18 Day Best of NZ Private Luxury Itinerary

When you touch down in New Zealand you will be met at the airport by Your Private Driver/Guide. 

Our guides have been with us for a long time and are seasoned professionals. Our aim is to give ‘you’ our guests a memorable experience of New Zealand and its stunning scenery. With years of experience in tourism in New Zealand, we guarantee that you will receive a first-class service!

The best part about our guides is that they are local and chances are they have their go-to destinations that only locals know about. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, a favourite local pub, or a fantastic attraction that most tourists overlook, our guides can help recommend authentic experiences that you may not discover on your own.

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax - you are on holiday and everything has been taken care of. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your central city luxury accommodation. Make the most of some free leisure time in the 'City of Sails' - simply relax or take this opportunity to explore the many sights of Auckland. This evening we suggest you head down to the viaduct for dinner.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

Heading north, follow the shoreline of the Kaipara Harbour, soaking up the views as we drive on to the fascinating Matakohe Kauri Museum. Later, we arrive at the ancient Waipoua Forest where we join Footprints Waipoua for a uniquely spiritual tour through the towering Kauri trees. Included is a visit to 51-meter tall Tane Mahuta, the God of the Forest; a natural giant with an impressive girth of 13.8 metres. Tonight, we enjoy a delicious meal on the edge of the harbour.  

Approximate Distance: 271 kms | 168 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Hokianga - 1 night

Today visit the Manea Experience - Footprints of Kupe offers you a unique cultural encounter, journeying into Te Ao Māori, the Māori world.

Manea – Footprints of Kupe is a 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling – through art, taonga (cultural treasures), film, performance, digital interaction, and the splendour of Hokianga’s natural surroundings.

The descendants of Kupe welcome you, as do the spirits of our ancestors. Enter Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe, our sacred cradle of tribal histories. Walk with us in the footprints of our ancestor – Kupe the intrepid, Kupe the voyager, Kupe the discoverer.

Northland is one of the narrowest spots in the whole North Island, which makes for an easy day from the Hokianga to the Bay of Islands, on the ‘other side’. We’re in no rush, so there’s time for plenty of stops along the way, like the famous Stone Store in Kerikeri, New Zealand’s oldest stone building. We’re now in the beautiful Bay of Islands, where we continue onto our home for the next 2 nights, Paihia. From our hotel walk just across the lawn to the Waitangi Treaty House, for our guided tour.   You’re standing on the spot where, In 1840, Maori chiefs and Queen Victoria’s representatives signed the treaty which gave birth to the nation of New Zealand.

Approximate Distance: 70 kms | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Accommodation Bay of Islands - 2 nights

Today we explore the emerald isles of the Bay of Islands on a dolphin cruise. We pass Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’ and stop at Otehi Bay on Urapukapuka Island. Returning to the quaint historical town of Russell - New Zealand’s first capital - in the early afternoon, we drive up Flagstaff Hill for panoramic views of the Bay of Islands before returning to Waitangi via vehicular ferry.
 

Today we will take a leisurely drive head back to Auckland for the night, right in the heart of it all - in the Viaduct.

Approximate Distance: 228 kms | 142 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation Auckland - 1 night

An exciting day awaits this morning. Journey to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire, where Hobbiton was brought to life on a private farm in Matamata. This idyllic village blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Set to the scale of a 3ft Hobbit you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a magical world of smoking chimneys, bluebells, and the Green Dragon Inn. Visit Bag End as well as the other 43 Hobbit Holes on this fully guided 2.5hr Hobbiton tour. Learn about the production of the movies – how did they make Gandalf appear so tall? Why was this exact site chosen to build Hobbiton? The passion and knowledge gleaned from your guide brings this authentic Middle-earth experience to life.

Continue your journey to the geothermal city of Rotorua.

Approximate Distance: 252 km | 157 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation Rotorua - 2 nights

At Okawa Bay on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, board "Tiua", a 53ft catamaran for a relaxing sail on serene Lake to secluded coves and natural hot pools reached only by boat - a memorable journey.

This afternoon, travel past the Blue & Green Lakes to the famous buried village of Te Wairoa. This is New Zealand's most visited Archaeological Site, where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption come to life. Te Wairoa was established by the Christian missionary in 1848 as a model village, however Te Wairoa survived for fewer than 40 years before it, and the nearby Pink and White Terraces were obliterated by the eruption of Mt Tarawera.

This evening, enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance.

Today we visit the surreal, geothermal reserve, Wai-O-Tapu. The bubbling mud pools and incredibly colourful silica terraces are unforgettable. 

On the road to Lake Taupo we view the turbulent Huka Falls where the Waikato River thunders through a narrow chasm. From Taupo there are magnificent views across the lake to the three active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu (2,797 metres), the highest mountain in the North Island.These mountains of the volcanic plateau are our next destination, the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. Take a walk in the park this afternoon.

Approximate Distance: 179 kms | 111 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 20 mins

Accommodation National Park - 1 Night

Our day starts in style, with breakfast at the historic Chateau Tongariro nestled at the base of the mountains. This is the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, from this volcanic plateau we make our way across the high country and down to our capital Wellington. 

We stay two nights in Wellington as we reckon you can’t miss "the coolest little capital in the world". We’ll check out the city's sights and head up Mt Victoria for the stunning views over the harbour before getting settled for the night. We’re right in the heart of Wellington's vibrant hub of museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques and cafes. Looking for some local flavour? Ask for one of Wellington’s trendy craft beers with your dinner (our pick – Tuatara).

Approximate Distance: 336 kms | 209 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 20 mins

Accommodation Wellington - 2 nights

The day is yours to enjoy, you are at the heart of all the action at The Bolton Hotel, a short walk to the waterfront, Te Papa National Museum and all the eateries and boutique breweries that Wellington is famous for.

Wellington is also the spiritual home of "The Lord of Rings" where you can visit Weta Workshop and see how all the props are made or drop into the Embassy theatre which hosted the world premier back in 2003.

Here are some sight seeing and activity suggestions while in Wellington:

This morning’s three-hour cruise across the Cook Strait and into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds is magical. From here, we explore the ‘Sauvignon Blanc capital of the world’ that is Marlborough – don’t miss tasting a glass or two of the local drop during the vineyard tour. We ascend gradually to St Arnaud village and Lake Rotoiti, a scenic gem nestled in the beech forested mountain range of the stunning Nelson Lakes National Park. We visit the Department of Conservation Centre before driving down to Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand and gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.

Approximate Distance: 133 kms | 83 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 50 mins

Accommodation Nelson - 2 Nights

Today you have a choice of a full scenic cruise or a cruise and walk from Marahau along the stunning Abel Tasman coastline. Abel Tasman National Park is our country's smallest national park. It protects 23,000 hectares of the most natural stretch of easily accessible coastline in New Zealand. The coastline is characterised by islands just offshore, sheltered waters, estuaries and golden, sandy beaches. Lie on a beach, or even go for a swim if the weather is warm. The park is sheltered from ocean swells, and enjoys a mild climate. After your cruise or walk we return to Nelson.

From Nelson we drive to Pelorus Bridge, Havelock and Blenheim then down the spectacular Kaikoura coastline where big seas pound the rocks. Kaikoura is a small hamlet beside the ocean and beneath the towering Kaikoura Mountains. Seafood, especially crayfish, is a specialty. We stay right on the waterfront. This afternoon take a scenic flight to view whales and stroll along the coastline for encounters with the cheeky fur seals that live here.

Approximate Distance: 243 kms | 151 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation Kaikoura - 1 night

This morning we continue south, winding inland over the Hunderlee Hills and dropping down to the patchwork beauty of the Canterbury Plains. In the afternoon we drive past stunning alpine lakes and fields of golden tussock before arriving at our accommodation in the foothills of the Southern Alps, and into the World Heritage and breathtaking Mt Cook National Park where you stay in the shadow of New Zealand's tallest Mountain. 

Approximate Distance: 506 kms | 314 miles  Total Driving Time: 6 hours 42 mins

Accommodation Mt. Cook - 1 night

Always a memorable time on tour, your day in Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain and ‘home ground’ of the most famous Kiwi of all, Sir Edmund Hillary. Take your pick from exploring the dramatic landscape on one of the many easy walking tracks around the village, or make it an experience you’ll never forget with a boat cruise on the glacial lake, a scenic flight or a heli hike high up on the Tasman Glacier!

After lunch we begin the scenic journey to Queenstown. The mountain-rimmed Mackenzie Basin, the golden tussock of the Lindis Pass and the rocky Kawarau Gorge make the views on this part of the journey stunning.

Your accommodation is minutes away from the city centre and looks out to Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountains. This evening, enjoy Queenstown’s delicious dining options – your driver/guide will give you some great recommendations. 

Approximate Distance: 264 kms | 164 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 20 mins

Accommodation Queenstown - 3 nights

Today you’ll experience some of the most dramatic scenery the country has to offer. Travel alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau and the Milford Road. Deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park, this road is an impressive collection of soaring mountains, mirror lakes, waterfalls and deep, glacier-carved valleys. Arriving in Milford Sound we board a boat cruise, exploring the Sound’s inky waters and sheer cliffs. Return to Queenstown on a stunning scenic flight over the scenery of Fiordland, topping off a magnificent day in the New Zealand outdoors.

Today is your opportunity to experience Queenstown exactly as you want to. Whether you’re after extreme adventure or more relaxing activities, your driver/guide will assist you in your plans. 

Recommended excursions in Queenstown:

For something a little more relaxing the Botanic Gardens and lakeside walkways offer plenty of places for relaxing strolls, or browse the boutique shops for New Zealand classics like merino clothing.

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We take care of your transfer to Queenstown Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday. Our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.