in New Zealand itinerary: Charm and Luxury Trip to the Antipodes

Trip Details

There’s no need to drive as soon as you arrive; a shuttle will drop you off at your hotel. Take the time to recover from jet lag. Queenstown is the world capital of extreme sports. You can take a stroll along the magnificent Lake Wakatipu to the botanical gardens, admiring the lake and the surrounding mountains. Overnight at Hulbert House.

Make the most of this day to discover Milford Sound with a panoramic flight that will take you to the fjord. On site, you’ll board a two-hour cruise before taking your return flight back to Queenstown. Overnight at Hulbert House.

Enjoy this day discovering the beautiful little town on the South Island, for example, with a walk on the magnificent Queenstown Hill Track. Overnight at Hulbert House.

After picking up your vehicle, before reaching the Mackenzie region, make a small detour via the Clay Cliffs, a little-known site of rare beauty: natural ochre-colored cliffs shaped like pinnacles (rocks shaped like sharp needles). Enjoy this day discovering Tekapo, located at 710 m above sea level. This town is now one of the few celestial reserves in the world, recognized as such in June 2012. You’ll be amazed by the turquoise color of its lake, the snow-capped mountains surrounding it, and its green hills. Overnight at Lakestone Lodge.

Head to Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park while following Lake Pukaki, one of the most beautiful roads in the country. Aoraki / Mt Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand, reaching 3,754 meters and serving as Sir Edmund Hillary’s playground (mountaineer and explorer; he was the first climber to summit Mt Everest). You’ll be amazed by the richness and beauty of its landscapes. Many hikes for all levels will punctuate your exploration of the national park. You can also experience a flight in the region to see the highest peaks from the sky. Overnight at Lakestone Lodge.

Four hours from Twizel, you’ll travel to the Banks Peninsula to discover Akaroa, a charming little village in the heart of a magnificent caldera. Overnight at Annandale.

Enjoy your accommodation, a former farm of several hundred hectares on the Banks Peninsula that has been transformed into luxury lodging. Four completely different houses—the main one dates back to the 19th century; the last villa is ultra-modern—but the common thread is luxury and comfort in complete tranquility. “Stay where nobody can find you” is their slogan. Overnight at Annandale.

You’ll travel to Christchurch to catch a flight to the North Island. Napier, en route to the sunniest city in the North Island. Napier is a true journey back in time, with its reconstruction in the Art Deco style following the 1931 earthquake. It’s also an excellent wine and food region in general. Overnight at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers.

Imagine plains as far as the eye can see, then cliffs dropping straight into the sea. For golf lovers and those who enjoy wide-open spaces, this lodge will stay in your memory for a long time. This luxury property has won numerous awards, and offers a swimming pool and a spa, as well as many activities. Far from the tourists, you’ll appreciate the peace and incredible beauty of the place, both indoors and outdoors. Overnight at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers.

Enjoy the day exploring Rotorua and the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest (sequoia forest). In the evening, you can head to Te Pā Tū to experience the sharing of the history, traditions, and cultural aspirations of the Māori over four hours of celebration and feasting. You’ll discover Māori songs and traditions within the Pā (village) forest, surrounded by imposing trees, bonfires, and an amphitheater formed by the forest. Overnight at On the Point.

Between Taupo and Rotorua are the most impressive geothermal parks, including the very colorful Wai-O-Tapu. To get away from the crowds a bit, choose the more intimate Orakei Korako, and for a true afternoon of walking, the huge Waimangu Volcanic Valley will be the obvious choice. Overnight at On the Point.

You’ll head to Auckland, the most important city in the country, and enjoy a temperate climate that makes exploring it pleasant. The city center, with the Sky Tower as its symbol, is best explored on foot. The national museum is also a must-see. The trendy neighborhoods of Parnell and Ponsonby are where you go for shopping. You’ll then return your vehicle to head to Waiheke, a little corner of paradise just 40 minutes by boat from Auckland. Overnight at Omana Luxury Villas.

All Aucklanders will tell you: Waiheke is a total change of scenery, right next to the country’s biggest city. You’ll find beautiful beaches, vineyards, and olive groves whose oil is well known, as well as lots of art and crafts. Overnight at Omana Luxury Villas.

You’ll take the ferry back toward Auckland and a private car transfer to the airport.

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Karen A

April 26, 2017

In approx 24 days we went from Auckland, up to Pahia/Russel and then all the way down to Doubtful Sound stopping at various places on the way for a night here and two there.... We loved the scenery and how friendly everyone was. Highlights had to be the light aircraft - whale watching in Kaikoura and the scenic flights over the volcanoes in Tongariro but the helicopter trip over the Franz Joseph, Fox and Tasman Glaciers was just out of this world!!! All the hotels were wonderful and exactly what we asked for. All in all a perfect trip - didn't want to come home! Thank you Carolyn!!!