Travel Associates

The Summit of New Zealand Luxury

26 days

New Zealand

New Zealand is a land of soaring peaks, shimmering fiords, and turquoise lakes, where luxury is woven seamlessly into wilderness.

This exclusive Signature New Zealand itinerary offers an unparalleled way to discover the country’s most captivating landscapes and cultural treasures. Over 26 glorious days, you’ll enjoy warm kiwi hospitality and once-in-a-lifetime experiences across the North and South Islands. 


From glacier landings and heli-picnics to whale encounters and indulgent hot tubs under the stars, every detail has been curated to create an unmatched journey of luxury, adventure, and indulgence. 

  • NZ sig itin Franz Josef Glacier Guides
  • NZ sig itin Waiheke Island
  • NZ Sig itin Whale Watch Heli Tour
NZ sig itin Franz Josef Glacier Guides
NZ sig itin Waiheke Island
NZ Sig itin Whale Watch Heli Tour
NZ sig itin Franz Josef Glacier Guides
NZ sig itin Waiheke Island
NZ Sig itin Whale Watch Heli Tour

Luxury Inclusions

24 nights of luxury stays across New Zealand’s North & South Islands

Private Waiheke food & wine tour

Wai Ariki Restorative Journey & Traditional Massage

TE PA TU Evening Culture & Kai Experience

Private half-day scenic Wellington tour

Interislander ferry with upgrade to Plus Lounge

Whale watch helicopter tour & Hapuku Kitchen cooking class

Private half-day Godley Head walking tour & scenic drive

Nag Hari O Te Po – 4 hour private luxe dining experience

TranzAlpine rail journey with upgrade to Scenic Plus

Half-day heli picnic at Middle Earth Waterfalls

Doubtful & Dusky Sounds floatplane trip

Milford Sound helicopter & cruise tour

Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike

Mt Cook heli-flight to secluded alpine hot tub experience

24 nights of luxury stays across New Zealand’s North & South Islands

Nag Hari O Te Po – 4 hour private luxe dining experience

Private Waiheke food & wine tour

TranzAlpine rail journey with upgrade to Scenic Plus

Wai Ariki Restorative Journey & Traditional Massage

Half-day heli picnic at Middle Earth Waterfalls

TE PA TU Evening Culture & Kai Experience

Doubtful & Dusky Sounds floatplane trip

Private half-day scenic Wellington tour

Milford Sound helicopter & cruise tour

Interislander ferry with upgrade to Plus Lounge

Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike

Whale watch helicopter tour & Hapuku Kitchen cooking class

Mt Cook heli-flight to secluded alpine hot tub experience

Private half-day Godley Head walking tour & scenic drive

  • “New Zealand invites you to reconnect with nature in its purest form. Explore countless walking trails that wind through ancient forests and alongside crystal-clear lakes. I highly recommend the Milford Sound, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” – its dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls will leave you in awe!”

    Dylan Shore
    Travel Associates Mt Eden, North Island
  • “The best way to experience the raw beauty of New Zealand’s winter is to venture into the snow-capped peaks of the South Island. From the challenging runs of Queenstown's Remarkables to the ever-popular Mount Hutt that has something for everyone – here, every descent is an adventure.”

    Tess McIntyre
    Travel Associates Mt Eden, North Island
  • "The Mackenzie Region is pure alpine magic, where glacial lakes, endless skies, and the majestic Aoraki / Mt Cook create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Driving beside Lake Pukaki with the Southern Alps ahead is unforgettable, and Lake Tekapo’s vivid blue and star-filled skies add to the sense of wonder. Staying at The Hermitage, nestled beneath Mt Cook, brings you right into the heart of it all. A personal highlight was a helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier. Soaring above ancient ice and landing among the peaks was both exhilarating and humbling. It’s a place that invites stillness, awe, and a deep connection to nature, a truly special corner of Aotearoa."

    Sarah Thomas
    Toussaint & Turner Travel Associates, Auckland
  • "Northland is a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and coastal charm. Kerikeri’s historic Stone Store is set against lush landscapes, while nearby Waitangi offers serene surroundings. The picturesque town of Paihia, an incredible cruise port, providing access to stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush, rolling hills. Northland is a true cultural paradise for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility."

    Flynn Cox
    Toussaint & Turner Travel Associates, Auckland
  • "Taupō is a quiet achiever on the North Island with just about every activity imaginable. Cruise on the lake, do a jet boat trip on the Waikato River and my special tip – do as the locals do and soak in the natural hot springs at the Otumuheke Stream.”

    Trudy Markham
    Travel Associates Mt Eden, North Island
  • "Lovers of all things snow flock to Queenstown, with four world-class resorts to choose from. Ski or snowboard at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables, which are closest to town, or head over the Crown Range to Cardrona and Treble Cone. The choice of luxury accommodation and excellent restaurants in Queenstown is almost as wide as the array of things to do and see, from wine tasting to bungee jumping and everything in between.”

itinerary

day

01 & 02

AUCKLAND

Your journey begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where volcanic peaks and shimmering harbours frame a vibrant urban hub. After a private transfer to your elegant boutique hotel in the heart of the harbour precinct, take time to unwind or explore the lively waterfront. The “City of Sails” invites you to stroll past marinas, relax in stylish cafés, or sample the renowned culinary scene, where fresh seafood and local produce inspire award-winning cuisine.


The following day is yours to explore at leisure. Start with a walk along the harbour or dive into Auckland’s arts and culture, with galleries and museums highlighting both Māori heritage and contemporary works. Nature lovers may venture to the nearby west coast for dramatic black-sand beaches and wild surf, while city seekers can explore boutique-lined laneways and vibrant wine bars.  

Accommodation

Hotel Britomart Auckland

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day

03 & 04

WAIHEKE ISLAND

Board a private helicopter for a stunning flight over the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. As the city fades behind you, turquoise waters and scattered islets stretch out below. Soon, you’ll land on Waiheke – an island renowned for its boutique vineyards, coastal charm, and laid-back elegance. Your luxurious lodge, set among rolling hills and hidden coves, offers the perfect setting to relax. Spend the afternoon unwinding with a glass of local wine, exploring scenic trails, or simply soaking in the island’s serene beauty.
 

The next day, delve into Waiheke’s flavours and landscapes with a private guide. Visit boutique wineries, sample award-winning wines, and enjoy gourmet tastings from local producers. Stroll through olive groves, take in panoramic views, and discover the island’s creative, welcoming spirit. Between tastings, the island’s beaches and coastal lookouts invite quiet moments of reflection. Later, return to your lodge to relax, perhaps with a swim, a spa treatment, or a peaceful sunset on the terrace. 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Private helicopter transfer

Accommodation

Delamore Lodge

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day

05 & 06

ROTORUA

Depart Waiheke by private charter flight, soaring over lush farmland and volcanic terrain en route to Rotorua – famed for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori heritage. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to a luxurious lakeside lodge, where sweeping views and tranquil surrounds invite relaxation. The afternoon is yours to enjoy with a peaceful lakeside stroll, or simply to soak in the surroundings as the sun sets over the water.


Begin the next day with a wellness experience rooted in traditional Māori healing, where native botanicals and thermal waters soothe both body and mind. In the evening, connect more deeply with the land through an immersive cultural experience featuring storytelling, song, and a traditional feast. It’s a powerful blend of renewal and connection, offering insight into Māori traditions while leaving you with a profound sense of place and spirit. 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Private charter flight to Rotorua

Accommodation

On the Point in Rotorua

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day

07 & 08

WELLINGTON

Take a short flight to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, nestled between hills and a sparkling harbour. Upon arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your luxury hotel, ideally positioned for exploring the city. Spend the afternoon taking in Wellington’s creative energy: wander its bustling waterfront, explore boutique shops, or unwind in a cosy café. As evening falls, enjoy dinner at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants, where local flavours and innovative cuisine shine.
 

The following day, a private guide reveals the best of Wellington, from sweeping coastal views to hidden neighbourhood gems. Discover the city’s rich history, striking architecture, and artistic spirit as you explore its dynamic streets and scenic vantage points. In the afternoon, perhaps visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, or relax by the harbour. With its mix of culture, charm, and natural beauty, Wellington offers a deeply engaging and memorable experience. 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Private tour of Wellington’s highlights

Accommodation

InterContinental Wellington

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day

09 & 10

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

Journey from the North Island to the South with a scenic ferry crossing through Cook Strait into the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds. As forested hills and hidden bays come into view, you’ll travel by private water taxi to your secluded lodge – an elegant retreat set in pristine wilderness. Surrounded by nature and overlooking calm, sheltered waters, enjoy a gourmet dinner as the sun sets, casting golden light across this peaceful haven.
 

The day ahead invites you to unwind and reconnect with nature. Explore the Sounds by kayak or on foot, with coastal trails revealing sweeping views and abundant birdlife. Or unwind on your lodge’s deck, enjoying the stillness and beauty of this remote sanctuary. Whether seeking adventure or quiet reflection, the Marlborough Sounds offers a rare blend of luxury and tranquillity, allowing you to slow down and truly savour the moment. 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Scenic Interislander ferry, private water taxi transfers

Accommodation

Bay of Many Coves

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day

11 & 12

KAIKOURA

Depart the peaceful bays of the Marlborough Sounds and travel south along one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal routes. With towering mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, the journey offers stunning views at every turn. Your destination is Kaikōura, a charming town where snow-capped peaks meet the sea. Settle into a luxurious lodge set in native bushland, where sustainability meets elegance. Spend a restful afternoon enjoying panoramic views or strolling the grounds before a gourmet dinner featuring the region’s freshest seafood and produce.


The next day begins with a once-in-a-lifetime encounter: a guided expedition to observe Kaikōura’s iconic sperm whales in the wild, set against a dramatic ocean-and-mountain backdrop. Later, return to the lodge for a hands-on culinary experience at Hapuku Kitchen. Guided by local chefs, you’ll prepare a seasonal feast using foraged herbs and locally sourced ingredients. The evening concludes with a shared table, where food, wine, and stories come together in a warm celebration of New Zealand’s rich culinary and cultural traditions. 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Whale-watching, Hapuku Kitchen culinary experience

Accommodation

Hapuku Lodge

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day

13 & 14

CHRISTCHURCH

Board a private helicopter for a breathtaking flight along the Kaikōura coastline, where rugged cliffs meet deep blue sea and snow-capped peaks. Touching down in Christchurch, you’ll transfer to your boutique hotel in the heart of the “Garden City.” With its mix of heritage charm and modern innovation, Christchurch invites exploration via the botanic gardens, riverside walks, or the city’s evolving architecture. As evening falls, retreat to the comfort and elegance of your accommodation.
 

The next day, venture out with a private guide to the Banks Peninsula, where dramatic coastal trails at Godley Head reveal sweeping ocean views and historic wartime sites. Back in Christchurch, enjoy a moment of leisure before an exceptional evening: a private dining experience where each course is a work of art. Paired with fine local wines and served in an intimate setting, this 4-hour culinary journey is a celebration of Canterbury’s finest flavours. 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Private helicopter transfer, private guided tour, exclusive 4-hour culinary journey

Accommodation

The George Hotel

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day

15 & 16

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Embark on one of the world’s great train journeys: the TranzAlpine. Departing Christchurch, you’ll cross the Canterbury Plains and climb into the Southern Alps, passing snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and native forest. On arrival in Greymouth, a private transfer takes you south to Franz Josef, a rainforest village near the foot of a mighty glacier. Settle into your luxury lodge, where comfort meets wilderness, and enjoy a gourmet dinner as you reflect on a day of dramatic landscapes and unforgettable travel.
 

Awaken to birdsong and the scent of rainforest before setting out on a once-in-a-lifetime heli-hike on the Franz Josef Glacier. A scenic helicopter flight lifts you to the glacier’s icy expanse, where expert guides lead you through towering ice formations, deep crevasses, and shimmering blue caves. It’s a rare chance to walk on ancient ice, surrounded by raw alpine beauty. After this exhilarating experience, return to your lodge for a relaxed evening and fine dining. 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

TranzAlpine train journey, heli-hike on the Franz Josef Glacier

Accommodation

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef

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day

17 & 18

QUEENSTOWN

Travel south today by private car through the wild beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast, where dense rainforest borders the untamed Tasman Sea. Crossing alpine passes, the landscape shifts dramatically, revealing glassy lakes, snow-capped peaks, and sweeping valleys. By late afternoon, arrive in Queenstown, a spectacularly located town known for adventure and natural beauty. Settle into your stylish lakefront apartment, with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range just beyond your windows.
 

The next day brings a true highlight: a private helicopter flight deep into the alpine wilderness. Touch down beside cascading waterfalls in a remote valley, where a gourmet picnic awaits amidst the grandeur of the Southern Alps. Surrounded by silence, sky, and stone, it’s a moment of pure connection with the land. Return to Queenstown for a leisurely afternoon to browse boutiques or amble along the lakefront. Enjoy a world-class dining experience, as Queenstown’s vibrant culinary scene brings the day to a perfect close. 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Private helicopter experience

Accommodation

The Rees Apartment Hotel

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day

19 to 21

FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK

Venture deeper into New Zealand’s wild heart as you board a helicopter bound for Fiordland, one of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions on earth. Flying over dramatic peaks, shimmering lakes, and deep valleys, you’ll arrive in Te Anau, where your luxurious lodge awaits on the edge of a World Heritage-listed national park. As evening falls, enjoy a gourmet dinner crafted from local ingredients against an untouched landscape as your backdrop.
 

The next morning, take to the skies once more on a floatplane adventure over the spectacular Doubtful and Dusky Sounds. These remote, lesser-visited fiords stretch endlessly below, their waters reflecting cliffs draped in rainforest and veiled in mist. From above, the true scale and isolation of Fiordland unfolds. Return to your lodge for a quiet evening, surrounded by the stillness and beauty of this untamed region.
 

Your final day in Fiordland takes you to the iconic Milford Sound, combining air and water for an unforgettable experience. A scenic flight reveals glacier-carved valleys and snowy peaks before descending into the sound itself. Board a vessel and cruise past dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, with the possibility of spotting dolphins, seals, or penguins along the way. The return helicopter flight offers one last soaring perspective of this majestic land. 

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Helicopter transfer, floatplane experience, helicopter & cruise experience

Accommodation

Fiordland Lodge

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day

22

QUEENSTOWN

Return to Queenstown by helicopter, a final opportunity to savour the soaring landscapes of Fiordland from above. Back in Queenstown, the day is yours to enjoy. Perhaps take a lakeside walk, enjoy a spa treatment, or sip on a glass of Central Otago pinot noir as you watch the sunset over the Remarkables. It is a day to slow down, reflect, and savour the vibrant energy of this alpine resort town. 
 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Helicopter transfer

Accommodation

The Rees Apartment Hotel

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day

23 & 24

MT COOK

Travel by private car through some of New Zealand’s most striking landscapes, where turquoise lakes, golden valleys, and the towering presence of Aoraki/Mt Cook guide your way. Arrive at your secluded alpine retreat, a collection of luxury villas set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps, for an afternoon of down-time.


The next day, a helicopter flight takes you into the heart of the mountains for a truly unique experience: a soak in a secluded alpine hot tub. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and endless sky, the moment is one of stillness and awe. Return to your retreat for an evening of fine dining and quiet luxury, the perfect ending to a day that balances adventure with deep, restorative calm. 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Helicopter experience, secluded alpine hot tub

Accommodation

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

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day

25 & 26

CHRISTCHURCH

This morning, depart the mountains on a scenic private transfer across the Mackenzie Country. Journey past turquoise lakes, rolling farmland, and expansive alpine vistas before arriving in Christchurch. Settle into your elegant boutique hotel for one final evening of reflection, marking the end of a journey that has taken you from vibrant cities to remote wilderness, glaciers, vineyards, and dramatic coastlines.


On your final day, a private transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. You leave with more than memories, carrying the wonder, beauty, and spirit of New Zealand – a land where every moment has offered something extraordinary. 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Private road transfer across the Mackenzie Country

Accommodation

The George

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Price on application. Personalise this itinerary with our expert Travel Associates advisors.

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