New Zealand Signature Vacation Package
Stay at some of our favorite luxury lodges and enjoy signature experiences you can only get in New Zealand.
We planned this New Zealand Signature Vacation Package for a retired couple from Florida who had always wanted to visit New Zealand. They wanted to immerse themselves in New Zealand’s beautiful scenery and relax each evening in secluded luxury accommodations. We put this package together with some our favorite signature experiences you can only get in New Zealand.
They began their New Zealand Signature Vacation Package in Queenstown, enjoying beautiful alpine views from their luxurious room at Matakauri Lodge. They went on one of our favorite signature excursions, Picnic on a Peak, where a helicopter dropped them off at a secluded mountain location for a gourmet picnic lunch. The next day, they took a scenic helicopter flight to Milford Sound and went on a nature cruise in this pristine area.
Continuing their New Zealand Signature Vacation Package, they traveled to Annandale, an oceanside property near Christchurch. Here, they stayed in a unique private villa in the middle of New Zealand’s rustic countryside and were able to tour a working sheep farm on the property—a quintessential New Zealand experience! They also took a day trip out to Akaroa to swim with dolphins.
Next for their New Zealand Signature Vacation Package, they self-drove to Hapuku Lodge in stunning Kaikoura. They were able to stay in a luxury treehouse for magnificent views of the rugged coastal scenery and did some whale watching in their free time. Then it was on to the stylish Waiheke Island off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. They had a private wine tasting tour on the beautiful and sophisticated island, then returned to Auckland via helicopter.
After an incredible journey where they experienced some of New Zealand’s signature attractions, it was time to head to the airport and return home.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive in Queenstown, where a private driver will whisk you away to the stunning Matakauri Lodge. The lodge and its adjoining suites are luxuriously appointed and have been designed to be in harmony with the lakefront environment and surrounding bush. It is one of New Zealand’s most private and serene vacation retreats, nestled among bush on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. Your stay includes pre-dinner drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a la carte dinners, and a complimentary mini bar.
Matakauri Lodge
Day 2
Spend the morning at your leisure, perhaps enjoying a round of golf at Jack’s Point, a world-class golf course nearby. This afternoon, you’ll take a helicopter to a secluded mountain peak, where you’ll be surrounded by the natural wonders of Queenstown below. Enjoy a leisurely gourmet lunch, then take in stunning aerial views on your helicopter ride back to town.
Matakauri Lodge
Day 3
Today, you’ll explore one of the South Island’s most pristine areas: Milford Sound. Take a scenic helicopter ride to Milford, then board a nature cruise to see dramatic green mountains, spectacular waterfalls, and some New Zealand wildlife (keep your eyes open for fur seals!). Enjoy another scenic helicopter trip back to Queenstown. Then, join a private tour guide for a completely personalized tour of nearby Arrowtown, a scenic area with fascinating gold mining history.
Matakauri Lodge
Day 4
Take a transfer to the airport and a short flight to Christchurch. From here, you’ll be privately transferred to your truly unique luxury accommodations at Annandale, where rolling farmland, open skies, and the sparkling waters of the Pacific greet you. Stay in the unique Seascape Villa, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of a picturesque private bay. From within this ultra-modern villa, it appears you are floating on the open sea, yet safely embraced by luxury and modern comforts.
Annandale
Day 5
Today, you will be picked up from your villa and travel to Akaroa to swim with dolphins. Travel the Banks Peninsula on a high summit route, which gives glorious views of farmlands, Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch, and the distant Southern Alps. Arrive in Akaroa Harbour and swim with dolphins! After this unforgettable experience, spend some time in the historic village of Akaroa, where you’ll enjoy a cafe lunch. On the way back to your villa, stop at a cheese factory for a delicious and authentic taste of New Zealand, as well as a local gallery and museum.
Annandale
Day 6
Today is yours to spend at your leisure. Annandale has several signature experiences on offer, including helicopter rides, farm activities, expertly guided nature tours, hiking, sea kayaking, cooking classes, and more. Alternatively, you can simply relax in your luxurious villa, sipping local wine and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Annandale
Day 7
Today, make a short flight to the beautiful coastal town of Kaikoura, where you’ll pick up your rental car and drive to Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses. The lodge provides luxurious accommodation on Kaikoura’s rugged coastline, where you can relax in an intimate indoor/outdoor setting. For a truly unique experience, stay in one of the luxury treehouses nestled among the trees 10 meters or more above the ground.
Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses
Day 8
Today is yours to spend at your leisure. Kaikoura, with its unparalleled marine life and spectacular landscapes, is one of the world’s premier eco-marine tourism destinations and offers much to do on sea and land. Some of the many activities on offer include hiking, horseback riding, Maori cultural experiences, surfing, and whale watching.
Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses
Day 9
This morning, drive to the airport, where you’ll drop off your rental car and catch a flight to Auckland. A private driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to the Waiheke Island ferry. Waiheke has stunning coastal vistas, as well as some of the Auckland region’s hottest properties.
The Boatshed
Day 10
Enjoy a fabulous, private wine tasting tour of the island today. Pass by hillside vineyards, look down on sweeping sandy beaches, and get a real feel for what Auckland’s most populous off-shore island is like. Return to Auckland via a scenic helicopter flight. Perhaps grab a drink before your private driver picks you up and takes you to the airport.
About this vacation
Cost
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