Luxury New Zealand Itinerary

The Rivers Deep and Mountains High of Stunning New Zealand

Located between the Tasman Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is the perfect destination for lovers of incredible culture, landscapes and wildlife, as well as world-class cuisine and wines.  

Our New Zealand itinerary is crafted around glacier-carved fjords, snow-capped volcanoes, fantasy forests and shimmering lakes across the nation’s two islandsboth offer a wealth of natural beauty and showcase colourful Māori and European Heritage.  Your itinerary starts on the North Island in sophisticated Auckland, home to high-end boutiques, a vibrant restaurant scene and sparking beaches, before heading to Lake Taupo, Australasia’s largest lake and an ancient volcanic caldera, and a visit to the Kaimanawa Ranges.  

On the South Island, you’ll spend days amongst the stunning Marlborough Sounds, before a scenic drive through vineyards, and spotting whales, fur seals and dolphins at Kaikoura. Enjoy a leisure day at beautiful Arthur’s Pass, before boarding a helicopter at Hokitika Gorge to view glaciers and forested mountains, and exploring the ever-changing Franz Josef Glacier.  

You’ll have time in Wanaka before going on to Queenstown, where visitors to ‘the adventure capital of the world’ can try bungee jumping, sky diving, trekking, horse-riding, heli-skiing and boating or, for more laid-back times, take in the surrounding scenery while enjoying the cosmopolitan dining and arts scene, or head out to one of the world-class wineries in the nearby Central Otago region. NZ truly has it all. 

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KEY FACTS
PEAK TIME

September-February

PRICE

From GBP £13,580 USD $16,160 pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

17 days

FLIGHT TIME

23 hours 45 mins from London
17 hours 30 mins From NYC

CURRENCY

New Zealand Dollar

LANGUAGE

English + Māori

Where you'll go

Aukland

Taupo

Malborough Sounds

Kaikoura

Arthur's Pass

Hokitika

Franz Joesf

Wanaka

Queenstown

When to go

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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

CULTURAL INSIGHT

Kaitiakitanga is a New Zealand Māori term used for the concept of guardianship, for the sky, the sea, and the land. Our role as kaitiaki (guardians) is to protect and look after the plants and animals, of water and land.

The itinerary

Ko tahi Te ra' Exclusive Experience

Spend the day with our favourite guide and friend – a multi-talented chef, outdoorsman, tracker, hunting guide and repository of Māori food knowledge, Tom is passionate about sharing the magic of the New Zealand bush and introduces guests to the Kaimanawa Ranges, where they can participate in the traditional food preparation and cooking of the hangi (feast), or just sit back with a drink and preserve energy for the walk through the Orakei Korako Thermal Reserve afterwards.

Helicopter over West Coast, Southern Alps & Glaciers

Take a 30-minute guided stroll through the rain forest of the Hokitika Gorge before boarding a luxury AirBus H 125. Fly through the Whitcombe valley, watching the forests, rivers, waterfalls, wild game mountains and glaciers pass by before landing at Mt Beaumont for a view of the West Coast from the top of the world. Fly amongst the Southern Alps then land for a picnic at Lyal Glacier, before a lakeside walk through the eerily beautiful landscape.

Half Day Tour with Māori Carver

Famously harder than steel, Pounamu is widely considered the ‘soul stone’ of New Zealand and a taonga (treasure) within Māori culture. To see it worked in the hands of a master carver is breathtaking. Join our local master pounamu carver and expert, on a guided walk along the sacred Arahura River as he shares ancient legends and helps you find New Zealand’s most coveted treasure.

Tutanekai Exclusive Charter

Experience the beautiful, sheltered waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sounds on a 75-year-old Kauri classic launch called “Tutanekai”. Be treated to stories of the area and some shellfish gathering to eat with lunch onboard. Your guides are the old school kaitiaki (guardians) of the area and have an unrivalled depth and breadth of knowledge of the history and ecology of the Sounds.

Catch and Cook Kai Moana with Hapuku Kitchen

Join Malcolm from Top Catch Charters for a fun-packed fishing trip on the Kaikōura coastline to catch your kai moana (seafood) ingredients. Then spend the afternoon with ex-Masterchef Fiona Read at Hapuku Kitchen and learn the skilful art of preparing and cooking your own fresh catch, before sitting down with a glass of local wine or beer to enjoy your well-earned feast.

Skippers Canyon Full Day Excursion

As one of our favourite personal guides, Beau has looked after hundreds of clients from all over the world for nearly forty years. His passion and knowledge of the Southern Lakes area is second to none. Skippers Canyon is an historic and scenic gorge, and your guide has in-depth knowledge as to the history and geology of the river and canyon. The morning and early afternoon are spent in the canyon, finishing with a trip to historic Arrowtown for a relaxing drink.

The itinerary

Accommodation

Where to stay

Nothing but the best. On this suggested New Zealand itinerary these are our handpicked, tried-and-tested choices.

The Hotel Britomart, Auckland

A stylish and contemporary boutique hotel located in the heart of Auckland, this is NZ’s first 5-star eco-hotel.

Hotel Britomart combines modern luxury with sustainable elements throughout, such as its own rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, locally sourced materials, and farm-to-table cuisine at its restaurants. The hotel's prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring Auckland's city, waterfront and downtown area.

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Acacia Cliffs Lodge, Taupo

Boasting stunning panoramic views of Lake Taupo, Mount Tauhara and the Kaimanawa Ranges, this luxury lodge, designed by New Zealand architect Kelvin Peck, is ideally located for hiking, golfing, or water activities on Lake Taupo, while for those seeking relaxation, the lodge offers a heated infinity pool and a spa where you can unwind while enjoying the incredible views and gourmet cuisine prepared by talented chefs, and superb selection of New Zealand wines.

Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sounds

This secluded paradise offers a unique blend of natural beauty, luxury, and sustainability, making it a true haven for those seeking an immersive and eco-conscious escape.

Sat on the pristine coastline of Queen Charlotte Sound, and accessible only by boat or helicopter, each accommodation offers mesmerizing views of the bay, guests can explore the pristine waters of the Sounds, go hiking in the native bush, enjoy activities such as kayaking and fishing, or stay in for some time at the inhouse spa, hot tub, or swimming pool.

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Hapuku Lodge & Treehouses, Kaikoura

This enchanting eco-lodge, seamlessly blending luxury, nature, and sustainability, sits on a remote stretch of coastline, with luxurious suites and treehouses perched high in the canopy of a native Kanuka grove.

Utilising local, organic ingredients for its renowned restaurant, diners can savour fresh seafood and other delicacies while enjoying breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy whale watching, nature hikes, and kayaking, as well as the lodges spa, hot tub, and heated swimming pool.

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Wilderness Lodge, Arthur’s Pass

Sitting on a 4000-acre farm & nature reserve surrounded by spectacular Arthur's Pass National Park, the lodge offers incredible views, excellent food and pristine nature adventures.

Tour the farm to hand-feed tame sheep, watch sheepdogs work, and learn about sheep-shearing or explore the Beech Forest and its varied plant and birdlife. The Mount Rolleston Restaurant boasts a superb menu, much of it straight from the lodge’s farm, and guests enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped mountains while they dine, including brilliant stargazing thanks to the purity of air and lack of light pollution.

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Rimu Lodge Hokitika

Rimu Lodge, Hokitika

Surrounded by lush native forests, towering mountains, and pristine rivers, Rimu Lodge provides a true immersion into the natural wonders of New Zealand.

The lodge offers guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and hiking expedition, as well as tranquil spaces to unwind and spa treatments inspired by local ingredients and traditions. All rooms face northeast enjoying the sunrise, and a large deck allows guests to enjoy the sunshine and night skies as well the birdsong from the native bush.

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Rainforest retreat

Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef

This unique retreat’s cozy cabins, lodges and treehouses encourage a deep connection to the surrounding environment, while enjoying modern comforts.

Its perfect location provides easy access to the Franz Josef Glacier and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, and guests can relax in hot pools and spa facilities surrounded by the natural beauty of the rainforest, or head out to explore the glacier and its surroundings on guided hikes and scenic helicopter flights.

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Wild Earth Lodge

Wild Earth Lodge, Wanaka

Sat in a valley surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Makarora and the Southern Alps, exquisite hideaway is an opportunity to reconnect with nature while enjoying the comforts of a boutique retreat.

Explore nearby hiking trails, witness cascading waterfalls, and fish in crystal-clear rivers, the location serves as a gateway to some of New Zealand's most stunning natural wonders, while dining at the lodge is a culinary delight with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

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The Dairy

The Dairy Private Luxury Hotel, Queenstown

A small boutique hotel in the heart of Queenstown built around the original dairy, each features a harmonious blend of antique furnishings and contemporary design, some including magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Remarkables mountain range.

The hotel's central location places it within easy reach of Queenstown's vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment scene, while the staff's exceptional service ensures you are warmly welcomed and taken care of.

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YOUR TRIP

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YOUR DETAILS

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Our tailor-made journeys include:

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

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Venetia Stanley
Charlotte Winter
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