07 Day New Zealand Luxury Itinerary

Our New Zealand luxury holidays open up a world of breathtaking views, relaxation, and indulgence. If you have only seven days in New Zealand, planning is of the utmost importance. Our recommended 7 Day New Zealand Luxury Itinerary packs in a range of top New Zealand experiences while allowing time to unwind and rejuvenate.

In our New Zealand luxury holidays, we include the very best hotels and luxury lodges as a way to demonstrate the very best on offer. However, you may wish to choose 5-star city hotels or luxury holiday homes and villas for a different experience. Your personal travel consultant will help determine which option is best suited to your holiday.

Our recommended 7 Day New Zealand Luxury Itinerary is as follows:

• Day 1 – Arrive in Auckland & Waiheke Island
• Day 2 – Rotorua
• Day 3 – Rotorua & Pure Cruises & Mt Tarawera by Helicopter
• Day 4 – Queenstown
• Day 5 – Queenstown & Milford Sound Experience
• Day 6 – Queenstown & Gourmet Wine Tour
• Day 7 – Queenstown & Helicopter Picnic in Paradise
• Day 8 – Depart Queenstown

Read on for the full details of this luxury holiday package.

7 Day New Zealand Luxury Holidays

Day 1 Auckland – Waiheke Island

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 the night, a hip small luxury hotel sitting 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.

Stay 1 night in Waiheke Island.

Accommodation: The Boatshed Hotel Waiheke Island 

Day 2 Rotorua

Make your way back to Auckland by boat or helicopter, before boarding a domestic flight to Rotorua.

Flight time Auckland Rotorua – 1 hour

Rotorua is known for crystal-clear streams and magical forests, bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Maori culture.

Rotorua also offers an adventure scene with an epic network of biking trails, walking trails and adventure activities such as rafting and tree-top zip lining.

Solitaire Lodge Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s premiere luxury lodges, enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera, with lush natural bush and volcanic landscape backdrop. The lodge is the perfect place to simply relax, indulge and rejuvenate. Easy lake access allows exploration of surrounding waters with secluded private bays​, deep water swimming and shoreline trails through native bush to explore on foot​.​ ​From the Lodge’s jetty you have a choice of boating options including motorised dinghies and kayaks.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Accommodation: Solitaire Lodge 

Day 3 Rotorua + Pure Cruise + Mt Tarawera by Heli

Mid morning, 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.

Mid afternoon join Volcanic Air and 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.

Later, you have the option to join masterchef Charles Royal on an exclusive Māori food trail and bush tour.

Featured: Lift off to Mt Tarawera

Day 4 Queenstown

Flight time Rotorua 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.

Your accommodation in Queenstown is at Matakauri Lodge, spectacularly situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Matakauri’s take on luxury is understated and welcoming, with the stunning mountain landscape taking the place of honour. Voted one of the top five lodges in New Zealand and Australia, Matakauri is the ultimate sanctuary as well as a convenient base for exploring the wonders of southern New Zealand. Your stay includes pre-dinner drinks and canapés, a multi-course dinner, and daily breakfast.

Stay 4 nights in Queenstown.

Accommodation: Matakauri Lodge

Day 5 Queenstown + Milford Sound Experience

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.

Featured: Milford Sound

Day 6 Queenstown + Gourmet Wine Tour

Explore the Queenstown area today on a private gourmet wine tour that visits some of New Zealand’s most memorable vineyards. This intimate experience will showcase the best of Central Otago, with tastings at 4 vineyards and a gourmet lunch with five stunning dishes cooked in wine barrels and paired with matching wines. Other highlights include a tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave and a cheese and wine presentation at one of the wineries.

Day 7 Queenstown + Paradise Picnic

Today, enjoy an unforgettable helicopter picnic in a spectacular alpine wonderland. You will be flown to a favourite Queenstown location  – Cecil Peak, where you get to land, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery with a gourmet picnic put together with all the finest New Zealand produce, including wine or bubbles.

You will also get an amazing view of The Remarkables Mountains and a bird’s eye view across Queenstown.

This is the perfect place for proposals, honeymooners or simply taking time out in paradise.

Featured: Helicopter Picnic Experience

Day 8 Depart Queenstown

As your unforgettable holiday draws to a close, soak in the views one last time before departing Queenstown at your leisure.

Our New Zealand Luxury Holidays

If you wish to spend longer in New Zealand, read about our 10 Day New Zealand Luxury Itinerary or our 14 Day New Zealand Luxury Itinerary.

We also offer a range of alternative 7-day escapes, from North and South Island itineraries to special interest tours. As you begin planning your New Zealand luxury holiday, you may wish to find inspiration on our travel blog.