New Zealand Highlights: Scenery, Adventure, and Wine Package
This New Zealand highlights vacation showcases the country’s most captivating experiences: dramatic scenery, heart-pounding adventures, and world-class wine. From the snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes of the South Island, to the golden hills of the North Island, discover why New Zealand remains one of the world’s most coveted luxury destinations.
At a Glance
- 3 nights Queenstown
- 3 nights Nelson
- 3 nights Hawke’s Bay
Trip Highlights
Bucket List, Elevated
Soar by helicopter over Fiordland National Park to reach pristine Milford Sound, where you’ll sail among seals, penguins, and dolphins against a backdrop of rushing waterfalls. Weather permitting, your return flight includes a thrilling glacier landing.
Special Access
Experience a private Hawke’s Bay tour that includes exclusive winery visits, Art Deco architecture, and a visit with a Maori elder. This personalized day is crafted entirely around your interests, providing access to behind-the-scenes experiences unavailable to most visitors.
Unique Stays
Te Koi – The Lodge at Bronte offers an exclusive retreat overlooking the stunning Waimea Estuary. This intimate lodge provides specially chartered helicopter and boat excursions alongside gourmet dining experiences and breathtaking views.
Suggested Itinerary
The itinerary below is just one example of what we can create. At Down Under Endeavours, we use 20+ years of hands-on expertise to design bespoke adventures inspired by you. Get in touch to make your dream trip to New Zealand a reality!
Queenstown
Fiordlands Helicopter and Sailing Tour
Pictured: Helicopter in Milford Sound
Day 1: Welcome to New Zealand!
Fly Air New Zealand direct from Chicago to Auckland, connecting to Queenstown on the stunning South Island. This alpine town serves as New Zealand’s adventure capital, where breathtaking mountain scenery meets endless thrills. Enjoy a private transfer to The Rees Hotel, featuring absolutely stunning views over Lake Wakatipu, while the award-winning wine list provides an excellent sampling of New Zealand’s incredible wines.
Overnight: Queenstown (The Rees Hotel)
Day 2: Milford Sound Heli + Sailing
Explore New Zealand’s most pristine wilderness on an epic journey, beginning with a scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound over the untouched UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Sail the remote fiord with Mitre Peak Cruises, encountering native forests, waterfalls, and marine wildlife including seals, penguins, and dolphins.
Your helicopter flight home reveals forests, glaciers, and picturesque lakes and streams. Weather permitting, you may even touch down on a remote glacier for a memorable snowball fight in the pristine alpine wilderness.
Overnight: Queenstown (The Rees Hotel)
Day 3: Queenstown at Leisure
Today unfolds entirely at your pace. Ride the Skyline Gondola for spectacular views of The Remarkables mountain range, stroll around Lake Wakatipu’s shores, enjoy a fabulous lunch at Amisfield winery, or pick up a kayak to explore the crystal-clear waters at your leisure.
Overnight: Queenstown (The Rees Hotel)
Nelson + Abel Tasman
Small-Group Abel Tasman Excursion | Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Pictured: Helicopter picnic excursion at Te Koi
Day 4: Nelson Luxury Retreat
Fly to Nelson, collect your rental car, and drive to Bronte, where your luxurious home-away-from-home awaits. Te Koi the Lodge offers the ultimate escape—a luxury lodge filled with charm and basking in natural beauty. Set amidst luscious gardens on a secluded point overlooking the stunning Waimea Estuary waters, this retreat engages all the senses.
Seasoned chef Ali and sommelier Ian Metcalfe provide specially prepared dinners featuring local delicacies matched with delicious regional wines. Specially chartered helicopter and boat trips can be arranged to explore the local surroundings in exclusive style.
Overnight: Nelson (Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte)
Day 5: Abel Tasman Coastal Paradise
Board a comfortable catamaran for an unhurried day cruising the Abel Tasman National Park coast. Choose to kayak pristine lagoons, hike iconic bush tracks, swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or simply relax onboard while enjoying the sights of New Zealand’s most enchanting national park. Each boat accommodates just 11 passengers with your skipper serving as guide to local wildlife, flora, and coastal history.
Overnight: Nelson (Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte)
Day 6: Great Taste Trail Cycling
Join Wheelie Fantastic tours for a self-guided bicycle adventure along sections of The Great Taste Trail, exploring Tasman’s Ruby Coast with trails leading to striking Tasman Bay vistas. Begin from a hilltop start point, cycling along scenic trails back to charming Mapua village.
Stop for lunch at historic Mapua Wharf before exploring the village by bike or taking the ferry to Rabbit Island for cycling along forest trails and golden beaches. Conclude with browsing local studios and galleries in Mapua before returning to your lodge.
Overnight: Nelson (Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte)
Hawke’s Bay
Private, Full-Day Hawke’s Bay Tour
Pictured: Cycling through the vines in Hawke’s Bay
Day 7: Hawke’s Bay Wine Country
Leave the South Island for Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s most indulgent wine regions. Collect your rental car and drive to your luxurious villa at Millar Road overlooking the vines. This hidden gem of a retreat allows you to relax, unwind, and experience local life in this breathtaking corner of New Zealand. Visit local farmer’s markets for delicious produce and fabulous wines while enjoying daily gourmet breakfast hampers.
Overnight: Hawke’s Bay (Millar Road)
Day 8: Hawke’s Bay Private Discovery
Experience a private tour of Hawke’s Bay and its many delights, completely tailored to your interests. Visit local wineries and sample regional foods while discovering Napier’s Art Deco architecture and fascinating history. Meet with a Maori elder to learn about their traditions and modern-day culture, take in scenic vistas, and explore other attractions that capture your imagination throughout this personalized day.
Overnight: Hawke’s Bay (Millar Road) | Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Hawke’s Bay at Leisure
Enjoy complete leisure in beautiful Hawke’s Bay. Golfers shouldn’t miss the legendary Cape Kidnappers course, while others may prefer lounging in their beautiful villa, indulging in exceptional food, wine, and breathtaking vineyard views that stretch to the horizon.
Overnight: Hawke’s Bay (Millar Road) | Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Farewell to New Zealand
Your New Zealand adventure concludes as you drop off your rental car in Napier, take a short connecting flight to Auckland, and enjoy a comfortable journey home to Chicago on Air New Zealand, carrying memories of dramatic scenery, thrilling adventures, and world-class wines.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
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