- 15 Days -
We're just assembling some amazing activities to choose from - wont be long!
Luxury Accommodation at New Zealand's finest 5-star resorts - The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs ◦ Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island ◦ Huka Lodge, Lake Taupo ◦ The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay ◦ Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown ◦ Travel by chauffeur driven car or flights within New Zealand ◦ Option to self-drive ◦ The best of local activities to enjoy
This price is based on two persons sharing a room and includes accommodation and the use of a rental car. Prices will vary according to your actual travel dates and accommodation choices.
After your morning arrival at Auckland Airport, take the short flight to KeriKeri where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs. Resting on an unspoilt coastline where high cliffs nestle into three pristine private beaches, Kauri Cliffs is experiential travel at its best. Named the number one resort in Australia and New Zealand by 'Travel + Leisure', Kauri Cliffs is a leisure travellers dream. Activities abound with the David Harman-designed golf course, immersive local heritage tours, bountiful fishing, bush walks, mountain biking, quad biking and a spa sanctuary hidden within native forest.
You might also find time to enjoy one of following optional activities; just add them to your Wish List.
Your chauffeur driven car will be ready for a morning transfer to the Auckland departure point for the Waiheke Island ferry (35 minutes). On arrival you'll be met by your hosts and transferred for your 3 night stay at the luxurious Delamore Lodge.
Waiheke Island is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and white sand beaches. In landscape, lifestyle and experience it's a world away and is now established as a favorite with international visitors. During your stay you might be tempted to return to Auckland for the day to experience one or more of these optional activities. Or maybe just explore the vineyards and cafes of Waiheke Island from your home at Delamore Lodge.
This morning your driver will be waiting for you at the Auckland ferry terminal to drive you to Huka Lodge the resort that sets the standards for luxury New Zealand accommodation. A long list of past guests includes H.M. Queen Elizabeth II of England, Barbra Streisand, authors Bryce Courtenay & James A. Mitchener, Bill Gates and many more.
On the drive to Huka Lodge you'll have time to enjoy a stop or two along the way at one of the following. If any of these interest you, add them to your Wish List, just so we know.
Today's drive of around 2 hours is all about fantastic scenery with rugged forested hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and wonderful panoramic views to enjoy along the way. Your accommodation for the next 2 nights will be at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, located close to New Zealand's wine growing region of Hawkes Bay.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is one of the world’s extraordinary luxury destinations, set on a 6,000 acre sheep and cattle farm with breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean and the finest standards of accommodation, service and hospitality that New Zealand offers.
Your hosts will take you to Napier Airport for your morning flight to New Zealand's premier destination, Queenstown and for the next 4 nights you will stay at the luxury Matakauri Lodge, overlooking majestic Lake Wakatipu.
Matakauri Lodge offers stunning views from every angle of the Remarkables and Walter Peak mountain ranges. The Lodge is nestled in one of the world's most serenely beautiful landscapes. Originally constructed in 2000 with a contemporary New Zealand design, it was reopened in August 2010 after undergoing extensive refurbishment and new interior design by acclaimed New Zealand Interior Designer, Virginia Fisher. Then there's the many attractions of nearby Queenstown and the many forests, lakes, rivers and hiking opportunities to be explored and enjoyed.
Today you take an afternoon flight back to Auckland in time to connect with your homeward flight to the USA. Kia Ora New Zealand and please return one day soon.
Until this is completed, please email us with your intended date of travel and the number of days you will have to explore our beautiful country.
We will respond with some exciting ideas within 24-hours
Send this to lindsay@newzealandvacations.com
This is New Zealand’s most important historic site where in 1840 New Zealand’s founding document was signed, the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty Grounds features the Treaty House, the carved Meeting House and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe. Be sure to visit the exciting new Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi opened in February 2016 and telling the story of Maori and European contact and the ongoing development of New Zealand as a nation.
The beautiful carved entrance to the Waitangi treaty house.
Inside the treaty house the intricate carvings and woven panels make it well worth the visit.
The ceremonial war canoe, waka in Moari, is a stunning 35 meter long functioning piece of art.
Te Kongahu museum houses the many stories and artefacts behind New Zealand's most important historic sight.
This is an organized coach tour to Cape Reinga at the very top of the North Island where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. Travel via the spectacular 90 Mile Beach and experience the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region, including the thrills of sand-boarding on the massive sand dunes that face the beach.
Travelling the beach by coach allows you to experience the true scale of the beautiful 90 mile beach.
The historical lighthouse at Cape Reinga built in 1941 stands 165 meters above sea level.
The spectacular view of Crystal Clear Bay from Cape Reinga's coastal walkway.
The very popular sand boarding experience is a must for thrill seekers on one of the 90 mile beach's gigantic sand dunes.
New Zealand Vacations customers Andrew and Hannah after their sand boarding experience down this
massive sand dune.
Cruise the Bay of Islands in search of dolphin on board our purpose built catamaran as well as experiencing the breathtaking 'Hole in the Rock'. Includes an island stopover on beautiful Urupukapuka Island Reserve.
As well as a chance to spot some dolphins, going through the hole in the rock is a highlight of the cruise.
The purpose built catamaran allows for some amazing photo opportunities of the friendly, playful dolphins.
Experience a slice of paradise stopping over at Otehi Bay on Urupukapuka Island reserve.
Soaking up the stunning scenery at Otehi Bay with a fantastic view of the surrounding islands.
Small group tours to view the stunning Waiheke Island landscapes, contemporary and traditional Maori art practices and internationally renowned boutique wineries. To really experience the depth and beauty that Waiheke Island has to offer is to experience it with Potiki Tours, the indigenous people of this land.
In 2007 the original Auckland Art Gallery was completely closed for 4 years while it underwent extensive renovations. Since reopening it has established itself as one of the country's most iconic buildings. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and atmosphere of traditional and contemporary international works of art. The gallery is located right in the heart of the city and also boasts the largest permanent collection of New Zealand art. Their popular cafe is a great place to enjoy a coffee or lunch and the back entrance looks out on Albert Park and the adjoining University of Auckland. A nice place for a stroll to admire the historic fountain, bandstand and flower gardens.
The stunning entrance to the gallery.
The beautifully restored Wellesley Gallery in the Heritage Building.
Auckland, also known as 'The City of Sails' is the city that provided the core of the team that first won the America’s Cup in 1995 in San Diego. Here's your opportunity to feel the thrill of sailing an authentic America’s Cup yacht. Take the helm to help steer, work hard on the grinders to hoist the mainsail or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Join the crew and help steer the impressive yacht around Auckland harbor, a must do for yachting enthusiasts.
Visit the Hobbiton movie set where scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed. In a fascinating two-hour guided tour you will be taken through the twelve acre site recounting fascinating details of how the movie set was created. The Hobbit Holes, Green Dragon™ Inn, Mill and other structures created for these
A tour through the Hobbiton movie set is a must for any Hobbit/Lord of the rings fan.
The Hobbit houses and gardens are kept in beautiful condition.
Dining in Hobbit style, part of the Wednesday evening dinner tour.
This is one of the iconic visitor attractions on any New Zealand vacation itinerary. The glow worm, Arachnocampa luminosa is unique to New Zealand and thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as your expert guides explains the Caves' historical and geological significance. A highlight of a visit to Waitomo Caves is the river boat ride under the thousands of magical glowworms.
The boat tour takes you into the cave past the thousands of magical glowworms.
The guided tour continues inside the caves with information and history about the amazing rock formations.
The strange geological formations, the forests and the lakes of Waimangu Valley always creates a sense of wonder for visitors. This is a place of constant geothermal activity and tremendous heat, creating steam, geysers and streams bubbling away at 125 degrees! We recommend a cruise on the incredible cobalt blue Lake Rotomahana, where stories will be told of the violent eruptions of 1886 that formed the Waimangu Valley and the natural beauty that it created. You can also read about our visit to Waimangu Valley in our blog - North Island Highlights - Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
The incredible geothermal waters.
Walks through the forests make for amazing views of the cobalt waters.
Cruising Lake Rotomahana brings you up close to the geothermal wonders.
In 1931 Napier was almost completely destroyed by a devastating earthquake. An interesting outcome of interest to visitors from the USA is that after the earthquake, a delegation visited Santa Barbara in California which had been rebuilt after their terrible earthquake of 1925. As a result of this visit the city fathers decided that Napier would be rebuilt in the Spanish Mission style of Santa Barbara, but although examples of this style are still to be found, it was the Art Deco style of the 30's that eventually prevailed.
This is the world's largest and most accessible colony of gannets birds where over 6,500 breeding pairs make their homes. Travel from Napier in a specialized air conditioned 4x4 vehicle to these amazing nesting grounds, a 'must see' for any visitor.
Visit up to 7 of this region's finest wineries and enjoy easy cycling on some stunning, off road trails following the beautiful Tuki Tuki River and the coast.
Your cycle starts at the small, boutique winery of Red Barrell in the village of Havelock North where you have the opportunity to taste their wines before continuing on to Black Barn Vineyards. Here you can visit the vineyard gallery featuring some great New Zealand art.
If you happen to be in town over the summer, make sure you check the concert schedule for the annual Black Barn outdoor amphitheatre concerts. Past guests have included English rocker Rod Stewart, Canadian Bryan Adams and UB40 (early bookings an absolute must!).
A short ride will then take you to Te Mata Estate winery before joining the Landscapes Trail for a scenic, off road cycle to the coast through stunning orchard country.
On arrival in the coastal village of Haumoana enjoy visits to the rustic Beach House winery, Elephant Hill Estate, Clearview Estate and Te Awanga Estate.
Lunch is available at either Elephant Hill or Clearview before your return transfer to your accommodation.
With its ancient rainforests and abundant wildlife the overnight cruise in the fiords of the utterly remote Doubtful Sound is quite simply breathtaking and a highlight of any New Zealand vacation. Practically untouched by humans the physical grandeur of towering peaks and waterfalls like The Browne Falls that cascades 2,000 feet into this inland sea, create a powerful atmosphere of solitude and serenity. Crested penguins, bottlenose dolphins and New Zealand fur seals are among the wildlife that make their homes here. You can also read our blog about the adjacent Dusky Sound tour, an extremely rare opportunity to visit one of the most remote fiords on the planet.
Dusk is an amazing time to view the spectacular cliffs surrounding the fiord.
Keep an eye out for crested penguins, one of the native animals that live in the fiord.
Take a kayak to get up close to one of the many magical waterfalls to be seen during the cruise.
The Milford Sound cruise is the most well known icon of New Zealand tourism. You can either drive yourself to the fjord before joining the cruise from Te Anau or Queenstown, or for a more relaxing experience take a coach tour from either Te Anau or Queenstown. The road through the Fiordland National Park to reach the fiord is one of the world's great drives, so allow plenty of time to stop and soak up the amazing vistas. For a special treat fly to Milford Sound and return to Queenstown by coach. For more about Milford Sound read our Milford Sound blog here.
The world famous scenery of Milford Sounds is simply breathtaking.
Capture the magnificent scale of the mountains and waterfalls by cruising the fiords.
Milford's awe-inspiring scenery has made it a must see when visiting the South Island.
This small group guided tour is a great way to enjoy the best scenery in the wider Queenstown region combined with a wine tour that is tailored to suit the tastes of everyone on board. There will be many scenic stops to capture the exceptional scenery and 3 wineries will be visited with a platter lunch of local and seasonal delights included. A highlight will be a stunning drive over the Crown Range Alpine Pass, New Zealand's highest road.
The beautiful Autumn hues of the grapevines at Mt Rosa vineyard, Gibbston Valley.
Views of some Gibbston Valley vineyards taken on the weekend of a local music festival.
Grapevines at Gibbston Valley, a popular destination for cycling tours.
The Ribbon Vineyards situated by the majestic Lake Wanaka.
If you would like to enjoy a fun quiz, take a look at our blog about a well known local vineyard owner.