Road Trip: Luxury New Zealand

Experience Auckland, a stunning natural playground and melting pot of cultures with a strong Māori influence. Straddling natural harbors on the Hauraki Gulf and the Tasman Sea, Auckland sits on a volcanic isthmus flanked by contrasting coastlines. From volcanic peaks, lush native canopies and black sand beaches, to hip entertainment districts, contemporary art scenes and gourmet experiences, there’s something for everyone in this populous waterfront city, the largest in New Zealand! The city also entertains adrenaline seekers at the iconic sky tower while rugby fans can catch an All Blacks’ match the country’s biggest stadium, Eden Park. Relax in the laid-back neighborhoods or head out to explore the series of walking paths that present spectacular vantages of the Auckland region. Short ferry rides away, the nearby islands are home to boutique vineyards, wineries, olive groves, rainforests, and reserves. Enjoy tranquil island vistas with a plethora of sailboats on the east, and the Waitakere Ranges with rugged black sand beaches and farmlands on the west.

With its massive lake framed by the snowy peaks of Tongariro National Park, Taupo is a nature lover’s dream come true. Located within the caldera of Taupo Volcano, there is never a dull moment in this photographer’s paradise. Satiate your quest for an adrenaline rush with adventure activities such as skydiving over Lake Taupo, jet boating, and white water rafting. A favorite destination with cyclists from across the world, this panoramic region is famed for its geothermal spots. Soak in a mineral-rich hot water pool and emerge rejuvenated or head to Craters of the Moon walkway to get a closer look at bubbling mud pools, spluttering craters, and gushing hot springs. Nature enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the Huka Falls just outside town, where the gurgling Waikato River surges through a narrow chasm to plunge down 36 feet! Not just natural wonders, Taupo is also home to a unique museum featuring hundreds of glass sculptures and glass blowing displays. Uncover the town’s heritage at Taupo Museum with its interesting displays including the recreation of a 19th century shop and don’t forget to pop into the rose garden next door. Just a boat ride away, the stunning Maori rock carvings etched into cliffs at Mine Bay make for an interesting excursion.

Embark on a day-long personalized rainforest walk with your local expert. Explore the ancient rainforest at your own pace and stop to admire the scenic landscape along the route. Picture the life of early inhabitants of this rugged region as your expert regales you with historical and cultural trivia. Choose the activities you want to pursue in the Whirinaki area and the distance you wish to cover, to have this excursion tailored to your preferences. Watch the expert make use of their knowledge of the region to point out various types of flora and fauna unique to the region. Experience the local culture with a visit to the nearby marae or community meeting place before making your way back. (Duration: 7-8 hrs; Private Activity; Gourmet Lunch With Hot & Cold Refreshments included; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that the guided walk of about 4 miles (5 km) lasts for about 3.5 hrs.)

A paradise for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Nelson is blessed with breathtaking wooded hills, rocky headlands, and golden beaches. Boulder Bank, a dramatic eight-mile long natural rocky formation out at Nelson Haven, adds to the waterscape, and also has a lighthouse! Home to a vibrant creative community, the city is punctuated with a host of quirky landmarks. Visit the renowned World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum that displays avant garde pieces and exotic automobiles under the same roof. Being one among New Zealand’s oldest settlements, Nelson’s Founders’ Heritage Park gives visitors an insight into the early European settlers in the region. Hike to the geographical center of New Zealand, which affords panoramic views over this coastal city surrounded by the Tasman Mountains and overlooking the serene Tasman Bay.

Set off at a convenient time with your knowledgeable guide to experience everything that the city has to offer. Take your pick of fascinating museums including the quirky World of WearableArt and Classic Car Museum. Stroll around the vibrant displays of wearable art as well as the 140 cars housed here. Browse through the art galleries showcasing the talent and passion of the local artists. You could also head to the Hoglund studio for a closer look at the art of glass blowing and the wide range of blown glass pieces and handmade jewelry on display. Drive out to the many wineries and vineyards in the region, especially along the Waimea and Moutere Hills for a closer look at the process of making wines. Relish an alfresco lunch at a reputed traditional winery before it is time to get dropped back to your hotel. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Platter Lunch Included; Fitness: Level Easy).

Christchurch is a vibrant city with a rich English heritage nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, bordered by the Waimakariri River and the Pegasus Bay. With innovative architecture, public installations such as the 185 Chairs, and international street art, Christchurch is undergoing an extraordinary urban regeneration. Explore Quake City, a space that showcases the aftermath of Canterbury’s recent earthquakes, Māori galleries that contain some beautiful pounamu (greenstone) pieces, and the International Antarctic Center with its interactive and educational exhibits. Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer delightful green spaces within the city. Not to be missed is the hop-on-hop-off loop tram, a fun ride infused with commentary, to navigate the city’s highlights. For a more leisurely experience, go punting on the Avon River, passing through the heart of Christchurch, and sit back and relax on a gondola ride that offers stunning vantages of the Canterbury Plains, the Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Alps beyond!

Begin your day exploring Christchurch, and witness the creative urban rebuilding where modern architecture and street art compliment its traditional English heritage. Learn about the historical settlements, and innovative developments such as Quake city and interactive installations that have spring up in the aftermath of its recent earthquakes. Visiting the world famous Christchurch Botanic Gardens, admire it's exotic flora and fauna, while watching Edwardian punts gently glide on the meandering Avon river. Next, drive across the Kiwi countryside to the picturesque Waipara Valley, a gem of Northern Canterbury region, carpeted with acres of sundrenched vineyards. Hop between four of the dozens of boutique wineries here, set against a backdrop of Teviotdale Hills. Stepping into cellar doors, sample a fine selection of prized varietals paired with olives and homemade cheeses. Follow that with a platter winery lunch featuring local produce, and fresh seafood from the Kaikoura's waters. Soak up the delightful surrounds over more wines before returning. (Time of Day: 1000 hrs; Duration: 6.5 hrs; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Easy)

Queenstown is where adventure seekers head out to for a shot of adrenalin! The region’s dramatic landscape is wrapped around the scenic lakes, velvety mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps. Summer or winter, there’s always plenty to do along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the slopes of the Coronet Peak. Arguably the bungee jumping and skydiving capital of the world, get ready to plunge down bridges, planes and hill tops. The fiord of Milford Sound, home to the rare black coral, seal colonies, penguins, dolphins and the Mitre Peak, is not too far away. Kayaking along Lake Wakatipu, camping at the Routeburn Track, jet-boating down the Shotover and Dart rivers, and skiing down Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are some of the city’s popular pastimes. Queenstown also forms a base for exploring South Island’s other adventure destinations, charming vineyards and old mining settlements around Wanaka, Glenorchy and Arrowtown.

Embark on an enjoyable walking tour along the famous Routeburn Track that links two of the country’s beautiful national parks – Mount Aspiring and Fiordland. Drive past the scenic landscape as you head from Queenstown to the western tip of Lake Wakatipu. Soak in the striking sight of snow-capped mountains as you set off along the tramping track that climbs up 4 miles (6.5 km) one way. Hike through picturesque gorges and valleys rich in endemic species of flora and fauna. Relish the tranquility of your surroundings as you saunter past the ancient red beech forest. Follow the Routeburn River till you come upon the charming Flats Hut set within a mountain amphitheater. Rest a while as you savor views of the valley floor before it is time to turn back. (Full Day; Time: 0800 – 1630 hrs; Shared Activity in a Small Group; Refreshments Included; Picnic lunch can be included at an additional cost. Fitness Level: Moderate, as it involves a good deal of walking. The distance covered and duration will vary depending on guests’ fitness. Please wear sturdy footwear that is closed at the toes. Do bring along warm clothing, waterproof/windproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, small day pack, and camera.)

Te Anau, with its breathtaking landscape, sits on the banks of serene Lake Te Ana, the second largest in the country. Known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park, this picture perfect town is located amid nature’s bounty with spectacular glaciers, endangered flightless takahe birds, limestone cave, beech forests, and majestic mountains all within easy reach. Hike the Kepler, Routeburn, and Milford tracks, explore the spectacular Te Anu glow worm caves, book a scenic flight, and indulge in fishing or kayaking at this outdoor paradise. Whether you are looking for authentic Kiwi cuisine or international flavors to tantalize your taste buds, the restaurants in Te Anau have something for everyone. Famed for its wild food, especially venison, lobster, and various other varieties of seafood, Te Anau has a selection of fine dine and casual eateries, some featuring live entertainment and al fresco dining.

Discover the quiet, pristine heart of fiordland beauty with your Doubtful Sound cruise. Set off from your Te Anau hotel in the morning to arrive at the picturesque Pearl Harbor in Manapouri. Come aboard your modern Real Journeys vessel that will take you on a comfortable cruise through Lake Manapouri till you arrive at West Arm. Enjoy a scenic drive by coach across Wilmot Pass as you take in the grandeur of ancient rainforests and the striking mountainous horizon. From Deep Cove, move to a stylish catamaran to coast past thunderous waterfalls, towering peaks and lush rainforests. If lucky, spot fur seals sunning themselves on rocks or a pod of dolphins playing in the gentle waves. As the vessel engines are turned off on your return journey, soak in the serenity of Sounds of Silence. (Duration: 9 hrs; Shared Activity; Time: 0930 hrs; Fitness level: Easy; Please note that optional picnic lunch boxes will need to be pre-ordered).

Wanaka is a spectacular highland lake town in South Island filled with exhilarating possibilities for adventure lovers as well as endless panoramic vistas for leisure travelers. The little resort town offers myriad reasons to celebrate the great outdoors by the picturesque Wanaka Lake and lakefront, and the nearby Mt Aspiring National Park with its mountains, highland rivers, waterfalls and Alpine forests. There’s much to do in the summers with kayaking, paddle boating and jet boating down the lake, as well as hiking and mountain biking up in the forested trails. Come winter, skiers and snowboarders from across the world come together at Wanaka’s famous ski fields. Apart from its picture postcard landscapes, Wanaka is well known for its museums, art galleries, parks and designer boutiques at the town center. The National Transport and Toy Museum, Puzzling World, an amusing outdoor maze for all ages, and natural features such as the Wanaka Station Park – remains of the old sheep station, are worth a visit. It may be a little town, but Wanaka offers a fair share of artisanal produce at the Market, and there are charming little wineries and breweries around town too. Enjoy splashes of local color at annual festivals and events such as ‘Warbirds over Wanaka’, ‘Rhythm & Alps’, and the ‘Audi Quattro Winter Games’. Soaking in the great outdoors by day and exploring trendy eateries and bars by night: what’s not to love?