14-Day Luxury New Zealand Tour

YOUR DAY

Guided: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, a shuttle driver will be waiting for you as you clear customs. This driver will take you to your accommodation in the city. The day and night are free to spend at your leisure and your guide will meet you tomorrow morning.

Self Drive: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.

YOUR DAY

Today you have a full day to explore Auckland, with sights including 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. Perhaps venture out to Muriwai Beach to visit a large Gannet colony on the seaside cliffs and experience the Kauri forests of the Waitakere Ranges.

Tonight you will dine atop the Skytower at the famous Sugar Club where you will enjoy creative, seasonal small plates in a stylish, 1930s-inspired setting.

YOUR DAY

250km, 3.5 hours driving

Today you farewell the ‘City of Sails’ and head south to Rotorua; a hot spot for Māori culture and geothermal 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. You’ll also enjoy a buffet style feast in the festive marquee next to the Green Dragon!

Arrive in Rotorua in the late afternoon and perhaps explore Kuirau Park mud pool reserve and view the stunning government gardens and lakefront.

Stay 2 Nights at Solitaire Lodge or Similar (Platinum Option)

YOUR DAY (Gold Option)

This morning you will explore the untouched, sacred land of the Ngāti Pikiao tribe, in an intimate, small group three-hour 4WD experience. Guided by a local and highly knowledgeable Māori guide, you’ll explore a stunning marae, landscapes and never-before-seen views that look over Rotorua’s lake district. En route, you’ll learn the myths and legends of the Māori people, their rich history and fascinating ways of life.

This evening you will enjoy an authentic cultural experience at Te Pā Tū (formerly Tamaki Māori Village).

In the summertime, Te Pā Tū offers their Summer Harvest Celebration experience, “Tū Te Rā.” Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration, aligned with the maramataka – the Māori lunar calendar. This is a time when the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tū Te Rā celebrates the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine.

In the winter, Te Pā Tū offers their Winter Matariki Celebration experience, “Tū Te Ihi.” Tū Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald. Tū Te Ihi celebrates a moment in the earth’s cycle when the stars of Matariki (Pleiades) draw attention. Matariki conjures ancestors as we recall their legacy, and reflect on the year that has been.

YOUR DAY (Platinum Option)

This morning you will explore the untouched, sacred land of the Ngāti Pikiao tribe, in an intimate, small group three-hour 4WD experience. Guided by a local and highly knowledgeable Māori guide, you’ll explore a stunning marae, landscapes and never-before-seen views that look over Rotorua’s lake district. En route, you’ll learn the myths and legends of the Māori people, their rich history and fascinating ways of life.

Following this experience, the rest of your day is free to spend as you wish in Rotorua. Options include: A trip to The Buried Village of Te Wairoa to explore the stories and discover treasures left behind from the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, a walk through the world class canopy walk at the Whakarewrewa forest, or a dip in the famous Polynesian Spa, situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua.

Of course you could instead relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds of your beautiful secluded accommodation on Lake Tarawera. Perhaps take a kayak out on the lake or take a 15-minute private launch excursion to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera where you can enjoy soaking in the thermal waters rising gently through the lake.

YOUR DAY

321km, 4 hours driving + 1 hour 20 minute flight

Your first stop for the day is Waitomo – New Zealand’s most extensive underground caving network.

Here you will enjoy a long and gentle boat ride beneath a galaxy of glowworms, avoiding big crowds by joining a small group tour, in private caves. Spellbound are close by Waitomo Caves, and a little off the beaten track, visiting a rugged and scenic limestone studded farm.

Following this you continue to Auckland, where you depart the North Island and fly South to New Zealand’s mainland, arriving in Christchurch in the evening.

Stay 1 Night at Otahuna Lodge or Similar (Platinum Option)

Set in pastoral surroundings against the fluted cone of an ancient volcano, Otahuna Lodge is a beguiling Victorian mansion that offers its guests a unique sense of wonder and discovery. New Zealand’s largest private historic residence has been revitalised with luxury accommodation, glorious gardens and sophisticated cuisine. In its patrician sense of calm, the grace and charm of its grounds and its refined yet personable service, Otahuna combines the romance of the past with the cosmopolitan pleasures of the present – the very best of both worlds.

Your stay includes pre-dinner drinks with canapés, a 4-course set-menu dinner complemented by matched wine pairings with each course, continental and/or full cooked breakfast and full use of Lodge equipment.