New Zealand: What to Know Before You Go on a Luxury Journey

It’s best to think of New Zealand as a mini-continent. In just a couple islands, the country squeezes together grand landscapes that elsewhere are usually hundreds of miles apart. The rainforest brushes up against glaciers, desert, mountains, and the beach. Most visitors here see many regions and many types of activities in one trip. It is possible to kayak through placid sounds in the morning, for example, and taste fine wines in a vineyard after lunch.

Locals are quite friendly. Even in the “big” cities, people greet you with a small-town charm. And though their country is beautiful beyond compare, they are often delighted and curious as to why you decided to visit.

Getting Here

New Zealand is far from home, so getting here involves an overnight flight (13.5+ hours) direct from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, or Chicago, usually on Air New Zealand or Qantas. It is possible to arrange a stopover in Fiji or Tahiti to break up your flights with a bit of tropical island relaxation; on Air New Zealand, you can add a stopover in the Cook Islands at no additional cost. You can also reach New Zealand via cruise ships from Sydney, Australia.

Getting Around

Driving is the most popular and recommended way of seeing New Zealand. Many of the best things to do are out of the way and inaccessible without a car.

But road trips here have little in common with those in the United States. There are no super highways. Roads are narrow and lined with epic views of mountains, sea, and forest. There are endless opportunities to stop for waterfall swims, scenic views, and lunches in quiet towns. Many DUE clients say that driving was their favorite and most surprising part of their trip.

New Zealand has many small airports on a hub and spoke system with Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. It is common to drive from one part of the country to another and then fly back. There are also many opportunities for scenic flights and helicopter rides.

The country boasts a selection of train routes, mostly along scenic thoroughfares. Most notably, the TranzAlpine scenic train travels from Christchurch to the rugged West Coast and back, passing through the beautiful Arthur’s Pass.

Popular Activities

• Hiking: Nearly everything awesome about New Zealand happens outdoors. Hiking is the best way to see the country. Trails range from accessible coastal walks to advanced alpine treks in places like Tongariro National Park and Lake Tekapo. From day trips to multi-night with luxury lodges.
• Scenic Flights: New Zealand boasts more helicopters per capita than any other country on earth. Chopper and airplane flights are available over glaciers, mountains, and rainforests. The experience is simply unforgettable.
• Wine: If you haven’t had a New Zealand sauvignon blanc or pinot noir, stop reading right now and go pencil them onto your grocery list. We’ll wait. You don’t have to be an oenophile to savor the famous flavors of the country’s notable wines. The country’s wine regions of Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay and Otago (near Queenstown) offer tastings, vineyard tours, fine dining and more.
• Adrenaline Sports: Bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, mountain biking, zorbing, abseiling (canyon repelling): New Zealand boasts the best of a million kinds of adrenaline activities.
• Maori Cultural Activities: Experience the rich and inviting Maori heritage. Join in a performance and hangi (feast), visit a Maori art gallery, or stay overnight in a Maori village.
• Golf: Play top challenging links courses at Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs and more.
• Rafting and Kayaking: Dart down whitewater rivers in rugged mountains, plunge into black water in caves lit by fluorescent glow worms, paddle with wildlife like seals, dolphins, and whales, or cruise through fiords, sounds, streams and more.
• Horseback Riding: Ride beaches and hilltops including the track Fodor’s rated the most scenic horseback path in the world.
• Bird Watching: New Zealand is a bird wonderland. Spot kiwi in the dark, visit the royal albatross colony, watch little blue penguins waddle in from the sea, view rare yellow eyed penguins in their natural habitat, or voyage to an isolated bird sanctuary island.

Accommodations

New Zealand offers exceptional stays, from architecturally stunning lodges to remote boutique escapes. Huka Lodge brings riverside elegance near Taupō, while Matakauri Lodge near Queenstown offers uninterrupted views of The Remarkables. At The Lindis, a futuristic retreat in the Ahuriri Valley, privacy and design meet the rugged beauty of the South Island.

Many luxury lodges feature personal chefs, sommeliers, and spa treatments. Some can only be accessed by helicopter, offering exclusivity unmatched elsewhere. Destination lodges immerse you in the landscape, ideal for travelers seeking stillness and seclusion.

Handpicked boutique hotels and curated B&Bs add character to your journey. Often owner-operated, they reflect local heritage and provide a personalized sense of place.

For multi-generational groups or varied budgets, we also match travelers with quality mid-range accommodations that maintain style and comfort.

Dining

New Zealand’s culinary scene draws from its multicultural roots and pristine environment. From award-winning restaurants to heli-access picnics, cuisine here feels both grounded and extraordinary.

Dine at Amisfield near Queenstown or Rātā by Josh Emett for hyper-seasonal menus. Local specialties include manuka honey, green-lipped mussels, and grass-fed lamb. Bluff oysters and artisan cheeses complete the flavor landscape.

Gourmet experiences range from Māori hangi feasts to cooking classes and food-and-wine pairings at vineyards. In-lodge private dining, local seafood barbecues, and farmers markets round out the offerings. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious, meals in New Zealand are rich in story and flavor.

What to Wear

Pack for comfort, variety, and style. The layered climate, often referred to as having four seasons in one day, calls for upscale activewear, breathable shirts, light rain shells, and cozy mid-layers. For alpine areas and coastal hikes, packable down jackets and waterproof footwear are essential.

Luxury travelers may want an elevated outfit for vineyard lunches or golf clubs, but formalwear isn’t needed. Most lodges offer laundry services and adventure gear rentals, so you can travel light and stay polished.

A stylish swimsuit is a must, as thermal pools, waterfalls, and spa experiences await.

Christmas and Holiday Travel

Summer in New Zealand peaks during December and January, aligning with the holiday break in North America. This makes it a highly desirable destination for Christmas and New Year’s escapes.

Because it’s the busiest time of year, we recommend booking at least 6 to 8 months ahead. Top-tier accommodations, golf tee times, private guides, and domestic flights often fill quickly and include seasonal surcharges.

We help clients secure curated festive experiences. Think private lodge dinners on Christmas Eve, vineyard parties on New Year’s Eve, and exclusive scenic flights to ring in the new year. For post-holiday relaxation, pair your trip with time in Fiji or Australia.

Why New Zealand Is the Ultimate Luxury Destination

Luxury travel to New Zealand means privacy, personalization, and natural grandeur. The country’s low population density provides serenity, and its dual-island makeup means every landscape imaginable, including glaciers, rainforests, deserts, and coastlines, is within reach.

Private tours in New Zealand span glacier landings, yacht charters, and spa retreats. Many accommodations are remote and accessible only by scenic flights. In every corner of this unique country, you’ll find options for discovery that feel like they were created just for you.

Bespoke North Island and South Island itineraries offer variety and contrast, perfect for travelers seeking inspiration and indulgence in one trip.

Insider Experiences and Private Access

Our deep local partnerships provide privileged access to experiences unavailable to most tourists. Tour Hobbiton before it opens, enjoy after-hours cultural performances, or meet winemakers for private tastings in Marlborough.

Explore national parks by helicopter, toast with champagne beside hidden alpine lakes, or enjoy personalized art gallery visits hosted by curators. VIP New Zealand travel also includes access to seasonal events, exclusive golf clubs, and hand-selected guides.

Each bespoke journey is crafted to reflect your interests with elevated service and immersive storytelling.

Luxury Travel Itinerary Samples

A 10 to 14-day sample itinerary may begin with a relaxing stay on Waiheke Island, known for its boutique vineyards, golden beaches, and artisan food scene. From there, enjoy a guided heli-hike in Tongariro National Park or spend a few nights in a coastal lodge exploring Abel Tasman National Park by kayak.

Luxury travelers often choose to fly to the South Island for alpine scenery and quiet sophistication. Spend time in Queenstown for soft adventure and exceptional dining, then retreat to a luxury wilderness lodge in Fiordland, accessible only by helicopter or private boat.

We tailor each itinerary to suit your pace and style, using the best mix of scenic flights, road journeys, and rail experiences. For families or multi-generational groups, we build in flexibility and comfort. Stopovers in Fiji or Tahiti can add an extra layer of indulgence, while an extension to Stewart Island introduces wildlife lovers to a secluded natural haven.

Our luxury itineraries highlight the best sights and activities, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, while combining North Island culture with New Zealand South Island adventures. Every trip is custom designed and personally vetted by our team, who travel regularly to ensure exceptional experiences.