A Refeshing Approach to Luxury Travel: New Zealand
One of the hallmarks of luxury travel is the ability to customize each moment of the journey to your tastes. It’s unique experiences, world-class accommodation, phenomenal experiences all packaged in the joyful engaging Kiwi manner that makes New Zealand a perfect luxury vacation. When it comes to unique and personalized, here are a few of our favorite options.
Eagle’s Nest Lodge, Bay of Islands
Lodging options abound, but for something truly spectacular head to this 75 acre estate overlooking the Bay of Islands. A group of over 140 largely undeveloped islands with spectacular beaches, subtropical rainforest and abundant diving.
You’ll find private villas featuring massive windows and heated infinity pools to ensure the view is unobstructed. The experience goes far beyond that with personal chefs, a trainer, spa therapist, a helipad and use of a Porsche for the duration of your stay.
Wine tasting tours by bike, Marlborough
Any road trip through New Zealand, will have you taking in rolling hills of vineyards and pondering what’s behind the passing cellars. If you make just one stop, ensure it’s Marlborough, famed for producing some of the world’s finest Sauvignon Blancs.
Of course you could stroll the grounds or simply sit and sip, but grabbing a bike gives you a whole different experience. You can cycle through the vineyards on beautiful flat path thanks to the Wairau River floodplain.
Depending on your preference, you can turn this into a full day adventure tasting at up to five locally owned and operated wineries with a pit stop to enjoy a delicious lunch to keep you riding steady.
West Coast Glacier scenic helicopter, with Mt Cook
Helicopter tours provide a unique vantage point of New Zealand, but especially Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers and also Mt Cook. As the glaciers are constantly moving the only way to truly get experience them is by helicopter.
Whether you opt for a fly by or to settle down for a short hike, it’s an incredible experience. From your spectacular point of view you’ll see glacial icefalls, crevasses and neves, views from ocean to mountains.
Kayak the Waters
Whether you’re looking for the thrill of rapids or the thrill of wildlife, you’ll find kayaking provides a opportunity to truly experience New Zealand up close. In Kaikoura, you’ll paddle out in to the marine mammal viewing center, home to fur seals, dolphins, Blue Penguins and sperm whales. Depending on the day you might see a few or all of these wonderful creatures enjoying the crystal clear waters.
If you’re seeking a more active adrenaline day, allow world class kayakers to lead you through some astounding Class 3-4 rapids. Experience some of the most beautiful scenery through a heliboating tour on the West Coast.
A Golf Day
Steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, New Zealand’s 14 world-class Marquee Courses are on every avid golfer’s bucket list. Many of these courses have been designed by world-class architects and golfers like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak.
An Afternoon Yachting
New Zealand has 8,699 miles of staggeringly beautiful coastline just waiting to be discovered. From cityscapes to wild untouched areas, you’ll have a better chance to see it all via a yacht.
In the Northland you can explore the Bay of Islands, over 150 islands known for exclusive lodges, clifftop golf courses and spectacular marine life. Meanwhile, in Auckland, you’ll enjoy taking in the urban landscape from the harbor amidst the temperate climate before heading in land to enjoy the foodie delights of this cosmopolitan city. And of course at the end of the day, you’ll find plenty of place to lay your head for a sound night of sleep. From private remote lodges with your own hot tub, to staggering luxurious hotel rooms in the city, you’ll find options that meet your exact interests and needs.
It’s no wnder Peter Jackson settled on New Zealand as the location for his mythical Middle Earth in the Lord of the Rings movies. The adventures are endless and the options are too.