Journey Through New Zealand

(16 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Auckland & Waiheke Island, Rotorua & Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch & Canterbury, Franz Josef Glacier & the West Coast, Wanaka, Queenstown & Glenorchy

This comprehensive tour of New Zealand journeys throughout the North and South Islands, visiting the country's most impressive natural and cultural highlights, and staying at New Zealand's leading luxury hotels, lodges, and rural retreats.

Begin on the North Island in Auckland, a city of harbors, islands, beaches and volcanic hills. While there, enjoy a private excursion to nearby Waiheke Island, renowned for its beautiful landscapes, excellent vineyards and fine restaurants.

Next, transfer with your private driver-guide to Rotorua, surrounded by volcanoes and active geothermal activity. Enjoy a private tour of the region’s countless natural and cultural attractions and see exploding geysers, steaming lakes, Maori cultural attractions, and a sheep show. Continue to Taupo for two nights at Huka Lodge, one of New Zealand's most acclaimed lodges. While there, enjoy a private cruise on Lake Taupo and the opportunity for fly-fishing, if desired.

Continue to Hawkes Bay, the Tuscany of New Zealand, a region of wine, farms, sun and beaches, and home to some of the country’s oldest and most acclaimed wineries. Stay at an exclusive lodge overlooking the sea. During private touring with your expert local guide, explore the region according to your interests. Perhaps take a tasting tour that visits local vineyards and artisanal food shops, visit a bird colony, go golfing, or tour Napier, a town filled with Art Deco architecture.

Next, take a private tour through the Martinborough wine region en route to Wellington, the political and cultural capital of New Zealand and one of its most attractive and interesting cities. A private city tour will allow you to experience the cultural, scenic, culinary and artistic highlights of this sophisticated city.

Next, fly to Christchurch, the South Island's "Garden City." During a private city tour, see the renowned Arts Centre, the Avon River and the city's lovely parks and gardens. Continue with your private driver to an historic luxury homestead on 13,000 acres of pastures, forests, lakes and rivers surrounded by mountains in Canterbury. While there, touring highlights include Arthur's Pass and a 4WD tour of the working sheep and cattle station—a quintessential NZ experience!

Next, take one of the world's most scenic rail journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train. Travel over Arthur's Pass to Greymouth, passing through the high peaks of the Southern Alps and the rainforest of the West Coast. Pick up a rental car in historic Greymouth and self-drive to magnificent Franz Josef for several days spent exploring the glaciers and nearby beaches, rivers, lagoons and bird sanctuaries. (A private driver can be arranged for the next few days, upon request.)

Continue down the West Coast to Wanaka and spend a night at a modern Relais & Chateaux luxury lodge overlooking beautiful Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains.

Continue to Queenstown, an upscale resort town on the South Island surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps. Explore the town, and perhaps visit nearby Arrowtown, before arriving at Glenorchy for three nights at a luxury wilderness lodge. While there, we'll arrange for you to take a thrilling Dart River jet boat safari into the magnificent landscapes of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Another day, take a spectacular private flight over the Alps to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most famous and dramatic attractions. This memorable tour also includes a glacier landing.