New Zealand Luxury Vacation: Rejuvenation and Discovery
This journey through New Zealand’s most exclusive lodges combines breathtaking natural beauty with world-class wellness experiences. From your first sunrise over the Pacific at Kauri Cliffs to helicopter flights above glacial peaks, every moment is designed to restore both body and spirit while showcasing the country’s most spectacular landscapes.
At a Glance
- 3 nights Bay of Islands
- 1 night Auckland
- 2 nights Rotorua
- 4 nights Nelson/Abel Tasman
- 4 nights Queenstown
Trip Highlights
Bucket List, Elevated
On the South Island, lift off for a helicopter journey that links Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, and Mt Cook National Park in one breathtaking sweep. Land on untouched glacial ice, hear the crunch beneath your boots, and take in alpine peaks and fjords that feel like the edge of the earth.
Special Access
Experience Abel Tasman National Park from the water with a private charter boat, exploring golden sand beaches and native wilderness areas accessible only by sea, with opportunities for sea kayaking and dolphin spotting.
Unique Stays
Unwind at three of New Zealand’s most exclusive properties: the clifftop Kauri Cliffs (pictured) with its 180-degree Pacific views, the wellness-focused Split Apple Retreat, and the legendary Blanket Bay, nestled beside Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu.
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 + Auckland
Private Beaches | Clifftop Golf
Pictured: Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Day 1: Pacific Panoramas at Kauri Cliffs
Touch down in Auckland and collect your rental car for the scenic drive north to Bay of Islands. Your destination is The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, perched on 6,000 acres with sweeping 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and offshore Cavalli Islands. The luxury here extends far beyond your suite—pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres, à la carte dinners, a stocked minibar, infinity pool, tennis courts, and three private beaches are all included. Walking tracks wind across the property, while mountain bikes await those ready to explore.
Overnight: Bay of Islands (The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs)
Day 2-3: Tee Off and Wind Down
These days unfold entirely at your own pace. The world-famous clifftop golf course beckons serious players, while the spa offers treatments overlooking the ocean. Simply lounging by the infinity pool or strolling one of the private beaches proves equally rewarding.
Overnight: Bay of Islands (The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs)
Day 4: City of Sails
Drive south through ancient kauri forests and charming townships to reach Auckland. One night at the waterfront Sofitel offers time to experience the harbor city’s renowned dining scene and stylish bars.
Overnight: Auckland (Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour)
Rotorua + Solitaire Lodge
Lakeside Luxury | Tranquil Retreat
Pictured: Solitaire Lodge in Rotorua, New Zealand
Day 5-6: Lakeside Serenity
Continue through the rolling green hills of Waikato to Lake Rotorua and the intimate Solitaire Lodge. This architectural gem blends seamlessly with its surroundings, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the lake and your New Zealand hosts ensure every detail feels effortless. The lodge serves as both peaceful retreat and launching point for North Island adventures, though many guests find the tranquil setting reason enough to simply stay put.
Overnight: Rotorua (Solitaire Lodge)
Abel Tasman + Split Apple Retreat
Wellness Experiences | Kayaking
Pictured: Split Apple Retreat, Luxury Resort in Abel Tasman National Park
Day 7: South Island Sanctuary
Return your rental car and fly to New Zealand’s South Island, where Split Apple Retreat welcomes you with afternoon tea and a bottle of award-winning local wine. This wellness haven comes complete with gym, infrared sauna, steam room, outdoor spa pool, infinity swimming pool, and private theater.
Overnight: Nelson/Abel Tasman (Split Apple Retreat)
Day 8-10: Wellness and Wilderness
These three days blend rejuvenation with adventure in perfect measure. Mornings might begin with yoga overlooking the Tasman Sea, followed by deep tissue massages or personalized wellness consultations.
When you’re ready for exploration, a private charter boat reveals Abel Tasman National Park’s golden beaches and turquoise coves. Hike through native bush, paddle sea kayaks through crystal-clear waters, and watch for dolphins playing in the boat’s wake. Gourmet cooking classes and personal training sessions round out the offerings at this exceptional retreat.
Overnight: Nelson/Abel Tasman (Split Apple Retreat)
Queenstown + Fiordland
Helicopter Tour | Luxury Alpine Retreat
Pictured: Helicopter Over Milford Sound
Day 11: Alpine Luxury
A short flight brings you to Queenstown and arguably New Zealand’s most luxurious lodge. Blanket Bay sits in splendid isolation beside Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and accessible only by helicopter or boat. Here, understated elegance meets dramatic natural beauty.
Overnight: Queenstown (Blanket Bay)
Day 12: Scenic Flight of a Lifetime
Board your helicopter for an epic journey across the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes. First, land at pristine Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, where granite peaks plunge into dark waters. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier, touching down on ancient ice formations, before reaching Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park for close encounters with hanging glaciers and ice rivers.
Overnight: Queenstown (Blanket Bay)
Day 13: Day at Leisure
Today belongs entirely to you and the extraordinary setting of Blanket Bay. Indulge in spa treatments, soak in the Jacuzzi with champagne and mountain views, or simply breathe in the fresh alpine air from your private terrace.
Overnight: Queenstown (Blanket Bay)
Day 14: Farewell to Paradise
A private transfer brings you to Queenstown airport, carrying memories of a country that has restored both your sense of adventure and inner peace.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
Does not include the cost of airfare
Based on
You might also be interested in
Romantic Luxury Private Vacation: Fly, Sail, and Savor New Zealand
Discover New Zealand’s pristine wilderness with the utmost luxury and exclusivity. Enjoy private boat charters and helicopter excursions to explore some of New Zealand’s most dazzling scenery, from active volcanoes to icy blue glaciers to golden beaches.