New Zealand: 17-Day Experience
It’s been on your bucket list for years. Why make this once in a lifetime journey anything short of spectacular? This luxury itinerary will take your breath away with its refined lodges steeped in natural splendor and invigorating excursions. Each location is more beautiful than the next, and with Robin’s reputation and expertise, you’ll receive the best hospitality the region has to offer.
Days 1-3: Bay of Islands
Stay: Resting on an unspoiled coastline where high cliffs nestle into three pristine private beaches, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs was named New Zealand’s number one resort by Travel + Leisure. The Relais & Chateaux property offers abundant activities with its David Harman-designed golf course, immersive local heritage tours, and spa sanctuary hidden within native forest. Sophisticated and elegant, the lodge was designed with you in mind offering space, comfort and complete relaxation with panoramic views across the Pacific.
Explore: Enjoy a fantastic day out sailing through New Zealand's world famous Bay of Islands. Your private boat is a fast and luxurious way to explore, yet has the comfort, safety and ambiance to provide an exceptional day enjoying the breeze and the view from the covered deck. Guided by our professional and knowledgeable crew enjoy beach combing, a light walk and lunch served in a sheltered cove.
Also enjoy at your leisure, a day at Waiaua Beach, quad biking, horseback riding, golf, deep-sea fishing, Waitangi Treaty Grounds privately guided tour and much more.
Eat: Enjoy delicious, fresh Pacific Rim cuisine prepared by chef Barry Frith, while taking in stunning panoramic views of Cape Brett and the offshore Cavalli Islands. Guests can choose from a variety of dining spaces, including the main dining room, Tiger Room, Green Room and verandas, with private dining arranged upon request.
Days 4-6: Taupo
Stay: Huka Lodge lies within magnificent grounds beside the hypnotic turquoise waters of the Waikato River. Since the 1920s, the boutique lodge has been known for its tranquil location and warm hospitality. All suites and cottages nestle along the banks of the river, just upstream from the mighty Huka Falls.
Explore: Gain a bird’s eye perspective of New Zealand’s most captivating landscapes during a three-hour helicopter tour of Mount Tarawera and Orakei Korako. The vastness of this region’s geography will surely take your breath away. From infamous volcanos (think Lord of the Rings), to technicolor geothermal pools and rivers, to crater lakes and naturally formed terraces-- this tour will give you a new perspective on just how uniquely beautiful our Earth truly is.
Hike: Begin an immersive guided hike upon a swing bridge connecting to a meandering trail through native bush. Learn the Maori history surrounding of the forest’s diverse flora and fauna while traversing through spectacular scenery. Eventually you’ll arrive at the Tarawera Falls, but not before passing picturesque swimming holes along the way. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!
Other ways to explore this mystic region is via mountain bike: the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest boast some of the best trails. Also white water rafting on the Kaituna River is perfect for rafters of all confidence levels.
Days 7-9: Hawke’s Bay
Stay: Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of stunning pastureland in Hawke’s Bay, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is the perfect balance of luxury and comfort. Its rustic and textured aesthetic harmonizes with comfortable, modern furniture, which only enhances the spectacular views from each suite’s private balcony.
Taste: There may be no better way to venture between wineries in this pristine region than by bike. During your local winery tour, cycle along the coastal cliffs of Cape Kidnapper with striking vistas overlooking orchards, vines and farmland. Taste the delicious chardonnay varietals at Clearview Estate and then enjoy Elephant Hill’s 96-point Airavata Syrah. You’ll be getting hungry after several kilometers of striking views, so lunch at Craggy Range Winery comes just in time. Their award-winning cuisine pairs nicely with their seductive, earth pinot noir.
Explore: Explore the rolling hills and cliffside of Cape Kidnappers at your own pace. A Kiwi discovery walk at The Farm will allow you absorb the natural beauty of the sheep-speckled farmland and sweeping Pacific views. For a faster pace, try mountain biking along the Cape. A round of golf on The Farm’s par 71 Tom Doak designed course will give you hours to take in the sights and take in the fresh ocean air.
Days 10-12: Nelson
Stay: Nestled in a serene valley in the heart of rural Nelson, Edenhouse is an enchanting country retreat resting in fifty acres of private grounds and eight acres of world renowned gardens. Located at the top of the South Island, in an area that enjoys the most sunshine hours of anywhere in New Zealand. The lodge is near to some of the most diverse wildlife on the island who call this blue and green paradise home.
Explore: Visit one of the most beautiful national parks on planet earth by boat: the Abel Tasman National Park. On this leisurely voyage through the park, you will experience some of the most magnificent coastlines that New Zealand has to offer, where native bush meets golden sands and the crystal clear waters are a playground for birds, seals and dolphins. As you explore the coast your skipper will point out local seal colonies and secluded beach hideaways. A delicious lunch platter is enjoyed at a sheltered cove, where you also have the opportunity to use the onboard kayaks and snorkeling gear.
Adventure: To quell an adventurous spirit, a guided cycling excursion through the Nelson region might be the answer. Or for the sea-loving heart, D’Urville island and reef offer a fun fishing experience. All avid hikers will enjoy a full day guided hiking tour through Kahurangi National Park. The world truly is your oyster during your time here!
Days 13-14: Christchurch
Stay: This magnificently restored lodge boasts the turn-of-the-century gardens and one of New Zealand’s most important historic homes. The homestead originally built in 1895 is one of the best examples of unspoiled Queen Anne architecture.
Explore: Explore the exquisite seaside village of Akaroa, which once prospered as a French whaling station and is still rich with French, Maori, and English culture. From the town’s harbor you will board your private charter for a two hour scenic cruise around the peninsula. Journey past sea caves, high cliffs and unique volcanic rock formations, meeting Akaroa’s most famous residents, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin: the Hectors Dolphin.
Adventure: Are you ready to land on a glacier after soaring through the epic Fiordlands? Your 6-hour helicopter excursion explores this remote and untouched part of New Zealand. Fly near 2,000-foot waterfalls, traversing the majestic fiords, dropping in amongst the New Zealand fur seals, hovering over glaciers, landing in the snow for photo memories against the mountain backdrop. A gourmet BBQ picnic lunch up on the mountain skyline is the icing on the cake. This is a completely tailored experience and will unquestionably be a highlight of your trip.
Eat: Otahuna’s cuisine celebrates the best of seasonal New Zealand produce, with an emphasis on fresh Otahuna estate-grown offerings. Dinner is a five-course chef’s degustation menu which changes daily, making use of the fresh produce sourced from the property's own potager garden and orchard. Many culinary experiences may be pursued on the property including cooking classes and seasonal mushroom foraging. Private tours of local, artisanal food providers are arranged upon request.
Days 15-17: Queenstown
Stay: Experience the mountains at Matakauri Lodge — an alpine lakeside retreat nestled in a serenely beautiful landscape. Spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu, each suite rests in native forest overlooking the lake and the mountainous panorama.
Adventure: If you like to go fast, this will be your favorite part of New Zealand’s adventure tours. The Shotover Jet is the world’s most exciting jet boat ride. Canyon walls tower over you as your boat driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops, and skims around crags and boulders on Lake Wakatipu! Be sure to dress for the wind-chill factor as you’ll be traveling at speed. And hang on to hats and sunglasses!
Eat: Enjoy lunch today at Akarua Wines and Kitchen by Artisan, located close to Arrowtown. With a focus on quality, taste and seasonality helped from Central Otago’s local growers. The food can also be matched carefully with a selection of Akarua wines. Enjoy the beautiful garden setting and the historic cottage which has been restored.
