Day 1 | Welcome to Auckland

Arrive in Auckland in the morning and meet your private driver to transfer to your 5* hotel, Pullman Aukland overlooking the historic Albert Park and Waitmeta Harbour. After getting settled meet your private driver and head out for a private afternoon Bush and Beach Wilderness tour. In just 30 minutes leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquility of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you can walk the easy bush tracks amongst giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees before heading back to Auckland.

Day 2 | Waiheke Island food & wine

This morning after a short walk to the Auckland Ferry Terminal, board your fast ferry for a 35-40 minute scenic cruise via the many islands of Auckland’s outer harbour and Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. You will be met as you disembark the ferry by your local guide for the day. A natural complement to the fine wines you will taste on Waiheke is a range of hand-made specialty foods and locally-grown produce. A visit to a local olive oil mill is followed by two boutique vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany their wines, such as succulent oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread and a small cheese board. The tour includes a platter style lunch at one of our top vineyard restaurants. After the tours end, your guide will take you back to Auckland where you have the evening at your leisure.

Day 3 | Tour of auckland

Embark on a full-day guided tour of Auckland, immersing yourself in the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landmarks. Begin with a visit to iconic sites such as the Sky Tower and Auckland Domain, where you can explore beautiful gardens and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. You can even do the Sky Tower Jump if you are feeling up for adventure. Continue the journey with a stroll along the picturesque Viaduct Harbour and enjoy panoramic views of the city's waterfront. For lunch, indulge in a delectable meal at a renowned local restaurant, savoring a blend of New Zealand flavors and international cuisine. Afterward, discover more of Auckland's hidden gems, including charming neighborhoods, bustling markets, and captivating street art. Throughout the day, your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the city's past and present, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience of Auckland's diverse attractions.

Day 4 | Travel to huka lodge

Your driver* meets you at the hotel this morning and whisks you away to Huka Lodge on Lake Taupo. 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.

Day 5 | rotorua adventure day

Today you will leave Huka and take a 45 minute drive to Rotorua for an amazing all-day adventure. The perfect tour for any adventurer when in New Zealand – this tour includes up to 2 hours of superb Mountain biking, extreme Kaituna Waterfall Rafting, a delicious lunch in a local cafe and a beautiful Kayak on Lake Rotoiti to thermal hot pools only accessible by boat. Meet your guide for the day, and travel a few minutes to Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest for our first adventure – Mountain Biking. Following your ride, travel approximately 15minutes to idyllic Okere Falls for your next adventure – Grade 5+ Waterfall Rafting on the Kaituna River. Taking a break, you will head to a local Eco-store for a delicious lunch before your final experience – Lake Kayaking to Thermal Hot Pools. 

Day 6 | helicopter tour & Lake day

This morning board your private helicopter at Huka Lodge for an amazing 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.

Day 7 | travel 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.

Your accommodations in Cape Kidnappers will be The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. 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.

Day 8 | Best of the bay experience

Today will allow you to explore all of Hawk’s Bay. 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. Visit a rural coastal settlement and talk with a Maori who can provide insight into the indigenous people, their culture and heritage. She will give you a cultural welcome on to her land. 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. A winery or epicurean lunch at a beach house overlooking the sea is included.

Day 9 | Cape kidnappers leisure day

Today is at leisure to explore the extensive Cape Kidnappers property or play the Cape Kidnappers golf course. Cape Kidnappers golf course is a golfer's paradise that seamlessly combines breathtaking coastal views with a challenging and world-class course. Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, this stunning course perched atop dramatic cliffs offers a unique and exhilarating golfing experience. With its meticulously manicured fairways and awe-inspiring vistas, Cape Kidnappers promises a memorable round of golf amidst unparalleled natural beauty.

Day 10 | Depart for wellington

Today you’ll depart Cape Kidnappers and drive 4 hours to Wellington. Wellington is the vibrant capital city of New Zealand and offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights. Nestled between rolling hills and a picturesque harbor, the city boasts a thriving arts and entertainment scene, with world-class museums, theaters, and galleries. Once you arrive, check in to your hotel, QT Museum Hotel. Combining a superb waterfront location with elegant accommodation, this hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Wellington. After you get settled, take an afternoon tour of Te Papa – Museum of New Zealand. This is the country’s national museum and the best place to learn about NZ’s history, culture and heritage.

Day 11 | South island exploration

This morning meet your driver* and head to the Wellington Ferry to travel to the South Island. Take the interislander ferry as you enter the unchanged wilderness of the Marlborough Sounds. Cruise through spectacular scenery into the small, picturesque settlement of Picton. On arrival at the Picton Ferry Terminal, collect your luggage and your South Island rental car. From here it is a 35 minute drive into the Marlborough Wine Country. You will stop at Brancott Estate Heritage Centre and be treated to a 45 minute wine tasting at the estate. From here, head to your accommodations in Nelson at Bronte Country Estate and enjoy a Suite for 3 nights. *If you chose a rental car you will return it at the ferry station.

Day 13 | Nelson & the Tasman Nat’L Park

Beaches, Bays & Seals Guided Kayaking Trip with lunch. This morning drive to Kaiteriteri Beach (1 hour drive) and meet your guide and join the 9.30am Vista Cruise to Torrent Bay.  Enjoy cruising this magnificent coastline. On arrival at our Torrent Bay Lodge a full training session and safety briefing is delivered.  Then onto the water, to discover the beautiful beaches, tidal estuaries and rivers of the most scenic kayaking area of the park – Anchorage to Bark Bay. On your return journey, if the winds are favourable the kayak sails will be hoisted and you will sail back to Torrent Bay, stopping at Pinnacle Island to view the seal colony there. Head back to your accommodations at Bronte Country Estate after a long and exciting day.

Day 14 | Nelson to Queenstown

This morning meet your private driver at the hotel and head to the airport for your domestic flight to Queenstown. 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.

You will be staying in Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel. After getting settled in your hotel, meet your private guide and head out on an afternoon tour of Queenstown. After the tour enjoy dinner at one of the many delicious Queenstown restaurants we can arrange for you.

Day 15 | Queenstown & Millford Sound

After breakfast meet your private driver who will take you to meet your helicopter and captain for the day. Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Discover isolated valleys of ancient forests and pristine rivers famous for their fishing as well as mountains sculptured from ice over thousands of years. Upon landing in Milford, enjoy a short nature walk and gain that iconic Mitre Peak photo. Experience an exhilarating flight past spectacular mountains and blue-green ice falls, and land upon Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Day 16 | Depart New Zealand

Today you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred by private vehicle to Queenstown Airport.