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Combine soft-sand beaches with hip cities, wild islands and soft adventure in New Zealand’s wilderness. Perfect for the southern hemisphere’s summer months (for a real escape from winter here up north), this trip will take you to see New Zealand at it’s best.
north island nights
Land in Auckland and head straight for the beach. Waiheke island is a quiet tropical spot in the Hauraki Gulf where you’ll spend three days relaxing on white sand, walking in natural dunes and experiencing unbelievable pink and orange sunsets.
oneroa beach
Staying in a luxury beach cottage with panoramic views, The Boatshed is the ideal bolthole in which to unwind and soak up the atmosphere of the coastal area of Oneroa.
After some total beach chill-out it’s time to hit the road. A short flight will land you in Taupo, where there will be a rental car (with insurance and maps) waiting for you. Nip to Acacia Cliffs Lodge in just 20 minutes, and settle in for two nights overlooking Lake Taupo and it’s surrounding mountains.
kayak by maori rock carvings
maori rock carvings
From here, we can arrange for you to take a helicopter tour over volcanoes to visit hot pools, kayak to see sacred Maori rock carvings, or spend a day trekking over the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to see glacial valleys with an expert guide. Make sure you’re home by dusk to watch the Southern Cross constellation rise over the horizon as you tuck into your al fresco barbeque on the deck.
the sizzling south
abel tasman national park
Next, hop over to South Island by plane and collect your hire car in Nelson. Known as the city of sunshine, this arty region is packed with galleries, fabulous shops and beautiful lakes, as well as wineries, orchards and lush landscapes. Your base will be Edenhouse, set inside 48 acres of private gardens. Climb rocks at Takaka limestone cliffs, rev up a quad bike at Golden Bay, try your hand at Hang Gliding for unforgettable views of the curved white sand of the coastal bays, and cruise, kayak or hike in Abel Tasman National Park.
Ready for some real road-trip action? Head south through the winelands to Claremont House: the homestead for a working 1600 acre sheep farm perched over a dramatic gorge. We can arrange for the owners to take you on a private tour to really experience a working New Zealand farm. See limestone rocks more than 50 million years old, try your hand at fly fishing, and make the most of our private guides who can give you in depth insight into the history, birds, art and (our favourite) the wine of the area.
views from akaroa
colonial past and extreme action
Time for some history? Head south to Akaroa via Christchurch on a scenic two and half hour drive. The French town of Akaroa (where even the road signs are in French) is a gem of a relaxed fishing town with spectacular coastlines and a snowy mountain backdrop. Perfect for watching seals and dolphins play, and exploring the peninsula by boat, we recommend Maison de la Mer for stylish boutique rooms.
milford sound
And finally, back to the city. You’ll spend your final three nights in the Spire hotel, in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. From hot air ballooning to white water rafting, we can arrange adrenalin-pumping experiences for you, but for something less extreme, visiting Doubtful Sound is a must. Here, the sheer cliff faces plunge into unusual waters: the top layer is fresh water, and beneath is lies heavier saltwater. Home to bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins: an incredible end to your luxury New Zealand experience. A sublime trip which, we think, would make the perfect honeymoon.
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