True New Zealand

Outbound international flight to Auckland & onward flight to Waiheke Island

Private Seaplane Flight Time: 25 minutes

Stay: The Boatshed (3 nights)​​

Your Stay

The Boatshed

A unique luxury beach house experience, close to the Waiheke Vineyards, in an intimate seaside setting that's perfect for strolls along the beach, reading in the sun, and enjoying the creative attention to-detail.

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Waiheke Island

With an enchanting blend of beautiful beaches, lush native bush, farms, and arts and craft stores creating an inviting and warm island lifestyle, Waiheke Island also boasts more than a dozen high-quality vineyards, many with relaxed restaurants onsite. Enjoy local wine while looking out over vine-covered valleys to the blue sea beyond. The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, strolling along or having a picnic in the sun.​​

Waiheke Island to Rotorua

Journey Time: 25 minutes (ferry) & 3 hours, 25 minutes (hire car) | Driving Distance 140 miles

Stay: Solitaire Lodge (2 nights)​​

Your Stay

Solitaire Lodge

One of New Zealand’s first five-star luxury lodges, Solitaire Lodge boasts an unrivalled position set on the idyllic shores of legendary Lake Tarawera, minutes away from secluded private bays, hot-water beaches and natural thermal hot springs.

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Rotorua

The heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture, surrounded by steaming lakes, bubbling hot pools and bursting geysers, Rotorua is host to some of the world’s most incredible earth forces, capturing all that is precious and unique. Visit the Hobbiton set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, located in Matamata, and discover the real ‘Middle Earth’, in a fascinating two hour guided tour.​​

Rotorua to Taupo

Drive Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes | Distance 50 miles

Stay: Acacia Cliffs (2 nights)​​

Your Stay

Acacia Cliffs Lodge

Lake Taupo is one of the North Island’s most beautiful destinations – and this four-suite boutique lodge has been designed to make the most of the uninterrupted panorama from high above the lake.

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Taupo

The ‘trout fishing capital of New Zealand’, set on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, Taupo also offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of the diverse volcanic landscape, from the pristine lake to the surrounding mountain peaks of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. Enjoy a half-day scenic charter on Lake Taupo, cruise around its northern bays with lunch on board and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains as you make your way to the Maori rock carvings and Kaipo Bay.​​

Taupo to Palliser Bay

Drive Time: 5 hours, 30 minutes | Distance 260 miles

Stay: Wharekauhau Country Estate (2 nights)​​

Your Stay

Wharekauhau Lodge & Country Estate

This stylish, luxury lodge is situated on a 5000-acre working farm on the south-east coast of the North Island, framed by the Rimutaka Range and Palliser Bay, and surrounded by ancient native forest, spectacular beaches, bountiful rivers and tranquil lakes.

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Wharekauhau Country Estate

Wharekauhau Estate and its three adjoining properties at Palliser Bay comprise a 5000-acre working sheep station of forests, lakes, mountains, bush and open country as well as 16 miles of dramatic coastline which offers endless opportunities for recreation. A 4WD farm safari introduces you to the workings of this remote coastal ranch bordered by the Rimutaka Ranges and Pacific Ocean. It’s a classic New Zealand Romney sheep station tour that features highlights from the activities that have created the country’s legendary farming heritage, and may include sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs in action and daily farm events.​​

Palliser Bay to Marlborough Sounds

Journey Time: 1 hour, 45 minute (hire car) & 3-hour ferry to Picton | Driving Distance 80 miles

Stay: Bay of Many Coves (2 nights)​​

Your Stay

Bay of Many Coves Resort

One of nature’s finest waterfront sanctuaries, and Marlborough Sounds’ only five-star resort, Bay of Many Coves fuses the region’s breathtaking scenery, romance, and spirit of adventure with stylish apartments and world-class cuisine for a slice pure paradise.

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Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough Sounds is a region of spectacular scenic beauty and warmth in which to relax, revitalise, explore and indulge. It's a maze of waterways consisting of three sounds, Queen Charlotte, Keneperu and Pelorus Sounds, and is renowned for its 1500 kilometres of coastline, dolphin-watching, fishing, historical landmarks, wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife and of course its legendary Sauvignon Blanc.​​

Marlborough Sounds to Christchurch

Journey Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes (private car transfer) & a 1-hour flight

​The Garden City of New Zealand offers up historic architecture, art galleries, parks, and landscaped gardens, while the River Avon meanders through the city centre and creates a tranquil and charming atmosphere, reminiscent of the city’s English heritage.

Stay: The George (1 night)​

Your Stay

The George

Situated centrally in Christchurch’s most picturesque area, The George has a great reputation for its fine cuisine, and is within easy walking distance of the historic arts centre, shopping centre, casino, theatre, and restaurant areas.

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Christchurch to Franz Josef

Journey Time: 4 hours, 50 minutes (by Tranz Alpine Railway) & a 3-hour, 15 minute drive (hire car) | Driving Distance 150 miles

Reputed to be one of the greatest train journeys in the world, the Tranz Alpine Railway will take you across the Canterbury Plains, over Arthur’s Pass and through the spectacular Southern Alps before descending through the rainforests of the West Coast. 

Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (2 nights)​​

Franz Josef

Heartland of the West Coast, this small township is uniquely nestled in the rainforest between the rugged glaciers and the pounding surf of the Tasman Sea in a World Heritage area. It’s here you can enjoy a guided heli-hike excursion, when, from the moment you step on board the chopper, your pilot whisks you away, up and over the jaw-dropping landscape. After a thrilling flight, high above the rugged terrain, you’ll then land on the glacier, ready to undertake a two-hour guided glacier hike.​​

Franz Josef to Queenstown

Drive Time: 5 hours | Distance 250 miles

Stay: The Spire (3 nights)​​

Your Stay

The Spire

Thoroughly modern yet wonderfully intimate, this chic boutique hotel has just 10 guest rooms, a contemporary breakfast restaurant, and an ultra-chic, super-sleek watering hole: Queenstown's only specialised Champagne bar​.

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Queenstown

‘Adventure Capital of the World’, Queenstown is set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, amidst the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, its scenery providing the perfect backdrop for endless activities, and an idyllic haven in which to relax. You can also enjoy a private helicopter excursion to majestic Milford Sound, flying through the grandeur of the Alps over rainforests, frozen lakes and majestic Milford to touchdown on an age old glacier. The views of the glaciers are overwhelming, with their many crevasses and blue and green ice falls.​​

Queenstown

Depart Queenstown for your return flight back to London Heathrow.​​