11 Day New Zealand Luxury Adventure Holiday

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Queenstown to Glenorchy
Huka Lodge River
Doubtful Sound
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ITINERARY
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11 Day New Zealand Luxury Adventure Holiday

What could be better than coming to New Zealand to both relax and recharge? There is nothing quite like trying something for the first time and living in the moment, especially when the experience is had in a beautiful environment. Whether it's a jetboating journey deep into the heart of New Zealand's wilderness or exploring the subterranean underworld of Waitomo Caves this itinerary is sure to thrill. All the while staying at the fabulous Huka Lodge and Eichardts Private Hotel where you can truly relax and enjoy a six-star experience.

Duration: 11 days

Starts: Queenstown

Finishes: Auckland

Drive Journey
  • Dedicated Travel Designer
  • Full In-Country Support
  • Specialist Guides on all selected experiences
  • Full Vehicle Selection
Your Experiences:
  1. Fly & Cruise Milford Sound
  2. Dart River Safaris
  3. Piha Beach & Private Dinner
  4. Blackwater Rafting
  5. Wai-o-tapu Geothermal Area
  6. The Ultimate Lake Taupo Experience
Your Locations:
  1. Queenstown
  2. Milford Sound
  3. Auckland
  4. Rotorua
  5. Taupo
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Day by day tour itinerary

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DAY 1
Arrive in Auckland - Fly to Queenstown

'Haere Mai’ and welcome to Queenstown

After meeting you at the airport a representative from Eichardts will transfer to your waterfront hotel to settle in.

Sophisticated Queenstown offers bespoke and authentic luxury experiences in a beautiful snowy mountain setting, hosted by the naturally warm and welcoming Kiwi people. While the town is known for its wide variety of adventure activities, you needn’t be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Queenstown: the tranquil lake and mountain setting is a major part of its appeal. From relaxing vineyard tours or boat cruises to extreme adventures, Queenstown has it all.

For the next four nights in Queenstown you will stay at the exclusive Eichardt’s Private Hotel in a luxury suite overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu – there’s no better view to wake up to.

DAY 2
Queenstown at Leisure

Experience one of the many walking and hiking trails, sightseeing tours or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine.

A full day for you to enjoy Queenstown and its surroundings.

Adrenalin junkies, we can arrange virtually any activity you can think of from a bungy jump into Kawarau Gorge, a swing across Shotover Canyon, or a skydive into Paradise.

For a more peaceful day, there are beautiful drives in the local area. Head to historic Arrowtown for quaint streetscapes and leafy views. Or drive to Glenorchy for a horseback ride through Lord of The Rings country. You could explore local wineries, cheese-eries and orchards by car or by bike.

The options are endless: chat with our travel specialists for more great suggestions for your perfect Queenstown day.

Queenstown Otago
DAY 3
Fly to Milford Sound and cruise

No visit to Queenstown is complete without a pilgrimage to the "Eighth Natural Wonder Of the World": Milford Sound.

Scenic flight to Milford Sound

Along the journey, keep your camera close by: there are scenic wonders waiting to be snapped. The stunning Mirror Lakes, the glacier-formed Eglinton Valley, the waterfalls and rapids of The Chasm, and iconic Mitre Peak are some of the many highlights.

Milford Sound Cruise

Arriving in Milford you will board your purpose built cruise vessel and sail the length of the Sound. Marvel at the gigantic waterfalls cascading into the sea, and the towering glacier-scarred rock walls around you. Dolphins, penguins and seals are regularly visit Milford Sound, so keep your eyes peeled.

You will return to Queenstown in style on a scenic flight over the lakes, mountains, rivers and forests of this breathtaking region. It’s a day to remember forever.

DAY 4
Dart River Safaris

Today an amazing full day journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park awaits you.

Combine an hour of high-speed wilderness jet boating with unique Funyak inflatable canoes for a fun way to explore the Dart River as well as hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this stunning area at your own pace as you float downstream on sparkling water, then enjoy a wilderness picnic lunch before heading past ‘Paradise’ and on to Glenorchy. Highly informative guides add the personal touch, talking about the area’s history, the Greenstone trail and Maori legends.

Dart River Jet
DAY 5
Fly to Auckland

Meet your driver guide either at the airport. You will travel in a comfortable top range vehicle and taken for a short and scenic journey to the city and west coast of Auckland, discovering the local people, cuisine, adventure and scenery before enjoying a lovely lunch or picnic overlooking the ocean. The itinerary will be perfectly matched to how you feel on the day – simply let your host know and they will take great care of you before returning you to your accommodation in the early afternoon.

Auckland Waterfront at Dusk
DAY 6
Evening Experiences: Dine with a Lion

Enjoy a day or evening Piha Beach private tour in a Land Rover Discovery Executive 4WD.

While driving from Auckland city you will be provided with refreshments and relaxing music through the scenic Waitakere Ranges to Piha Beach, where you can explore the black sand beach of Piha and climb to the top of Lion Rock or simply relax and take in the wild beauty of Auckland’s west coast. After you have experienced the beach up-close, you will be escorted you to your exclusive private residence for dinner prepared by one of Auckland’s top Private Chefs. Indulge in your personalised dinner menu, matched with fine New Zealand wines, while enjoying views to die for overlooking Piha Beach.

DAY 7
Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves

Streams spill, twists, turn and join to build a river canyon.

Today your drive adventure begins, collect your rental car and take to the highway heading south.

You’ll travel to Waitomo for the chance to glide with the water as it drops down the ‘hidden’ waterfall and tumbles down rocky chutes before sliding through vaulted limestone galleries to finally emerge into the dazzling green Waitomo forest. Prepare to be amazed at the naturally occurring decorations within the cave including stalactites and stalagmites, your enthusiastic guide will happily share their knowledge on all aspects concerning Cave Formations and cave life. This exhilarating journey also provides a spectacular visual display of glowworms.

Continue on 2 hours to Rotorua.

DAY 8
Lake Taupo & Huka Lodge

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Approximately 30 minutes south of Rotorua lies Wai-O-Tapu, a wonderland of stunning geothermal activity. In English Wai-O-Tapu means ‘Sacred Water’ and it is easy to see why. Hot pools ranging in colour from turquoise blue, rich green and gold to an almost olive/yellow, make the water at Wai-O-Tapu a dazzling must see.

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    4 nights at Huka Lodge

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    Approximate Distance: 90km

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    Total Driving Time: 1 hour

DAY 9
Relax and enjoy Huka Lodge

A day to relax at Huka Lodge is a glorious day.

If you do want to venture further afield, then for a start there is a great big body of fresh water to swim, sail, kayak or just relax in it, whether it be at Kinloch or the main beach. Towards the southern end of the main beach you will find hot geothermal springs on the shores edge (try in front of the Reef Resort). The Waikato river starts in Taupo and many take inflatables or kayak down stream to free Hotpools. The lake taupo region is also well known for great biking and walking tracks. Fly fishing is also very popular.

Huka Lodge
DAY 10
The Ultimate Lake Taupo Experience

Scenic Helicopter flight and then private launch on the lake

An unforgettable 1.5-hour scenic flight, either south over the Kaimanawa Ranges to search for the wild horses. Land next to the Rangitikei River and enjoy the magical solitude. Then fly over the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park. The alternative flight is north over sacred Mt Tarawera, Huka Falls, Waikato River, Wai-O-Tapu and Waimungu volcanic areas. Climb high over the Tarawera Falls and Hidden Valley. Ending the beautiful bays of Lake Taupo to meet with our launch. Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings. Enjoy, lunch, trout fishing and clay bird shooting.

DAY 11
Return to Auckland for your onward flight

After the most amazing trip, return to Auckland airport today prior to boarding your onward flight. We know you will enjoy your holiday and our promise to you is to make your travels through New Zealand equal parts relaxing  and an invigorating experience.

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    Approximate Distance: 280km

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    Total Driving Time: 3hrs 20 mins

Nikita Smith - Travel Designer
Nikita Smith, OUR ABSOLUTE TRAVEL DESIGNER SAYS: “This trip is designed with family travel in mind. What better time to make memories as a family than by spending time together in New Zealand's great outdoors. Your teens and young adults will remember this trip as the best of times travelling together.”

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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    11 Day New Zealand Luxury Adventure Holiday


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