This itinerary gives you a glimpse into how much you can see and do across both islands of New Zealand in just 2 weeks with your own private driver. We can fully customise a luxury itinerary for you based on your own interests and hand-pick your accommodation, from intimate couples hotels and resorts to exclusive use lodges for larger families or groups. Crafting the perfect itinerary for you using our local knowledge is what we do best.
Duration: 14 Days
Starts: Auckland
Finishes: Christchurch
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation
Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to The Hotel Britomart, a refined retreat in the heart of the city. Once checked in, step out to explore Auckland—New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Wander the bustling Britomart precinct with its designer boutiques and vibrant eateries, then stroll along the Waitematā Harbour or take in views from the Sky Tower. From contemporary art galleries to waterfront dining and lush inner-city parks, Auckland blends urban sophistication with natural beauty—offering the perfect start to your ultimate New Zealand journey.
1 Night Accommodation at The Hotel Britomart
Discover the world of Hobbits with an immersive private tour and uncover the geothermal forces of Rotorua
Meet your private driver this morning and drive to Matamata for an exclusive 2.5-hour private tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, nestled in Waikato’s picturesque countryside. Your guide will lead you through the 12-acre site, showcasing 44 Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Double Arched Bridge, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories. Enjoy a complimentary Southfarthing beverage at the Green Dragon Inn. This intimate tour offers a deeper connection to the Shire and a personalised experience. Continue on to explore the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua this afternoon.
2 Nights Accommodation at On the Point Luxury Lodge Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 245 km
Travel Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Enjoy a privately guided experience through the region’s most iconic geothermal wonders
This exclusive half-day tour in Rotorua offers a premium, privately guided experience through the region’s most iconic geothermal wonders. Enjoy personalised commentary as you explore the vibrant landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu or Waimangu Volcanic Valley, home to bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, and silica terraces. Travel in comfort with hotel pick-up and a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests. The experience concludes with optional indulgence at the renowned Polynesian Spa—perfect for unwinding after a morning of discovery. This curated tour blends natural spectacle with refined, local insight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Hawke’s Bay and stop at powerful Huka Falls, then continue to Craggy Range beneath striking Te Mata Peak
Travel from Rotorua to Craggy Range in Hawke’s Bay with a scenic stop at Huka Falls, where the powerful Waikato River surges through a narrow volcanic gorge in a breathtaking display. Pause to admire the falls or take a short walk along the riverbank before continuing through Lake Taupō and across dramatic volcanic landscapes. Arrive at Craggy Range, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wineries, set beneath Te Mata Peak. You may choose to enjoy a refined wine tasting or late lunch surrounded by vineyards and panoramic views. This journey blends natural drama with indulgent elegance.
2 Nights Accommodation at Craggy Range Included Meals: Breakfast
Approximate Distance: 245 km
Travel Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Experience a privately guided e-bike journey weaving through Hawke’s Bay’s scenic coastal trails and vineyards
Enjoy a privately guided e-bike adventure with on a scenic ride from Cape Kidnappers to Craggy Range. This exclusive experience winds along coastal and limestone trails through the heart of Hawke’s Bay wine country, with panoramic views and lush vineyard landscapes. Ride at your own pace on a comfortable pedal-assist e-bike, supported with maps, gear, and transfers. Your journey will end at the stunning Craggy Range estate where you are free to relax after an unforgettable journey.
Included Meals: Breakfast
You will be transferred to Napier Airport and fly to Queenstown where you will be transferred on arrival
This morning you’ll be transferred to Napier Airport for your flight to Queenstown, nature’s serene haven. Upon arrival, a private transfer will escort you from the airport to your accommodation. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the majestic Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown offers a breathtaking blend of alpine scenery and refined experiences. Whether you’re drawn to world-class dining, boutique shopping, or thrilling outdoor adventures, Queenstown delivers it all with style. Settle in and soak up the energy of this iconic South Island destination.
2 Nights Accommodation at Eichardts Private Hotel Included Meals: Breakfast
Discover Queenstown’s highlights on a privately guided luxury tour, complete with a premium gourmet lunch
Spend a full day exploring Queenstown and the surrounding area in style on a privately guided tour. Travel in a luxury vehicle with a knowledgeable local guide and discover the region’s highlights—from historic Arrowtown and dramatic Skippers Canyon to scenic lakefront vistas. Enjoy a leisurely gourmet lunch at an acclaimed winery or fine-dining restaurant, paired with local flavours and panoramic views. The day is fully tailored to your interests, offering a seamless blend of storytelling, scenery, and sophistication before returning to your accommodation in comfort.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel from Queenstown to Lake Hāwea through stunning alpine landscapes, with scenic stops en route
Travel from Queenstown to Lake Hāwea on a scenic journey through the Southern Lakes region, where dramatic alpine landscapes unfold at every turn. Pass through the charming town of Wanaka and enjoy views of Lake Dunstan, the Clutha River, and rolling Central Otago vineyards. Pause for photo stops or a gourmet café break along the way. Arrive at Lake Hāwea and settle into Cross Hill Domes, surrounded by soaring peaks and pristine wilderness—an inspiring setting to begin your luxury high-country escape.
1 Night Accommodation at Included Meals: Breakfast
Approximate Distance: 85km
Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Journey to Franz Josef via Haast Pass, stopping at waterfalls, Lake Matheson, and alpine lookouts
Begin your day with a private transfer from Lake Hāwea through the rugged Haast Pass, pausing at waterfalls like Fantail and Thunder Creek with short bush walks and crystal-clear Blue Pools. Continue along the wild West Coast to the iconic Lake Matheson, famed for its mirror reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Arrive in Franz Josef for a visit to the charming St James Church overlooking the Waiho River gorge. Finally, settle into the luxury and serenity of Te Waonui Forest Retreat, immersed in native rainforest—a perfect end to a scenic, adventure-filled day.
1 Night Accommodation at Te Waonui Forest Retreat Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 275 km
Travel Time: 4 hours
Experience the ultimate combination of guided ice exploration and luxury camping on Franz Josef Glacier
Embark on an exclusive alpine adventure deep into the heart of Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier). Begin with a scenic helicopter flight over rugged terrain and snow-capped peaks before landing on the glacier. Explore towering ice formations and crevasses on a guided hike, learning about the region’s natural and cultural significance. Return to a remote alpine camp to unwind with drinks, dinner, and breathtaking views. As night falls, marvel at the stars overhead, completing this unforgettable fusion of wilderness, luxury, and awe-inspiring beauty.
1 Night Accommodation at Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Experience the perfect finale to your glacier adventure with a day of rainforest relaxation and scenic exploration
Awaken to crisp alpine air and fresh pastries before your helicopter whisks you off the glacier. Return to Te Waonui Forest Retreat for a well-earned breakfast and a final night in luxurious comfort amid native rainforest. Enjoy a relaxing free day in Franz Josef—perhaps take a scenic kayak on Lake Mapourika or explore local walking trails—before indulging in a five-course degustation dinner. This exclusive experience offers the perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and indulgence, ensuring your time on the West Coast ends on a truly unforgettable note.
1 Night Accommodation at Te Waonui Forest Retreat Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Greymouth and board the The TranzAlpine Scenic Plus for a refined rail experience to Chrsitchurch
Depart Franz Josef and journey north with your private driver along the wild West Coast, passing lush rainforest, rugged coastline, and remote townships. Arrive in Greymouth, where you’ll farewell your guide and board the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train. Relax in comfort as you cross the Southern Alps, soaking in panoramic views of rivers, gorges, and alpine peaks. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and commentary en route. Upon arrival in Christchurch, a private transfer will take you to your luxury accommodation to unwind and reflect on the day’s spectacular journey.
2 Nights Accommodation at The George Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 175 km
Travel Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Join a bespoke private tour, blending Māori storytelling, cultural landmarks, and curated local food tastings
Enjoy a bespoke private walking experience through Christchurch that blends rich cultural storytelling with local flavour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, explore hidden laneways, striking public art, and meaningful Māori landmarks while learning about the region’s history and the significance of te reo Māori. Along the way, savour curated tastings at select local eateries or artisan food spots. This tailored experience offers a deeper, more personal connection to the city—crafted to suit your interests, pace, and appetite for both culture and cuisine.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport prior to your onward flight
After an unforgettable 14-day journey through New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes and indulgent experiences, enjoy a final morning at leisure in Christchurch. Reflect on your adventure, filled with cultural encounters and natural wonders before you are transferred to Christchurch Airport. Whether heading home or onward, you’ll depart with lasting memories, inspired by the beauty and spirit of Aotearoa.
Included Meals: Breakfast
““This South Island adventure tour is perfect for travellers seeking immersive nature experiences, gentle exploration, and boutique comfort every step of the way.””
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START PLANNINGHotel 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.
Nestled in Lake Rotorua’s glistening waters, On The Point is a luxurious sanctuary with stunning views. Immerse yourself in vibrant culture or unwind by the cozy fireplace. Indulge in heavenly spa treatments, private beach fly fishing, aquatic sports, tennis, and boating excursions.
Located at Craggy Range’s Giants Winery in Havelock North, in the heart of New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, Craggy Range’s Vineyard, River and Garden Cottages and Luxury Lodges offer boutique accommodation among the vines under the escarpment of Te Mata Peak.
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.
At one with nature, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the ultimate coming together of luxury escape and environmental awareness. Great care has been taken to ensure this exceptional forest retreat steps lightly upon the earth, from the organic cotton bedspreads to its recycled local building materials. Discerning travellers will appreciate the hotel’s attention to detail, which starts with attentive personal service upon arrival, and continues throughout all the hotel facilities and every aspect of your stay.
At one with nature, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the ultimate coming together of luxury escape and environmental awareness. Great care has been taken to ensure this exceptional forest retreat steps lightly upon the earth, from the organic cotton bedspreads to its recycled local building materials. Discerning travellers will appreciate the hotel’s attention to detail, which starts with attentive personal service upon arrival, and continues throughout all the hotel facilities and every aspect of your stay.
The George hotel in Christchurch typifies luxury at every level. Extensive facilities, comprehensive service, excellent quality and attention to detail. Experience our signature style and consistent personalised service. The George restaurant – the award-winning 50 Bistro offers a beautiful setting overlooking Hagley Park, event spaces offer natural light, seclusion and all the modern conveniences while the accommodation offers 5-star comfort.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Franz Josef village is small (only 500 locals) and is located only ten minutes from the Glacier. The Franz Josef is a glacier located in Westland National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Together with the Fox Glacier 20 km to the south it is a unique in the fact that it descends from the Southern Alps to just 200 metres above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest. The glacier is currently 12 kilometres long and terminates 19 km from the Tasman Sea. The glacier exhibits a cyclic pattern of advance and retreat, driven by differences between the volume of meltwater at the foot of the glacier and volume of snowfall feeding the neve.
Greymouth is the West Coast’s largest town and it is a central location for exploring the area which is famous for its spectacular scenery and adventure activities including ‘black water’ rafting (through caves) white water rafting, jet boating, caving, hiking, fishing and much more. The coastal waters off Greymouth are well known for Hectors Dolphins, seabirds and NZ fur seals Once the site of a major Maori pa (fort) in pre-European times Maori passed through Greymouth on their travels to find greenstone or ‘pounamu’ (a type of jade) and built major Maori pa (fort), Greenstone is a popular local product.
Christchurch is the city of exploration, where urban regeneration and heritage thrive. The city is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces. Christchurch is the newest city in the world, and it’s time the world rediscovered its secrets.The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. The Avon River intersects the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment.