Romantic Luxury Private Vacation: Fly, Sail, and Savor New Zealand
This intimate New Zealand journey combines luxury accommodations with exclusive private experiences designed for romance. From private sailing charters through the Bay of Islands to helicopter adventures over dramatic volcanic landscapes, every moment is crafted for couples seeking extraordinary shared experiences.
At a Glance
- 3 nights Bay of Islands
- 3 nights Rotorua
- 3 nights Nelson
- 3 nights Queenstown
Save $500 on Your Customized New Zealand Trip
Book a Custom Trip* with one of our Travel & Leisure A List New Zealand Experts, receive a $500 discount
Book by: 30 November 2025
Travel by: 31 March 2027
*Custom Trip Definition: All participants must travel on the same itinerary on the same travel dates
Group Size: No limit on the number of travelers
The one time $500 discount will be applied to the final payment for your trip.
Trip Highlights
Bucket List, Elevated
Experience dramatic Middle-earth scenery in style with private helicopter journeys—from the otherworldly volcanoes of Rotorua to the pristine snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes of Queenstown.
Special Access
Enjoy exclusive private boat charters in the Bay of Islands, Lake Rotoiti, and Abel Tasman National Park—complete with dolphin encounters, thermal pool experiences, and gourmet dining. These intimate adventures provide access to secluded bays and coves unavailable to the general public.
Unique Stays
This journey features some of the most exclusive and luxurious stays in New Zealand, each offering 5-star service in a unique natural wonderland. Te Koi – The Lodge at Bronte exemplifies this luxury with its secluded waterfront setting, plus on-demand access to personal chefs, trainers, and massage therapists.
Suggested Itinerary
The itinerary below is just one example of what we can create. At Down Under Endeavours, we use 25+ years of hands-on expertise to design bespoke adventures inspired by you. Get in touch to make your dream trip a reality!
Bay of Islands
Private Sailing Excursion
Pictured: Secluded beach in the Bay of Islands
Day 1: Journey to the Bay of Islands
Welcome to New Zealand! Fly into Kerikeri on the North Island, collect your rental car, and drive to your luxury retreat in the Bay of Islands. Your magnificent villa features ocean views, spacious private balcony, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces, where large windows connect stunning subtropical landscapes to elegant interior spaces. Celebrate your arrival with champagne and settle into the peace and tranquility of this unique romantic retreat.
Overnight: Bay of Islands (Owner’s Cottage at Kauri Cliffs)
Day 2: Private Sailing Adventure
Experience the Bay of Islands like locals with your private sailing charter aboard a spacious yacht purpose-built for day sailing. Help set and trim the sails, relax on expansive decks, watch for penguins and petrels, and savor a delicious BBQ lunch onboard. With luck, you might even encounter dolphins and share a magical swimming experience together.
Overnight: Bay of Islands (Owner’s Cottage at Kauri Cliffs)
Day 3: Complete Leisure
Today unfolds entirely at your leisure to create your perfect romantic day. Golfers can experience nearby Kauri Cliffs, consistently rated among the world’s Top 100 Golf Courses, while adventure seekers might choose helicopter excursions, fishing, horseback riding, or skydiving. For cultural enrichment, explore the excellent interactive museum at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learning New Zealand’s foundational Maori history.
Overnight: Bay of Islands (Owner’s Cottage at Kauri Cliffs)
Rotorua
Volcanic Helicopter Tour | Private Sailing Charter
Pictured: Helicopter landing on Mt Tarawera
Day 4: Volcanic Landscapes Await
Drive to Kerikeri, return your rental car, and fly to Rotorua where your next rental car awaits. Journey through the green hills of Waikato region to serene Lake Rotorua and the acclaimed Solitaire Lodge. This premier luxury lodge offers breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera with lush natural bush and volcanic landscape backdrop, where subtle design brings the outdoors in for ultimate tranquility.
Overnight: Rotorua (Solitaire Lodge Executive Suite)
Day 5: Mount Tarawera Expedition
Fly to the site of New Zealand’s largest volcanic eruption in living memory. Landing on Mount Tarawera offers privileged views of spectacular craters and domes formed by the 1886 eruption, accompanied by fascinating commentary on regional history, culture, and geology. Scenic flights provide expansive views of the stunning Lakes District and National Parks, including Mount Tarawera’s dramatic beauty from above.
Overnight: Rotorua (Solitaire Lodge Executive Suite)
Day 6: Lake Rotoiti Sailing
This afternoon brings leisurely romance with a private sailing charter on gorgeous Lake Rotoiti and its many secluded bays and coves. Fish for rainbow trout together, swim in sunny thermal waters, soak in natural thermal pools, and discover local Maori stories and legends—all enhanced by fabulous onboard service in this intimate setting.
Overnight: Rotorua (Solitaire Lodge Executive Suite)
Nelson + Abel Tasman
Private Excursion in Abel Tasman National Park
Pictured: Abel Tasman Charters
Day 7: South Island Sanctuary
Fly to the South Island, collect your rental car, and drive to your beautiful suite at Te Koi. This luxury lodge offers the ultimate escape—a charming retreat basking in natural beauty, set amidst luscious gardens on a secluded point overlooking the stunning Waimea Estuary waters. Breathe in the intoxicating beauty of this romantic sanctuary.
Overnight: Nelson (Te Koi The Lodge at Bronte)
Day 8: Abel Tasman Private Charter
Explore the sunny beaches of Abel Tasman National Park with your private charter, where the day’s adventures unfold according to your desires. Discover golden sandy beaches, watch dolphins and New Zealand fur seals, and cruise past the famous Split Apple Rock. Pull into a sheltered bay for a delicious lunch with complete privacy while you swim, sea kayak, explore ashore, or simply relax together on the boat.
Overnight: Nelson (Te Koi The Lodge at Bronte)
Day 9: Lodge Bliss
Spend this day at leisure enjoying your lodge’s beauty and romantic ambiance. Alternatively, venture into Nelson to discover fun restaurants, art galleries, and artisan colonies that make this sunny city such a delightful destination for couples seeking culture and cuisine.
Overnight: Nelson (Te Koi The Lodge at Bronte)
Queenstown
Helicopter Tour of Fiordland and West Coast
Pictured: Helicopter flight in the mountains surrounding Queenstown
Day 10: Queenstown Alpine Romance
Return your rental car at Nelson airport and fly to Queenstown, your spectacular final destination. This bustling alpine town offers breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and snow-capped Remarkables mountains around every corner. Your elegant lakefront accommodation provides the perfect romantic setting with gourmet dining and extensive wine selections while inspiring views create unforgettable moments.
Overnight: Queenstown (Owners Cottage at Matakauri Lodge)
Day 11: Ultimate Scenic Adventure
Explore the natural beauty of Queenstown, Fiordlands, Mount Cook, and the rugged West Coast in exclusive luxury via helicopter. Witness dramatic mountain peaks, rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and impressive glaciers where scenery changes every minute yet remains absolutely breathtaking throughout.
Take an easy walk to a New Zealand fur seal colony, enjoy fish and chips on a secluded beach, and land on Franz Josef or Fox Glacier for a snowball fight. This represents the ultimate way to experience the South Island’s stunning scenery together in limited time.
Overnight: Queenstown (Owners Cottage at Matakauri Lodge)
Day 12: Queenstown at Leisure
Your final full day in New Zealand unfolds at your own romantic pace. Take scenic lakefront strolls, discover lively restaurants and bars, or simply relax and soak up the inspiring views from your luxury accommodation, savoring your last moments in this alpine paradise.
Overnight: Queenstown (Owners Cottage at Matakauri Lodge)
Day 13: Romantic Journey’s End
Your incredible romantic New Zealand adventure concludes with a private transfer from your lakefront retreat to the airport, carrying cherished memories of intimate luxury experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and perfect moments shared together.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
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