New Zealand Splendid Indulgence

13 days/12 nights - Auckland to Queenstown

Themed package itinerary – or customize to create your own personalized dream vacation!

If it's luxury you're after in a vacation, New Zealand has a natural asset in million-dollar scenery, featuring spectacular mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and miles of sparkling blue sea. Many luxury hotels are found in picturesque settings, some in remote areas accessible only by helicopter for the ultimate in getaway, so we invite you to fly away with us on this very special journey of New Zealand.

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland. You will be transferred from the airport to Mollies – a harmony of nostalgia, state-of-the-art and spellbinding harbor views – an experience worth leaving home for!

Day 2: Auckland/Great Barrier Island
Just 30 minutes by air from Auckland will have you in paradise. As you venture under the canopy of native forest veiling the driveway to Earthsong Lodge, you realize you are entering a private world where earth, sea and sky embrace you.

Day 3: Day at Leisure - Great Barrier Island
Enjoy a guided hiking tour, an Eco Tour on 8x8 all-terrain vehicle, a coastal discovery boat excursion, or a guided horse trek beach ride. You can even choose to kayak and snorkel in the Barrier's sheltered bays (optional, additional expense).

Day 4: Great Barrier Island/Taupo
Make your way south to Taupo today. Serene and captivating, the township is renowned for it's majestic lake set against a backdrop of lush green hills. Explore the luxury and surroundings of Huka Lodge, offering an elegant and welcoming haven where guests enjoy the highest standards of comfort and hospitality.

Day 5: Day at Leisure - Lake Taupo
Take a short stroll from the lodge to view the almighty Huka Falls, perhaps take a trip to the thermal area of Rotorua, or maybe a boat cruise across the clear blue waters of the lake. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy the luxurious tranquility of the lodge.

Day 6: Taupo/Hawke's Bay
Continue your journey to Hawke’s Bay. Here, you will enjoy everything a gracious homestead should be at Mangapapa Lodge. This colonial style house has a veranda that wraps around the upper story giving breezy viewpoints of the 20 acres of lush, green, manicured gardens brimming with roses, established trees and orchards.

Day 7: Day at Leisure - Hawke's Bay
The Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand's premier wine producing regions. It is a veritable treasure trove of vineyards, offering wines of superlative quality, many of which have won international acclaim.

Day 8: Hawke's Bay/Wellington
Travel south once again to Wharekauhau, a gracious and intimate lodge based on a 5000 acre working sheep station overlooking the spectacular Palliser Bay.

Day 9: Wellington/Nelson
Cross the Cook Strait today and head into the famous Marlborough wine growing region. Indulge yourself at Paratiho Farms for the evening. Paratiho, a modern Maori word meaning 'paradise', is where contemporary art and sculpture feed the imagination while superb cuisine fulfils your experience!

Day 10: Nelson/Arthur's Pass
After traveling the South Island's West Coast, you will encounter historic Grasmere Lodge, a country retreat of unrivalled charm and distinction. This traditional New Zealand high country station, is a haven for those in need of relaxation and a wonderland for those seeking a more adventurous interlude.

Day 11: Arthur's Pass/Queenstown
When you arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, inhale the invigorating alpine air and be amazed by your surroundings. Eichardt’s Private Hotel's opulent suites will invite you to soak up a sense of quiet before exploring one of the world's truly remarkable locations.

Day 12: Milford Sound Excursion
Perhaps the highlight of your journey, today is a captivating sightseeing trip to the magnificent Milford Sound. You will be treated to unparalleled views of mighty waterfalls, peaks and of course Mitre Peak rising out of the deep fjords, as your pilot skillfully guides you through this fjordland. There will be three landings during the spectacular trip, one of which includes a deluxe gourmet picnic lunch.

Day 13: Queenstown
Your tour concludes today with a limousine transfer from your accommodation to the Queenstown airport.