14 Day Exclusive North and South Island Luxury Tour

Day 1 – Auckland arrival

You will be welcomed to NZ and met by your private driver guide for the next 14 days and The Road Trip Begins. The rest of the afternoon is free for leisure/ relaxation.

Your 5 star accommodation for the next 2 nights is set in the heart of downtown Auckland and combines classic luxury and European Heritage.

Overnight: Langham Hotel or similar

Breakfast included today

Day 2 – Auckland

Sights on your private city tour today could include a visit to one of Auckland’s inner city beaches; Mission Bay, where it is possible to see stunning Pohutukawa trees. The trip could also take in sights such as Mt Eden, a stunning viewpoint and one of Auckland’s most famous volcanic craters, and perhaps a gander at one of The Road Trip’s favourite look out spots that boasts great views of both Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. This evening we will take a trip to the top of the Auckland Skytower and view the City of Sails from 300m above. You will enjoy a three-course dinner in the exclusive Sky Tower Sugar Club Restaurant.

Overnight: Langham Hotel or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 3 – Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton – 176km (2.5 hour drive)

Today you farewell the ‘City of Sails’ and head south to Rotorua; a hot spot for Maori culture and thermal activity.  En route you will visit Hobbiton and The Shire’s Rest, the only remaining film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies (included activity). Arrive in Rotorua in the afternoon and perhaps take a city tour featuring Kuirau Park mud pool reserve and view the stunning government gardens and lakefront. This afternoon/evening you could experience a relaxing soak in the thermal waters of the famous Polynesian Spa (optional – extra cost)

Your luxury remote accommodation for the next 2 nights is set on the shores of picturesque Lake Tarawera and features panoramic views of the lake and magnificent volcanoes. Tonight enjoy spectacular New Zealand cuisine accompanied by fine wines in an elegant setting.

Overnight: Solitaire Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 4 – Rotorua

This morning we will take a walk around Te Puia to explore mud pools and Pohutu Geyser.: From here the afternoon is free to spend at leisure and options include: the Rotorua Gondola and Luge, a trip to Rotorua Agrodome to experience zorbing or a walk through the redwood There is also the possibility of taking a volcanic flight and landing to White Island (optional cost and weather dependent-­‐ ($830NZDPP). Tonight you will attend a Hangi. This is a 3 course meal (cooked in the ground traditional style) and cultural performance by our native Maori people. Spend a further night at the lodge.

Overnight: Solitaire Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

Day 5 – Rotorua to Auckland Airport via Waitomo + Fly to Christchurch – 360km (4 hour drive + 1 hour 20 minutes flight)

This morning you will venture to Waitomo, New Zealand’s most extensive underground caving network. You will enjoy a 1 hour guided tour through the spectacular caves, including a 10 minute silent boat ride where you will be amazed by the impressive glow-worms that light up the cave roof (included activity). You then drive north to Auckland where you will catch a domestic flight to Christchurch ‘The Garden City’. Upon arrival and collection of a new vehicle, tonight serves you up the possibility of dining in one of the revitalised post-quake city’s many new restaurants.

Your hotel tonight is Christchurch City’s finest 5 star hotel boasting views of the Avon River and spectacular Hagley Park. You will enjoy dinner in the exclusive Pescatore Restaurant.

Overnight: The George Hotel or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

Day 6 – Christchurch to Arthurs Pass via Tranz Alpine Train + drive to Franz Josef Glacier – 390km (2.5 hour train journey + 3.5 hour drive)

Today you will be met by your driver guide and taken to Christchurch train station for your journey through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass and Greymouth on the South Island’s west Coast. This was voted one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Keep a look out for the Bealey River and lakes Pearson and Lyndon with the towering Alps above. You will disembark and be met by your guide in Arthurs Pass and there is the opportunity of taking one of the many short nature walks in the national park and looking overhead for the Kea (New Zealand’s native alpine parrot). Our favourite secret spot features stunning 150 metre waterfalls and spectacular views of the mountains as we peek through native beech forest (1 hour hike). Driving further we will stop in Hokitika to have a look at the greenstone factory, we will view up close how the local people carve necklaces and sculptures from the precious stone. This afternoon or early tomorrow morning you will have the option of a flight over the majestic Franz Josef Glacier and landing at the top. This is one of the only glaciers in the world to be flanked by rainforest on both sides.

Your luxury 5 star accommodation for this evening features exclusive rooms with a rainforest setting and 5 course degustation meal.

Overnight: Te Waonui Rainforest Retreat or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 7 – Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka – 250km (4 hour drive)

One of the prettiest and most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on this tour over the Haast Pass through to Wanaka. En route we visit Lake Matheson, otherwise known as ‘Mirror Lakes’ where on a clear day it is possible to see the reflection of New Zealand’s highest mountain Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and we can do one of or several walks, some of which feature spectacular waterfalls and deep blue coloured pools where it is possible to see trout swimming. One of our favourite hidden spots at The Road Trip is an isolated beach featuring native Totara trees hugging rugged coastline. Keep a look-out for dolphins bobbing up and down on the shoreline. Tonight we stay in Wanaka, one of the most popular kiwi vacation hot spots situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka (Helicopter transfer included to Minaret Station).

Tonight you will be flown to one of New Zealand’s ultimate luxury properties by helicopter and enjoy a spectacular night and top class cuisine in a remote alpine location.

Overnight: Minaret Station or similar (includes helicopter transfers)

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 8 – Aspiring National Park Private Jet Boating Experience

Today is a day to experience the ultimate private jet boating experience on an iconic glacial fed river. You will be flown by helicopter and take a thrilling boat ride down the braided river. This expedition also includes a short guided hike with a private guide. Spend a further night at the luxury remote lodge.

Overnight: Minaret Station or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 9 – Wanaka to Te Anau – 260km (3 hour drive)

This morning you will be flown back to Wanaka to be met by your private driver. For those feeling adventurous you can take a walk up one of our favourite look out spots featuring 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka, Aspiring National Park and the Clutha River. After further exploring Wanaka, your South Island tour takes you over The Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest highway to Arrowtown, an important location in the gold rush of Central Otago in the 1860s. Perhaps browse the preserved Chinese gold mining village or wander the boutique shops the town has on offer. Your next stop is Amisfield Winery where you will enjoy a 3 course ‘trust the chef’ lunch with 4 matching wines, including the trademark Pinot Noir which this region is famous for (lunch and wine tasting included). This afternoon you will drive a further 2.5 hours to Te Anau. This evening in Te Anau you will take a tour by boat across Lake Te Anau to the glow worm caves to view the shimmering light of thousands of luminous glow-worms in a 12,000 year old grotto (included).

Your accommodation is set on a superb site commanding spectacular views of Lake Te Anau. Enjoy spectacular seasonal fare and a connection to the land with fantastic cuisine in the lodge restaurant.

Overnight: Fiordland Lodge or similar

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today

 

Day 10 – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau – 240km (4 hour drive)

Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour. En route you will see spectacular valleys, breath taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky Kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot). This morning you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1.5 hour boat cruise featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea (included activity). Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin. On your trip back to Te Anau there is the opportunity to take some short walks in the Fiordland National Park.

Overnight: Fiordland Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 11 – Doubtful Sound Day Trip + Return to Te Anau – (40 minutes drive + Day cruise)

Today take the 20 minute drive to Manapouri Harbour for your day cruise through Doubtful Sound (or we can arrange bus transfers). This spectacular journey starts with a cruise to the other side of Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over a pass to the fjords followed by a magical afternoon cruising through the towering peaks and stunning waterfalls of Doubtful Sound. The trip also passes by Manapouri power station. The boat returns to Manapouri at 4:45. In the afternoon, take the 20 minute drive back to Te Anau and enjoy a further night at the lodge.

Overnight: Fiordland Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 12 – Te Anau to Queenstown – 175km (2 hour drive)

This morning you will head to Queenstown, ‘New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world’. Skirting your way around Lake Wakatipu makes for some stunning photography and you will be amazed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous back drops for Lord of the Rings. Today is free to explore Queenstown at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities that this ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has to offer. Options for the adventurous include: Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, Canyon Swings, White Water Rafting, Flyboarding and Paragliding. If you feel like taking a more relaxed approach to the day, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw 100 year old steam ship or a walk through Queenstown’s Botanic Gardens are not to be missed.

Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is the spectacular luxury Matakauri Lodge boasting spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding peaks.

Overnight: Matakauri Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 13 – Queenstown Activities + Sightseeing

Today is a further day to explore Queenstown with your private guide at leisure. There are also several hiking opportunities that will be recommended and lead by your guide. Perhaps take a drive with your guide to Glenorchy and the head of Lake Wakatipu to hike a section of the Routeburn or Greenstone Tracks. There is also the opportunity to visit some fantastic scenic look out spots around Coronet Peak. Enjoy a further night in Queenstown. Spend a further night at the luxury Matakauri Lodge.

Overnight: Matakauri Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 14 – Departure day

This morning after further exploring Queenstown, you will be transferred to Queenstown International Airport for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you have had a memorable exclusive tour with us.

Breakfast included today