New Zealand is blessed with incredibly diverse and jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and icy glaciers to pristine beaches, verdant rainforests, and geothermal wonderlands. With careful planning, you can experience the best of what this natural paradise has to offer on a luxury journey tailored just for you.
When to Go
According to many seasoned travellers, the best time to travel to New Zealand for ideal weather and fewer crowds is during the shoulder seasons of autumn (April-May) and spring (September-October). The weather is still mild and sunny, while prices are lower and popular walks and attractions are less crowded. Do keep in mind that the weather here can be unpredictable any time of year, so come prepared.
Choosing Your Destinations
With limited time, focus your high-end escape on just the South or North Island. The South Island is revered for its staggeringly beautiful alpine scenery and adventure activities set amidst dramatic mountain peaks, glaciers and fiords. Key destinations include Queenstown, Wanaka and Fiordland National Park. The North Island appeals more to those who wish to experience Māori culture and get an up-close look at the natural wonders of boiling mud pools, spurting geysers and emerald crater lakes in thermal areas like Rotorua and Waitomo Caves.
Luxury Lodges
For an intimate and exclusive experience of New Zealand’s natural splendour, boutique luxury lodges and eco-lodges allow you to immerse yourself fully while enjoying amenities like fine dining, spa treatments, heli-tours and stunning views. On the South Island, consider exclusive outfits in Mt Cook National Park with alpine vistas, farm-to-table meals and guided treks. For the North Island, choose a lodge nestled in the forests outside Rotorua for private bush walks, thermal spa access and evening entertainment.
Private Tours
Well-designed private tour itineraries led by expert guides let you see the highlights while avoiding crowds and tourist traps. Reputable high-end tour operators craft custom North or South Island journeys with luxury vehicle transfers, treks suited to your ability, eco-conscious activities like whale watching, and fine dining at world-class wineries and restaurants. Accommodation can also be arranged at luxurious boutique hotels and lodges along your route.
Key Activities
No trip to New Zealand is complete without taking part in some iconic activities to immerse yourself in that famous Kiwi landscape. Options abound, from guided treks on the renowned multi-day Milford or Routeburn Tracks to soaking in the geothermal pools at Hanmer Springs on the South Island. See the North’s volcanic heart by helicopter ride over steaming White Island, then cap off days filled with fresh air and adventure with world-class cuisine and some of the planet’s best cool climate wines.
Getting There in Style
Once you’ve booked your lodges, tours and activities, the last piece is sorting out seamless, stress-free transport. To avoid long drives between destinations, look into charter planes between key spots on both islands. Helicopters, seaplanes and private road transfers can also cut down hugely on travel times – you could be swooping over alpine vistas one morning and landing on a remote beach for a picnic or stepping into a luxury vehicle outside your lodge to explore lesser-known gems. Why not pamper yourself with luxury from start to finish?
Booking It All
With so much on offer, planning a dream escape amidst New Zealand’s staggering beauty can get complex. For bespoke trip planning with the insider knowledge to match you with the very best lodges, private guides and transport options, talk to an expert travel designer. Specialist travel agents will help organise every step, providing end-to-end service so your holiday matches your unique wishes. They can accommodate special occasions, dietary needs, families, and will have trusted relationships with the country’s top operators.
New Zealand offers intrepid adventures, stunning scenery, world-class wine and food, indigenous culture, and luxury touches around every corner. With careful advance planning for the very best weather, expert advice and logistical support, your dream escape here will deliver magical memories to last a lifetime.
