15 Day Wilderness New Zealand, Sailing New Caledonia

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Queenstown Helicopter Transfer
Only 15 minutes walk from Le Meridian Isle of Pines, discover the famous natural pool.
Noumea Yacht Charters
Lagoons of New Caledonia
Anse Vata Beach Noumea
Noumea Yacht Charter
OVERVIEW
ITINERARY
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15 Day Wilderness New Zealand, Sailing New Caledonia

Start with Hawkes Bay Wine region and soak up the art and food scene before heading to the tranquility of the Queen Charlotte Sounds for walks, swimming, and nature. Helicopter to remote Minaret Station and enjoy life on a high country ranch. Enjoy a private launch on Dusky Sound before heading to New Caledonia for a private sailing charter around the UNESCO status lagoons of Noumea.

Duration: 15 Days

Starts: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Finishes: Noumea, New Caledonia

+ Absolute Fly & Seek Inclusions:
  • Dedicated Travel Designer
  • Full In-Country Support
  • Specialist Guides on all selected experiences
  • Scenic Charter Flight Transfers
Your Experiences:
  1. Exclusive Hawkes Bay Wine Tour
  2. Private Tour of Hawkes Bay
  3. Fishing Charter Marlborough Sounds
  4. Minaret Station Highlights
  5. Dusky Sound Experience
Your Locations:
  1. Hawkes Bay
  2. The Marlborough Sounds
  3. Wanaka
  4. Queenstown
  5. Noumea – New Caledonia
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Day by day tour itinerary

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DAY 1
Welcome to Hawkes Bay Wine Country

With a lifestyle that favours wine, food, art & culture there is plenty to savour

Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Hawke’s Bay has many unique features to offer to its visitors. From stunning beaches and coastal lines, native bush, and wildlife to rolling hills and picturesque wineries, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage, you will not be disappointed.

DAY 2
Taste the best of Hawkes Bay Wine Country

200 vineyards, 70+ wineries and 30+ cellar doors, with excellent al fresco dining options

If you thought New Zealand was all about Sauvignon Blanc, you are missing out on some of the best wines we have to offer. Wines from Hawke’s Bay have scored more 90+ ratings in Wine Spectator than any other New Zealand District!

Hawke’s Bay is home to the oldest winery in New Zealand. The story began with a group of French missionaries who sailed to New Zealand in 1838, with little more than their faith and a few vines. Today, Hawke’s Bay is the second-largest viticultural region in New Zealand, producing local and international award-winning wines.

Today your private guide will take you to the best of these cellar doors, and dine al fresco at one of the many winery restaurants.

DAY 3
Relax and enjoy Hawkes Bay

Visit Te Mata Peak and Art Deco Napier

With a driver at your disposal today, you have the luxury to go anywhere within the province. Head to the magnificent Te Mata Peak for a 360 degree view of the region. Napier has an interesting mix of history in the Art Deco building style, coffee houses, and hole-in-the-wall art galleries. Take lunch on the Napier waterfront – or try another winery restaurant, Black Barn Vineyard is a favourite in Havelock North, or for rustic charm try Clearview Estate at the seaside at Te Awanga.

DAY 4
Head to the Beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds

Fly to Wellington, Helicopter transfer to the Bay of Many Coves

In the heart of the Queen Charlotte Sounds, nestled into the hillside where virgin native bush extends from hilltops to water’s edge you will find the Bay of Many Coves Resort. The Sounds offers tranquility and birdsong like no other part of New Zealand is able –  due to the predator free nature of this area. This property is boat access only – so the only other visitors will be boaties and the few other guests staying at the property, in the luxury of private villas. From here it is possible to hike sections of  the Queen Charlotte Track or to enjoyed the sheltered bays from the water.

View from Apartment over Bay of Many Coves
DAY 5
Take a hike on the Queen Charlotte Track

Lush native forests and regenerating bush are perfect for recharging the spirit.

Take one of several tracks leading out from the Resort that lead you through 52 hectares of private bush, alive with native birds. Venture from the Bay of Many Coves Resort to the Queen Charlotte Track, or we can arrange a boat pick up from any of the entry and exit points along this magnificent walkway.

DAY 6
Enjoy a day out on the water

Take the day to explore the beautiful Marlborough Sounds

Fresh fish is what the Marlborough Sounds is famous for, so why not catch your own?

Whether fishing is a passion or on your ‘Bucket List’, we can arrange a Fishing charter for you within the inner-Sounds (catch and release blue cod) or an extreme outer-Sounds fishing expedition.

The Marlborough Sounds
DAY 7
Queenstown

Fly to Queenstown, helicopter transfer to Minaret Station

Accessible only by helicopter, you’ll transfer by helicopter after flying into Queenstown. Minaret Station is New Zealand’s first and finest luxurious alpine lodge. The lodge is set at the head of a picturesque glacial valley within the untouched landscapes and beauty of the Southern Alps, near Wanaka.

In addition to the Alpine Lodge, Minaret Station also provides authentic experiences throughout New Zealand’s South Island including an extensive range of helicopter touring, hiking, backcountry fly fishing, guided hunting, and heli-skiing.

Minaret Station
DAY 8
Minaret Station Highlights

A tailored experience of Minaret Station for guests staying at the Alpine Lodge.

Start the day by hiking down the valley from the Alpine Lodge with your guide. Here you will be picked up by helicopter and flown onto the 50,000 acre farm where you will enjoy a combination of private farm tour, lake fishing, gourmet lunch and the opportunity for further exploration on this private property.

DAY 9
Dusky Sound Experience

Far to the south, over rain forests, mountains and deep glaciated valleys lies beautiful Dusky Sound in Fiordland.

After a stunning scenic flight you will land on our custom-built floating helipad and transfer to our boat to enjoy a day of fishing, discovery and wildlife viewing. At Dusky Sound, it’s possible to explore the pristine shoreline of this World Heritage Area and retrace the steps of explorer Captain Cook.

The archaeological evidence of Cook’s visit can still be seen in the tree stumps cut by his crew for timber used to repair the vessel, Resolution in 1773. This is a spectacular region of Fiordland National Park that is only experienced by a few lucky visitors who take away indelible memories.

Very few people visit Dusky Sound. It’s isolated location at the South-Western tip of Fiordland makes it inaccessible to all but ocean-going vessels and helicopters. Consequently, the environment here is as pristine as it is possible to be.

Dusky Sound
DAY 10
Depart from Minaret Station

Return to Queenstown Airport for your onward journey

After a leisurely breakfast, return to Queenstown enroute for Auckland – the port you will leave from to head to New Caledonia. We hope you have enjoyed soaking up the hospitality and the unique landscapes – and looking forward to some time unwinding in New Caledonia.

Auckland city from the water
DAY 11
Noumea, New Caledonia

Fly 3 hours to Noumea

The flight is short under 3 hours and comfortable, upon arrival in Noumea, you will be met by a chauffeur and taken to your hotel.

New Caledonia is often referred to as a “slice of France in the South Pacific” because it has a strong French influence. The official language of New Caledonia is French, and the majority of the population is of French descent.

Anse Vata Beach Noumea
DAY 12-14
Charter Catamaran

Today its all aboard your charter catamaran

Hello and welcome aboard, today you will be departing from Port Moselle in Nouméa. You will be able to discover Noumea, the island of Lifou and the wild beauty of its landscapes, beaches and typical dwellings or even the Isle of Pines with its white sand beaches, and its turquoise blue water as far as the eye can see. Those who wish can also go diving in Poindimié, whose reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lagoons of New Caledonia
DAY 15
Return to Noumea

Your sailing experience is coming to an end

Return to Noumea and ready to depart New Caledonia for your onward journey

Marine life Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Nikita Smith, OUR ABSOLUTE TRAVEL DESIGNER SAYS: “This trip allows the guest to experience rural and remote New Zealand, with as much downtime or activity to suit any preferences. Sunlit al fresco lunches, bush clad hikes and high country farming - other worldly locations, sailing in UNESCO rated lagoons of New Caledonia. Let this trip be the trigger for your next adventure.”

Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!

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    15 Day Wilderness New Zealand, Sailing New Caledonia


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