The Ultimate New Zealand Journey

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Bay of Islands, Taupo & Rotorua, Hawke's Bay, Blenheim & Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Queenstown & Milford Sound

This extensive and ultra-exclusive private tour of New Zealand features accommodation at the country's best luxury lodges, insider access in leading food and wine regions, spectacular private helicopter flights to active volcanoes and glacier-covered peaks, visits to cultural sites, a whale-watching flight, a jet boat safari, seeing incredible landscapes and much more.

Begin on the North Island at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, a plantation-style luxury lodge on 6,000 acres of rugged coastline overlooking the Bay of Islands. One day, enjoy a full-day private excursion to Hokianga Harbour and the Waipoua Forest to see awe-inspiring Tane Mahuta, one of the oldest and largest native kauri trees in New Zealand. During leisure time, perhaps enjoy fishing, a picnic on a private beach, a walk to a hidden waterfall, or a game of golf on the lodge's highly rated course.

Next, fly to Rotorua. During private touring in the area, learn about 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. Transfer to Taupo and Huka Lodge, an acclaimed luxury lodge in a park-like setting along the Waikato River. Then, take a spectacular private helicopter flight over lakes and geothermal areas, and land atop Mount Tarawera, a prominent volcano with a dramatic crater. 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 a private cruise on beautiful Lake Taupo, 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 and hiking in Tongariro National Park.

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. One day, visit a kiwi habitat in search of New Zealand's famous flightless birds, and also take a tour of the Cape Kidnappers sheep and cattle ranch. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as playing golf, biking through the vineyards and visiting a colony of gannet seabirds.

Next, fly to the South Island and Blenheim, a town in the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine-producing region. During private touring in the area, sample Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals at top local wineries and explore specialty shops. Also enjoy a private cruise along the rugged coastline and through the islands of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

With your private driver-guide, transfer to the seaside town of Kaikoura. During a whale-watching flight, look for sperm whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals and other animals that live in the nutrient-rich water off the coast here year-round.

Continue to Christchurch and Otahuna Lodge, a luxurious boutique hotel set in a 19th-century mansion on expansive grounds in the countryside. During private touring, explore the highlights of Christchurch, such as the Botanic Gardens and local museums, or enjoy activities such as punting on the Avon River and browsing boutiques in a local shopping emporium. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a private excursion out the beautiful Banks Peninsula to the quaint waterfront village of Akaroa for a cruise in Akaroa Harbour, where you might see Hector's dolphins, fur seals and little blue penguins.

Fly to 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, touring in the Central Otago wine region, 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 – Bay of Islands Private arrival assistance to domestic terminal. Flight to Bay of Islands. Private arrival transfer to luxury lodge for 2 nights. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the lodge Day 2 Bay of Islands Full-day private excursion to see Tane Mahuta, native forest and Hokianga Harbour Day 3 Bay of Islands – Rotorua – Taupo Private transfer to airport. Flight to Rotorua. Private arrival transfer to luxury lodge for 2 nights with touring of Rotorua highlights en route Day 4 Taupo & Mount Tarawera Private helicopter excursion to Mount Tarawera Day 5 Taupo – Hawke's Bay Private transfer to luxury lodge for 3 nights with touring of Napier en route Day 6 Hawke's Bay Full-day private food, wine and culture tour of region Day 7 Hawke's Bay Kiwi experience and ranch tour Day 8 Hawke's Bay – Blenheim Private transfer to airport. Flight to Blenheim. Private arrival transfer to luxury lodge for 2 nights Day 9 Blenheim & Marlborough Full-day private tour of the Marlborough wine region, or option to visit the Marlborough Sounds Day 10 Blenheim – Kaikoura – Christchurch Private transfer to luxury lodge for 2 nights with whale-watching flight from Kaikoura en route Day 11 Christchurch Full-day private tour of Christchurch or excursion to Akaroa Day 12 Christchurch – Queenstown (Glenorchy) Private transfer to airport. Flight to Queenstown. Private arrival transfer to luxury lodge for 3 nights with touring of Queenstown and Arrowtown en route Day 13 Queenstown & Milford Sound Private helicopter excursion to Milford Sound including glacier landing Day 14 Queenstown Morning jet boat safari on the Dart River Day 15 Depart Queenstown Private airport transfer

Hotels

Bay of Islands: Rosewood Kauri Cliffs Taupo: Huka Lodge Hawke's Bay: Rosewood Cape Kidnappers Blenheim: The Marlborough Lodge Christchurch: Otahuna Lodge Queenstown: Blanket Bay

Cost

Upon request