Complete New Zealand

Welcome to New Zealand. The crystal-clear waters and golden sands of Matauri Bay greet you in spectacular fashion, with panoramic ocean views and the Cavalli Islands silhouetted on the horizon. Transfer from Aukland International Airport to the classically-styled, luxurious Lodge at Kauri Cliffs.

This superb setting offers plenty of options for your first day in New Zealand. Travel+Leisure’s number one resort in Australia and New Zealand, the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs invites you to take in your picturesque surroundings in numerous ways. Take a local heritage walk or a relaxing round of golf, or explore the landscapes by mountain bike or motorised quad bike.

The clear and alluring waters of the Bay of Islands glistens in the sunshine, beckoning you from the coast. Today you will set sail on a private cruise of this sheltered stretch of calm ocean, taking in the sights and watching dolphins frolic in the tranquil water. You may also wish to partake in additional activities, including fishing, waterskiing and diving. In the middle of this magical day, a delicious barbecue lunch will be served before enjoying afternoon activities such as exploring the local islands and beaches.

As one of the world’s newest nations, New Zealand’s history stretched back just 700 years when Polynesian explorers first set foot on the islands. Today, you will embark on a journey back in time, unravelling the passionate history of New Zealand’s First Nation people, the Māori. This fascinating tour will uncover the final resting place of the seven wake (canoes) that first brought people to the country. You will also learn about European settlement, beginning with Captain Cook, and continuing into the times of early settlers and pioneering families of the early 1800s.

Today you will take the first step in your southerly journey. After a commercial domestic flight, you will arrive at Huka Lodge on the banks of the cascading Waikato River. An afternoon of leisure allows you to settle in and perhaps undertake some of the lodge’s offerings, from cycle rides through the surrounding countryside to fly fishing, a round of croquet or an indulgent spa treatment.

Explorations of New Zealand’s largest lake await. Discover its western shores, hiking through native bush and learning about the region, its flora and fauna from your guide.

Arriving at Kawakawa Bay, you will board a private boat to continue your explorations on the water. Onboard, you will be served lunch and beverages. Fishing is a favoured pastime of New Zealanders, and you may wish to cast a line into the vast depths of Lake Taupo. 

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, the undulating landscapes striated with grape vines basking in the warm, dry climate.

A road transfer will take you to your next destination, stopping along the way at the curious Art Deco town of Napier, before continuing onwards to your next accommodation. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a superbly-renovated farmhouse, combining rustic elements with comfortable modern amenities and sumptuous suites. Over the next three days, you are free to enjoy the many offerings of the property that include walking and mountain biking, kayaking, heritage and culinary tours and, of course, fishing.

When in the winelands, one would be remiss for not sampling the fine produce. Known for its cabernet sauvignon, merlot and Syrah varietals, as well some award-winning whites, the wine industry has also inspired superb local cuisine.

Joined by award-winning food writer, Juliet Harbutt, you will take the day to enjoy the wonderful creations of local farms and producers. An expert in the region’s offerings and a master of cheese, Juliet will introduce you to the many delights of Hawke’s Bay, sampling food and wine as you go. Visit food artisans, fruit and vegetable growers, wine makers and artists located in and around the charming village of Havelock North.

Juliet will also prepare a delicious lunch for you, sharing her boundless knowledge of produce and the culinary arts.

Take a dramatic four-wheel drive ATV adventure through Cape Kidnappers and the vast farm property, from country to coast. This exhilarating tour takes in the expansive farmland, bush and creeks, before emerging on the coast. Breathtaking panoramic views greet you, before you venture onwards to the Plateau gannet colony – the largest of its kind anywhere in the world. These graceful seabirds can be observed swooping and soaring above the waves, nesting, roosting and, at the right time of year, engaging in their courtship dance.

Return to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon and, perhaps, a luxurious spa treatment or massage.

Much of today will be spent transferring from the to the South Island. After a leisurely check-out, you will be transported to Napier airport for the transfer to Queenstown. On arrival, your chauffeur-guide will create a pleasant and stunning scenic journey for you, taking in the vastly different but no less magnificent scenery as you wend your way to the contemporary luxury lodge of Lindis.

Cooler and more rugged than the verdant landscapes north, Ahuriri Valley is a stunning vista. A shallow river courses through towering snowcapped mountains, and the great outdoors beckons.

Fill your day with explorations of the surrounding wetlands, forests and alpine countryside. Set out on foot or climb into a four-wheel drive buggy for a dynamic outing across this captivating terrain.

By night, the sky illuminates with a breathtaking astral display, and the region is an International Dark Sky Reserve, so named for its lack of light pollution and unfiltered view of the heavens.

After a morning at leisure, embark on a quest of your choosing to a remarkable destination. Set out on foot or horseback, or for a more relaxing journey, by four-wheel drive. Take in the varied landscape as you travel onwards to one of the world’s most incredible dining experiences.

Lindis Lodge’s Black Diamond lodge is an intimate cabin the mimics the main property, set in a hillside nook overlooking the impressive valley below. Here, you will enjoy a menu of your choosing, ranging from a self-served platter to a hosted and chef prepared multi-course lunch.

Return to Lindis however you wish, walking off the gourmet lunch or driven by an expert guide who will share insights into the region.

This region of New Zealand is utterly intoxicating, and time will slip away on your three-hour road transfer, taking in lakes and rivers, mountains and forests as you make your way from Lindis to the adventure town of Glenorchy.

Awaiting your arrival, Blanket Bay Lodge overlooks the serene Lake Wakatipu, towering mountains framing its shores. Arriving in time for lunch, you may spend the afternoon however you wish; settling into the lodge, taking a lakeside stroll or drinking in your new surroundings.

The Earth’s power and majesty is on full display here in the Southern Alps, and a scenic helicopter flight highlights this in spectacular fashion. 

Soaring above ice-capped mountains, rainforests, waterfalls and the rugged coastline, you will be bewitched by the rugged beauty of this magnificent terrain. Your pilot will draw your attention to key landmarks, sights and seal colonies before descending to a remote beach to stretch your legs.

Returning to the helicopter, you will then climb high into the mountains, alighting in the alpine climes to observe glaciers, crevasses and vibrant blue and green icefalls.

New Zealand is the land of adventure, and what better way to conclude your journey than with a dramatic ride in one of the country’s most extraordinary inventions: a jet boat.

Without propellers, the jet boat skims across shallow waters and is both swift and agile. The landscape races past as your expert pilot navigates the winding rivers into Mount Aspiring National Park. Your pilot will double as your guide, drawing your attention to landmarks, and regaling you with tales of Māori legend, early settlers and the rich history of the region.

Return to the lodge for an afternoon of relaxation in preparation for tomorrow’s departure.

Bid a fond farewell to New Zealand. You may enjoy an early-morning activity at your discretion, before being collected for your transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.