Our special places
We design holidays tailored to your priorities. Please contact us to discuss any destination.
After the long flight, take the short hop to Waiheke Island from Auckland airport by helicopter. Packed with beautiful beaches, forests and vineyards and with a choice of accommodation including designer suites at the Boat Shed with its “jetlag package”, this is the perfect introduction to New Zealand. Once the jetlag has abated, head to Rotorua which provides an excellent introduction to Maori culture as well as offering thermal hot springs and lakeside walks. With just 8 rooms, staying at luxurious Kawaha Point Lodge on the edge of Lake Rotorua makes for an excellent base.
Moving south from Rotorua, you reach Tongariro National Park. This beautiful volcanic park offers the chance to hike the famous Tongariro Crossing, rated as one of the best one day treks in the country. Rest your weary limbs with a stay at the Tongariro Lodge on the banks of the river.
Spend a few nights in Wellington, arguably the most interesting of New Zealand’s cities with its excellent Te Papa museum and characterful hillside suburbs, before making the crossing over to the South Island. Famed for its wine and cuisine, your next stop should be Marlborough for a gastronomic feast and a great selection of accommodation options. Old St Mary’s Convent is a good bet with its magnificent honeymoon suite in the old chapel. Facilities include bikes for exploring the surrounding vineyards. Alternatively, hole up at nearby one-bedroom Hertzog Cottage, the perfect place to unwind and just a short walk to the Winery and Restaurant.
Spend a night at the George Hotel in Christchurch before heading off into the more wild landscape of New Zealand, first stop Matuka Lodge, near Twizel, for rooms with a view of the Southern Alps. Spend a day hiking in the national park or take a scenic flight over Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.
From Matuka Lodge head south to spend some time near Queenstown with your base being Matakauri Lodge. With its contemporary style, organic spa and bedrooms complete with private fireplace and mountain views, you would be forgiven for not straying far. However, the outdoor pursuits ranging from jetboat rides and helicopter trips over Milford Sound to hiking and biking in the mountains should certainly be considered!
Have a look at our other ideas in South Africa and Mozambique and Italy. To find out more about holidays to New Zealand, email Annabel or Matt or call 0207 359 3938