Part of the First Light Travel Group
South Pacific Specialists
+64 (9) 320 1065
What could be better than coming to New Zealand to both relax and recharge? There is nothing quite like trying something for the first time and living in the moment, especially when the experience is had in a beautiful environment. Whether it's a jetboating journey deep into the heart of New Zealand's wilderness or exploring the subterranean underworld of Waitomo Caves this itinerary is sure to thrill. All the while staying at the fabulous Huka Lodge and Eichardts Private Hotel where you can truly relax and enjoy a six-star experience.
Duration: 11 days
Starts: Queenstown
Finishes: Auckland
'Haere Mai’ and welcome to Queenstown
After meeting you at the airport a representative from Eichardts will transfer to your waterfront hotel to settle in.
Sophisticated Queenstown offers bespoke and authentic luxury experiences in a beautiful snowy mountain setting, hosted by the naturally warm and welcoming Kiwi people. While the town is known for its wide variety of adventure activities, you needn’t be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Queenstown: the tranquil lake and mountain setting is a major part of its appeal. From relaxing vineyard tours or boat cruises to extreme adventures, Queenstown has it all.
For the next four nights in Queenstown you will stay at the exclusive Eichardt’s Private Hotel in a luxury suite overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu – there’s no better view to wake up to.
4 nights at Eichardts Private Hotel
Experience one of the many walking and hiking trails, sightseeing tours or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine.
Adrenalin junkies, we can arrange virtually any activity you can think of from a bungy jump into Kawarau Gorge, a swing across Shotover Canyon, or a skydive into Paradise.
For a more peaceful day, there are beautiful drives in the local area. Head to historic Arrowtown for quaint streetscapes and leafy views. Or drive to Glenorchy for a horseback ride through Lord of The Rings country. You could explore local wineries, cheese-eries and orchards by car or by bike.
The options are endless: chat with our travel specialists for more great suggestions for your perfect Queenstown day.
No visit to Queenstown is complete without a pilgrimage to the "Eighth Natural Wonder Of the World": Milford Sound.
Scenic flight to Milford Sound
Along the journey, keep your camera close by: there are scenic wonders waiting to be snapped. The stunning Mirror Lakes, the glacier-formed Eglinton Valley, the waterfalls and rapids of The Chasm, and iconic Mitre Peak are some of the many highlights.
Milford Sound Cruise
Arriving in Milford you will board your purpose built cruise vessel and sail the length of the Sound. Marvel at the gigantic waterfalls cascading into the sea, and the towering glacier-scarred rock walls around you. Dolphins, penguins and seals are regularly visit Milford Sound, so keep your eyes peeled.
You will return to Queenstown in style on a scenic flight over the lakes, mountains, rivers and forests of this breathtaking region. It’s a day to remember forever.
Today an amazing full day journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park awaits you.
Combine an hour of high-speed wilderness jet boating with unique Funyak inflatable canoes for a fun way to explore the Dart River as well as hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this stunning area at your own pace as you float downstream on sparkling water, then enjoy a wilderness picnic lunch before heading past ‘Paradise’ and on to Glenorchy. Highly informative guides add the personal touch, talking about the area’s history, the Greenstone trail and Maori legends.
Meet your driver guide either at the airport. You will travel in a comfortable top range vehicle and taken for a short and scenic journey to the city and west coast of Auckland, discovering the local people, cuisine, adventure and scenery before enjoying a lovely lunch or picnic overlooking the ocean. The itinerary will be perfectly matched to how you feel on the day – simply let your host know and they will take great care of you before returning you to your accommodation in the early afternoon.
2 nights at Park Hyatt Auckland
Enjoy a day or evening Piha Beach private tour in a Land Rover Discovery Executive 4WD.
While driving from Auckland city you will be provided with refreshments and relaxing music through the scenic Waitakere Ranges to Piha Beach, where you can explore the black sand beach of Piha and climb to the top of Lion Rock or simply relax and take in the wild beauty of Auckland’s west coast. After you have experienced the beach up-close, you will be escorted you to your exclusive private residence for dinner prepared by one of Auckland’s top Private Chefs. Indulge in your personalised dinner menu, matched with fine New Zealand wines, while enjoying views to die for overlooking Piha Beach.
Streams spill, twists, turn and join to build a river canyon.
Today your drive adventure begins, collect your rental car and take to the highway heading south.
You’ll travel to Waitomo for the chance to glide with the water as it drops down the ‘hidden’ waterfall and tumbles down rocky chutes before sliding through vaulted limestone galleries to finally emerge into the dazzling green Waitomo forest. Prepare to be amazed at the naturally occurring decorations within the cave including stalactites and stalagmites, your enthusiastic guide will happily share their knowledge on all aspects concerning Cave Formations and cave life. This exhilarating journey also provides a spectacular visual display of glowworms.
Continue on 2 hours to Rotorua.
Approximate Distance: 340km
Total Driving Time: 5 hours
Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Approximately 30 minutes south of Rotorua lies Wai-O-Tapu, a wonderland of stunning geothermal activity. In English Wai-O-Tapu means ‘Sacred Water’ and it is easy to see why. Hot pools ranging in colour from turquoise blue, rich green and gold to an almost olive/yellow, make the water at Wai-O-Tapu a dazzling must see.
4 nights at Huka Lodge
Approximate Distance: 90km
Total Driving Time: 1 hour
A day to relax at Huka Lodge is a glorious day.
If you do want to venture further afield, then for a start there is a great big body of fresh water to swim, sail, kayak or just relax in it, whether it be at Kinloch or the main beach. Towards the southern end of the main beach you will find hot geothermal springs on the shores edge (try in front of the Reef Resort). The Waikato river starts in Taupo and many take inflatables or kayak down stream to free Hotpools. The lake taupo region is also well known for great biking and walking tracks. Fly fishing is also very popular.
Scenic Helicopter flight and then private launch on the lake
An unforgettable 1.5-hour scenic flight, either south over the Kaimanawa Ranges to search for the wild horses. Land next to the Rangitikei River and enjoy the magical solitude. Then fly over the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park. The alternative flight is north over sacred Mt Tarawera, Huka Falls, Waikato River, Wai-O-Tapu and Waimungu volcanic areas. Climb high over the Tarawera Falls and Hidden Valley. Ending the beautiful bays of Lake Taupo to meet with our launch. Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings. Enjoy, lunch, trout fishing and clay bird shooting.
After the most amazing trip, return to Auckland airport today prior to boarding your onward flight. We know you will enjoy your holiday and our promise to you is to make your travels through New Zealand equal parts relaxing and an invigorating experience.
Approximate Distance: 280km
Total Driving Time: 3hrs 20 mins
“This trip is designed with family travel in mind. What better time to make memories as a family than by spending time together in New Zealand's great outdoors. Your teens and young adults will remember this trip as the best of times travelling together.”
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!
ENQUIRELike what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. Each Absolute New Zealand tour is tailored to who you are and what you want to do.
Our team has access to New Zealand's most unique accommodation, superb activities, and flight specials. Contact us for a personalised New Zealand experience.
Auckland to Queenstown
Queenstown to Queenstown
Auckland to Christchurch
Inspiring travel itineraries and expert advice delivered to your inbox.
START PLANNING
Eichardt’s Private Hotel is a Queenstown icon providing fine accommodation in seven luxurious Lake View Suites, four comfortably appointed Lakefront Apartments, The Residence and The Penthouse, all situated on premium lakefront positions in the heart of Queenstown. Eichardt’s opulent suites invite guests to soak up a sense of quiet before exploring one of the world’s truly remarkable locations. The hotel suites all feature a super-king bed, fireplace and mini-bar, a dressing room and bathroom.
Park Hyatt Auckland is perfectly located on the water’s edge and will offer expansive views across Wynyard Quarter’s Lighter Basin and out to the Waitematā Harbour. Our sophisticated waterfront residence has 195 guestrooms, four restaurants and bars, versatile and elegant event spaces, a day spa, a 25-metre infinity pool, and a full fitness center. Enjoy a luxurious, 5-star experience.
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel cares about adding value beyond a room to rest your head. Their philosophy is about distinction and sharing the New Zealand story with you. All this in a setting of authentic luxury where everything you touch in these exquisite rooms is of the highest standard. The one acre of grounds includes rose gardens, sweeping lawns, swimming pool, secret grotto, sandy beach, private jetty, and nine guest rooms.
Huka Lodge is sitting on 17 acres of countryside on the banks of the Waikato River, Huka Lodge boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and a spa pool. Huka Lodge is just 10 minutes’ walk from the famous Huka Falls. You can also choose play a game of croquet, or explore the area using the free mountain bikes. The property also features a library, a terrace and massage services.
Soar over secluded alpine lakes, dramatic waterfalls, snow-covered mountain peaks, pristine glaciers and native beech forest. And just when you think the scenery can’t get any better; Milford Sound and Mitre Peak appear from over the rise.
Add a boat cruise along the fjord, an alpine landing or extended flying time to your scenic helicopter flight for the full Milford Sound experience.
Combine an hour of high-speed wilderness jet boating with unique Funyak inflatable canoes for a fun way to explore the Dart River as well as hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this stunning area at your own pace as you float downstream on sparkling water, then enjoy a wilderness picnic lunch before heading past ‘Paradise’ and on to Glenorchy. Highly informative guides add the personal touch, talking about the area’s history, the Greenstone trail and Maori legends.
While driving from Auckland city you will be provided with refreshments and relaxing music through the scenic Waitakere Ranges to Piha Beach, where you can explore the black sand beach of Piha and climb to the top of Lion Rock or simply relax and take in the wild beauty of Auckland’s west coast. After you have experienced the beach up-close, you will be escorted you to your exclusive private residence for dinner prepared by one of Auckland’s top Private Chefs. Indulge in your personalised dinner menu, matched with fine New Zealand wines, while enjoying views to die for overlooking Piha Beach.
Glide with the water as it drops down the ‘hidden’ waterfall and tumbles down rocky chutes before sliding through vaulted limestone galleries to finally emerge into the dazzling green Waitomo forest. Prepare to be amazed at the naturally occurring decorations within the cave including stalactites and stalagmites, your enthusiastic guide will happily share their knowledge on all aspects concerning Cave Formations and cave life. This exhilarating journey also provides a spectacular visual display of glowworms.
Approximately 30 minutes south of Rotorua lies Wai-O-Tapu, a wonderland of stunning geothermal activity. In English Wai-O-Tapu means ‘Sacred Water’ and it is easy to see why. Hot pools ranging in colour from turquoise blue, rich green and gold to an almost olive/yellow, make the water at Wai-O-Tapu a dazzling must see.
An unforgettable 1.5-hour scenic flight, either south over the Kaimanawa Ranges to search for the wild horses. Land next to the Rangitikei River and enjoy the magical solitude. Then fly over the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park. The alternative flight is north over sacred Mt Tarawera, Huka Falls, Waikato River, Wai-O-Tapu and Waimungu volcanic areas. Climb high over the Tarawera Falls and Hidden Valley. Ending the beautiful bays of Lake Taupo to meet with our launch. Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings. Enjoy, lunch, trout fishing and clay bird shooting.
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.
Moody Dramatic and Stunning – Milford Sound is simply stunning. Milford Sound offers what is probably the most spectacular fiord scenery in the southern hemisphere, and the well-known and striking views of Mitre Peak from the head of the fiord form the subject of innumerable paintings, postcards, posters, and pictorial postage stamps. Whatever the fiord’s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you.
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.
Rotorua is surrounded by steaming lakes, bubbling hot pools and bursting geysers, host to some of the world’s most incredible natural forces. A heartland of Maori culture, the local people have embraced this turbulent land. For the traveller there is a breadth of attractions – families will enjoy viewing farm attractions and native wildlife, adventure seekers can experience world class white water rafting or mountain biking, while culture enthusiasts can experience indepth vibrant Maori traditions.
Impressive is the word best used to describe Lake Taupo; after all, it is the biggest volcanic crater in the World! Lake Taupo is set amidst clean, green countryside, spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful native bush and some of the largest pine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Taupo offers many leisure activities including exploring the lake by boat for scenery or fishing; view the mighty Huka Falls or visit local geothermal sites with natural hot pools and springs, steaming craters and boiling mud pools.
