14-Day - Wellness tour through the most stunning scenery of New Zealand

Enjoy exclusive facilities chosen for their premium quality, warm hospitality, and location in the most quaint and stunning scenery New Zealand can offer. Five distinctive changes in the set showcase the diversity of landscapes, flora, and fauna and offer diverse activities. Tour with a personal driver-guide/wellness instructor throughout and can be done for single travellers and small groups.

Golden Bay/Nelson - Westhaven Retreat: The 404.6-hectare (1000-acre) private peninsula is a natural wilderness sanctuary that borders the protected Marine and Wildlife Reserve and the Kahurangi National Park. Hiking along one of New Zealand's most dramatic coastlines, you will find secluded private beaches, incredible rock formations, and the largest Nikau Palm forest.

Or: Abel Tasman - Split Apple Retreat: The retreat, located near Nelson, is renowned for its gourmet Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine, where every ingredient has been selected for its positive contribution to health and wellness. Indulge in the spectacular setting, original art and antiques, and unparalleled service. With the Abel Tasman National Park at your doorstep, pristine nature presents a kaleidoscope of constantly changing colours and patterns.

Kaikoura - Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses: This contemporary country hotel is located on a deer breeding farm 12 kilometres North of the renowned eco-marine town of Kaikoura. The Lodge's five Tree Houses are unique, nested 10 meters or more above the ground in the canopy of a native Kanuka grove.

Akaroa/Christchurch - Annandale Retreat: Enjoy luxury 5-star Estate quality. 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 called "gumboot luxury". Enjoy the exclusive use of your property, where privacy, stunning scenery, and the smell of fresh air are guaranteed.

Mt Cook/Lake Pukaki - Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat: Set in a forest wilderness overlooking the turquoise blue waters of Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is right on the doorstep of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park located in the beautiful and unique Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. You can enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Pukaki to the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, from your room.

Or: Mount Cook - Lindis Lodge: The Lindis is in the pristine Ahuriri Valley in the South Island, an architecturally dynamic luxury lodge featuring five eclectically designed Lodge rooms. With over 6000 acres and surrounded on three sides by conservation parks, guests can experience a world-class alpine wilderness experience with unmatched fly fishing and horse trekking activities, amongst many others available. This, paired with refined New Zealand service, provides the ultimate platform to experience New Zealand at its most beautiful.

Lake Hawea - Silverpine Lodge: This spacious, elegant, hosted wilderness retreat is poised on a mountain bluff overlooking Lake Hawea and features back-country New Zealand hospitality with acclaimed cuisine and an excellent wine list. The Lodge is made of earth, stone, and native New Zealand timber. Surrounded by uninterrupted views of stunning New Zealand scenery, Silverpine Lodge offers an elegant, luxurious outdoor experience indoors.

Or: Lake Wanaka - Mahu Whenua Lodge: This luxurious high-country homestead is located on 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 that spans over 55,000 hectares (550sq km or 200sq miles) of majestic beauty – towering mountains, lush green valleys, native bush, forests and meandering rivers.

Take an international flight to Auckland, Christchurch or Queenstown and relax the first night in the city.

The Nelson district is known for its irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape at the top northwest corner of the South Island. Apples, cherries, and classic wine varietal grapes are well suited to the mild climate around the Nelson areas.

From there, we will take you over Takaka Hill and drive to the "Golden Bay", New Zealand's best-kept secret because there is only one road. On the drive over Takaka Hill, you catch your first sight of Golden Bay, taking your breath away. The idyllic charm and lifestyle of Golden Bay attract an exciting variety of artists and crafts folk. In addition, the world-class Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks and the famous Farewell Spit and Waikoropupu (Pupu) springs are in this hidden corner of New Zealand. This unique and remote Lodge is nestled on a large private peninsula at the top of the South Island, located directly at the mouth of Whanganui Inlet, near the Golden Bay.

Use our facilities to invigorate and rejuvenate yourself. Then, take, take time to relax. There's nothing better at the end of a day after exploring the wilderness at our doorstep than to give your body a treat.

Spa and Sauna - Relax in the Lodge hydrotherapy spa or detoxify your system with our Infrared Sauna. Feel your tensions and aches dissolve away.
Massage and Reflexology - Take advantage of our qualified holistic massages, reflexology and other wellness therapies. All therapies are customised to the individual, treating the entire body and soul. This develops a balance to equilibrium for better health and well-being.
Indoor Pool - In the Lodge's central Resort area is the equally relaxing 24 metres (78.74-foot) long, heated swimming pool, set among a profusion of exotic indoor plants.

Hatha Yoga and Meditation/Breathing Techniques

Hiking - Explore the peninsula on your own, with easy hiking tracks ranging from 10 min to a few hours or join us for a Guided Native Walk.

Go alone for solitude and discover the natural wonders. In the morning, walk the stunning Nikau trek. The Nikau forest track takes you through the 2nd largest Nikau forest in New Zealand and underneath a towering Camel Rock before arriving at a delightful rugged sandy beach facingout onto the Tasman Sea, curtle Bay. You'll find fascinating rock pools and even Paua at low tide amongst the rocks, which are easy to scramble over. It takes around one hour each way from the lodge.

In the afternoon, take a walk up to the Hill Top Walk. It is a leisurely 15-minute stroll from the turnoff along the Westhaven main farm access track and gets you right up into the craggy battlements of one of the highest limestone ridges on the property. The magnificent 360-degree views of the surrounding ocean, inlet and mountains make this one lookout not to miss! Allow two hours to return if walking to and from the lodge.

Westhaven Retreat is home to New Zealand's most beautiful scenery and hikes. With breath-taking surroundings of wild coastal land formations and tidal bores, dramatic cliffs, substantial sea caves, offshore rocks, secluded beaches and abundant wildlife, there is so much to discover. A range of activities are on offer:

Kayaking - Enjoy a peaceful paddle through the Marine reserves and one of New Zealand's most spectacular coastal forests.

Fishing - Fantastic Fishing, close to the Lodge, for the enthusiastic fisherman and learners.

Quad biking - Take the opportunity to see New Zealand Wilderness at its best. Safe and Enjoyable!

Mountain biking - Hire a mountain bike or take a bike tour through local sights and nearby cafes.

Farm Tour - Come and meet all the farm animals and some incredible treasures of Westhaven's history.

In the morning, take a helicopter trip and fly north along the coast; you get a bird's-eye view of the world-famous Abel Tasman National Park with its beautiful golden beaches, lush native bush, and clear blue waters. Our first stop is at Awaroa Lodge for coffee and a beach walk. Leaving Awaroa, we head over to Golden Bay and Farewell Spit, taking in the sights of the rugged West Coast with a beach landing. 

The Marlborough Sounds encompass 1,500 km of coastline, bays, beaches and native forest. It is a place of incredible natural beauty that needs to be seen to be believed. The Marlborough region is about world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, delicious fresh seafood and diverse landscapes, from valleys of vines to sheltered waterways.

Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it's also a great place to eat crayfish (in the Māori language, 'kai' means food, and 'koura' means crayfish). Kaikoura's environment is spectacular – the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean. Kaikoura's unique talent is marine mammal encounters – whales, fur seals, and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. 

Evening Yin Yoga Class & Meditation

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Join us for a unique experience of seal swimming with New Zealand Fur Seals in their spectacular marine environment on the beautiful East Coast of the South Island! Snorkelling with wild New Zealand Fur Seals in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula truly is a unique experience. It's one of those simple nature experiences that open your mind to the magnificence of our natural environment and its unique inhabitants. A breathtaking nature activity and was recently listed as one of the world's 'Top 10 Marine Encounters' by Lonely Planet.

An enriching and engaging insight into Māori people and way of life…..Small on numbers – big on revelations and fun. You'll visit several Kaikoura sites for a combination of laughter and learning through storytelling and activities, as well as a forest walk to discover the traditional uses of plants. Travel to some critical places, hear tales of bygone days and see legends hidden in the landscape today. 

Or: Few places on Earth possess the magic of Kaikōura. Many who visit leave transformed. It is a particular part of New Zealand, imbued with powerful natural energy. A place where tectonic plates collide, towering peaks fall to the sea, and ocean currents converge. Such rare combinations lure an abundance of marine wildlife, the most famous being the Giant Sperm Whale. Kaikōura is one of the few places where Sperm Whales can be seen year-round and close to shore.

Christchurch is a vibrant, energetic city where urban regeneration, creativity and innovation thrive. Picture unique street art, innovative projects, a booming hospitality scene and state-of-the-art architecture that is changing how the city looks, feels and functions – all the while staying true to its heritage and traditional English feel.

The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa will have you entranced with its historic buildings, magnificent harbour and passion for fine food. An easy drive southeast of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula is the South Island's most interesting volcanic feature. Initially an island formed by two volcanic cones, the peninsula has two dominant craters, which form Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. Located on the southeast side of the deep, sheltered Akaroa Harbour, the charming township of Akaroa has a unique point of difference - it was the only French settlement in New Zealand.

Several spectacular tracks on the Annandale property, varying in length and terrain, including the 14km Pigeon Bay Walkway. On arrival, guests will receive a map of the farm detailing trails and exciting features. They would be happy to provide complimentary bikes to use on these trails and can even arrange a picnic along the way of your hiking or biking. Beyond the Annandale farm, the greater Banks Peninsula is renowned for its hiking trails, with expeditions ranging from 10 minutes to several hours. We would be delighted to help you decide which walks would suit you best.

Evening Yin Yoga Class & Meditation

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Voted the number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand, your award-winning cruise is packed with highlights, including the rare NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, penguins, and other seabirds. And you'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. Your modern catamaran, the 60-foot/20-metre Black Cat, is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. Many bird species are in the harbour, including five other cormorants (shag) species and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. You'll also see New Zealand Fur Seals sunning themselves on the rocks near Seal Bay.

Pohatu is the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Francis and Shireen Helps have worked protecting White-flippered Penguins, Canterbury's variant of Australasian Little Penguin, over the last three decades from introduced predators. Because of the sensitive wildlife habitat, only guided groups are taken into the breeding colony to view the White-flippered Penguins. The best time for penguin viewing is the breeding season between the end of August to the end of December. 

Or: Sea Kayaking on the outer coast of Pohatu Marine Reserve just outside Akaroa is spectacular, with towering sea cliffs sculpted through the ages by the sea into rock stacks, reefs, and deep sea caves. Flea Bay Island and the impressive island arch make an added exciting attraction in settled sea conditions. Pohatu Marine Reserve also has diverse wildlife with many marine species, such as Penguins, and several seal colonies. In addition, itctors Dolphins and many seabird species often visit it.

Lake Tekapo is about three hours' drive southwest of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the vast turquoise-coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock flour (ground by glaciers) suspended in the water.

On the shores of the lake, you'll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district and is still used as a place of worship. The church is a popular photo spot for visitors - please note that when you visit the church, weddings and services may take place, and respect is needed from visitors.

Mt Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Everest. Although it encompasses 23 peaks over 3000 metres, this park is accessible. State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village, situated beside scenic Lake Pukaki and provides a comfortable base for alpine activities.

Evening Yin Yoga Class & Meditation

Join us for a Dark Sky Experience at Pukaki Cellar Observatory. This is stargazing in style under the world-class Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve! The Observatory is well equipped with a 6" refractor telescope; you can take a closer look at far away objects such as Saturn, Jupiter and its moons, clusters, nebula and constellations. In addition, the onsite Observatory is integrated into an underground wine cellar where you can combine telescope viewing and astrophotography with some of New Zealand's best wines and gourmet nibbles.

For guests of the Retreat, this is an exclusive and relaxed way to explore the Dark Sky with your hosts. 

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Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snowfields, all set under a star-studded sky. Mountaineers regard the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia. At the same time, less skilled adventurers find plenty of satisfaction with the mountain walks that lead to alpine tarns, herb fields and spectacular glacier views. Encounters with cheeky kea (mountain parrots) are part of the fun. Surreal, milky lakes are a park's feature - suspended, glacier-ground rock sediment makes the water opaque.

Mt Cook Heli Hike takes you on an exploration of the Tasman Glacier, the largest of several glaciers which flow south and east towards the Mackenzie Basin from the Southern Alps. At 27km in length, Tasman Glacier is New Zealand's longest glacier. Your professional guide will lead you into the most spectacular terrain, usually seen only by experienced mountaineers. Your helicopter will fly you from Mount Cook Airport to around 1,200 metres above sea level, where you will spend up to 2 hours in the mountains. Then, your guide will take you on a journey to explore the white ice with an interpretative trek. The snow-covered mountains tower above vast ice-falls that bulldoze and grind down the mountainsides. 

The dramatic Lindis Pass links the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago. The actual pass crosses a saddle between the Lindis and Ahuriri Rivers valleys at an altitude of 971 metres above sea level. For many months of the year, you can expect snow in this mountainous area - often down to the roadside. Adjacent to the highway is the Lindis Conservation Area. Here snow tussock grassland dominates the landscape.

Lake Hawea is an easy, scenic 15-minute drive from Wanaka and on the road to Makarora and the West Coast. A place of vivid beauty, mountainous extremes and legendary fishing spots. Lake Hawea is an outdoor adventurers' paradise and a great place to boat, swim, kite surf, kayak, ride, walk or laze about on the beach.

Excavated by massive glaciers more than 10,000 years ago, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea lie side by side. At a sliver of land known as The Neck, which is just 1000 metres wide, the glaciers were once joined. Lake Wanaka is the source of New Zealand's largest river, the Clutha. Lake Hawea feeds into the Hawea River, which joins the Clutha at Albert Town. Ringed by pebbly beaches and magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, both lakes offer a variety of adventures, especially during the long, hot summer months.

Evening Yin Yoga Class & Meditation

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Boat cruise to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve, which is predator-free and home to the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920). A one-hour return guided bush walk is included, which takes you up to reveal the island’s secret – a lake right on top of the island! Unique and very photogenic (Optional). Or you can sit back, relax and enjoy the birdlife at the beach and shelter at the island base with your morning or afternoon tea. We have “High Tea” on the island overlooking both lakes, where you can drink in the vibrant birdsong and the panorama of the Southern Alps spread out before us. Plant a native tree as part of your eco-experience—this unique opportunity to give back to this particular island and New Zealand’s environment.

Or: Come with us on the most exciting half-day Jet Boating adventure in New Zealand beneath the spectacular scenery of Glaciers & Lord of the Rings film locations, into Mount Aspiring National Park, part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area. Flowing from Glaciers, the pristine waters of the Matukituki River are perfect for experiencing river jet boating on the most extended and adventurous jet boat tour in New Zealand. Travel at speed over shallow braids drift into turns, and, yes… experience thrilling spins, stopping in deep pools to breathe in the magic of the landscape & hear stories of our land from your local guides. Then, deep in the mountains & off the beaten track, enjoy a 50-minute remote walkthrough moss-covered forest, waterfalls and glacier-fed streams. 

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Take a helicopter or scenic flight to the awe-inspiring Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. Your route passes through the contrasting landscapes of the ice-clad Southern Alps and the rainforests and coves of this world heritage area. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', Milford Sound is always spectacular.

One of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand, the power of Fiordland's scenery never fails to enthral travellers. This unique natural environment features stunning fiords, spectacular waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Ancient rainforest clings impossibly to the mountains; waterfalls tumble hundreds of meters into massive fiords; shimmering lakes and granite peaks look the same today as they did a thousand years ago. 

Or: At 421 metres, Doubtful Sound is the deepest of New Zealand's fiords. It's a haven for nature, with resident bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins.

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There are two ways to drive between Queenstown and Wanaka, and this one is the most memorable. It's the highest main road in New Zealand. On the Wanaka side of the range, the road crosses a plateau of farmland and descends steadily along Cardrona Valley. On the left is the Crown Range; on the right is the Criffle Range. This land is an old gold mining country - piles of tailings can still be seen. The historic Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand's most senior - many interesting local artefacts are displayed in the bar and restaurant. The Crown Range Road climbs steeply to the summit, where you'll see Frankton, part of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. Leave your car and walk up the track to the lookout for another impressive view.