Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
New Zealand – Auckland – Taupo – Hawke's Bay – Queenstown – Lake Pukaki – Christchurch
100% customisable for you
Passports at the ready and out-of-offices on; a far-flung adventure awaits. Head to the airport, whizz through security and slip away to the lounge for some complimentary nibbles and refreshments before takeoff. Flights to Auckland connect through Southeast Asia and take just over a day, so you’ll have plenty of time to shift into holiday gear while you’re in the air.
After landing the following evening, grab your bags and meet your private driver for the seamless transfer into the city centre, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. Settle in and sink into bed to rest up for the adventures of tomorrow...
Tuck into a hearty breakfast this morning to prepare for your first full day in New Zealand. On the agenda: a private tour of the scenic spots around Aukland. Accompanied by a friendly local, begin by heading to the iconic harbourside suburb of Devonport.
Afterwards, (perhaps with a coffee in hand) stroll to the affluent suburb of Mount Eden and embark on a gentle hike to the summit of its volcanic peak. The dormant volcano here rises to 643ft and offers panoramic views over the city.
Suitably wowed, travel west to Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to explore the hiking trails and black sand beaches tucked away in this quiet corner of the city. To refuel afterwards, sit down for a picturesque picnic lunch, the ideal introduction to New Zealand’s lush landscapes – if we do say so ourselves. Spend the rest of the day wandering the city at your own pace (or giving into jetlag with an afternoon snooze), before asking our local Concierge for a restaurant recommendation for dinner this evening.
After breakfast this morning, pack your bags and collect your hire car to embark on the three-hour drive south to Taupo. Keep your eyes (within reason) on the windows as you pass through the Bombay Hills before reaching Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia.
When you arrive at the hotel, check in, drop your bags, freshen up and head out. This afternoon is dedicated to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland – a site that more than lives up to its name. Made up of lakes, cavities, whirlpools, geysers, fumaroles fields and silica terraces, it’s one of the most impressive geothermal parks in the world.
Having filled your camera roll and more than met your step goals for the day, return to your hotel this evening to tuck into a delicious dinner and send some of your best snaps home to friends and family.
Rise, shine and take to the skies. The area in and around Taupo is packed with spectacular sites, one of the big hitters being Tongariro National Park. Best seen from above, we’ll arrange for you to hop in a helicopter for an aerial tour of the park.
Home to three active volcanoes – Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro – Tongariro is the oldest national park in the country. During your adrenaline-fuelled ascent, soar over each volcano before taking in the view of Lake Taupo. Fun fact: one of the volcanoes (Mount Ngauruhoe) portrayed Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings franchise. So, prepare to be starstruck.
If you want to keep the natural wonders coming this afternoon, visit some of the local waterfalls and hot springs for a wander and a steamy soak. Just ask our Concierge for directions...
Load up the car this morning before checking out and driving two hours south to Napier, a world-renowned wine hub in Hawke’s Bay. Road trip tunes at the ready as you roll through another string of seriously scenic landscapes.
Having pulled up outside your hotel this afternoon, take the rest of the day to settle in and scope out your suave new digs. Lovers of architecture and culture should venture into the city to explore its rich history, Art Deco buildings and vibrant Maori culture.
Elsewhere, water babies can indulge in some classic beachside R&R along the bay, while hiking enthusiasts will have a wealth of trails to choose from. But if you’re too tired from your travels, you could simply kick back and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Either way, coastal charm is guaranteed.
Luxuriate in a slow start this morning, then swap four wheels for two as you set off on an independent tour of the local vineyards. Known for its many (and we do mean many) wineries, Hawke’s Bay is a haven for discerning oenophiles. And since the weather is so reliable, it’s best to soak up the scenery by bike.
Head to the city of Clifton to pedal along a two-and-a-half-mile coastal path to the Clearview Estate Winery & Restaurant. Then, hop back on your bikes to visit the stylish Elephant Hill winery.
Continue along a ten-mile stretch to reach the coastal villages of Haumoana and Te Awanga, before taking a path that skirts the Tukituki River. Then, set your sights on the Te Mata Estate Winery, after which you can visit the Black Barn Vineyard. We hope you’re thirsty.
Bid Napier – and the North Island – a fond farewell this morning as you check out of your hotel and head to the airport to return your hire car and catch a connecting flight to Queenstown, via Wellington.
Arrive in the South Island two and a half hours later, where you’ll grab your bags and meet your private driver to transfer into the centre of Queenstown. Check in for a three-night stay, then drop your bags and indulge in some post-flight stretching.
This evening, settle into the city in style by reaching out to our local Concierge for some stellar restaurant recommendations. It’s time to dine in the swankiest spot in town.
Wake up bright and early this morning to tuck into a tasty breakfast and start exploring the surrounding landscape.
Kick off with a visit to Milford Sound, once described as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ by Rudyard Kipling. Hop aboard a boat to cruise through this UNESCO-listed gem, which also holds the coveted title of being the most famous fjord in the country.
While you glide between the 3,937ft-high peaks of this gorgeous glacial valley, keep your eyes peeled (and cameras poised) for the dolphins, seals and penguins that populate the crystal-clear waters below.
The name of the game today: touring Central Otago’s best vineyards. Bordering Queenstown, the Central Otago District is known for its pinot noir and houses a plethora of celebrated vineyards.
Accompanied by a specialist guide, step into the sun this morning to visit the contrasting sub-regions of Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn. Along the way, stop for a gourmet lunch consisting of five dishes cooked in retired oak barrels paired with – you guessed it – thoughtfully selected wines.
Then, enjoy a tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave in Gibbston. Here, you can indulge in a private tasting of some of the region’s most exquisite vintages (lucky you).
Round out the experience with either a stroll through the charming streets of Old Cromwell or a visit to the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. While you rack up your step counts, your guide will share fascinating stories about the region’s people, pioneering history and world-class wine industry.
After breakfast this morning, collect your next hire car and hit the road for the two-hour-and-45-minute drive to Lake Pukaki, surrounded by the glaciers of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Don’t forget to glance out of the window along the way – the journey offers some of the finest views in the Southern Alps.
Having pulled into town, check in for two nights on the shores of the lake. You may find yourself experiencing a bout of déjà vu this evening, as Lake Pukaki served as one of the settings for the Hobbit franchise.
After taking some time to gaze in awe at your new surroundings, freshen up and enjoy a mouth-watering meal this evening before sinking into a plush stack of pillows tonight. What a treat.
Another day; another aerial adventure. Enter Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park today to hop in a helicopter and take to the skies with a flight over the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest and largest glacier.
From up here, you can also admire Aoraki/Mount Cook itself, the country’s highest peak. At 12,218ft-tall, it’s a natural wonder of epic proportions. Safe to say, there’s no shortage of record winners on this trip.
Bid the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki goodbye this morning before loading up the car and strapping in for the three-and-a-half-hour drive east to Christchurch, New Zealand’s largest city and cultural hub.
Once you’ve checked into your centrally located hotel, hit the streets for an exploration of the city’s Maori culture. Led by an indigenous guide, follow in the footsteps of their tipuna (ancestors) as you wind your way along the river and through the buzzing streets.
Before heading back to your hotel, enjoy an entree and a cocktail this afternoon at one of our favourite local restaurants, while your guide introduces you to Christchurch's rich foodie scene. What a way to whet your appetite for dinner.
Tuck into a bountiful breakfast this morning before grabbing your SPF and cameras – but not your car keys – to head to the French whaling village of Akaroa via a private transfer. After a scenic hour-and-a-half-long journey along the coast, hop out and start exploring.
Your first stop is Barrys Bay, where you’ll sample a delectable array of traditional, handcrafted cheeses. Then, keep the good times rolling by visiting a nearby alpaca farm for a close encounter with these fantastically fluffy animals.
Having taken a few selfies with the alpacas, enjoy a stroll through the picturesque centre of Akaroa and indulge in a lovely lunch overlooking the harbour, before turning back to Christchurch for one last night in New Zealand. This calls for some top-shelf booze and a toast to a trip well spent.
Sadly, your epic adventure in New Zealand comes to an end today. Eke as much enjoyment out of the morning as possible by indulging in a decadent array of breakfast items. Then, head to the airport and return your hire car before breezing through security and settling into the lounge before take-off.
Your return flight connects through Southeast Asia and takes just over a day. Time to don those neck pillows, slip on your eye masks and start counting sheep (or should we say alpacas?).
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
