LUXURY TAILOR MADE TRAVEL

Tailor-Made New Zealand: Adventure by Land, Air & Sea

8 days, 5-star from $15,995

Travel to one of the most alluring destinations in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand, and discover the country’s unbelievable beauty for yourself on this memorable 8-day itinerary filled with wondrous nature adventures and culturally-rich local encounters. Taking you through both the North and South islands, this once-in-a-lifetime journey will reveal more than meets the eye through guided private tours and tailored experiences. From Auckland to Rotorua, from Queenstown to Milford Sound – prepare yourself for a luxurious action-packed journey of a lifetime!

New Zealand at a Glance

For many, New Zealand or Aotearoa is a true bucket list destination. There is something highly alluring about the country’s remote location, expansive dream-like landscapes, and deep-rooted Maori culture. While the country’s epic landscapes inspire adventure travellers to explore the wilderness, there’s so much more to discover, from wine regions to thriving modern cities. Socially, New Zealand is a progressive country, making it a very LGBT-friendly destination. The best time to visit New Zealand is in the summer months – in the southern hemisphere, it’s between December and March. The days will be long and, for the most part, sunny, and the temperatures mildly warm.

Photo: Casey Schackow

Photo: Samuel Ferrara

8-day travel itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland, the most populous city in New Zealand and the North Island. First, a driver will take you to your hotel for check-in, and after lunch, you’ll tour some of the most beautiful locations on Auckland’s West Coast – from some of the best bland sand beaches and surfing spots to the subtropical rainforest at the Waitakere Ranges.

DAY 2

Auckland | City of Sails

Explore the city on a private tour this morning. First, visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, followed by a Maori performance. Before lunch, go to the beautiful waterfront and wander through the city’s lush gardens. In the afternoon, cruise the Hauraki Gulf and the Waitemata Harbour on an America’s Cup sailing yacht while taking in the epic surroundings. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

DAY 3

Rotorua | Middle-Earth

Today you’re visiting the real-life Middle Earth in rural Matamata, where the legendary The Lord of the Rings was filmed. After exploring the magical Hobbiton, continue to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland complete with gushing geysers, natural hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. The town is also renowned for having a thriving Maori culture.

DAY 4

Rotorua | Maori Culture, Hot Springs & National Kiwi Hatchery

Start your morning by visiting the hot springs at Lake Tarawera and soaking in the mineral-rich thermal waters. After a refreshing start to your day, return to your lodge for breakfast. Then head to the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and visit Te Puia, full of geothermal wonders, the Pōhutu geyser, and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Finish the day by visiting the Rainbow Springs Nature Park’s National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about the preservation of this native animal.

DAY 5

Queenstown | Gateway to Adventure

Today, fly to Queenstown on the South Island, which is renowned as the main destination for adventure-seekers in New Zealand. First, embark on a private tour of the city – this includes visiting the historic Arrowtown and the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge, known for bungee jumping. In the afternoon, check in to your luxurious hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

DAY 6

Queenstown | Milford Sound

Today awaits with an awe-inspiring helicopter flight above some of the most beautiful mountain lakes, thriving rainforests, and dramatic mountain peaks. Continue your day by boarding a guided nature cruise to discover the region’s fascinating flora, fauna, and history. If you’re lucky, you might see penguins, seals, and dolphins in the coastal landscape. After this, a helicopter will take you back to Queenstown for an evening at leisure.

DAY 7

Queenstown | The Gibbston Valley

Discover New Zealand’s Gibbston Valley, one of the premium wine regions in the country, where you’ll visit a wine cave before a tasting experience and lunch at a well-established wine estate. In the afternoon, enjoy a private tour of the home and gallery of a world-renowned local artist to get unique insights into their work.

DAY 8

Depart Queenstown

Enjoy breakfast and leave for the airport to fly home.

Additional recommended experiences

Take your journey to the next level by booking one of these additional experiences! To enjoy America’s Cup yacht cruise or the helicopter tour of Milford Sound entirely on your own terms, you can book them as private charters. Gourmands will enjoy a progressive wine and dine tour of Queenstown, visiting some of the best hidden gem restaurants around the city.

Let Us Book Your Luxury New Zealand Vacation

Get in touch if you would like us to arrange your New Zealand trip. Did you have a different New Zealand itinerary in mind? No problem. We tailor every trip to your individual travel style and budget so just let us know what you’re looking for.