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South Pacific Specialists
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Start with Hawkes Bay Wine region and soak up the art and food scene before heading to the tranquility of the Queen Charlotte Sounds for walks, swimming, and nature. Helicopter to remote Minaret Station and enjoy life on a high country ranch in their luxurious alpine lodge. Then it's away to a private launch on Dusky Sound - this is the ultimate end to your memorable New Zealand vacation.
Duration: 10 Days
Starts: Hawkes Bay
Finishes: Queenstown
With a lifestyle that favours wine, food, art & culture there is plenty to savour
Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Hawke’s Bay has many unique features to offer to its visitors. From stunning beaches and coastal lines, native bush, and wildlife to rolling hills and picturesque wineries, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage, you will not be disappointed.
3 nights at McHardy Lodge
200 vineyards, 70+ wineries and 30+ cellar doors, with excellent al fresco dining options
If you thought New Zealand was all about Sauvignon Blanc, you are missing out on some of the best wines we have to offer. Wines from Hawke’s Bay have scored more 90+ ratings in Wine Spectator than any other New Zealand District!
Hawke’s Bay is home to the oldest winery in New Zealand. The story began with a group of French missionaries who sailed to New Zealand in 1838, with little more than their faith and a few vines. Today, Hawke’s Bay is the second-largest viticultural region in New Zealand, producing local and international award-winning wines.
Today your private guide will take you to the best of these cellar doors, and dine al fresco at one of the many winery restaurants.
Visit Te Mata Peak and Art Deco Napier
With a driver at your disposal today, you have the luxury to go anywhere within the province. Head to the magnificent Te Mata Peak for a 360 degree view of the region. Napier has an interesting mix of history in the Art Deco building style, coffee houses, and hole-in-the-wall art galleries. Take lunch on the Napier waterfront – or try another winery restaurant, Black Barn Vineyard is a favourite in Havelock North, or for rustic charm try Clearview Estate at the seaside at Te Awanga.
Fly to Wellington, Helicopter transfer to the Bay of Many Coves
In the heart of the Queen Charlotte Sounds, nestled into the hillside where virgin native bush extends from hilltops to water’s edge you will find the Bay of Many Coves Resort. The Sounds offers tranquility and birdsong like no other part of New Zealand is able – due to the predator free nature of this area. This property is boat access only – so the only other visitors will be boaties and the few other guests staying at the property, in the luxury of private villas. From here it is possible to hike sections of the Queen Charlotte Track or to enjoyed the sheltered bays from the water.
3 nights Bay of Many Coves
Lush native forests and regenerating bush are perfect for recharging the spirit.
Take one of several tracks leading out from the Resort that lead you through 52 hectares of private bush, alive with native birds. Venture from the Bay of Many Coves Resort to the Queen Charlotte Track, or we can arrange a boat pick up from any of the entry and exit points along this magnificent walkway.
Take the day to explore the beautiful Marlborough Sounds
Fresh fish is what the Marlborough Sounds is famous for, so why not catch your own? Whether fishing is a passion or on your ‘Bucket List’, we can arrange a Fishing charter for you within the inner-Sounds (catch and release blue cod) or an extreme outer-Sounds fishing expedition.
Fly to Queenstown, helicopter transfer to Minaret Station
Accessible only by helicopter, you’ll transfer by helicopter after flying into Queenstown. Minaret Station is New Zealand’s first and finest luxurious alpine lodge. The lodge is set at the head of a picturesque glacial valley within the untouched landscapes and beauty of the Southern Alps, near Wanaka.
In addition to the Alpine Lodge, Minaret Station also provides authentic experiences throughout New Zealand’s South Island including an extensive range of helicopter touring, hiking, backcountry fly fishing, guided hunting, and heli-skiing.
3 nights at Minaret Station - Alpine Lodge
A tailored experience of Minaret Station for guests staying at the Alpine Lodge.
Start the day by hiking down the valley from the Alpine Lodge with your guide. Here you will be picked up by helicopter and flown onto the 50,000 acre farm where you will enjoy a combination of private farm tour, lake fishing, gourmet lunch and the opportunity for further exploration on this private property.
Far to the south, over rain forests, mountains and deep glaciated valleys lies beautiful Dusky Sound in Fiordland.
After a stunning scenic flight you will land on our custom-built floating helipad and transfer to our boat to enjoy a day of fishing, discovery and wildlife viewing. At Dusky Sound, it’s possible to explore the pristine shoreline of this World Heritage Area and retrace the steps of explorer Captain Cook.
The archaeological evidence of Cook’s visit can still be seen in the tree stumps cut by his crew for timber used to repair the vessel, Resolution in 1773. This is a spectacular region of Fiordland National Park that is only experienced by a few lucky visitors who take away indelible memories.
Very few people visit Dusky Sound. It’s isolated location at the South-Western tip of Fiordland makes it inaccessible to all but ocean-going vessels and helicopters. Consequently, the environment here is as pristine as it is possible to be.
Return to Queenstown Airport for your onward journey
After a leisurely breakfast, return to Queenstown enroute for Auckland – the port you will leave from to head to New Caledonia. We hope you have enjoyed soaking up the hospitality and the unique landscapes – and looking forward to some time unwinding in New Caledonia.
1 night at The Hotel Britomart
Fly 3 hours to Noumea
The flight is short under 3 hours and comfortable, upon arrival in Noumea, you will be met by a chauffeur and taken to your hotel.
New Caledonia is often referred to as a “slice of France in the South Pacific” because it has a strong French influence. The official language of New Caledonia is French, and the majority of the population is of French descent.
1 night at Le Méridien Noumea Resort & Spa
Today board your charter catamaran
Hello and welcome aboard, today you will be departing from Port Moselle in Nouméa. You will be able to discover Noumea, the island of Lifou and the wild beauty of its landscapes, beaches and typical dwellings or even the Isle of Pines with its white sand beaches, and its turquoise blue water as far as the eye can see. Those who wish can also go diving in Poindimié, whose reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3 nights at Catamaran Charter Noumea
Your journey ends today
Return to Noumea and depart New Caledonia for your onward journey, or add on other adventures – lets start planning now!
“This trip allows the guest to experience rural and remote New Zealand, with as much downtime or activity to suit any preferences. Sunlit al fresco lunches, bush clad hikes and high country farming - other worldly locations sailing in New Caledonia. Let this trip be the trigger for your next adventure.”
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
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This exclusive 5 star property will delight you with its character and charm. Above all, staying at McHardy Lodge will give you a true feeling of ‘Kiwi’ Hospitality and the ‘peace’ you deserve during your holiday. Pamper yourself in one of the luxuriously appointed guest suites or chill out in the secluded swimming pool. Located on Napier Hill you will be able to enjoy superb views of the blue Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountain ranges while being just a short drive from the Art Deco centre of Napier city itself and within walking distance for those visitors who are feeling slightly more energetic!
Just a short water taxi ride from Picton Harbour, and within easy reach of all major New Zealand airports, you’ll find a slice of pure paradise. Discover perfect seclusion on the water’s edge deep in the Marlborough Sounds with 5-star luxury accommodation, world-class cuisine and a taste of 100% pure relaxation. Savour the delights of fresh local seafood and other provincial produce in our waterfront café, guest-lounge and fine-dining restaurant. Our cellar offers a broad selection of Marlborough’s finest wines balanced with national and international labels. A choice of 3, 2, or 1 bedroom architecturally designed luxury apartments set in the bush with beautiful bay views. During the day, experience wonderful bush and coastal walks with the Queen Charlotte Track on your doorstep; kayaking, sailing, motor yacht cruising, eco and wildlife adventures, day spa treatments, wine tours, fishing and diving.
Minaret Station comprises a working farm with tens of thousands of sheep, deer and cattle destined for the local market and for premium export, as well as the luxurious Alpine Lodge for tourists. The main homestead is where guests meet for mealtimes: hearty breakfasts, moreish canapes and three-course gourmet dinners prepared from local produce, matched with regional wines.
With a roaring wood fire in the lounge at one end and a cosy library and cellar at the other, the homestead is where guests compare stories and share photos. (Incidentally, the main homestead is also where guests drop off muddy shoes and wet jeans, which come back clean, dry and folded within a couple of hours. Magic.)
Hotel Britomart, located in Auckland, is a stylish boutique hotel that exudes contemporary elegance. Situated in the vibrant Britomart precinct, it offers easy access to the city’s attractions. The hotel boasts thoughtfully designed rooms with modern amenities and an emphasis on sustainability.
Le Méridien Noumea Resort & Spa is a luxury resort located on Anse Vata Beach in Noumea, New Caledonia. The resort features stunning views of the lagoon and the mountains, and it offers a variety of amenities and activities.
If you thought New Zealand was all about Sauvignon Blanc, you are missing out on some of the best wines we have to offer. Wines from Hawke’s Bay have scored more 90+ ratings in Wine Spectator than any other New Zealand District!
With such an extensive range of vineyards to choose from, we can take you to your preferred wineries to meet a winemaker for a behind-the-scenes look into the local wine industry. Or if you prefer, simply taste while enjoying the beautiful settings as you are driven around the region in our modern, comfortable vehicles.
The day is yours to explore with a private driver to view a place through a slightly different lens – if you enjoy exploring some of the hidden haunts and quiet, quirky quarters frequented mainly by locals. Venture off the well-beaten tourist track. Discover & experience some authentic Hawke’s Bay ‘treasures’ that seldom feature on a standard Hawke’s Bay sightseeing itinerary.
Fresh fish is what the Marlborough Sounds is famous for, so why not catch your own?
Whether fishing is a passion or on your ‘Bucket List’, we can arrange a Fishing charter for you within the inner-Sounds (catch and release blue cod) or an extreme outer-Sounds fishing expedition.
Start the day by hiking down the valley from the Alpine Lodge with your guide. Here you will be picked up by helicopter and flown onto the 50,000 acre farm where you will enjoy a combination of private farm tour, lake fishing, gourmet lunch and the opportunity for further exploration on this private property.
After a stunning scenic flight you will land on our custom-built floating helipad and transfer to our boat to enjoy a day of fishing, discovery and wildlife viewing. At Dusky Sound, it’s possible to explore the pristine shoreline of this World Heritage Area and retrace the steps of explorer Captain Cook.
The archaeological evidence of Cook’s visit can still be seen in the tree stumps cut by his crew for timber used to repair the vessel, Resolution in 1773. This is a spectacular region of Fiordland National Park that is only experienced by a few lucky visitors who take away indelible memories.
Very few people visit Dusky Sound. It’s isolated location at the South-Western tip of Fiordland makes it inaccessible to all but ocean-going vessels and helicopters. Consequently, the environment here is as pristine as it is possible to be.
The Pacific Ocean provides a stunning backdrop to the Hawke’s Bay, framed to the south by the dramatic Cape Kidnappers and the Tukituki hills and to the north Wairoa and the Mahia Peninsula (this is where Rocket Labs main launch pad is for their satellites launches). From natural disaster was born a celebration of early twentieth century architecture – Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical buildings pepper Napier, Hastings and the region’s small towns.
Explore celebrated vineyards, the supreme Cape Kidnappers golf course, architecture, birdlife and Maori culture. Hawkes Bay Wine Country is renowned for luxurious B and B’s and small hotels.
The Marlborough Sounds lie at the South Island’s north-easternmost point, between Tasman Bay in the west and Cloudy Bay in the south-east. The almost fractal coastline has 1/5th of the length of New Zealand’s coasts. The steep, wooded hills and small quiet bays of the sounds are sparsely populated, as access is difficult. Many of the small settlements and isolated houses are only accessible by boat.
This is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in New Zealand, endowed with natural beauty, this intricate maze of waterways with its attractive beaches and lush greenery provides for the perfect nature experience. Many visitors to Marlborough arrive by ferry through the deep coves and bays of Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound.
Sail, paddle, kayak, mountain bike, walk or motor through this picturesque maritime area. Fine restaurants and accommodation lodges are scattered throughout the Sound.
Wanaka Town is located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka is Otago’s second resort town after Queenstown. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand’s fourth largest lake, reflect the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Here you can absorb the unstoppable beauty of pristine wilderness and know that it will be easy to find a great restaurant for dinner. The township of Wanaka is a magnet for visitors who want to find the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and indoor luxury.
Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, is New Zealand’s most celebrated destination. Offering a wealth of accommodation to suit all travellers, there is huge diversity in the experiences to be enjoyed – from adrenaline activities such as bungee jumps and sky diving, adventurous excursions like jet-boating and hiking through to superb golf, gourmet food and wine tours, alpine tours and hiking.
As the name belies, ‘The City of Sails’ – as Auckland is fondly known – is a stunning sea side city. The city centre surrounds a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. In the Auckland region, the North Island is geographically narrow and the city straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. Boutique shopping, pulsing, Pacific-inspired markets and a passionate cafe culture make this city a charming place to visit.
Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia in the South Pacific, resides on the primary island, Grand Terre. Renowned for its beaches and fusion of French and Kanak cultures, the city boasts the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, highlighting Kanak heritage, and the Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie, featuring exhibits from the broader Pacific region. Delve into local marine life at the Aquarium des Lagons, making Nouméa a captivating destination that seamlessly blends cultural richness with natural beauty.
