Taupo, Rotorua & Queenstown: A Remarkable Adventure in New Zealand

Thrill-seeking adventurers take note as nature reigns supreme in a land known for its world-leading stance on environmental protection. For you, this means bungee jumping, canyoning, rafting and caving amongst a backdrop of the world’s most jaw-dropping and unblemished landscapes. It could only be New Zealand. This wondrously isolated island nation is home to a sparse human presence outnumbered ten-to-one by the true residents of the land – the common wool producing sheep. So wander the landscape with your new fluffy friends in search of heart-pumping activities that will greet you at every corner. We know all the nooks and crannies so feel confident in never missing a beat. The only tough part will be deciding what to do first.

Set sail in Auckland

Arrive in New Zealand greeted by an urban metropolis where sparkling beaches are only ever half-an-hour away. The country’s largest city is a hub for high-end boutiques, open-air markets, diverse restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. You will be at the heart of all the action in the centrally located, boutique Hotel DeBrett – your luxurious retreat from the city bustle. But, Auckland isn’t all urban sprawl; don’t miss the chance to bridge climb and bungee jump off the iconic Auckland harbour bridge – a truly bucket list worthy achievement; or, sail the crystal waters of the Waitemata Harbour on an authentic America’s Cup yacht to learn first-hand why Auckland has been coined the ‘city of sails’.

From Auckland, your road trip through the scenic North Island of New Zealand begins. We have taken care of the car hire so just hop on and head south towards the geological wonders of Rotorua. On your way, take a quick detour into Hobbiton, or more accurately Matamata, to roam the film set of the iconic Lord of the Rings films. When you have had your fill of Middle-earth, head straight to your quaint hotel, located right on the shores of Lake Rototura and the ideal base for exploring the regions steaming lakes, bubbling hot pools and bursting geysers. Take to the skies for a helicopter adventure where we will lead you on a private tour of White Island, the country’s most active cone volcano. Get up close to smoking fumaroles and approach the edges of the crater lake for an impossibly intimate view of the roaring volcanic vent – the sulphuric odours are strong but the views will be worth it.

Next, venture to the glistening waters of Lake Taupo – just a skip and a jump south of Rotorua. You will make your home at the hilltop Acacia Cliffs Lodge. The boutique property contains four exclusive suites each featuring private terraces and wrapped in oversized picture windows to take full advantage of the elevated views of New Zealand’s largest lake. If fishing is your thing, you have just stumbled across the world’s trout fishing capital. World-class golfing is also nearby with mountain biking and hiking trails surrounding the serene Acacia Bay.

Nothing short of Remarkable

From the north, make landfall on South Island in the outdoor adventurer’s haven of Queenstown. The snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables mountain range dramatically outline the horizon of the quaint resort town; add to this the blue waters of Lake Wakatipu reflecting the impressive soaring Alps and you have a view which is truly, well, remarkable. The amazing views are captured to perfection at The Spire Hotel, where ten luxurious rooms open up to private terraces offering the ideal place to rest between adrenaline-filled activities.

Now for the tough decisions. Begin with a jet-boat ride or river rafting excursion between soaring cliffs and steep river valleys or conquer that fear of heights on the world’s highest bungee cords and sky swings; and, if that isn’t high enough for you, take to the sky with a skydiving or paragliding adventure. Tough decisions aside, we can guarantee that a visit to the World Heritage-designated Franz Josef Glacier will not be a difficult one. Witness a unique site where sheets of fluorescent blue ice descend between lush tropical rainforest and create a true feast for the eyes,

From Queenstown, it’s time that we revealed the region’s best-kept secret. Accessible only by private helicopter is Minaret Station, a series of luxury tented lodges located on the fringes of a glacial valley split by the crystal clear waters of a winding river. This grandiose landscape is hidden amongst the Southern Alps at 7,000 feet with 65,000 acres of wildly untouched wilderness inhabited only by the deer and sheep. Your canvas-topped tent features heated floors and a private deck complete with your own hot tub. Spend an afternoon on an alpine picnic with no-one else around for miles or take the lodges helicopter for a downhill mountain biking or skiing excursion down one of the many surrounding peaks. Minaret offers complete isolation within New Zealand’s most pure wilderness setting creating that one-of-a-kind experience that is the perfect cap-off to your New Zealand adventure.