With wineries, waterfalls, golden sand beaches and lush green forests, New Zealand boasts endless natural treasures.

Our experienced travel advisors work directly with one of our Virtuoso partners, Southern Crossings to design luxury bespoke travel arrangements for individual travellers and special interest groups to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Begin your adventure in Auckland, the country's most populous urban centre which is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world! Enjoy a 3- to 13-night escape and enjoy the insider connections and expert guidance of one of our Travel Specialists every step of the way. All of these itineraries are exclusive to Virtuoso and North South Travel.

ITINERARIES

IDYLLIC ESCAPE TO WAIHEKE ISLAND

Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand
3 Nights

Enjoy a scenic 15-minute flight across the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf to the island paradise of Waiheke Island. Enjoy everything that Waiheke Island has to offer with renowned food and wine, beautiful beaches, a hip art scene and relaxed island lifestyle.

*Virtuoso-Exclusive Experiences Includes:

• Meet-and-greet upon arrival with helicopter transfer from Auckland Airport to Waiheke Island
• Three nights’ accommodation, including breakfast
• Full-day privately guided tour of Waiheke Island’s leading vineyards and scenic highlights
• Ferry trip from Waiheke Island to Auckland with private car and driver transfer to Auckland Airport
• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 15%

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW ZEALAND

Auckland • Waiheke Island • Rotorua • Wellington • Nelson • Queenstown

Enjoy overnight accommodation in Auckland before ferrying to idyllic Waiheke Island for two nights’ accommodation on the “Nantucket of New Zealand.” At the thermal volcanic area of Rotorua, you’ll stay two nights at Treetops Lodge & Estate before experiencing the best of New Zealand’s rural life with accommodations at Wharekauhau Country Estate.
On the South Island you’ll stay overnight near the iconic Abel Tasman National Park and spend a day cruising and hiking. Continue to Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of the world, for two nights’ accommodation at Eichardt’s Private Hotel. Next, you’ll depart for a helicopter excursion to magnificent Milford Sound and land on the lawn at stunning Blanket Bay for your final two nights’ accommodation on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

*Virtuoso-Exclusive Experiences Includes:

• Meet-and-greet upon arrival and transfers
• Accommodations and meals as specified
• Private day excursion to vineyards on Waiheke Island
• Four-wheel drive Farm Safari excursion at Wharekauhau
• Abel Tasman National Park cruise excursion
• Milford Sound return scenic flight and fiord cruise excursion
• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 15%

BAY OF ISLANDS SPECTACULAR

Auckland, Bay of Islands

In Auckland, you’ll enjoy two nights’ accommodation along with plenty of time for independent exploration of key sights, such as The Auckland Museum, Bastion Point and the buzzing suburbs of Ponsonby and Parnell.
Next, collect your rental vehicle and drive north to your accommodations in Matakana. Enjoy the local vineyards, beaches and cycle trails before continuing onto the Bay of Islands where your days are free to explore at your leisure. Enjoy two nights at Eagles Nest, offering villa-style accommodations in the charming township of Russell, and two nights at award-winning Kauri Cliffs with a magnificent spa and championship golf course onsite.

*Virtuoso-Exclusive Experiences Includes:

• Meet-and-greet upon arrival and transfer to accommodations in Auckland
• Accommodations as specified
• Breakfast daily at hotels in Auckland, Eagles Nest and Kauri Cliffs
• Dinners at Kauri Cliffs
• Full-size automatic rental vehicle, daily insurance, unlimited mileage, accident excess reduction and GPS
• New Zealand Goods and Service Tax at 15%

THERMAL WONDERLAND

Auckland • Waiheke Island • Rotorua • Taupo
After an introductory tour of Auckland, you’ll ferry to your accommodations on Waiheke Island, a traveler’s delight with white sand beaches, vineyards and myriad restaurants. Next, travel to the Volcanic Plateau known for its fascinating thermal activity and indigenous Maori population. Traveling by private car and driver, you’ll visit the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves en route to your accommodations for two nights at Treetops Lodge & Estate.
Continue to Taupo for two nights’ accommodation at award-winning Huka Lodge on the banks of the Waitato River. You’ll have the opportunity to fly fish for the country’s famed Rainbow trout during a half day cruise on Lake Taupo. Return to Auckland for overnight accommodations in a water view suite.

*Virtuoso-Exclusive Experiences Includes:

• Meet-and-greet upon arrival, transfers and private touring in Auckland, Rotorua and Taupo
• Return scheduled ferry sailing Auckland to Waiheke Island
• Seven nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily and four dinners
• Private half-day boat charter cruise of Lake Taupo
• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 15%

ULTIMATE NEW ZEALAND

Auckland • Taupo • Hawkes Bay • Christchurch • Queenstown

With two nights’ accommodation in Auckland, you're free to discover New Zealand’s largest city at your leisure. Head south in your rental vehicle for two nights’ accommodation at Huka Lodge then to Hawkes Bay for three nights’ accommodation at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be treated to a full-day private guided “Best of the Bay” tour of the region - from vineyards to Maori culture. Fly south (cost not included) for two nights’ accommodation at historic Otahuna Lodge near Christchurch and a half-day private guided tour of the area. Next, you'll fly to Queenstown (cost not included) to stay three nights at luxurious Matakauri Lodge, overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Visit iconic Milford Sound via an exhilarating helicopter excursion with a glacier landing high in the Southern Alps. The remainder of your time in Queenstown is at your leisure to explore this fascinating and diverse area.

*Virtuoso-Exclusive Experiences Includes:

• Meet-and-greet upon arrival, private touring and transfers
• Full-size automatic rental vehicle including daily insurance, unlimited mileage, accident excess reduction and GPS for North Island touring to Taupo and Hawkes Bay
• 12 nights’ accommodation including breakfast daily and 10 dinners
• Full-day private touring Hawkes Bay
• Private half-day touring of Christchurch
• 90-minute Milford Sound helicopter excursion
• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 15%

More New Zealand Adventures To Add On To Your Custom Trip!

• Fly over the volcanic island of Rangitoto, or for a more active pursuit, hike to the summit
• Go on a 4-wheel-drive farm safari at Wharekauhau Country Estate
• Find your favorite varietal during a private guided tour of Waiheke Island’s best vineyards
• Explore the golden sand beaches and lush native forests along the Abel Tasman Coast Track
• Learn the traditions of the indigenous Maori culture in Rotorua
• Try local favourites like roasted lamb, Maori hangi, fresh fish and chips, and pavlova for dessert
• Discover legendary landmarks including the Auckland Museum, One Tree Hill and Bastion Point
• Indulge in a Waterfall Massage or Kiwi Mud Wrap at the Kauri Cliffs’ spa
• Sail along Milford Sound for a close-up view of the iconic Mitre Peak, which rises a mile out of the water

If you have always wanted to explore the spectacular landscapes of New Zealand then we can help you plan the perfect customized trip!

With direct flights from Vancouver and other North American gateways - this is a great time to travel to New Zealand. Contact one of our Travel Specialists today at 604-736-7447 or by click the 'contact us' button!