5-Star Special Ultra Exclusive

12 Days NZ$38,300 (USD$29,315) per person

This is a straight-down-the-line excellent five-star New Zealand vacation with associated "wow" activities, showcasing some of the best places, people and activities in the country.

A very special itinerary making use of some favourite places and liberally served with a number of our custom signature activities which help the traveller get an in-depth appreciation of what really makes New Zealand.  Well away from standard commercial and off-the-shelf itineraries.

Sensibly priced at NZ$76,600 (USD$58,630) for a couple, there is room (as usual) to go both up and down in terms of budget.  By adding or removing days, adding or removing experiences and substituting different levels of accommodation and service.

Day One

Arrive Auckland International Airport.  VIP escort through priority exits to your driver/guide who will also be your personal assistant for your time in New Zealand.  Your vehicle is a late-model Range Rover.  After a quick orientation through Auckland City, take the commercial ferry to Waiheke Island to your lodge, Delamore.  Enjoy a complementary spa treatment before a private gourmet dinner.

Day Two

Spend a day aboard classic 1930s launch Lady Gay discovering the many islands of the Hauraki Gulf, including Rangitoto, an Auckland icon and young volcano at 600 years old.  A day of green islands, blue water, a lovely wooden launch and plenty of fresh air and relaxation after your long journey.  Your skipper, Chad Thompson, grew up in the area, is from an old sailing family, and is our choice as the finest skipper in the Hauraki.

Day Three

Drive two hours down to Waitomo where we have organised an exclusive bush walk and cave viewing with eccentric and highly knowledgeable guides.  Then carry on another two hours to your destination for tonight, Huka Lodge, New Zealand's most acclaimed lodge.

Day Four

Spend the day discovering the colourful mud pools, volcanoes and lakes of nearby Rotorua, first by car, then by helicopter, and by foot.  We will introduce you to private places and people as well as some of the more commercial geothermal parks. 

Day Five

Depart Huka Lodge and drive East towards Hawkes Bay.  Half an hour into your journey, we will deviate through a high country farm along dirt tracks to a private and secluded 5,000 acre block owned by local Maori.  Here you will experience a Maori welcome and then spend the day with a Maori outdoorsman and chef, Tom Loughlin.  He will introduce you to his land, explain ancient agricultural, gathering and cooking techniques and then indulge you in a special meal.  Carry on the drive in the late afternoon to arrive at Greenhill Lodge before dark.

Day Six

Spend a day discovering Hawkes Bay with excellent local guide Brigid Ormond.  This day can range from an art deco tour of Napier through to fly fishing, cycling through vineyards, horseriding on a secluded beach or kayaking and hiking the Tuki Tuki River.  It can go at whatever pace you like, and if you wish can be cut short to give you more time to enjoy Greenhill.

Day Seven

Depart the North Island and fly to Queenstown.  Then drive north for an hour along the picturesque Cardrona road, possibly stopping at the Cardrona Tavern for a cold drink.  Arrive at your lodge for the night - Silver Pine.  This is a small understated lodge with a superb position and lovely view.

Day Eight

Enjoy a special day today with a jetboat on remote rivers.  A helicopter will take you away through Mount Aspiring National Park, hopefully photographing wildlife along the way.  Then touch down at a remote West Coast river and transfer to your jetboat.  After half an hour or so you will arrive at the rivermouth and your guide will build a fire with driftwood while your helicopter supports two divers on a nearby island.  They will return with fresh crayfish which we will cook on the campfire.  Then do the same in reverse.

Day Nine

Drive south towards Queenstown.  About half an hour into your drive you will meet Grant Taylor, expert winemaker, and the man who won gold medals for New Zealand pinot noirs.  He will lead you on an unstructured visit of a number of wineries and vineyards which will give you a real 'behind the scenes' appreciation of the local industry.  End up that night in central Queenstown for a touch of 'city life' at Eichardts lodge.

Day Ten

Rest!  If you wish, your guide will be able to set up a number of activities, from remote four wheel drive tours to general sightseeing to adventure activities. 

Day Eleven

A special day discovering Fiordland and Milford Sound by helicopter together with Lydia Bradey.  Lydia is the first lady to have climbed Everest without oxygen and knows the area very well indeed.  She had put together for us an exclusive trip around her favourite places, far from the crowds.  With over three hours of flying time, you cover a lot of ground, and the photo opportunities are immense.

Day Twelve

Depart.