Luxury for Less 13 Nights - North and South Islands From $4,399 pp (land only) Share
This itinerary screams gourmet, luxury, vistas, vines and a good dose of time spent in the company of friendly, knowledgable and passionate as punch kiwi's!
There’s no better place to start your vacation than the idyllic Bay of Islands, an aquatic paradise which is also considered the ‘Birthplace of our Nation’. Learn the history of New Zealand before you travel to Matakana (we’re convinced, one of NZ’s best kept secrets) where you’ll stay on a working vineyard overlooking the ocean. Visit local artists and sculptors, take a beach walk, try horse trekking, fishing or snorkeling.
Next you’ll fly to Nelson, in the South Island to arrive at an elegant but contemporary English style country house set in a spectacular location. From here, explore the golden beaches, aquamarine waters and idyllic bush walks of the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. From fantastic vista's, it's off to the vines and the famous Marlborough Wine Region. Your fantastic hosts here will help you plan a wine tasting adventure or a day exploring the Marlborough Sounds where you can hike, kayak or cruise. You'll also enjoy a private cooking lesson in the art of making a traditional New Zealand dessert, and a private access visit to a local winery. Leaving the wine country you’ll follow the coast via Kaikoura, famous for whale watching, albatross or swimming with dolphins before arriving in the garden city of Christchurch. Your accommodation is an elegant beautifully restored colonial home. Explore the Christchurch Art Gallery; wander in the botanical gardens or try punting along the Avon River. Your final three nights will be spent amongst the magnificent landscapes of the Southern Alps in Queenstown. Breathtakingly beautiful, Queenstown is a premier resort town which offers a wide range of active & leisurely adventures – the perfect location to end your New Zealand experience!
Day 1 & 2: Bay of Islands Explore a blue, green and gold world of beaches, bays and forests and friendly coastal towns. Connect with our fascinating roots, standing proud as the birthplace of our modern nation.
Bay of Islands – Bay of Islands Lodge Bay of Islands Lodge offers elegance,style and luxury in a private, native bush reserve a few minutes’ drive from Paihia, the bay’s major township. The two-level, cedar-clad lodge overlooks the Veronica Channel and the regular ferry route between Paihia and the charming, historic town of Russell.
RECEIVE FOR FREE 1st night: Complimentary New Zealand Kauri Koru – native New Zealand wood carving 2nd night: Bay of Islands Lodge Apron
Day 3 and 4: Matakana, North Auckland Matakana is a small town north of Auckland surrounded by a beautiful landscape and a stunning coastline. This small town offers a fantastic Saturday village market, great local artists and a real New Zealand feel, yet only an hour from Auckland and it's splendid harbours.
Takatu Lodge and Vineyard – Matakana Takatu Lodge & Vineyard offers a unique experience -the opportunity to stay on a working award-winning vineyard in the heart of charming Matakana, a premium wine-growing and famed farmers-market centre, less than an hour north of Auckland.
RECEIVE FOR FREE 1st night: A bottle of Takatu’s award winning Bordeaux style wine Kawau Bay 2006 or Takatu Poppies Bandol style Rosé 2009 2nd night: Two tickets to the local Brick Bay Sculpture Trail – explore the local artists studios
Day 5 and 6: Nelson / Abel Tasman National Park With three National Parks, beautiful beaches, secluded coves, native bush, and a community that loves to create, Nelson is a highly gifted region with a sunny climate.
Eden House – Nelson Idyllically set in 48-acres of an area of outstanding natural beauty, Edenhouse is a boutique luxury lodge designed in the style of an elegant English-style country house. It is only 30-minutes from the city of Nelson and from the pristine wilderness, stunning golden beaches and turquoise coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park.
RECEIVE FOR FREE 1st night: Receive a copy of nelson’s local art book, showcasing Nelson’s local artists 2nd night: Two tickets for a day cruise on the world renowned, Abel Tasman Park – a breathtaking experience into listed heritage marine parkland.
Day 7 and 8: Blenheim / Marlborough Wine Region Let your passion for food and wine lure you to Marlborough. Enjoy the good life on this exquisitely pretty plain framed by mountains.
Maison Grange - Blenheim Located on a ten acre Pinot Noir vineyard in the heart of Marlborough's wine country. French for "Barn House", Maison Grange has a stylish, European influence and is affectionately known by the locals as "The Barn". The property has only two guest suites and a luxurious one-bedroom apartment. All rooms offering french doors opening onto private patios and views of the vineyard. Food and wine lovers will thoroughly enjoy their stay here.
RECEIVE FOR FREE 1st night: Complimentary vineyard package: Learn about wine growing in New Zealand during a wander through the Maison Grange vines with owner, John. This is followed by 'private access' visit to Saint Clair Winery (not open to the public) and a bottle of Saint Clair wine. 2nd night: Enjoy a cooking lesson in the art of making a traditional dessert, the Pavlova, with one of New Zealand's best-selling cookbook authors and your hostess, Robyn (featured in ‘Saveur Magazine’) and devour once complete!
Day 9 and 10: Christchurch / The Garden City A captivating world of mountains, rivers and coastal plains. Picture perfect parks and gardens - also known as the most ‘English’ city outside of England.
Elm Tree House – Christchurch Elm Tree House, is an elegant, 1920’s Historic Places Trust colonial home offering superior hosted bed & breakfast accommodation. Its central location is ideal for discovering the beauty and the attractions of New Zealand’s world-famous Garden City.
RECEIVE FOR FREE 1st night: On arrival, enjoy a ‘Elm Tree House’ afternoon tea 2nd night: Two entry tickets to the Christchurch Art Gallery latest exhibition
Day 11, 12 & 13: Queenstown So much beauty, so many opportunities for adventure. Queenstown’s fabled alpine scenery is absolutely for real. We also highly recommend taking a scenic flight or heli trip to Milford Sound.
Your accommodation in Queenstown will be a 5 star hotel, boutique hotel or bed and breakfast.
Note: This package can be priced to include airfares, please inquire.
Booking Conditions:
This package and the ‘added values’ are only available by bookings made through Active Downunder. International airfares or airfares required within New Zealand not included. Day tours in each region can be added (additional cost). Package is subject to availability at time of booking.
