New Zealand Highlights
WHEN TO GO
OCT - APR
PRICE FROM*
USD $45,000 PP
IDEAL LENGTH
19 DAYS
This luxurious, cross-country journey captures the best of New Zealand's North and South Islands, from volcanic heartlands to alpine extremes. It's fast-paced but deeply immersive, blending world-class lodges, dramatic natural beauty, and curated local encounters. One day you’ll be sipping pinot among Otago’s vines, the next heli-hiking through Fiordland or stargazing with wine in hand. Highlights include the iconic Huka Lodge, an unforgettable whale-watching and cooking experience in Kaikōura, heli-hiking Tasman glacier and a high-country finale at the exclusive Minaret Station. If you want a taste of everything – and you want it done beautifully – this is it.
*excluding international flights - based on two adults sharing
THE HIGHLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
NEW ZEALAND HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 1-7: Waiheke Island, Taupō, Hawke’s Bay
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland & Fly to Waiheke Island
Be met airside in Auckland and transferred by helicopter to Waiheke. Settle into The Boatshed overlooking the bay, and ease into island life with coastal views and local wine.
Day 2: Private Waiheke Island Tour
Discover Waiheke with a local guide: rainforest trails, vineyards, beaches, and artist studios. Enjoy a vineyard lunch, browse Oneroa Village, and walk to a coastal lookout.
Day 3: Scenic Drive to Taupō via Rotorua
Travel through farmland and volcanic landscapes. Visit Rotorua’s mud pools, Huka Falls, and the Kiwi Hatchery for a behind-the-scenes tour before arriving at riverside Huka Lodge.
Day 4: Helicopter & Lake Experience, Taupō
Fly high above the volcanoes of Tongariro and the Kaimanawa Ranges before landing for a private cruise across Lake Taupō. Enjoy clay shooting, trout fishing, a gourmet lunch and a swim, before returning to your lodge.
Day 5: Leisure Day at Huka Lodge
Take it slow today. Explore nearby bike trails, walk to Huka Falls, or unwind with a massage and riverside cocktail. Optional fly fishing, tennis, or hot spring visits can be arranged on request.
Day 6: Drive Taupō to Hawke’s Bay
Drive east through rugged ranges and rural heartland en route to the coast. Stop in Napier for a glimpse of Art Deco charm before arriving at Cape Kidnappers and checking into the breathtaking Rosewood lodge.
Day 7: Cape Sanctuary Tour & Can-Am Safari
Encounter rare wildlife in a predator-free sanctuary and tour dramatic coastal cliffs by Can-Am. Expect gannets, sea views, and inspiring conservation work.
NEW ZEALAND HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 8-13: Kaikōura, Flockhill Lodge, Mt Cook
Day 8: Fly Napier to Blenheim, Drive to Kaikōura
Depending on flight times, begin with a private two-hour walking tour of Napier, delving into its Art Deco charm and rich history. Fly via Wellington to Blenheim, collect your car, and follow the stunning coastline to Kaikōura. Pause for lunch at Cloudy Bay for wine and fresh oysters in their summer garden, or at Harvest at the Marlborough for a refined three-course meal overlooking the vines. Arrive at Hapuku Lodge, a luxury hideaway between mountains and sea.
Day 9: Helicopter Whale Watching & Cooking Class
Take to the skies to view migrating whales from above, then return for a hands-on cooking experience with Chef Fiona at Hapuku Kitchen. Forage, cook and feast on local produce in her rustic farmhouse kitchen.
Day 10: Scenic Drive to Flockhill Lodge
Travel through rugged coastal stretches and wine country en route to Flockhill, a luxury high-country lodge set on a vast sheep station. Arrive in time for sunset and settle into your peaceful alpine surroundings.
Day 11: At Leisure at Flockhill
Your day, your way: go horse riding, try kayaking or e-biking, tour the farm with sheepdogs or join a cocktail masterclass. Gourmet feasts, lake dips and stargazing complete the experience.
Day 12: Drive to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo
Take the spectacular route through Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki with optional photo stops and a scenic picnic. Arrive at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat and unwind with a private dinner overlooking Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Day 13: Heli hike the Tasman Glacier
Spend the day your way – perhaps with forest walks, cycling, a glacial history tour or lakeside yoga – before your exclusive heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier. Fly high above the Southern Alps, landing on pristine ice for a guided exploration of shimmering caves and towering seracs. As evening falls, savour a chef-led degustation dinner or unwind with a glass of wine beneath the starlit sky.
NEW ZEALAND HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 14-19: Queenstown, MINARET STATION
Day 14: Drive to Queenstown, Private Rafting & Lunch
Wind through the sweeping curves of Lindis Pass to Cromwell’s vineyards and the heritage charm of Arrowtown, stopping en route for an unforgettable private rafting adventure on the Hāwea River. Paddle through gentle rapids, plunge into crystal swimming holes, and soak up mountain views before a chef-prepared gourmet lunch in a Nordic tipi by the river’s edge. Pause for a serene lakeside walk at Lake Hayes before arriving at your boutique Queenstown hotel.
Day 15: Private Wine Tour in Central Otago
Enjoy a guided tour of world-renowned pinot noir vineyards, with tastings in the dramatic Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn regions. Savour local wines, gourmet bites and sweeping alpine views.
Day 16: Milford Sound Scenic Flight & Heli Hike
Take off on a once-in-a-lifetime heli-adventure over Fiordland. Land on a glacier and then hike beneath towering waterfalls, finishing with a scenic picnic and flight back to Queenstown.
Day 17: Helicopter to Minaret Station
Lift off from Queenstown and fly into a remote alpine valley accessible only by helicopter. Arrive at Minaret Station, where your luxury chalet and hot tub await.
Day 18: At Leisure at Minaret Station
Wake to mountain silence. Spend the day heli-hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing or mountain biking. Or simply relax on your deck with a local wine and views that stretch for miles.
Day 19: Depart New Zealand
Helicopter back to Queenstown and connect with your international flight home. Haere rā and safe travels!
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