11 Day - Indulgence Tour North & South Island:

Enjoy exclusive facilities chosen for their premium quality, warm hospitality, and located in the most quaint and stunning scenery that New Zealand can offer. There are distinctive changes in scenery that showcase the diversity of landscapes, flora, and fauna and offer diverse activities. All of the lodges offer cuisine which celebrates the best of seasonal New Zealand produce, with an emphasis on fresh home-grown offerings from the kitchen gardens. The best and finest of New Zealand’s vineyards are featured on the lodges wine list and represent a number of vineyards from around the country

Hawkes Bay - Cape Kidnappers: The Farm sits atop rolling hills and rugged cliffs that give way to vast sea views and an ever-present horizon. The generous suites offer sumptuous rustic luxury interiors with large bathrooms and stunning balconies.  Guests have use of the gym, pool, spa and library.  There is also one of the world’s top golf courses here. The lodge harvests much of its own products to use in the daily changing menus. 

Hawkes Bay - Managapapa Hotel: Set amongst acres of beautiful orchards and gardens, offering stunning boutique, luxury accommodation in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. The hotel rooms are located in various positions around the property, offering privacy and seclusion. The hotel boasts twelve stunning rooms, all unique in their own individual ways. Various sizes, location and decor, guarantee there is a room for everyone to fall in love with ding spa, sauna, gym, lawn tennis, bike hire and the seasonal outdoor pool. 

Wairarapa - Whakehauhau Lodge: Set high on a hill with a spectacular view of the sea.  The Edwardian lodge is furnished with antiques and oversized fireplaces.  There is an elegant formal dining room where you can sample fresh ingredients sourced from the farm or surrounding areas. The cottage suites have dramatic vistas but have a homely feel with a touch of luxury.

Queenstown - Matakauri Lodge: An alpine lakeside retreat nestled in one of the world's most serenely beautiful landscapes. Spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu and only seven minutes from Queenstown. The Main Lodge offers accommodation in twelve luxurious guest rooms and suites, with eight outlying cottages and four suites within the lodge. Each suite offers a private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in wardrobes and a bathroom. All nestled in a native forest overlooking the lake and the mountain panorama. 

Queenstown/Glenorchy - Blanket Bay: Nestled amidst rugged snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s finest Lodge. All rooms within the Lodge are placed to take full advantage of the magnificent lake and mountain vistas. Rooms feature their own balcony or terrace; king-size bed; armoire; and ensuite bathroom with granite-topped double vanities, separate shower and bath. On the Lodge's lower ground level the Blanket Bay Spa features a therapy suite, steam rooms, gym and a Jacuzzi with magnificent lake and mountain views, and Outdoor Heated Lap Pool.

Wanaka - Mahu Whenua: This luxurious high-country homestead is located in the South Island, just 20 minutes drive from Wanaka or 10 minutes by helicopter from Queenstown. As a Mahu Whenua guest, you will enjoy total privacy, unforgettable experiences and exquisite food and wine in a setting which spans over 55,000 hectares (550sq km or 200sq miles) of majestic beauty – towering mountains, lush green valleys, native bush, forests and meandering rivers.

Christchurch - Otahuna Lodge: Established in a 19th-century Victorian residence- a few minutes from Christchurch. Antique furniture- period woodwork and remarkable library elegantly intermingle with contemporary creations of New Zealand artists and a rich collection of Maori art. The atmosphere of the 7 suites brings back the glorious Victorian era- with candlesticks and fireplaces of that time- but there again- the patina of bygone times is subtly mixed with luxury and refinement.  

Christchurch/Akaroa - Annandale Villas: A working coastal farm and four luxury villas are nestled between the rolling hills of the Banks Peninsula and the sparkling water of the Pacific. These private locations feature award-winning architecture and a unique experience we refer to as "gumboot luxury". From sunrise to sunset, your private retreat at Annandale is authentic and unforgettable. Built in the 1880s, The Annandale homestead has been lovingly restored to create a luxurious five-bedroom home in a private and tranquil setting. A working coastal farm and four luxury villas are nestled between the rolling hills of the Banks Peninsula and the sparkling water of the Pacific. 

Cape Kidnappers is a headland at the southeastern extremity of Hawke's Bay on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island and sits at the end of an 8 kilometres peninsula which protrudes into the Pacific Ocean.

Today is at your leisure to enjoy your accommodation. With a plethora of things to do, you could enjoy activities such as walking trails, spa treatments or just relax and enjoy your surroundings.  

Accommodation: Hawkes Bay

A national disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. In 1931 a massive earthquake rocked Hawke's Bay for more than three minutes. Rebuilding began almost immediately, and new buildings reflected the architectural styles of the times - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco.

Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's second most significant wine-producing region, with over 100 vineyards and more than 80 wineries producing both innovative and classic wine styles. Most of Hawke's Bay's wineries produce less than 200,000 litres per annum and are family owned, providing an authentic boutique experience to complement award-winning wines. Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's warmest, driest regions, and this has made it one of the country's leading producers of wine; notably, red wines – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah Alluvial soils and a distinctly Mediterranean climate produce sophisticated, concentrated reds and weighty, finely-structured chardonnays.

Visit the iconic Craggy Range vineyard for wine tasting and lunch. It is situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak in the premium wine-growing area.

Or: Get the chance to prepare your dinner with a cooking class at either Farmhouse Kitchen or Breckenridge Lodge. Both establishments use quality seasonal Hawkes Bay produce. After class, you enjoy a meal and socialise with other members.

Accommodation: Hawkes Bay

An experience like no other and exclusive to guests of Cape Kidnappers, this is your chance to see the rare, endangered kiwi in its own, natural habitat. Venture into the pine forests surrounding the lodge with an experienced guide as they carry out essential monitoring of kiwi chicks. Assist your guide as they check the kiwi’s radio transmitters, weigh and measure the birds to monitor their wellbeing. Proceeds from this experience go to the Cape Kidnappers’ Sanctuary to ensure the continuation of their work preserving our native species.

Cape Kidnappers is craggy, but a stunning peninsula. The iconic pale cliffs are viewable from the full length of Marine Parade in Napier. Visitors can get within a few feet of the world’s largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony which is at the top of the Cape’s sheer and barren cliffs. Visit the colony and see gannets nesting in rows, hatchlings learning to fly and adult gannets carrying out their daily routines. The birds are usually in residence from September until early May, when the adult birds depart and their newly hatched chicks take a flight to Australia for two years before returning to Cape Kidnappers once more. 

Or: World Class Golf. New Zealand's top course is one that every serious golfer in the world must play. Considered "the leader among the many cliffside courses that claim to be the new Pebble Beach" Golf Digest ranked it the tenth best course in the world outside of the US, and stated "Kidnappers is terrific, a masterpiece no less". With 7,137 yards/6,520 meters of luxury golf, the par 71 Cape Kidnappers Golf Course simply must be seen, and played, to be believed.

Accommodation: Hawkes Bay

Just outside Napier is the Silky Oak Chocolate Company, which has been making handcrafted chocolates since 1959. Take a chocolate tour or visit the museum and sample some delicious chocolates! Then, visit The True Honey Co, sample some delightful Manuka Honey, and purchase some to take home. 

Available in only June/July, we have a tremendous, one-in-a-lifetime experience available. Private truffle hunting at King Trufflers Farm Wairarapa. Wander in the trees, watch the dogs sniff out the goods and enjoy exquisite truffle-based fare prepared for you onsite. Truffle is genuinely one of the wonders of the world!

Wairarapa is a region of big skies, broad valleys and small towns full of character. It is also a bonafide food and wine lover’s paradise. Its vineyards are at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail and produce some of the world’s best pinot noir. Home of Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings), and also making headlines at the moment, is James Cameron (Titanic and Avatar), who is making his new home there. 

Stop at Greytown, a Victorian country village with urban panache plus great food and coffee, before creeping to the coast. 

Throw yourself into a bygone era and enjoy the grandeur and gracious lifestyle of the Edwardian times reflected in Wharekauhau.

Accommodation: Wairarapa 

Explore beautiful farmland with a knowledgeable guide, learning about Wharekauhau and the historic sheep station. The farm covers 3,000 acres and is home to various animals, including Angus cattle and 2,500 Romney sheep dotting the emerald-green grass. The sheep are sheared twice annually, and the Wharekauhau wool is featured in products throughout New Zealand. A sheep shearing and working dog demonstration are included in the farm tour.  

Or: The road to Cape Palliser is dramatically scenic. This area of New Zealand has a rich history of early Maori occupation, and heritage sites are part of the fascinating landscape. For the final part of the journey, the road clings to the edge of the coast, providing unstoppable views of Palliser Bay. Check out the quirky fishing village of Ngawihi before you drive on to the lighthouse. The fur seal colony at the cape is the North Island's most significant. New Zealand fur seals have pointy noses, long whiskers, visible external ears and bodies covered with two layers of fur. The breeding season is from mid-November to mid-January. Pups start to feed on solid food before weaning and spend much of their day playing with other dogs and objects, such as seaweed and reef fish.

Accommodation: Wairarapa 

Surrounded by nature and fuelled by creative energy, Wellington is a compact city with a potent mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine. Fuel your visit with strong coffee and world-class craft beer – Wellingtonians are masters of casual dining, with plenty of great restaurants, night markets and food trucks.

Wellington is said to have more cafes and restaurants per capita than New York. Discover their best by taking a gourmet walking tour and being introduced to New Zealand’s culinary coffee and craft beer capital. You will then be taken to the home of a local foodie for a kiwi afternoon tea.

Queenstown has transformed into a sophisticated cosmopolitan town, tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath majestic mountains. There’s a permanent buzz in downtown Queenstown, where you’ll find fantastic restaurants, a lively bar scene and excellent shopping.

Accommodation: Queenstown or Wanaka

Experience the grandeur of Milford Sound and Fiordland. Helicopter landings at high alpine lakes and isolated beaches allow you to experience a wilderness which few people ever visit. Fiordland is an area of spectacular beauty. Native forest, glacial-hewn valleys, towering mountains and majestic and primaeval scenery have afforded this area World Heritage status. Ancient animals and plants of Gondwanaland still exist here. Your route passes through the contrasting landscapes of the ice-clad Southern Alps and the rain forests and fiords of this world heritage area. Includes a snow landing photo opportunity Flight includes one alpine landing and one glacier/snow landing when seasonally available.

Or: Visit the southern part of the South Island’s wild West Coast and experience the many scattered islands and early history unique to New Zealand’s largest fiord, Dusky Sound. Your return journey will take you to the head of Doubtful Sound, through the hidden valley of Campbell’s Kingdom and back down the Southern Arm of Lake Te Anau. 

Or: Exclusive Heli Wine flight. Enjoy a 15min scenic flight over the Gibbston Valley as we make our way from Queenstown towards Cromwell and Bannockburn to Mt Difficulty winery. You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of Central Otago and a bird’s eye view of many of the regional wineries and vineyards before landing at Mt Difficulty Restaurant & Cellar door to enjoy a wine tasting and a gourmet lunch. Your Helicopter and pilot will happily wait for the whole duration and answer any questions you may have.

Accommodation: Queenstown or Wanaka

The towering cliffs and rugged hillsides of the Kawarau Gorge take you through the heart of one of New Zealand’s most historic gold mining regions. 

Everything about Amisfield is of the earth, including the stone building that houses our acclaimed Bistro and Cellar Door. Formed from local schist, with a sharply-pitched copper roof and recycled timber, the building cuts a silhouette as sharp as the mountains that surround it. The scene is dramatic. A gastronomic leap of faith, the Trust the Chef degustation menu has been a signature since opening. the 3, 5 and 7-course options are designed to be paired with some of our most famous drops and library releases so you can enjoy the full Amisfield experience. 

Arrowtown is a living historic settlement with many stories to tell. Wander the tree-lined streets of restored cottages and explore gold mining sites. One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River. The town was established in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush.  

Or: An unmissable journey into the Dart River Valley, where myth, heritage and fantasy come to life. The Dart River Wilderness Jet is an exhilarating and spectacular journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park. This rich and diverse landscape offers a unique combination of breath-taking scenery, exhilarating experiences and New Zealand’s most exciting jet boating along glacier-fed rivers. Stroll through ancient beech forest, unchanged in over 80 million years and view the scenic backgrounds for many Middle Earth movie scenes.

Accommodation: Queenstown or Wanaka

Christchurch city promises an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. Described by Lonely Planet as a "vibrant city in transition, coping resiliently and creatively,” Christchurch's energy is evident wherever you go. Contemporary art galleries, boutique shops and open-air markets add to Christchurch’s creative vibe. Traditionally known as the Garden City, Christchurch’s award-winning Botanic Gardens are over 150 years old and boast an enviable collection. The Avon River flows gently through the city centre, making Edwardian punt rides an iconic way to sightsee. Alternatively, catch a ride aboard the Historic Tram or take a bicycle tour to learn about Christchurch's history.

The Banks Peninsula is made up of a series of ancient volcanoes. Over millions of years, these have been eroded into a very special landscape. The Banks Peninsula is likened to the crown of Christchurch with the two magnificent harbours as the main jewels set within it, where the old craters were invaded by the sea in ages past. The crater rims stand majestically in a ring of craggy peaks and the outer flanks boast some of the most spectacular outer coast scenery in New Zealand of towering cliffs punctuated by beautiful sandy beaches.

Accommodation: Christchurch or Akaroa

Arthur's Pass is the highest pass over the Southern Alps. Long before surveyor Arthur Dudley Dobson found his way over the pass in 1864, it was known to Maori hunting parties as a route between east and west. The eastern side of Arthur's Pass National Park is characterised by wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and vast beech forests. The western side of the park, where wet weather is more common than dry, has deeply gorged rivers flowing through dense rainforest. Down the middle of 'the great divide' is an alpine dreamland of snow-covered peaks, glaciers and scree slopes. The park includes many peaks over 2000 metres - the highest is Mount Murchison at 2,400 metres.  

Or: Take a scenic helicopter flight and head for the high country. Fly over braided riverbeds, through mountain passes, over lakes and high-country stations, and take in some of the New Zealand locations that have featured in famous movie sets. It’s the ultimate mid-Canterbury adventure. The pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks, including; the Lord of the Rings Film Set, the Lion Witch and the Wardrobe Film Set, Lake Coleridge Hydroelectric Power, Russel Flat and more.

Or: Cooking class. Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the Otahuna experience.

Accommodation: Christchurch or Akaroa 

Your private chauffeur will take you to your departing flight at Christchurch airport.