New Zealand
Experience Utopia on Earth
New Zealand is a small country with a big heart. The people have a unique history, a vibrant culture and there's so much to do – much of it outdoors in the famously beautiful natural scenery. Because of its remote location, New Zealand is rich in unusual wildlife not seen anywhere else in the world.
Trip Sketch
Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand!
On arrival you will spend a day or two exploring Auckland, New Zealand's capital, a growing multicultural city of food and wine, music, art and culture.
Auckland
Welcome to Auckland! There are tons of things to do and see in this bustling city.
Experiences & Activities
- Auckland War Memorial Museum - Located in the Auckland Domain, this museum showcases New Zealand's history, including Maori culture, natural history, and military exhibits. It also offers cultural performances featuring traditional Maori songs and dances, such as the haka.
- Britomart and Viaduct Harbour - Britomart is a vibrant hub of fashion boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafes, while the Viaduct Harbour offers waterfront dining with fresh seafood and modern Kiwi dishes.
- Ponsonby Road Shopping - Spend a few hours on trendy Ponsonby Rd, with endless boutique shopping and hip eateries and cafes.
- Mount Eden (Maungawhau) - This dormant volcano is a culturally significant site for the Maori people and offers panoramic views of Auckland's skyline. The summit features a large volcanic crater and is a perfect spot to appreciate the city's natural and historical beauty.
The Hilton Auckland
Hilton Auckland, a boutique-style hotel, located 300 metres out to sea on Princes Wharf, is a welcoming haven within five minutes' walk from the city's main shopping precinct, the ferry terminal, the Viaduct Harbour (Auckland's main tourist and entertainment stretch) and within a stone's throw of theatres and the heart of the city.
Auckland to Waiheke Island
Jump on a pedestrian ferry from downtown Auckland and enjoy the short 35 minute sail through the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke.
Welcome to Waiheke Island! A unique blend of stunning landscapes, from intimate rocky bays and white sandy beaches to bush clad hills and rolling vineyards. The island is also packed with a rich history, a fantastically diverse community and arts scene, and wonderful artisan food producers.
Experiences & Activities
- E-bike Tours - Getting around on e-bikes is a fantastic way to see the island. Walk off the ferry and straight into the rental shop.
- Wine Tasting - You can't visit Waiheke without a trip to at least one of its wineries. The island's microclimate is ideal for a variety of grapes. Mudbrick, Batch, and Man O' War are a few favourites.
- Little Oneroa Beach - A short coastal walk leads to Little Oneroa, the smaller of the two main beaches—perfect for an easy swim, some yacht-spotting, and a picnic with anything you picked up at The Island Grocer.
- Te Ara Hura Walking Tracks - An extensive network of walking tracks around the island. A loop from the main village heads to Owhanake Bay, passing through vineyards and along the coast, as well as penguin habitats.
The Oyster Inn
At The Oyster Inn, you will find boutique luxury accommodation, bringing together the best of both worlds. A calm and relaxed beachside getaway for escaping it all. The three hotel rooms are a nod to the beachside lifestyle that you have been craving with lofty, raftered ceilings with a crisp white-washed finish. The ideal location for island-cottage vibes. Feel a change of pace when you enter The Oyster Inn.
North to the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is the birthplace of New Zealand's shared history between Māori and Pakeha, with the country's founding document, The Treaty of Waitangi, signed here. Drawn by the region's immense beauty and bounty, generations of explorers have made their homes here, building a community where a warm welcome to new friends is ingrained in the culture.
Experiences & Activities
- Waipoua Forest - Discover the Waipoua Forest and come face to face with Tāne Mahuta – God of the Forest and New Zealand's largest Kauri tree. Experience the ancient forest with local Māori guides.
- Island Boat Tours - Explore the islands by gliding across the waters of the Bay of Islands on a boat tour. See the spectacular scenery, get up close to the Cape Brett cliffs and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock. Stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island.
- Russell - Take a short ferry ride from Paihia to Russell, a charming seaside town steeped in early New Zealand history to enjoy a drink at the Duke of Marlborough bar & restaurant – which holds New Zealand's first liquor license.
- Adventure Activities - The Bay of Islands has a vast range of activities including scenic heli-flights, boat cruises, walking tracks, kayaks, paddle boarding, and sailing.
The Rosewood Kauri Cliffs
This gorgeous property is set on 6,000 acres of land including a working farm and features dramatic coastline views. The lodge is particularly known for its world-class golf course - the Kauri Cliffs Golf Course - which is consistently ranked among the top courses globally. The accommodation consists of suites set within guest cottages, plus a larger Owner's Cottage. The main lodge features dining rooms, verandas, and lounging areas with fireplaces. Guest activities include spa treatments, fishing, beach picnics, guided nature walks, and mountain biking.
The South Island
New Zealand's South Island is a wonderland of diverse landscapes, from the Southern Alps to the fjords and golden beaches. The island showcases some of the world's most stunning natural beauty.
Blenheim
Welcome to Blenheim, the heart of the wine region. Blenheim is definitely a place to indulge, as the culture of the region is focused on the outdoors, leisure and lifestyle.
It goes without saying that a wine tasting tour should be the focal point of your stay here. This region is famous for its grassy-note Sauvignon Blancs. Visit the cellar door at the well known Cloudy Bay Winery for a curated wine tasting and walk of the vineyards.
Experiences & Activities
- Wine Tasting Tours - Rent bikes for a self-paced ride through the vineyards, or book a guided tour with a knowledgeable sommelier.
- Cloudy Bay Winery - Visit this renowned winery for curated tastings and vineyard walks.
The Marlborough
This boutique hotel in the heart of Marlborough vineyards offers a unique and intimate accommodation experience. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a relaxed family gathering, this small luxury hotel in the midst of a working vineyard provides the perfect setting to create cherished memories. Indulge in spacious, elegantly designed guest rooms, and savour exquisite food and wine experiences surrounded by breathtaking beauty on a 16 acre estate.
Kaikoura
Welcome to Kaikoura! Situated on the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Kaikoura is known for its ecotourism and as a fantastic natural playground.
Experiences & Activities
- Whale and Marine Life Watching - Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where you can easily spot sperm whales year-round. You can also encounter dolphins, fur seals, and various seabird species on guided boat tours or scenic flights.
- Kaikoura Peninsula Walk - This stunning coastal track offers breathtaking views of the mountains meeting the sea, with opportunities to spot seal colonies along the rocky shoreline.
- Kayaking and SUP - Launch directly from Kaikoura's coastline to paddle alongside playful fur seals in their natural habitat, or explore hidden coves and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Manakau Pure Pods
PurePods provides unique, off-the-grid experiences in a network of luxurious glass eco-cabins located in secluded and stunning slices of the beautiful New Zealand landscape. The PurePod is designed from the foundations up for environmental sustainability and to ensure you experience nature vividly, utilizing all of your senses whilst remaining sheltered in luxury.
Hapuku Lodge
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is a contemporary country hotel snugly at the base of the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range, on a deer protection farm. The Lodge provides luxurious accommodation on Kaikoura's rugged coastline, a place for guests to relax in its intimate indoor/outdoor setting and a place from which they can explore the larger maritime landscape of Kaikoura.
Head to the West Coast
The West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is a dramatic region of rugged beauty, where the Tasman Sea meets lush rainforests, towering mountains, and ancient glaciers. Renowned for its wild, untamed landscapes and rich history of Maori culture and gold mining, it offers visitors a sense of isolation and connection to nature that's unparalleled.
Queenstown
Queenstown sits on the shores of the South Island's Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps. Renowned for adventure sports, it's also a base for exploring the region's vineyards and historic mining towns.
Experiences & Activities
- Winter Skiing - World-class ski fields offer pristine slopes for all skill levels, night skiing sessions, and spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu.
- Routeburn Track - One of New Zealand's most famous Great Walks, taking you through dramatic mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and waterfalls.
- Lake Wakatipu Activities - Crystal-clear waters provide endless opportunities for jet boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding with The Remarkables mountain range as a backdrop.
- Bungee Jumping - Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping. Try the Kawarau Bridge and The Nevis, the latter being New Zealand's highest at 134 meters.
Rosewood Matakauri
The Rosewood Matakauri is a boutique luxury hotel located on Queenstown Hill, offering views across Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables mountain range. The hotel's architecture combines local natural materials like stone and timber with contemporary design elements, while interiors showcase New Zealand art and craftsmanship throughout the public spaces and guest rooms. Opening in 2022, it marks Rosewood's first property in New Zealand.
Wanaka via Arrowtown
The scenic drive from Queenstown to Wanaka via Arrowtown is a rewarding route that takes you through the historic gold mining village, where you can stroll the charming main street lined with heritage buildings, visit farmers markets and dine at the many quaint cafes. Its natural beauty is at its peak during the fall, as the leaves change.
The final stretch takes you down into Wanaka, where Lake Wanaka and Mt Aspiring National Park come into view. This nostalgic town is reminiscent of Queenstown 30 years ago.
Experiences & Activities
- Cardrona Hotel - Stop at this historic hotel, one of New Zealand's oldest and a popular photo spot. The pub serves good food and has an interesting gold rush history.
- Wanaka Lavender Farm - A beautiful working farm that offers seasonal experiences including lavender fields, farm animals, honey tasting, and famous lavender ice cream.
- Adventure Activities - Skydiving, canyoning, horse riding, mountaineering, or climbing the world's highest waterfall Via Ferrata.
- Roy's Peak Track - The most famous hike in Wanaka, rewarding you with arguably New Zealand's most photographed viewpoint, overlooking Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park.
Fiordlands
New Zealand's Fiordland is a breathtaking region of deep fjords, dramatic waterfalls, and lush, untouched rainforests. Carved by glaciers over millennia, iconic sites like Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are renowned for their sheer cliffs plunging into tranquil waters, often cloaked in mist. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is a haven for wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and rare bird species, offering a serene yet awe-inspiring connection to nature.
Milford Sound
You are truly out in nature while at Milford Sound, miles away from any towns, and down windy mountain ranges, this is the end of the road.
Experiences & Activities
- Boat Tours - Embark on a sightseeing boat tour and get up close with waterfalls, or choose to self guide in kayaks. Both options allow you to visit the underwater observatory which offers a unique view of the fascinating underwater environment.
- Helicopter Tours - Experience the fjords at a bird's eye view! Enjoy a remote glacier landing, as well as amazing views of glaciers with their crevasses and blue and green ice falls. A truly breathtaking experience.
Milford Sound Lodge
Milford Sound's only accommodation has something for everyone. A collection of secluded and stylish chalets with a front-row seat to the spectacle of Fiordland and its waterfalls, rushing rivers and towering peaks. Find sanctuary after a day exploring Fiordland and Milford Sound or celebrate conquering the Milford Track.
Farewell to New Zealand
All good things must come to an end. Fly back to Auckland before taking your international flights home. Safe Travels!
