New Zealand:
Lodges, Lakes & Islands
12-day luxury tour of New Zealand
Trip Overview
Day 1 - 2 | Queenstown | QT Queenstown | 1 night
Day 2 - 4 | Christchurch | Otahuna Lodge | 2 nights
Day 4 - 7 | Lake Taupō | Acacia Cliffs Lodge | 3 nights
Day 7 - 9 | Auckland | Park Hyatt | 2 nights
Day 9 - 12 | Waiheke Island | Omana | 3 nights
day 1 | Queenstown
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand.
Arrival & Private Transfer. A private driver meets you on arrival and transfers you to QT Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the Southern Alps, within walking distance of the town's restaurants and bars.
Dinner. A reservation at one of Queenstown's best restaurants.
day 2 | Christchurch
Flight to Christchurch & Self Drive. A short flight to Christchurch, then collect your rental car for the 25-minute drive to Otahuna Lodge.
Otahuna Lodge. One of New Zealand's great historic lodges, set in 30 acres of gardens. Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the experience, with a four-course dinner each evening.
day 3 | Christchurch
A day at leisure on the estate or further afield.
Garden Tour. Recognized as a Garden of National Significance, Otahuna's 30 acres have been renowned for over a century. A guided tour with the gardening team covers the formal Dutch Garden, the Great Lawn and the Woodland, and the productive gardens that still supply the house with hundreds of varieties of fruit, nuts, vegetables, mushrooms and cut flowers.
Optional Experiences. A cooking class, a picnic lunch, spa treatments, or walking and biking on the grounds. Further afield: Akaroa and Banks Peninsula, swimming with dolphins, a North Canterbury wine tour, heli touring, hiking, fishing and golf.
day 4 | Lake Taupō
Flight to Rotorua & Scenic Drive. A short flight to Rotorua, then a self drive to Taupō along State Highway 5, past the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the Lady Knox Geyser and Wai-O-Tapu's Champagne Pool. Approaching Taupō, the road passes Craters of the Moon and Huka Falls.
Acacia Cliffs Lodge. A lakeside lodge above Lake Taupō, with pre-dinner drinks and canapés followed by dinner on your first evening.
day 5 | Lake Taupō
Recommended: Mount Tarawera & Geothermal Parks by Helicopter. Land on Mount Tarawera, the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand's living memory, with aerial views of crater lakes, waterfalls and the Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Nowhere else in the world can you see the sea, the volcanic region and the geothermal parks in one flight. Available at an additional cost.
day 6 | Lake Taupō
At Leisure. A cruise across Lake Taupō to the Māori rock carvings, Orakei Korako geothermal park, the Huka Falls jet boat, fly fishing and scenic walks.
day 7 | Auckland
Private Glowworm & Cave Experience at Waitomo. Halfway on the drive to Auckland, a private journey across a back-country farm to the Mangawhitikau Glowworm Cave, featured in the BBC's Planet Earth. Glide downstream on a raft beneath thousands of glowworms and walk through limestone caves.
Park Hyatt Auckland. On the water's edge with the city on the doorstep.
day 8 | Auckland
At Leisure. A day to explore Auckland at your own pace.
day 9 | Waiheke Island
Ferry to Waiheke Island. A private transfer to the ferry terminal and a 40-minute crossing to Waiheke.
Omana. A secluded four-villa retreat above a private beach in Whakanewha Regional Park, with a host on hand throughout your stay and breakfast provisions delivered to your villa. Spend the afternoon on the beach.
day 10 | Waiheke Island
Private Waiheke Island Tour. With a private guide, visit historical sites of Māori occupation, spot native birds and swim at a secluded beach, or meet one of the island's renowned artists in their studio. Hike through rainforest to a vineyard high above the island for a two-course lunch, then tour the northern coast beaches and the shops and galleries of Oneroa Village.
day 11 | Waiheke Island
Hauraki Gulf Eco Sailing Adventure. A full day aboard a 41-foot sailing catamaran through the outer Hauraki Gulf, the only day sailing trip from Waiheke into the outer gulf. Stop at an island for a guided walk, swim, snorkel and paddleboard, and look out for seabirds, dolphins and even whales. Take the helm if you like.
day 12 | Departure
Ferry to Auckland & Airport Transfer. Ferry back to Auckland and private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Pricing & Inclusions
See our Booking Terms & Conditions here.
Starting at $1,200 per person per day
Based on two people in double occupancy and subject to increase depending on itinerary specifics and dates.
Accommodation: All lodges and hotels as listed in the itinerary.
Otahuna Lodge: Four-course dinner with wine pairing, breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner drinks and canapés.
Acacia Cliffs Lodge: Pre-dinner drinks, canapés and dinner on the first night.
Transport: Private airport transfers, and transport for all tours listed in the itinerary. Car hire as listed in the itinerary.
Domestic Flights: Queenstown to Christchurch and Christchurch to Rotorua.
Ferry: Auckland to Waiheke Island and back.
Tours & Activities: Private glowworm and cave tour, private Waiheke Island tour, Hauraki Gulf eco sailing adventure.
Meals: All breakfasts, some lunches and dinners.
Other: City taxes associated with your accommodations. Restaurant and spa reservations. Insider tips and on-trip support.
Exclusions
International flights · Travel insurance · Spa treatments · Tips