BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

New Zealand: Pacific Majesty

Where ancient landscapes whisper tales of adventure

Picture a realm where misty fjords pierce crystalline skies, where Māori legends echo through ancient rainforests, and where progressive values flourish as naturally as the native silver fern. New Zealand beckons with its profound spirit of manaakitanga—welcome and inclusion—woven seamlessly into landscapes that stir the soul. From Auckland’s cosmopolitan harbourfront, where sunset cocktails crown sophisticated evenings, to Queenstown’s adrenaline-fuelled embrace, where luxury finds expression in mountaintop lodges, this is a nation that champions authenticity in all its forms.

New Zealand at a Glance

In Aotearoa, as New Zealand is known in te reo Māori, acceptance isn’t merely political—it’s cultural bedrock, as fundamental as the thermal springs that warm Rotorua’s earth. Auckland’s creative quarter pulses with artistic energy, where rainbow flags flutter above designer boutiques and galleries showcase works that challenge conventional narratives. The country’s progressive spirit flows through every valley and peaks in every mountain, from Wellington’s inclusive café culture to Queenstown’s sophisticated evening scene, where same-sex couples might be found running anything from boutique wineries to luxury lodges.

Summer bathes the landscape in golden antipodean light, when coastal paths beckon wanderers and vineyard terraces overflow with celebration. Autumn paints the countryside in rich ochres and crimsons, while spring heralds the return of migrating whales and blooming native flowers. Winter transforms the Southern Alps into a glittering playground, where thermal pools steam under star-studded skies and luxury lodges offer refuge from pristine snow.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand | Photo: Casey Schackow

Sutherland Falls, New Zealand | Photo: Samuel Ferrara

8-day Travel Itinerary

This carefully orchestrated journey traverses New Zealand's most compelling landscapes, from Auckland's sophisticated harbour to Queenstown's dramatic peaks. Begin in the City of Sails, where Pacific Rim fusion meets Māori heritage, before venturing into the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Here, ancient traditions merge with natural spectacle in a display of elemental power. The journey crescendos in the Southern Alps, where Queenstown presents a masterclass in alpine luxury, and Milford Sound reveals nature's grandeur through mist-shrouded fiords and thundering waterfalls.

DAY 1

Auckland | First Whispers of Pacific Sophistication

Touch down in Auckland, where harbour waters mirror glass towers and volcanic cones punctuate the urban landscape. A private transfer whisks you to your sanctuary—perhaps the Hotel DeBrett, where art deco sophistication meets contemporary comfort in the heart of the city. As afternoon light softens, venture to the wild west coast, where black sand beaches stretch beneath ancient kauri trees and the Tasman Sea performs its eternal dance with volcanic cliffs.

DAY 2

Auckland | Harbour City Heritage

Morning reveals Auckland's cultural treasures through fresh eyes as your private guide weaves together narratives of Māori heritage and contemporary creativity. The Auckland War Memorial Museum comes alive with a powerful cultural performance, while the city's gardens offer peaceful interludes between moments of discovery. As afternoon unfolds, step aboard an America's Cup yacht for a private harbour cruise, where champagne accompanies views of island vineyards and volcanic cones.

DAY 3

Rotorua | Where Earth's Power Meets Māori Spirit

Journey into Middle-earth's real-life counterpart at Hobbiton, where movie magic merges with pastoral charm. Continue to Rotorua, where steam rises from sidewalks and thermal pools shimmer with otherworldly colours. Settle into Treetops Lodge & Estate, where luxury meets wilderness in a 2,500-acre sanctuary, and where evening brings tales of Māori legend shared over innovative cuisine that marries indigenous ingredients with contemporary flair.

DAY 4

Rotorua | Ancient Traditions, Timeless Waters

Dawn breaks over Lake Tarawera as you soak in secret thermal pools accessible only by boat. Return for breakfast before discovering Te Puia, where geysers perform their timeless spectacle and master carvers preserve ancient arts. The afternoon introduces you to New Zealand's beloved kiwi at the National Hatchery, where conservation meets education in an intimate encounter with these charismatic creatures.

DAY 5

Queenstown | Alpine Sophistication

Soar south to Queenstown, where mountains plunge into mirror-like lakes and adventure meets refinement. Your private guide reveals the gold-rush charm of Arrowtown and the pioneering spirit of the world's first commercial bungy site. Retire to Eichardt's Private Hotel, where lakefront luxury and historic elegance combine in sophisticated harmony, offering views that stretch to the snow-capped Remarkables.

DAY 6

Queenstown | Milford Sound's Majestic Theatre

Today unfolds in a symphony of natural wonder as your private helicopter soars above alpine lakes and snow-dusted peaks en route to Milford Sound. Here, waterfalls plunge from mist-wreathed cliffs as your nature cruise reveals the fiord's hidden wonders. Look for fur seals basking on sun-warmed rocks and dolphins playing in the pristine waters before your scenic flight returns you to Queenstown's embrace.

DAY 7

Queenstown | Vintner's Paradise

Discover the Gibbston Valley, where pioneering vignerons craft world-class pinot noir in New Zealand's largest wine cave. A private tasting precedes lunch at a prestigious estate, where each course celebrates local ingredients through innovative preparation. The afternoon brings private access to a renowned artist's studio and gallery, offering intimate insights into New Zealand's contemporary creative scene.

DAY 8

Queenstown | Final Alpine Moments

Savour your final morning in the Southern Alps, perhaps with a sunrise yoga session overlooking Lake Wakatipu or a farewell breakfast on your private balcony, before departing with memories of a land where natural majesty meets cultural richness.

Additional Recommended Experiences

Enhance your New Zealand sojourn with carefully curated extensions that reveal the country's diverse character. Venture north to the Bay of Islands, where luxury lodges overlook pristine waters perfect for sailing and marine encounters. Consider adding three days in Wellington, the country's cultural capital, where innovative cuisine and creative energy flow through gallery-lined streets. For nature enthusiasts, the remote Stewart Island offers pristine wilderness and dark sky sanctuaries, while the Marlborough Sounds present opportunities for exclusive wine experiences and coastal hiking. Adventure seekers might choose to explore Mount Cook National Park from the comfort of luxury alpine lodges, or time their visit to coincide with whale watching in Kaikoura. Throughout the year, New Zealand offers exclusive experiences that match its natural grandeur with sophisticated service, ensuring your journey creates memories as dramatic as the landscapes themselves.

Transform Your New Zealand Dreams into Reality

Allow us to craft your bespoke New Zealand journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences.