LUXURY LODGES OF NEW ZEALAND

Day 1 Arrive Bay of Islands

On arrival in the Bay of Islands, you will be met and taken to Kauri Cliffs - a spectacular five star hotel in Matauri Bay with stunning views, world class beaches and an award-winning golf course - not to mention some wonderful dining. The hotel is a member of the Relais & Chateaux Group, an association of the world's finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs. At Kauri Cliffs, you can settle into a relaxed pace or experience the many activities on offer.

Overnight: Kauri Cliffs

Day 2 Bay of Islands

After breakfast, your driver will whisk you off to Paihia for an adventure to the Waipoua Forest. Lift off and fly by helicopter to the beautiful Hokianga Harbour. On arrival your guide will meet you for a guided walk of the largest Kauri Forest in the world to view 'Tane Mahuta', God of the Forest. Your guide will share stories, song and music, before lunch overlooking the entrance to the Hokianga Harbour. Your helicopter will fly over the scenic harbour before returning to Paihia.This afternoon, you may wish to take a short ferry ride to Russell and stroll around KeriKeri Township, rich in crafts and history and known for its citrus-fruit orchards and craft workshops.

Overnight: Kauri Cliffs

Day 3 At Leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore this magnificent area. We recommend a walk around Kauri Cliffs' beautiful 6,000 acres, or a tour of the working farm with the farm manager. Pink Beach is made up of minute pink shells, and makes a lovely spot for a picnic lunch as the waves roll in.

Overnight: Kauri Cliffs

Day 4 Rotorua

After breakfast, check-out and head to KeriKeri Airport for your flight to Taupo. When you land, collect your rental vehicle and drive to Huka Lodge (around 20 minutes).  Founded more than 80 years ago, Huka is the grande dame of the Super Lodges.  The building has the rarefied air of a Scottish baronial castle, complete with a Highland piper on the lawn, and sits above the mighty Huka Falls, just a few minutes' drive from the vast, water-filled volcano crater that is Lake Taupo,.  With a huge amount of excellent activities to enjoy, try jet-boating, tandem skydiving, white-water rafting or the catch-and-release fishing.   The property has traditionally encouraged guests to dine together at tables warmed by a roaring fire, but the best spots for private meals are the snug library or any of the charming outdoor 'rooms', framed with topiary hedges and warmed by the glow of fires. Huka's secluded, four-bedroom Owner's Cottage has a private driveway and separate accommodation for security guards and there is also a traditional-looking, wooden cottage named after Alan Pye, who slung up some humble fishermen's huts right on the banks of the Waikato River in the 1920s.

Overnight: Huka Lodge

Day 5 At Leisure

This morning, you will depart by helicopter and fly north along the volcanic fault line en route to White Island. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal reserve with its vibrant Artist's Pallet and the Waimangu Valleys beautiful hot lakes before landing on the summit of Mount Tarawera Volcano. Enjoy informed commentary about the Mountain's relatively recent eruptive history and spectacular views of the craters and domes formed by the 1886 eruption. You will continue on to the climax of your journey standing on and walking around White Island's active crater floor; this is an incredible experience and definitely one of the highlights of this volcanic excursion.

Overnight: Huka Lodge

Day 6 Hawkes Bay 

After breakfast and check-out of the lodge, make your way to Hawkes Bay. A three and a half hour drive will take you to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a working farm with just twenty two guest suites that sits atop thousands of rolling acres of pasture-land overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With roaring fires, exposed brickwork, weathered wood and a view that will literally take your breath away, it's a therapeutic place to relax, have a game of golf, or hike along the numerous walking trails.

Overnight: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Day 7 Best of the Bay Tour

After breakfast, your guide will introduce you to the Hawke's Bay region. Your first stop will be World Wool, Clifton Station - a live farming show performed in and around the historic Clifton Station Woolshed. You'll see different breeds of sheep shorn using both modern and historical methods, before a visit to a rural coastal settlement to meet the Maori people to gain a spiritual insight into their culture. Drive to arty Napier to see the Art Deco buildings and meet fascinating artists who will show you their work and studios, before heading back to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers to spend the remainder of your day at leisure.

Overnight: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Day 8 South Island

Rise early for breakfast and return your car at Napier Airport before flying to Blenheim. You'll be met on arrival and driven for half an hour to Picton, where a water-taxi will be waiting to take you to the Bay of Many Coves. A five star resort in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, it offers perfect seclusion in the natural environment, delicious cuisine, stunning scenery and adventure. Your one bedroom apartment has a private balcony with stunning views.

Overnight: The Bay of Many Coves

Day 9 - 10 At Leisure

Enjoy two full days at your leisure to do as you please. We suggest a guided walk on the stunning and world famous Queen Charlotte Track; a visit to Motuara Island - a refuge for wildlife including native birds; or adventures including kayaking, bush walking, swimming with dolphins and orcas or spending a day on a motor yacht exploring the stunning bays and inlets.

Overnight: The Bay of Many Coves

Day 11 Kaikora

Return to Picton, where you'll be met and taken to collect your rental vehicle before making your way to Kaikora. En route, you can stop at Blenheim - an idyllic, unspoilt playground indented by dozens of secluded bays and pristine beaches; and as New Zealand's grape-growing region, it's a great place to stop for lunch at one of Marlborough's wineries, such as Brancott Estate or Cloudy Bay. On arrival at Kaikora, check-in to Hapuku Lodge and take to the treetops for your stay amidst Kaikora's dramatic scenery. The lodge was designed by a family of architects to compliment the spectacular environment and all tree-house rooms feature custom-crafted furnishings and views of the mountains or Pacific coastline. Hapuku is a fabulous base for whale watching and enjoying the best organic local produce.

Overnight: Hapuku Lodge

Day 12 Christchurch

After breakfast, make your own way to the wharf for an unforgettable trip out to sea on a shared boat in search of Orca and Sperm Whales. This region is a playground for whales all year round due to nutrient rich waters, and there is a very good chance that you'll see fur seals, tiny Hector dolphins, a wide variety of offshore birds and possibly an Albatross. The cruise will last for around two and a half hours, before you continue on to Otahuna Lodge in Christchurch; we recommend a stop for a sumptuous lunch at the prestigious Pegasus Bay Winery. Otahuna is a grand country house sitting on Banks Peninsula, with beautifully landscaped gardens and views of the Southern Alps. Enjoy delicious cuisine in the formal dining room or you may wish to retreat to a private table in the sunken wine cellar.

Overnight: Otahuna Lodge

Day 13 Akaroa

After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of Akaroa, the exquisite seaside town that once prospered as a French whaling station. It is still rich in French, Maori and English culture, which you'll absorb as you explore the colonial buildings, galleries and craft stores. Head to the harbour for a scenic cruise around the peninsular - including a visit to a Hector dolphin pod - during which you can look out for amazing bird life and sea mammals including the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hectors Dolphin. Following your cruise, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch as well as taking in one of the region's most iconic gardens.

Overnight: Otahuna Lodge

Day 14 Tranz Alpine train to Franz Joseph

This morning, make your way to Christchurch Airport to return your rental vehicle. You will then be transferred to the rail station to catch the Tranz Alpine to Greymouth - one of New Zealand's most rewarding experiences. From your carriage, you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland give way to the dramatic gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the west coast town of Greymouth, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers. On arrival at Greymouth, collect your rental vehicle and make your way to Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Joseph, an unforgettable retreat nestled amongst native west coast rainforest.

Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 15 Heli-Hiking and Scenic Flights

After breakfast, enjoy a Heli-Hike on Franz Josef, the world's steepest and fastest flowing glacier. After an exciting scenic flight you will land up high, and take a two-hour guided hike amongst pristine and awe-inspiring scenery. Make your way through a wonderland of towering pinnacles and brilliantly blue ice as you ascend the rugged terrain of the slow moving frozen river, where the landscape changes daily. After your exhilarating morning, enjoy your afternoon at leisure at Te Waonui Retreat.

Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 16 Queenstown

En route to Queenstown you will have plenty of time to explore Mount Aspiring National Park, take a stroll in Wanaka, and stop for lunch. On arrival in Queenstown, check-in to Matakuri Lodge. Situated on the banks of stunning Lake Wakatipu, nestled in native bush, Matakauri is one of the most private and serene retreats imaginable, with just eleven suites and jaw-dropping views at every turn.

Overnight: Matakauri Lodge

Day 17 Heli Adventure

After breakfast, travel to Queenstown Airport for a helicopter flight to Milford Sound with a glacier landing. You will see mountains gliding by as your helicopter winds its way through the Southern Alps on an unforgettable flight to Milford Sound. Enjoy the scenery beneath - alpine lakes, lush rainforest, deep bush-fringed valleys and rugged mountain peaks - before you land and absorb the beauty of Fiordland. A delicious lunch amongst this remote alpine wilderness is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip.

Overnight: Matakauri Lodge

Day 18 - 19 At Leisure

Enjoy two full days at leisure enjoying the scenery either from the comfort of the lodge or on a guided hike on the Routeburn Track. Nearby Arrowtown is an atmospheric gold mining village with historic buildings and bags of charm; and the growing cafe culture means there's plenty of choice for a delicious meal. Whatever you choose, you won't be far away from majestic mountains and truly spectacular scenery.

Overnight: Matakauri Lodge

Day 20 Depart

Following check-out of your spectacular lodge, you'll be driven back to airport for your flight home.