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Indulge in the very best with our luxury New Zealand travel packages. This 14 Day New Zealand Luxury Itinerary takes you from the boutique Waiheke Island wine region to the dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound, with superb sightseeing and lodges along the way.
Our luxury New Zealand travel packages are designed to serve as a starting point as you begin planning your New Zealand vacation. However, we work with each client to craft a bespoke itinerary. Every traveler is different, and we want to ensure your travel plans suit your preferences and interests.
This 14 day New Zealand itinerary showcases some of the best luxury experiences and accommodation on offer throughout the country.
Our recommended New Zealand itinerary for 14 days is as follows:
Read on for the full details of our recommended 14 day itinerary for New Zealand travel packages.
Your exclusive New Zealand experience begins in Auckland, the gateway to the North Island. Get a glimpse of the city before being whisked away to Waiheke Island, a haven of beaches, picturesque vineyards and olive groves just 30 minutes from downtown Auckland by boat or 10 minutes by helicopter.
The Boatshed Hotel will be your haven for two nights. This chic luxury hotel sits just above the sun-drenched bay and white sandy beaches of Oneroa. Look forward to a pre-organised massage on arrival if you so wish, then enjoy fine dining at the onsite restaurant exclusive to in-house hotel guests. Your stay includes a beautiful gourmet breakfast.
Stay 2 nights on Waiheke Island.
Accommodation: The Boatshed Hotel Waiheke Island
Wake up to glistening sea views and gentle bird song. If you are feeling energised, take a morning stroll to start your day, exploring trails which meander along cliff tops, down to beaches and through cool enclaves of native forest.
Spend the day tasting the best of this boutique region on a gourmet wine and food tour with Ananda Tours, the ideal New Zealand holiday experience. Visit award-winning vineyards; sample local specialties such as olive oil, wild honey, and oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay; and indulge in a platter lunch at one of the island’s top vineyard restaurants.
Please enquire for private tour options.
Driving time Auckland to Rotorua 3 hours or flight time 30 minutes
Rotorua is known for crystal-clear streams and magical forests, bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs. The region is also steeped in history, and is one of the best destinations to experience our fascinating Maori culture.
Your luxury lodge, Peppers on the Point, is a former 1930s mansion which has retained its distinct charm and design throughout. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Lake Rotorua, Peppers on the Point is an intimate luxury retreat featuring spectacular views to the historic Mokoia Island.
This stunning retreat offers the perfect base for experiencing New Zealand’s rich culture. Or you can simply relax and enjoy the tranquility of this stunning location from the comfort of the inviting entertainment rooms with open fireplaces. Without leaving the property, you can indulge in a heavenly massage at the onsite spa, try fly fishing from the private beach, enjoy water sports and tennis or even spend your day boating. Peppers on the Point’s dining room is also renowned for serving fabulous New Zealand cuisine accompanied by the finest local and international wines. It is an experience not to be missed.
Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.
Accommodation: Peppers on the Point Rotorua
Experience the highlights and serene lakes around Rotorua on an exclusive Volcanic Air flight. Fly to Mt Tarawera by helicopter, stand on the crater’s edge of this sacred mountain with sweeping panoramic views and experience a thrilling walk along the crater’s edge.
Following your helicopter flight, experience the highlights and serene lakes around Rotorua on an exclusive sail to secluded alcoves aboard Pure Cruise’s luxury yacht Tiua and bathe in the healing thermal waters of natural hot pools, in secret places known only to locals.
Later discover Rotorua’s captivating geothermal landscapes with colourful sinter terraces, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pools. Or join masterchef Charles Royal on an exclusive Māori food trail and bush tour.
Flight time Rotorua to Nelson 1 hour 15 minutes
Driving time Nelson to Abel Tasman 1 hour or heli transfer 30 minutes
Leave the North Island behind today as you take a flight south to Nelson. Venture into Abel Tasman National Park, which offers secluded golden-sand beaches, lush native forests, and crystal-clear bays. This is the perfect way to unwind as you become acquainted with New Zealand.
Stonefly Lodge has four simply but beautifully appointed guest rooms, all with wide views across the river valley and nearby Kahurangi National Park. All power is generated on site and the lodge has been applauded for its sensitive environmental development and sustainability policy.
The Motueka River is renowned for its trout with some of the country’s highest trout populations; recent drift dives indicate populations of 100-500 trout per kilometre.
The lodge is centred around a high galleried great room with a large double-sided stone fireplace. The main dining area, bar, library-games area, and sunroom are all linked through this main room, providing a fabulous social space to mingle or withdraw, whatever your preference.
Stay 3 nights at Stonefly Lodge, Motueka.
Accommodation: Stonefly Lodge
Enjoy a boat cruise into Abel Tasman National Park, where you can relax on the hot golden sand, enjoy a day walk, or simply remain aboard for a return boat cruise. Take in the natural beauty and enjoy! This trip allows you to explore sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track; the boat will stop at scenic points along the way where you can get off and walk a section of the track. The boat will then collect you later in the day. You could also just pack a picnic lunch and beach towels and laze on the beach for the day.
Today is yours to unwind, indulge in the facilities and activities on offer at Stonefly Lodge, or explore Abel Tasman National Park further.
Other bespoke activities that you may wish to sample in Abel Tasman National Park or Kahurangi National Park include boat trips, sea kayaking, fly fishing, cycling, private helicopter tours, and horseback riding.
Driving time Abel Tasman to Kaikoura – 4.5 hours
Take time to explore the top of the South Island as you journey south today. Picton is a worthwhile detour if your passion is for native wildlife – the Marlborough Sounds play host to a number of bird sanctuary islands offering unparalleled opportunities to encounter rare native species in their natural habitat.
As you continue through the verdant Marlborough wine region, you will find countless opportunities to stop and sample the unsurpassable vintages of new Zealand’s premier wine region. Before long, the rolling hills will give way to the rugged Kaikoura coast. Tucked between the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura abounds in natural beauty, marine mammal viewing opportunities, and exquisite fresh seafood.
Your accommodation is at the unforgettable Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, located on a picturesque deer farm just north of Kaikoura. The lodge provides luxurious rooms and an intimate indoor/outdoor setting perfect for relaxation. Your stay includes gourmet three-course dinners and full breakfasts.
Stay 2 nights in Kaikoura.
Accommodation: Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses
Lift high above Kaikoura today and enjoy an unforgettable encounter with the majestic whales that call Kaikoura home. Your scenic flight offers a unique perspective on the diverse marine life around the Kaikoura peninsula, and offers stunning views over the Seaward Kaikoura range.
Following your scenic whale watching flight, unwind and indulge in the fresh seafood on offer at Hapuku Lodge or explore the nearby trails and coastline.
Driving time Kaikoura to Christchurch – 3 hours
Your next destination is Christchurch, a vibrant city influenced by English heritage and recent seismic events. Explore the city if you wish, or venture to Akaroa to visit wineries and the Barry’s Bay Cheesery.
In the evening, venture to your exclusive accommodation at Otahuna Lodge. Set in pastoral surroundings against the fluted cone of an ancient volcano, Otahuna Lodge is a beguiling Victorian mansion that offers its guests a unique sense of wonder and discovery. New Zealand’s largest private historic residence has been revitalised with luxury accommodation, glorious gardens and sophisticated cuisine. Your stay includes a five-course degustation diner with wine pairings, pre-dinner drinks with canapés, and breakfast.
Stay 1 night in Christchurch.
Accommodation: Otahuna Lodge
Driving time Christchurch to Lakestone Lodge – 4 hours
The Mackenzie Basin is home to some of New Zealand’s most sublime scenery. From towering peaks (including New Zealand’s tallest, Aoraki/Mt Cook) to brilliant turquoise lakes and shimmering glaciers, the Southern Alps are an awe-inspiring destination. Your first glimpse of the glacial lakes is at Lake Tekapo, a picturesque settlement surrounded by mountains.
Continuing south, you will pass by the breathtaking southern shores of Lake Pukaki before arriving at Lakestone Lodge, a purpose built, six bedroom, off grid, luxury lodge positioned in a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Pukaki. Your stay includes a three-course dinner and cooked breakfast.
In the evening, enjoy a unique stargazing experience that will treat you to the best of the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Your guide will prepare a perfectly positioned hammock so you are looking directly at the wonders above and makes you snug with a warm woollen blanket and complimentary mulled wine or hot drink. Your guide will point out all the highlights of the southern sky with a high powered laser pointer and explain some Maori legends about the sky as well as other interesting theories.
Stay 2 nights in Lake Pukaki.
Accommodation: Lakestone Lodge
Enjoy a relaxing morning after your late night of stargazing. In the late morning, make the scenic drive to Mount Cook Village, where you will venture deep into the wilderness on a helicopter excursion.
Your experience begins with a stunning scenic flight to a secluded location in paradise, where you will relax and savour a gourmet picnic with the finest New Zealand produce. Round off your picnic in paradise with a glass of wine or bubbles while taking in the sublime beauty of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
Once your helicopter lands back in Mount Cook Village, you have the opportunity to stroll along one of the walking trails leaving from the village, or else return to your retreat to unwind.
Driving time Lakestone Lodge to Queenstown – 3 hours
Today your journey takes you to Queenstown, the ultimate luxury destination on New Zealand’s South Island. From world-class luxury lodges to indulgent spa experiences, superb cuisine and exclusive tours, Queenstown is a delight to experience.
The journey to Queenstown deserves to be savoured as well – stop and take in the views from the top of Lindis Pass, sample fresh fruit in Cromwell, and perhaps stop for a picturesque vineyard lunch as you pass through the Gibbston Valley.
Experience the best of Queenstown from the comfort of your premium lakefront penthouse at Eichard’s Private Hotel. For those who demand the height of excellence, the penthouse at Eichardt’s is the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. Overlooking the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounds, the penthouse offers pure indulgence. The Penthouse experience commences on arrival. Your dedicated butler will escort you to your rooms, where you will enjoy every luxury, including pre-dinner cocktails served in-suite, Krug Champagne, and an excellent selection of Moet & Hennessy spirits replenished daily. Daily breakfast is prepared by your private chef.
Stay 2 nights in Queenstown.
Accommodation: Eichardt’s Private Hotel
Enjoy a scenic flight over Fiordland to reach Milford Sound. Upon reaching Milford Sound, you will enjoy a 2.5 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise.
With specialist nature guides on board, Real Journeys Nature Cruises offer a close-up experience of Milford Sound’s rainforest, soaring rock walls, towering snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, hanging valleys and wildlife… words just don’t do it justice, you have to see it for yourself! Throughout the cruise, the guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions.
After your cruise, relax on the flight while your pilot delivers you back to Queenstown.
The afternoon is yours to indulge in the best Queenstown has to offer. From exclusive wine tours to a plethora of adrenaline activities on offer, Queenstown will leave you hungry for more.
As your unforgettable holiday draws to a close, soak in the views one last time before departing Queenstown at your leisure.
Our luxury New Zealand travel packages include superb accommodation (ranging from 5-star hotels to luxury lodges), exclusive activities, and a choice of transportation.
However, our New Zealand travel packages are fully customisable. The above itinerary includes the very best luxury lodges and hotels in each location. If you wish to reduce the price of your holiday, you may wish to change your accommodation level to suit.
Alternatively, you could choose between self-drive or privately guided travel depending on your preferences.
We also offer a 7 Day New Zealand Luxury Itinerary and a 10 Day New Zealand Luxury Itinerary.
Or you may wish to select one of our special interest tours. Choose from honeymoon and elopement packages, golf holidays, Lord of the Rings tours, ski tours, wilderness escapes, adventure tours, and more.
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