, as well as opportunities to walk, cycle, mountain bike and explore by horse back.
Travel by road from Christchurch to The Lindis - 4 hrs 30 mins - but allow time for sightseeing enroute
or
Helicopter flights available
Accommodation: 5* Lodge - The Lindis
QUEENSTOWN:
Welcome to Queenstown - the 'Adventure Capital of New Zealand'
Located in the south-western alpine region of the South Island, Queenstown is the most iconic tourist destination in the countrysitting snugly around a pristine inlet on the sparkling Lake Wakatipu.
The region around Queenstown is characterised by jagged mountain ranges, deep canyons, wild cascading rivers, crystal-clear lakes, rain forest, tussock grassland and fresh mountain air – in short this region one of nature’s finest marvels.
About Queenstown
Travel by road from Omarama to Queenstown 2 hrs 30 mins
or
Helicopter transfers available
Recommended Sightseeing: Earnslaw Steam Boat | Jet Boating | Sunrise Hot Air Balloon | Bungy Jump |
Golf | Food & Wine Tours | Historic Skippers Canyon Tour | Electric Bike Adventures |
Lord of the Rings Tours | Arrowtown | High Country Fly Fishing | High Country Station Visit |
Scenic Earnslaw & MtNicholas Helicopter Tour | Heli Picnic | Milford Sound & Fiordland Helicopter Tour |
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Recommended Accommodation: 5* Lodge - Matakarui Lodge
Welcome to Queenstown - the 'Adventure Capital of New Zealand'
Located in the south-western alpine region of the South Island, Queenstown is the most iconic tourist destination in the countrysitting snugly around a pristine inlet on the sparkling Lake Wakatipu.
The region around Queenstown is characterised by jagged mountain ranges, deep canyons, wild cascading rivers, crystal-clear lakes, rain forest, tussock grassland and fresh mountain air – in short this region one of nature’s finest marvels.
About Queenstown
- Queenstown offers a dizzying array of activities from those that involve throwing yourself off a bridge, airplane or mountain top, to the more gentle excursions that are guaranteed to keep your feet on the ground at all times!
- This resort town is a great place to visit throughout the seasons, with spring and autumn becoming more popular as it's a good way to avoid the summer crowds
- Be sure to get out in to the regions where the gold mining past remains part of the current landscape.
- Wine making is a booming part of the area with Pinot Noir being a favourite drop both locally and internationally. Wine tours are well worth your time as the locations of the vineyards are nothing less than spectacular
- Local produce features highly in your culinary experience in and around Queenstown with venison, stone fruits and wild thyme honey being a few of the ingredients you can expect to enjoy
Travel by road from Omarama to Queenstown 2 hrs 30 mins
or
Helicopter transfers available
Recommended Sightseeing: Earnslaw Steam Boat | Jet Boating | Sunrise Hot Air Balloon | Bungy Jump |
Golf | Food & Wine Tours | Historic Skippers Canyon Tour | Electric Bike Adventures |
Lord of the Rings Tours | Arrowtown | High Country Fly Fishing | High Country Station Visit |
Scenic Earnslaw & MtNicholas Helicopter Tour | Heli Picnic | Milford Sound & Fiordland Helicopter Tour |
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Recommended Accommodation: 5* Lodge - Matakarui Lodge