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 New Zealand’s most dazzling scenery, from active volcanoes to icy blue glaciers to golden beaches.
Exclusively Yours! This New Zealand Romantic Luxury Private Vacation was designed for an anniversary couple from Chicago. They wanted a romantic getaway where they could explore the famous natural beauty of New Zealand and be pampered at luxury hotels. We arranged a trip to some of our favorite unique luxury lodges, with several private boat charters and exclusive excursions that allowed them to see New Zealand’s scenery in complete privacy.
First, they journeyed to the Bay of Islands, a scenic paradise on the North Island. They stayed in a gorgeous luxury villa with panoramic ocean views and spent a day sailing around the islands on a private yacht. They were even able to swim with dolphins! Next, they traveled to Huka Lodge near Lake Taupo for their New Zealand Romantic Luxury Private Vacation. They loved the classic feel of this luxury lodge, with its cozy furnishings and elegant gardens. Of course, they also had some adventures here! They took a helicopter to an active volcanic island and hiked on the otherworldly surface. They also chartered a yacht on Lake Rotoiti, exploring hidden coves and secluded swimming spots.
Continuing their New Zealand Romantic Luxury Vacation, they stayed at the fabulous Split Apple Retreat in Abel Tasman National Park. They were treated to a 5-course degustation dinner and a bottle of premium New Zealand wine each evening. They also spent a day exploring the golden beaches and scenic hikes of Abel Tasman on a private cruise, where they were free to stop and explore as they wished.
The last stop on their New Zealand Romantic Private Luxury Vacation was beautiful Queenstown. They stayed at The Rees, a beautiful luxury hotel with picturesque views of Lake Wakatipu framed by snow-capped mountains. They spent a day on a private helicopter excursion to the most scenic parts of the South Island, including the serene Milford Sound and glaciers on the West Coast. Landing on top of a glacier and taking in the panoramic views with no one else in sight was a highlight of their travels!
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! Fly into Kerikeri on the North Island, where you’ll pick up your rental car and drive to your luxury retreat in the Bay of Islands. For the next three nights, your home is a magnificent villa with ocean views, a spacious private balcony, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Large windows open to the sea and subtropical landscapes, connecting the outdoors to their interior spaces. Enjoy a bottle of champagne upon arrival, plus a daily gourmet breakfast hamper and fresh fruit platter. The services of a personal chef, personal trainer, and massage therapist are available upon request. Relax in your villa this evening and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this unique retreat.
Owner’s Cottage at Kauri Cliffs
Day 2
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the Bay of Islands like a local with a private sailing charter. Sail among the islands on a spacious yacht purpose-built for day sailing. Help set and trim the sails; relax on the spacious decks; watch for penguins, petrels, and other ocean birds; and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch onboard. If you’re lucky, you might even have a chance to swim with dolphins!
Owner’s Cottage at Kauri Cliffs
Day 3
Today is entirely at your leisure to do as much or as little as you like. Golfers shouldn’t miss the chance to play a round at nearby Kauri Cliffs, consistently rated among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World. Helicopter excursions, fishing, horseback riding, skydiving, and many more adventure activities are at your fingertips. Or, for some local history and Maori culture, explore the excellent interactive museum at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Owner’s Cottage at Kauri Cliffs
Day 4
Today, drive back to Kerikeri to drop off your rental car, catch a flight to Rotorua, and pick up your rental car. Enjoy a drive through the green hills of the Waikato region to serene Lake Taupo and your accommodations at the acclaimed Huka Lodge. Enter a world where elegant and generous hospitality meets sophistication and style, creating a welcoming haven among awe-inspiring surroundings. Rejuvenating massages, facials, and other beauty treatments are available in the comfort of your spacious suite. And drive to the stunning Huka Lodge.
Owners Cottage at Huka Lodge
Day 5
Fly to the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory. Landing on Mount Tarawera offers a privileged view of spectacular craters and domes formed by the 1886 eruption. Here, you will enjoy an interesting commentary based on the region’s history, culture, and geology. Scenic flights to and from the volcano take in expansive views of our stunning Lakes District and National Parks, not to mention a beautiful view of Mount Tarawera from above!
Owners Cottage at Huka Lodge
Day 6
This afternoon, enjoy a more leisurely adventure: a private sailing charter on gorgeous Lake Rotoiti with her many bays and coves. You can fish for rainbow trout, swim in the sunny waters, soak in thermal pools, and hear the stories and legends of the local Maori—all accompanied by fabulous onboard service.
Owners Cottage at Huka Lodge
Day 7
Head to the airport and fly to the South Island today, where you’ll pick up your rental car and make the short drive to your beautiful suite at Te Koi. Te Koi the Lodge offers the seasoned traveler the ultimate escape–a luxurious lodge filled with charm and basking in natural beauty. Set amidst luscious gardens on a secluded point overlooking the stunning waters of the Waimea Estuary. Sit back, relax, and breathe in the intoxicating beauty of this luxury retreat.
Te Koi The Lodge at Bronte
Day 8
You’ll have a day to explore the sunny beaches of Abel Tasman National Park with a private charter. The day’s adventures are completely up to you. Explore golden sandy beaches, watch dolphins and New Zealand fur seals in the water, and cruise past the famous Split Apple Rock. Pull into a sheltered bay for a delicious lunch with no other tourists in sight. While lunch is prepared, you can swim, sea kayak, go ashore for a bush walk, or simply relax on the boat.
Te Koi The Lodge at Bronte
Day 9
Spend these days at leisure enjoying the beauty of your lodge. Or venture into Nelson to enjoy the fun restaurants, art galleries and artisan colonies that make Nelson a fun spot.
Te Koi The Lodge at Bronte
Day 10
Drop off your rental car at the Nelson airport and fly to Queenstown, your final destination. This bustling alpine town offers breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range around every corner. Your home for the next three nights is an elegant hotel with an enviable location on the lakefront. Enjoy gourmet dining and an extensive wine list while taking in the inspiring views.
Owners Cottage at Matakauri Lodge
Day 11
Today, you’ll have the chance to explore the natural beauty of Queenstown, the Fiordlands, Mt Cook, and the rugged West Coast, all in exclusive luxury. See dramatic mountain peaks, rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and impressive glaciers. The scenery seems to change every minute, yet every inch is absolutely breathtaking. During your adventure, you’ll have the chance to take an easy walk to a New Zealand fur seal colony, enjoy fish and chips on a secluded beach, and land on Franz Josef or Fox Glacier for a quick snowball fight. This is the best way to experience the South Island’s stunning scenery in a short time!
Owners Cottage at Matakauri Lodge
Day 12
Your final day in New Zealand is yours to spend at your leisure. Enjoy a scenic stroll along the lakefront, discover some of the lively restaurants and bars in town, or simply relax and soak up the views at your hotel.
Owners Cottage at Matakauri Lodge
Day 13
Today, your incredible New Zealand adventure comes to an end. A private transfer will bring you from your hotel to the airport, where you’ll begin your journey home.
About this vacation
Cost
Does not include the cost of airfare