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 & Mt Tarawera by Helicopter & Wai Ariki Hot Springs + Spa
• 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. Pick up your rental car, 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.

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

Catch a ferry back to Auckland, before making your way to Rotorua.

Driving time Auckland to Rotorua – 3 hours

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 + Mt Tarawera by Heli + Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa

This morning 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.

Next, step into Wai Ariki, a place where Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing traditions, and warm hospitality converge. Nestled by the captivating Lake Rotorua, its name, ‘Chiefly Waters,’ reflects the majesty it holds. Owned and curated by the local iwi, you’ll discover the Wai Whakaora, a path to restoration, and the exclusive sanctuary, Āhuru Mōwai, both deeply rooted in Māori values. Experience a world of uniqueness that transcends borders and touches hearts. Wai Ariki awaits to embrace you with its magic.

Enjoy a 60 minute massage and 60 minute bathing, induce a calm balance between your mauri (vital energy) and your wairua (spirit). Your choice of signature oil blends, infused with rongoā rākau (plant remedies) further enhance this restorative massage.

Option to go back to your luxury resort and enjoy the facilities on offer or to further explore Rotorua.

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.

Pick up your rental car and drive to your accommodation, 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  – Earnslaw Burn, 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.

Your ears fill with the rush of waterfalls, your eyes feast on the dazzling glacier hanging above you and your nose enjoys the fragrant, local wine in your glass. You will also get an amazing Ariel views over the Wakatipu basin.

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

Featured: Earnslaw Burn

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.