Arrive New Zealand

Auckland International Airport to Huka Lodge

On arrival at Auckland International Airport, make your way through customs and immigration, and transfer to your domestic flight to Taupo (flight not included). Upon arrival you are met and transferred to Huka Lodge.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and explore at Huka Lodge.

Huka Lodge, Taupo

Accommodation in a Junior Lodge Suite includes Pre-Dinner Drinks, Dinner & Breakfast for 3 nights

Founded in the 1920s, this Lodge is considered to be the iconic New Zealand retreat. Set in an unrivalled riverside location and within 17 acres of magnificent manicured grounds. As guests journey the length of the drive and encounter the park-like grounds, a feeling of peace and tranquility begins to gently envelop them. Accommodation is available within just 25 rooms, comprising of junior lodge suites, one lodge suite and two exclusive cottages.

Huka Lodge, Lake Taupo and the Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo Ultimate Experience

This morning board your private helicopter at Huka Lodge for an amazing 1.5 hour scenic flight, flying south over the volcanoes of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. After your flight and alpine landing, a private launch awaits you in the beautiful Western Bays of Lake Taupo, with a sumptuous luncheon on board, wine and beverages included. Cruise the bays of Lake Taupo and try your hand at trout fishing, clay bird shooting and kayaking the remote shores before returning to the Taupo marina where you will be met and transferred to Huka.

Huka Lodge

Today is at leisure to relax and explore

Huka Lodge to Cape Kidnappers

This morning a local Guide will meet you at the lodge for a scenic drive to Hawkes Bay region and Cape Kidnappers (3 hour drive with scenic stops).

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions and this has made it one of the country’s leading producers of wine; notably red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah – but also with some quite stunning whites. The region is the first stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, and it’s a popular place for bicycle wine tours.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Napier

Accommodation in a Hilltop Suite includes Pre-Dinner Drinks, Dinner & Breakfast for 3 nights

Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of stunning pasture-land in Hawke’s Bay, this property affords spectacular 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean. The cluster of luxury lodge buildings are suggestive of a working farm – a marriage of river stone and weathered wood, the buildings combine rustic and textured materials with comfortable modern furniture. The Lodge has 22 guest suites, and a Four Bedroom Owner’s Cottage. Every suite offers its own private balcony and affords spectacular views of the property, golf course and Pacific Ocean.

Cape Kidnappers and the Hawkes Bay

Best of the Bay – Hawkes Bay Wine, Food and Maori Cultural Experience

Delicious foods, fruit and wine, Maori elder and artists all set in beautiful rural Hawke’s Bay. Meet wonderful characters, hear their stories and have fun. Walk amongst the diverse collection of art deco buildings in Napier.

With your private Guide, visit creative food producers on their land where you can taste, touch and smell the myriad of tantalizing products they make from the deep soils.

Visit a rural coastal settlement and talk with a Maori who can provide a spiritual insight into her culture and can clearly demonstrate what it is that makes this indigenous people so special. She will give you a cultural welcome on to her land.

• Taste beautifully crafted local wines at our prestigious wineries and meet some of the personalities involved in making the wines
• Enjoy meeting fascinating artists in their studios and view their paintings, sculptures or pots
• Walk in the scenic Hawke’s Bay rural countryside, either on a large sheep and cattle station beside a river, or a stunning historic country garden, or remote coastal beach or in native bush or visit an orchard.

This tour is customized for each client and will take the client on a special journey to find the true essence of this beautiful country.

A winery or epicurean lunch at a beach house overlooking the sea is included.

Alternatives: gardens, orchards, walks, farms, fishing, horse riding.

Cape Kidnappers

Today is at leisure to explore the extensive Cape Kidnappers property or play the Cape Kidnappers golf course.

Cape Kidnappers to Wharekauhau

This morning a local Guide will meet you at the lodge for a scenic drive to the Martinborough region and Wharekauhau in the remote Palliser Bay (4-5 hour drive with scenic stops). A stop at a boutique Martinborough winery is included for tasting before arriving at the lodge.

Distinctively boutique, wines from Martinborough achieve international acclaim for intensity of flavour.

Sitting quietly at latitude 40 degrees south at the foot of New Zealand’s North Island, Martinborough Wine Village mirrors its small community – old world style with new world flair creating simply superb hand-crafted wines.

Wharekauhau Country Estate, Featherston

Accommodation in a Cottage Suite includes Pre-Dinner Drinks, Dinner & Breakfast for 2 nights

This Edwardian estate offers privilege and exclusivity in New Zealand’s North Island. Located on 3,200 acres of pristine sheep territory, this property comprises small cottages, large private holiday houses, and The Lodge, a grand communal manor where gourmet meals and boutique wines are served. Activities range from tours of the nearby seal colony, the surrounding wineries, and the workings of the sheep farm within the property itself. Enjoy the luxurious accommodation in this spectacular setting.

Wharekauhau

Wharekauhau Country Estate, Farm Tour

This working sheep station tour – in a comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicle – is an absolute must for all Wharekauhau Visitors. Bordered by the Rimutaka Ranges and Pacific Ocean, this classic Kiwi Romney sheep station features all the activities that have created New Zealand’s legendary farming heritage, including sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs in action and daily farm events.

Wharekauhau to Christchurch and Otahuna Lodge

Today, transfer by private vehicle from Wharekauhau to Wellington (2 hour drive, with 2 hours Wellington sightseeing).

(Flight from Wellington to Christchurch not included)

On your arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by our representative and transferred by private vehicle to Otahuna Lodge.

Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch

Accommodation in a Suite includes Pre-Dinner Drinks, Dinner & Breakfast for 2 nights

Set in pastoral surroundings against the fluted cone of an ancient volcano, this lodge is a beguiling Victorian mansion that offers its guests a unique sense of wonder and discovery. New Zealand’s largest private historic residence has been revitalised with luxury accommodation, glorious gardens and sophisticated cuisine. Each of the seven suites is an enclave of refined comfort.  The classical ambience created by ornate fireplaces, carved inglenooks and flowers freshly picked from the Estate has been enhanced with luxurious fabrics and lavish bathrooms.

Otahuna Lodge and Akaroa

Akaroa Harbour Experience

Enjoy a day in French influenced Akaroa including a scenic nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour, home to the rare Hector Dolphins. Your private local guide will pick you up from your accommodation this morning. You will be driven around the base of the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula, where from the hilltop, you will have wonderful views out over Akaroa Harbour. You will drive down from the crater of this extinct volcano and follow the shores around to the French influenced village of Akaroa. Here you will board your two hour harbour cruise. Enjoy the views as your skipper keeps a watchful eye out for rare Hector Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins. On return to dock you will have time to explore the quaint village. Enjoy a gourmet picnic as well as taking in one of the regions iconic gardens. You will be driven back to your hotel in the late afternoon. Picnic lunch included.

Today, you will be collected from Otahuna Lodge and transferred by private vehicle to Christchurch Airport.

(Flight from Christchurch to Queenstown not included in the package price)

On your arrival into Queenstown, you will be met by our representative and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation.

Queenstown’s stunning scenery, huge range of activities and renowned warm welcome cement its reputation as New Zealand’s favourite visitor destination. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, exploration or relaxation.

Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown

Accommodation in a Mountain View Suite includes Pre-Dinner drinks and Breakfast for 3 nights

This property is located in the heart of Queenstown’s café and restaurant precinct on a premium lakefront setting. The stunning Queenstown hotel, offers accommodation in five luxurious suites with an additional four lakefront apartments. The third offering of luxury accommodation in Queenstown is The Residence – a private villa located on an elevated position with magnificent views over Queenstown Bay over to Queenstown Gardens and the Remarkables mountain range.

Queenstown and Milford Sound

Milford Sound & Fiordland Highlights (shared, max 6 people)

*Option to upgrade to the private 4 hour Milford Sound & Fiordland Ultimate Discovery – a trip of a lifetime. 

Milford Sound is probably the most sought after destination in NZ, and sometimes acclaimed as ‘The 8thwonder of the World’. Milford and Fiordland mountains rise vertically up out of the sea to a height more than anywhere else in the world. Depart Queenstown by luxury helicopter and fly over the pristine clear blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, across numerous glaciers valleys and the length of Milford Sound. Arrive at a rugged West Coast for a landing and stroll along a deserted beach. Chances are high of seeing seal colonies and bird life in their natural habitat before entering the mouth of Milford Sound from the Tasman Sea. Continue to Tutuko Glacier for the snow landing and time to take in the glacier, before heading back to Queenstown.

Queenstown

Queenstown Gourmet Wine and Adventure Tour

A tailor made, full day wine tour of Central Otago vineyards. Today’s tour also includes AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge and Arrowtown as well as the famous Shotover Jet Boat Ride. This tour is perfect for wine, food and adventure lovers.

Tasting at 4-6 wineries – Typically 2 in the Gibbston Valley/Queenstown region and 3 in the Bannockburn/Cromwell region

Take a tour in New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave, plus a local cheese tasting at one of the vineyards visited.

Early this afternoon enjoy a delightful platter lunch at Carrick Winery with a glass of premium wine, before a short stroll through historic Old Cromwell Town or Arrowtown.

Once at the Shotover River, board the Shotover Jet for the ride of your life.  Skim past rocky outcrops at close range as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds.  And a major highlight – hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360° spin!

Depart Queenstown

Today farewell Queenstown after a private transfer to Queenstown Airport with departure assistance provided.