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Luxury Lodges. Legendary Landscapes.

Days

14

From (per person)

Journey

Luxury Lodge Journey
Independent Tour

$27,000

Visit

Queenstown, Milford Sound, Ahuriri Valley, Flockhill, Arthur's Pass National Park, Taupo, Auckland, Waiheke Island

$33,000

Shoulder Season

Peak Season

Perfect for

This itinerary is ideal for travellers celebrating a special occasion, honeymooners, or anyone seeking New Zealand at its most refined. It's perfect for those who value exceptional accommodations, gourmet dining, spectacular scenery, and personalized experiences without sacrificing opportunities for adventure. Whether you enjoy walking, fine wine, helicopter flights, wildlife, photography, or simply relaxing in beautiful surroundings, this journey showcases New Zealand's finest luxury lodges while revealing the country's incredible diversity.

Trip Highlights

Travel from the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the vibrant waterfront of Auckland while staying at New Zealand's most celebrated luxury lodges. Along the way, soar by helicopter into magnificent Milford Sound, enjoy boutique wine tasting in Central Otago, explore the remote Ahuriri Valley by 4WD, hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Arthur's Pass and Tongariro National Park, stargaze beneath some of the world's darkest skies, unwind beside the Waikato River at iconic Huka Lodge, and discover the wineries, artists, and coastal beauty of Waiheke Island. Throughout your journey, exceptional cuisine, warm Kiwi hospitality, and unforgettable landscapes combine to create a truly world-class New Zealand experience.

  • Stay at four of New Zealand's most celebrated luxury lodges

  • Scenic helicopter journey to Milford Sound with glacier landings and boutique cruise

  • Private Central Otago wine tasting experience

  • Explore the remote Ahuriri Valley with a private guide

  • Stargaze beneath some of the darkest skies on Earth

  • Discover the dramatic landscapes of Arthur's Pass National Park

  • Enjoy Flockhill's signature farm experiences and outdoor adventures

  • Relax in the iconic riverside setting of Huka Lodge

  • Private guided walking experience in Tongariro National Park or around Taupo

  • Discover Waiheke Island with a privately guided food and wine experience

  • Enjoy gourmet cuisine showcasing New Zealand's finest seasonal produce throughout your journey

Map

Starting point: Queenstown

Ending point: Auckland

Map of Luxury Lodges. Legendary Landscapes Itinerary

Click to enlarge

"This sample itinerary is designed to inspire. Most of our clients customize their journey by upgrading from self drive to private driver / guide, adding destinations, touring, or incorporating special interests such as fly fishing, golf, hiking, wellness, food and wine, cycling & wildlife."

The_Lindis_landscape

Itinerary

Luxury Lodges. Legendary Landscapes

Day 1 – Welcome to Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown where your private driver transfers you to the elegant ROKI Collection overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Spend the afternoon settling into New Zealand's spectacular alpine resort town before enjoying an exceptional five-course welcome dinner.
 

Day 2 – Milford Sound by Helicopter

Take to the skies for one of New Zealand's most spectacular experiences. Fly over glaciers, alpine peaks and Fiordland National Park before cruising the magnificent Milford Sound. Return via exclusive alpine landings, including the breathtaking Earnslaw Burn.
 

Day 3 – Central Otago Wine Country

Enjoy a private guided journey through New Zealand's premier Pinot Noir region. Visit boutique wineries in Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn while learning about the region's wines, history and spectacular alpine landscapes.
 

Day 4 – Into the High Country

Collect your vehicle and drive through Central Otago and the stunning Lindis Pass into the remote Ahuriri Valley. Arrive at The Lindis, one of New Zealand's most architecturally striking luxury lodges, surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine high-country wilderness.
 

Day 5 – Discover the Ahuriri Valley

Explore Ben Avon Station and the remarkable landscapes surrounding The Lindis on a private four-wheel-drive adventure. After dinner, experience one of New Zealand's finest dark sky regions during an unforgettable guided stargazing experience.
 

Day 6 – The Great Alpine Highway

Travel north through some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery, passing Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Castle Hill before arriving at Flockhill, an extraordinary working sheep station nestled beneath the Southern Alps.
 

Day 7 – Arthur's Pass National Park

Join your private guide to explore Arthur's Pass National Park. Choose from a selection of alpine walks while discovering dramatic waterfalls, native forests and the unique wildlife of New Zealand's Southern Alps.
 

Day 8 – A Day to Enjoy Flockhill

Spend the day embracing everything Flockhill has to offer. Choose from horseback riding, hiking, biking, fly fishing, farm experiences or simply relax and soak in the spectacular mountain surroundings.
 

Day 9 – To Taupo

Drive to Christchurch before flying north to Rotorua. A private transfer takes you to the legendary Huka Lodge, beautifully positioned beside the Waikato River and renowned as one of New Zealand's most iconic luxury retreats.
 

Day 10 – Guided Walking Adventure

Choose from several privately guided walks showcasing the volcanic landscapes surrounding Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park. Discover native forests, waterfalls and panoramic mountain scenery before returning to the tranquility of Huka Lodge.
 

Day 11 – Relax at Huka Lodge

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, indulge in a spa treatment, explore the surrounding trails, or simply relax beside the river while experiencing the exceptional hospitality for which Huka Lodge is famous.
 

Day 12 – Auckland

Travel north to Auckland and check into The Hotel Britomart, New Zealand's leading urban luxury hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant waterfront, boutique shopping and outstanding restaurants just steps from your hotel.
 

Day 13 – Waiheke Island

Cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island where your private guide introduces you to boutique vineyards, acclaimed restaurants, artists' studios and hidden corners of one of New Zealand's most beautiful islands.
 

Day 14 – Farewell New Zealand

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your private transfer to Auckland Airport, taking with you unforgettable memories of New Zealand's extraordinary landscapes, exceptional cuisine and world-class luxury lodges.

Luxury Lodges. Legendary Landscapes.

What's Included ✓

  • 13 nights luxury accommodation

  • Daily breakfast

  • 9 gourmet dinners

  • 5 lunches

  • Private airport and hotel transfers

  • 6-day luxury SUV rental car with unlimited kilometres and daily insurance

  • Scenic helicopter flight, Milford Sound cruise & alpine landings

  • Private wine tasting experience

  • Private guided tours and walks

  • Waiheke Island luxury touring

  • Ferry Tickets

Also Included: Detailed travel documentation, personalized recommendations, and the expert planning and support of the Active Downunder team before and throughout your journey.

Featured Luxury Lodges

  • ROKI Collection – Contemporary lakefront luxury overlooking Lake Wakatipu.

  • The Lindis – Iconic high-country architecture in the remote Ahuriri Valley.

  • Flockhill – Exclusive alpine retreat on a 36,000-acre working station.

  • Huka Lodge – New Zealand's legendary riverside retreat.

  • The Hotel Britomart – Auckland's leading sustainable luxury hotel.

Popular ways to Customize This Journey

✓ Add private driver/guide for the itinerary
✓ Add additional days in other regions of New Zealand

✓ Add a stopover in Australia, Fiji or Tahiti

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