When to go
November to April
Price
From £8,200 pp
Flight time
23hours and 40 mins
Introduction
With its breath-taking geography, Maori heritage, lovely towns, and world-class food, New Zealand is well worth the long journey time.
If you prefer outdoor activities, you’ve found paradise as it is surrounded by mountain ranges, ports, woods, and coastlines; a pleasant temperature in which to enjoy them; and a hospitality that is hard to beat.
Its natural beauty is one of the main reasons tourists flock to this spectacular destination. An adventurer’s dream you can enjoy a host of activities during your stay, including bungee jumping in Queenstown, sky diving excursions, as well as trekking mountain tops. For those looking to relax by the beach, there are stunning coastal areas surrounded by mountains and open land. Take the quintessential road trip from Auckland to Queenstown or take a ride on the TranzAlpine train through the magnificent and sublime Southern Alps. With so much scenery comes impressive and rich culture. Experience true Maori culture and cuisine in Rotorua; enjoy ice-cold sauvignon blanc on a South Island glacier; and swim with dolphins at the Bay of Many Coves.
Highlights
AMERICA’S CUP YACHTING ADVENTURE (2 hours – Auckland)
Take control of an America’s Cup super-yacht and experience life in the driving seat. Set on the magnificent Waitemat Harbour, this is the ideal sailing adventure.
CAVE AND WINE TASTING TOUR (Half-day - Gibbston Valley)
Experience a personal tour of Gibbston Valley Wines, one of the southernmost wine-growing regions in the world and the site of the biggest underground wine cave in New Zealand.
TREK THE ROUTEBURN AREA (Full-day – Southland)
Visit Lake Wakatipu and begin the renowned Routeburn hike. You’ll get the chance to explore the hills, valleys, and lakes of two national parks while being led by an expert.
Recommended Hotels
The Lodge At Kauri Cliffs
When you stay here, you can see the Cavalli Islands, Cape Brett, and the Pacific Ocean from every angle. Each suite features a walk-in closet, bathroom, and bedroom with a sitting space and an accessible fireplace. Additionally, a par-72 championship golf course with breath-taking coastal views is nearby and is easily accessible.
Huka Lodge
This charming Relais & Châteaux lodge benefits from a prime riverbank setting. There are just 25 rooms total, including the two premium Huka Lodge Cottages, and each one has a view of the stunning surroundings. Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Rod Stewart, and Sir Michael Palin have all previously visited.
Matakauri Lodge
One of Queenstown’s most opulent retreats, Matakauri Lodge is enveloped by mountain lakes and peaks. Select from just 11 opulent rooms that have been decorated by renowned interior designer Virginia Fisher. Choose the stunning Owner’s Cottage for a variety of opulent features.
Sample Itinerary
Days 1-3: Arrival In Auckland, New Zealand
On arrival in Auckland you will head from the airport to your hotel.
Day 4: Auckland Exploration
Get to know Maori culture today. You will learn about their unrivalled hospitality, the Haka war dance, their language known as Te Reo and their Manaakitanga, which means to show respect. Throughout the exploration you will come to view ancient volcanoes, take in the architecture of the Auckland Museum and explore the Maori and Pacific collections on display. You will alco have the chance to wander around Parnell with its picturesque streets filled with bistros, cafes, bars and restaurants as well as its shopping district, which makes this suburb trendy and affluent. You can also explore the beaches in Auckland, ranging from white sand to black sand.
Days 5 & 6: Rotorua Drive
On your lovely trip to Rotorua, make stops at attractive locations. While travelling, you can see the magnificent Hobbiton Movie Set.
Day 7: Blenheim Visit
On this day you will fly to Blenheim, a city renowned for its mild summers, extensive history, and breath-taking natural beauty. From there you will travel to your accommodation.
Day 8: Blenheim Wineries
Explore the wine districts of Marlborough while getting exclusive access to a handful of breath-taking properties. Marlborough is renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc, delectable seafood and spectacular landscapes that vary from vineyards to streams.
Day 9: Christchurch City
Travel over mountain ranges and open plains as you make your way to Christchurch, the coastal city. This amazing coastal city blends modern innovation with culture and heritage to create a new cutting-edge urban scene that is constantly evolving. Expect to see street art along your travels, green spaces as well as impressive architecture.
Days 10 & 11: Franz Josef Drive
Take the TranzAlpine rail through the Southern Alps to Greymouth, observing the peaks of the Alps as you arrive. You can then travel by car to examine the glacier. The Franz Josef glacier is located in a World Heritage area and can be accessed by foot.
Day 12: Queenstown Journey
On your way to Queenstown, cross by lakes, rivers, forests, and fascinating kea (large parrot species); once there, have a well-deserved break at your hotel.
Day 13: Queenstown Discovery
Journey through Milford Sound by land, sea, and air. Drive the picturesque Milford Road, take a contemporary boat out on the fiord, and then fly over waterfalls, mountains, and Lake Wakatipu.
Day 14: Queenstown
Take your time on your last day in New Zealand. Discover the city or the reasons Queenstown is the world’s adventure capital by participating in a variety of high-energy activities. You could enjoy some bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, go skydiving and absorb the jaw dropping views, alternatively you could indulge in fine wine and food scene, or for a thrilling adventure go up to Bob’s peak to appreciate panoramic views of The Remarkables mountain range. The city also boasts some impressive golf courses if you fancy practising your swing, as well as mountain biking and cycling trails for all skill levels, if you fancy exploring the alpine area.
Day 15: Departing Queenstown For Flight Home
End your self-drive adventure with your return flight home.
