North New Zealand: Vines & Volcanoes on a Luxury Holiday

Milestone moments deserve epic backdrops and exclusive experiences; both of which New Zealand’s North Island has in abundance. Think riding a seaplane over to an island vineyard, spending a day aboard a yacht sailing around 144 stunning islands and (our favourite) landing a heli on a live volcano. Well, why not? It’s your holiday after all. A place that will leave you with fond memories to last a lifetime – New Zealand is up there with the best, and that’s the very least you deserve.

CITIES, ISLANDS & VINEYARDS

No sooner have you landed in Auckland than you’ll head straight back out again and down to Rotorua. Having been led down to Rotorua Lakeside, you’ll find your ride to your first hotel: a private helicopter. Experience the thrill of landing on both Mount Tarawera and White Island, two awe-inspiring volcanoes. Yep, volcanoes. From the steaming crater lake of White Island to the soaring heights of Mount Tarawera’s summit, you’ll be left totally mesmerised. Making a toast in the crater of a live volcano? It’s the stuff dreams are made of.

And the ride doesn’t end there, however, for you’ll be taken by your heli all the way to the iconic Huka Lodge. It’s hard to put into words how beautiful this luxury property is, but we’ll give it a go. Surrounded by lush landscapes an cascading waterfalls, you’re at the heart of the natural world here. And the accommodation itself? If you opt for the Owner’s Cottage, you’ll enjoy ultimate privacy overlooking the river. It’s a fantastic place to simply be together. And when you’re bored of that – there’s plenty of activities to enjoy. From horse-riding to fishing (Taupo is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand), and golfing to boat charters, we’ll ensure you get to see this enchanting region from as many perspectives as possible during your three-night stay.

TWO WHEELS & WINE

Just two hours away, Hawke’s Bay is where you’ll head to next, with two nights at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers just enough to immerse yourself in the rich agricultural surroundings. There’s more to discover about the wine industry here, and why not indulge? You’re on holiday, after all. A day’s cycling tour will be arranged for you whilst at Hawke’s Bay, with an award-winning food writer and world cheese expert as your guide. Lunch will be provided at one of the working vineyards on the way such as Elephant Hill or Clearview, before returning you via transfer to your hotel. This is an incredible foodie destination and we’ll do all we can to make sure we keep your taste-buds happy.

Drift into the City of Sails

Back to Auckland, you’ll have the next two days to stroll between the various museums and art galleries filled with Maori curiosities before heading down to the harbour. The City of Sails is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world, and it won’t take you long to see why. Take it all in at your own pace, before ending the day on a high at one of the city’s most revered restaurants.

Bays of Beauty

You’ll cap off this unforgettable getaway up at the northernmost tip at the Bay of Islands, a gorgeous collection of 144 islands in the Pacific Ocean. It’s here you’ll be setting out on a private sailing vessel that’ll take you on an exclusive tour around the islands before stopping off for lunch and trying your hand at kayaking, or simply swimming in the glistening waters – the choice is yours in this exclusive experience, fit for your any celebration. After all, who doesn’t like their own private yacht? With your base as the clifftop Kauri Cliffs, it’s just you and the endless views here. We couldn’t think of a more spectacular spot to end your trip.