New Zealand Remote Vacation: Luxury Lodges
This exclusive New Zealand journey showcases the country’s most remote and luxurious lodges, each offering unparalleled access to pristine wilderness and unique landscapes. From alpine valleys carved by ancient glaciers to working sheep stations in the Southern Alps, each destination provides an intimate connection with New Zealand’s untouched natural beauty while delivering world-class luxury and personalized experiences.
At a Glance
- 3 nights Queenstown
- 3 nights Ahuriri Valley
- 3 nights Canterbury
- 3 nights Taupo
- 3 nights Bay of Islands
- 2 nights Auckland
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 $500 discount will be applied to the final payment for your trip.
Trip Highlights
Bucket List, Elevated
Don’t just cruise Milford Sound—experience it by land, sea, and air with an intimate fjord cruise followed by a spectacular helicopter flight back through snow-capped peaks, including an exclusive alpine landing on a remote glacier where most visitors never set foot.
Special Access
Experience authentic New Zealand sheep station life at Flockhill, participating in genuine sheep mustering activities while enjoying panoramic Southern Alps views. This working station combines luxury hospitality with traditional high country heritage.
Unique Stays
Each lodge offers breathtaking scenery, luxurious accommodations, and ultra-exclusive wilderness access—from Huka Lodge’s fly fishing adventures, to The Landing Residences’ private beaches and onsite vineyard. (Pictured: The Lindis)
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 luxury trip to remote New Zealand a reality!
Queenstown + Milford Sound
Fiordland Helicopter Flight and Cruise
Pictured: Azur Lodge, Queenstown
Day 1: Adventure Capital Arrival
Welcome to New Zealand! Fly into Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, where your driver will transfer you to Azur Lodge. Located outside Queenstown with stunning views of Bob’s Peak and the Remarkables, your cozy accommodation provides the perfect opportunity to relax and settle into your vacation.
Overnight: Queenstown (Azur Lodge)
Day 2: Milford Sound and Helicopter Adventure
Meet your friendly local guide for a premium touring experience through picturesque Southland farming country to Milford Sound. Journey along the renowned Milford Road through Fiordland National Park, with stops for photos and encounters with cheeky Kea birds.
Embark on an intimate nature cruise beneath towering fjord peaks, spotting dolphins, penguins, and fur seals with your onboard guide. Your adventure culminates with a spectacular 45-minute helicopter flight back to Queenstown, including a thrilling snow landing atop a remote alpine peak.
Overnight: Queenstown (Azur Lodge)
Day 3: Queenstown at Leisure
Explore Queenstown at your own pace today. Visit historic Arrowtown to discover early mining heritage, embark on wine tasting tours through the Otago region’s excellent Pinot Noirs, or seek adrenaline adventures including bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, zip-lining, canyon swinging, and luging.
Overnight: Queenstown (Azur Lodge)
Ahurihuri Valley + Canterbury
South Island Luxury Lodges with Optional Excursions
Pictured: Fly fishing at The Lindis
Day 4: Luxury Wilderness Escape
Transfer to your next destination in the breathtaking Ahuriri Valley, carved over millions of years by ancient glacial waters. The Lindis Lodge rests almost imperceptibly on this tranquil yet ruggedly beautiful valley floor, offering a truly unique luxury experience near the bottom of the habitable world.
Overnight: Ahuriri Valley (The Lindis)
Days 5-6: Alpine Lodge Adventures
These days are entirely yours to enjoy the lodge’s diverse activities at your preferred pace. Choose from fly fishing in pristine waters, horseback riding through stunning landscapes, hiking scenic trails, or simply relaxing in this remote alpine paradise.
Overnight: Ahuriri Valley (The Lindis)
Day 7: Southern Alps Sheep Station
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Christchurch, then enjoy a beautiful drive to Flockhill. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, this working sheep station combines breathtaking landscapes with serene retreat experiences, offering panoramic mountain views and diverse outdoor activities.
Overnight: Canterbury (Flockhill)
Days 8-9: High Country Experiences
Enjoy these days at the lodge pursuing your preferred activities. Experience fly fishing in crystal-clear streams, explore dramatic scenery on horseback, participate in authentic sheep mustering, enjoy peaceful reading, or hike through lush valleys surrounded by towering peaks.
Overnight: Canterbury (Flockhill)
Taupo + Bay of Islands
North Island Luxury Lodges with Optional Excursions
Pictured: Vineyard at The Landing, Bay of Islands
Day 10: Huka Lodge Luxury
Transfer and take a short flight to the North Island to arrive at the iconic Huka Lodge on the banks of the Waikato River. This legendary retreat offers unparalleled luxury with exquisite accommodations, world-class dining, and serene surroundings that perfectly blend relaxation with adventure opportunities.
Overnight: Taupo (Huka Lodge)
Days 11-12: Waikato River Adventures
Enjoy the exceptional activities at Huka Lodge, including guided fly fishing on the pristine Waikato River, scenic helicopter tours over stunning landscapes, and thrilling jet boat rides to the base of majestic Huka Falls. For relaxation, indulge in wine tastings, yoga sessions, and leisurely walks through the lodge’s beautifully landscaped gardens.
Overnight: Taupo (Huka Lodge)
Day 13: Bay of Islands Coastal Paradise
Fly from Rotorua to Kerikeri near the Bay of Islands and arrive at The Landing Residences. These private villas offer stunning views of pristine coastline and lush native bush, with exclusive access to world-class amenities including private beaches, vineyard tours, and guided cultural experiences.
Overnight: Bay of Islands (The Landing Residences)
Days 14-15: Coastal Lodge Leisure
Enjoy your final lodge days at leisure with diverse activities including scenic hiking trails, personalized wine tastings from the on-site vineyard, and kayaking or paddleboarding adventures along the pristine coastline. Cultural tours and historical site visits provide deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage.
Overnight: Bay of Islands (The Landing Residences)
Auckland
Sailing Excursion
Pictured: Sailing and dolphin spotting in Hauraki Gulf
Day 16: Auckland Finale
Take a short flight to Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant largest city, offering a dynamic mix of stunning harbors, diverse cultural experiences, and world-class dining and shopping. Spend your final nights in the bustling Britomart area of this cosmopolitan city.
Overnight: Auckland (Hotel Britomart)
Day 17: Sailing in the City of Sails
Experience Auckland’s famous sailing conditions on Waitematā Harbour, where excellent winds take you under the harbor bridge and past iconic landmarks aboard a beautiful yacht. This perfect finale showcases why Auckland earned its “City of Sails” reputation. Conclude with a memorable farewell dinner in the city.
Overnight: Auckland (Hotel Britomart)
About this vacation
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