Does the thought of New Zealand conjure images of adrenaline-seeking gap year students and empty nesters on walking holidays? We don’t blame you. We have found a way to ditch the stereotype: scratch the surface and New Zealand has a lot more to offer the hip, urban traveller. Perfect for a bit of heart pumping action mixed in with a lot of luxury. It’s time to swap your backpack for your Hermes and head off…
boats, helicopters, and quad bikes

milford sound, new zealand

So how do you squeeze the delights of such an awesome country into one trip? There are many options, but this is how we have done it: from Auckland head north to the Bay of Islands, the finest Maritime Park in New Zealand. Cruise the islands in a private luxury motor boat stopping at secluded bays for snorkelling and swimming – or just kick back with a chilled glass of wine and take in the scenery. Stop for a couple of day’s golfing at Kauri Cliffs and fly by private helicopter over the majestic Puketi Forest to reach Ninety Mile beach for a quad bike safari across sandy dunes and rocky coastlines.
the volcanic wonders of taupo
Next stop, Taupo; a region on the shores of the largest lake in the country renowned for its natural hot water pools and steaming geysers. Take your pick of activities from a volcanic safari by helicopter, flying along the fault line before stepping foot on White Islands crater floor, to kayaking on the lake to reach ancient Maori rock carvings. Stay at the magnificent Huka Lodge on the banks of the Waikato River.

blanket bay, new zealand

south island: culture, food, wine
Hop over to South Island and Nelson for its sprawling national parks, vineyards and gourmet cafés. Roam the bush land in Abel Park, fringed by long stretches of golden sand and crystal clear waters. For a cultural hit, gallery visits, private viewings with local artists and lunch at a fantastic winery can be arranged.
queenstown: ‘adventure capital’
Round off this trip of a lifetime in Queenstown with an extensive activity menu. Staying in a youth hostel would have once added to the adventure… it’s doesn’t anymore. Blanket Bay Lodge is a stunning alpine style hideaway on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. We can arrange jet boating, fly fishing and even a glass of champagne on a glacier. We can’t think of a better way to toast the end of a mind blowing trip.
Take me back for more New Zealand experiences

abel tasman national park

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If films like Point Break and Blue Crush still set your heart racing with anticipation then we’ve got the experience to make your epic surf dreams a reality. This is the ultimate ‘heli-surfing’ adventure all in pursuit of the perfect wave. Wondering how (and where) we could possibly pull off something so extreme? Where else but the true land of adventure: New Zealand, where extreme sports like bungee jumping and black water rafting are the norm.
a heli-surfer paradise
Long gone are the days of driving from coast to coast and waiting for the perfect wave break. Now it’s all about jetting from swell to swell chasing velvet-smooth tunnels, supertubes, perfect peelers or gnarly freight trains (as the locals would say) as quickly as possible.

tasman sea, new zealand

The solution? Heli-surfing. All you need is local knowledge, private land access and one other thing… a helicopter. Luckily, we have it all. Take this trip at any time of year; with two islands and 4 coasts there’s always somewhere to surf.

chasing waves
Travelling by chopper means we’ll find you the best possible surf on the day. Your final itinerary won’t be set in stone until a week before you travel, and it can change at the last minute depending on which direction the swell is heading. Flexibility and attention to detail is key, ensuring you get the most out of your luxury tailor-made surfing adventure.

catching a wave in new zealand

the nitty gritty
So how does it work? Well each day you’ll set off with your pilot, flying over glaciers, waterfalls and rain forest to reach deserted reefs and beaches. You can expect around 3-4 hours flying time a day, stopping off along the way to test the surf. Travelling by helicopter from beach to beach not only gives you excellent bragging rights, it also gets you access to isolated wave breaks, escaping the crowds and getting the cleanest barrels all to yourself.
your private beach house
In the evenings kick back and relax at New Zealand’s finest luxury beachside lodge – Ahu Ahu Beach Villas. Tuck into some freshly cooked seafood and local cuisine and savour New Zealand delicious local wines or perhaps, the true surfers way, with just a few cold beers round a fire on the beach. The perfect end to an action packed day in the water. Stunning scenery, remote waves and Kiwi charm. Sound like a dream? Let the hunt begin.
Take me back for more New Zealand experiences

testing the water

conquering the waves

sunset

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