Introduction to New Zealand

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Taupo & Rotorua, Hawke's Bay, Queenstown & Milford Sound

This private luxury tour of New Zealand features private touring, luxury lodges and an ideal mix of the country's most beautiful landscapes, including the volcanic regions, lakes, forests, vineyards and coast of the North Island, and the dramatic peaks, valleys and fjords of the Southern Alps and Milford Sound on the South Island.

Begin on the North Island in Rotorua. During touring in the area, experience highlights such as learning about Maori culture and the active geothermal landscape of the region at the Rotorua Museum, and seeing steam vents, colorful hot pools and mineral-encrusted terraces at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

Continue to Taupo and Huka Lodge, an acclaimed luxury lodge in a park-like setting along the Waikato River. During a private cruise on beautiful Lake Taupo, take in views of the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park and perhaps try fishing for the lake's abundant trout. Also enjoy time at leisure to relax at your lodge or walk along the river to Huka Falls. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities in the region, such as excursions to Hobbiton and other filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a traditional Maori hangi lunch, kayaking or sailing on local lakes, fly fishing on local streams, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking in Tongariro National Park and an exclusive helicopter excursion to the top of a volcano.

Continue to Hawke's Bay, a beautiful region of vineyards, orchards, rolling hills and golden beaches. Stay at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, an exclusive lodge on a vast ranch atop cliffs high above the sea. During private touring with your expert local guide, visit top local wineries and artisanal food shops, learn about Maori culture during a visit to a marae (Maori village), and tour Napier, a charming seaside town filled with Art Deco architecture. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as playing golf, biking through the vineyards, visiting a colony of gannet seabirds, a tour of the Cape Kidnappers sheep and cattle ranch, fly fishing on local streams and visiting a kiwi habitat in search of New Zealand's famous flightless birds.

Next, fly to the South Island and Queenstown, a lakeside resort town that's the gateway to some of the most exciting and dramatic attractions in New Zealand. Enjoy private touring of the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, as well as the region's highly regarded wine country. Take in panoramas of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range en route to Blanket Bay, a legendary luxury lodge with outstanding views of the lake and the majestic Southern Alps. One day, take a spectacular private helicopter flight over the Alps to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most iconic sights, and land on a glacier high in the mountains. Another day, take a thrilling Dart River jet boat safari into the magnificent landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities in the region such as horseback riding, bungy (bungee) jumping, visiting filming locations used in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, hiking in the backcountry, visiting a sheep station and fly fishing on local streams.

This tour can easily be customized with additional days, activities or destinations.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Auckland – Rotorua – Taupo Private arrival assistance to domestic flight to Rotorua. Private tour of Rotorua and geothermal highlights on arrival. Private transfer to luxury lodge for 2 nights Day 2 Taupo Half-day private cruise on Lake Taupo with fishing Day 3 Taupo – Hawke's Bay Private transfer to luxury lodge for 2 nights with tour of Napier en route Day 4 Hawke's Bay Full-day private tour of regional food, wine and culture Day 5 Hawke's Bay – Queenstown (Glenorchy) Private transfer to airport for flights to Queenstown. Private transfer to luxury lodge for 3 nights with touring of Queenstown and Arrowtown en route Day 6 Queenstown (Glenorchy) & Milford Sound Private helicopter excursion to Milford Sound including glacier landing Day 7 Queenstown Morning jet boat safari on the Dart River Day 8 Depart Queenstown Private transfer to airport

Hotels

Taupo: Huka Lodge Hawke's Bay Rosewood Cape Kidnappers Queenstown (Glenorchy): Blanket Bay

Cost

Upon request