Artisans of Leisure’s private New Zealand tours feature the best luxury lodges and insider experiences throughout the stunningly beautiful country. Here are a few of our favorite destinations.

Huka Lodge in Taupo on the North Island is one of the original luxury lodges in New Zealand and still one of the best.

A favorite day trip from Taupo is a private helicopter excursion to Mount Tarawera to walk among its dramatic volcanic landscapes.

We also arrange private hiking in the region. Serious hikers might like to try the challenging Tongariro Crossing among the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park. Or perhaps opt for shorter hikes through the forest, in geothermal areas or through landscapes used as backdrops in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.

Private rafting and kayaking on the many lakes and rivers in the Taupo and Rotorua region are other popular options.

We can also arrange hikes through native forest to waterfalls and other attractions.

A private cruise on Lake Taupo affords the opportunity to see these Maori rock carvings.

New Zealand’s excellent food and wine are a highlight of visiting the country, especially at luxury lodges such as Huka Lodge.

In the far north of the North Island is Kauri Cliffs, a renowned resort and golf course overlooking the ocean.

Kauri Cliffs is one of our preferred New Zealand luxury lodges.

New Zealand has many beautiful beaches.

New Zealand wines are world famous. We arrange private visits to select vineyards, wineries and wine shops in top New Zealand wine destinations such as Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough and Central Otago.

The town of Napier in the Hawke’s Bay region of the North Island is known for the Art Deco style of many of its buildings.

Cape Kidnappers is a luxury resort, golf course and ranch perched on spectacular cliffs high above the ocean in Hawke’s Bay.

Rooms at Cape Kidnappers are spacious and inviting.

A farm tour is a popular activity at Cape Kidnappers. The pastoral property covers 6,000 acres of rolling landscape.

Visiting a colony of gannet seabirds is another interesting day trip in Hawke’s Bay.

Cape Kidnappers has wonderful public areas, including a dining room with ocean views.

On the South Island, Blanket Bay is an ideal luxury lodge. It has a spectacular setting, beautiful interiors and a lakeside location just outside Queenstown that’s ideal for touring in the region.

The pool at Blanket Bay frames views of Lake Wakatipu.

A highlight of a trip to New Zealand is a private helicopter excursion to Milford Sound…

…including flying over the landscapes of Fiordland National Park…

…seeing waterfalls and peaks…

…and landing high in the Southern Alps.

Other activities we arrange in the area include jet boat cruises on the Dart River, kayaking…

…fly fishing…

…horseback riding…

…and nature walks.

In nearby Queenstown and Arrowtown, we offer a variety of interesting touring and activities, including visiting historic sites, tasting wine at Central Otago wineries, seeing filming locations for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies and watching bungee jumping.

Otahuna Lodge is one of our preferred properties in the Christchurch and Canterbury region, also on the South Island.

The Relais & Chateaux property is set in a stunning Victorian-era villa surrounded by acres of beautiful gardens.

Vineyards in the Canterbury wine region are known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.

We can arrange day excursions to Kaikoura for whale watching, scenic helicopter flights, fly fishing, cooking classes and more.

All of our private New Zealand tours are designed by our in-house experts who have extensive first-hand knowledge of the country. Contact us to begin planning your private luxury tour of New Zealand featuring the best of the country’s exclusive lodges and insider touring.