Best of Australia & New Zealand (18 Days)
Sydney, Ayers Rock, Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, Auckland, Rotorua & Taupo, Canterbury, Queenstown
Highlights of New Zealand
(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Auckland, Rotorua & Taupo, Hawke's Bay, Canterbury, Queenstown & Milford Sound
This is the ideal luxury tour of New Zealand for first-time visitors. It features the best private touring in each location, exclusive activities in stunning landscapes, incredible food and wine experiences, and accommodation at some of New Zealand's most acclaimed luxury lodges.
Begin in Auckland, a cosmopolitan city built on volcanic hills overlooking a scenic bay. Enjoy a private tour that explores the city's most interesting neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and beautiful landscapes.
Next, transfer through the bucolic countryside to Rotorua, a highlight of the North Island. Enjoy flexible private touring of the region’s top attractions, such as active geothermal areas, Maori culture and a New Zealand sheep show. Continue to the lakeside town of Taupo and Huka Lodge, one of New Zealand's most acclaimed lodges. One day, take a private cruise on beautiful Lake Taupo, and perhaps try fishing for the lake’s abundant trout.
Continue to Hawke's Bay, a beautiful region of vineyards, orchards, rolling hills and beaches. Stay at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, an exclusive lodge perched high above the sea. During private touring with your expert local guide, visit local vineyards, artisanal food shops and cultural sites. Also tour Napier, a seaside town filled with Art Deco architecture.
Next, fly to Christchurch on the South Island. Upon arrival, transfer through the Canterbury countryside to Grasmere Lodge, a luxury lodge on a historic homestead in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Enjoy a four-wheel drive tour of the property, as well as a private tour of beautiful Arthur's Pass National Park.
Then, fly to Queenstown, a lakeside resort and gateway to some of New Zealand’s most exciting and dramatic attractions. Enjoy a private tour of a historic gold mining town, wine country and other regional attractions en route to Blanket Bay, a legendary luxury lodge in Glenorchy that has outstanding views of Lake Wakatipu and the majestic Southern Alps. One day, take a thrilling Dart River jet boat safari into the magnificent landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park. Another day, take a spectacular private helicopter flight over the Alps to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most iconic and dramatic attractions, and land on a glacier high in the mountains.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Auckland
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private city tour
Day 2
Auckland - Rotorua - Taupo
Private transfer to luxury lodge for 2 nights with touring of Rotorua en route
Day 3
Taupo
Private half-day cruise on Lake Taupo
Day 4
Taupo - Hawke's Bay
Private transfer to luxury lodge for 2 nights with touring of Napier en route
Day 5
Hawke's Bay
Private full-day food, wine and culture tour of region
Day 6
Hawke's Bay - Canterbury
Private transfer to airport. Flight to Christchurch. Private transfer to country retreat for 2 nights
Day 7
Canterbury
Morning four-wheel drive tour. Private afternoon tour of Arthur's Pass National Park
Day 8
Canterbury - Queenstown (Glenorchy)
Private transfer to airport. Flight to Queenstown. Private transfer to luxury lodge for 3 nights with touring of Queenstown and Arrowtown en route
Day 9
Queenstown & Milford Sound
Private Milford Sound helicopter excursion and glacier landing
