Best of Both Islands in Luxury

Spend three unforgettable nights in Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant “City of Sails.” Explore its sparkling harbour, trendy waterfront districts, and world‑class dining scene, or take a ferry to nearby islands for boutique wineries and coastal walks. From urban culture to volcanic landscapes, Auckland offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and modern Kiwi charm to start your New Zealand journey.
Stay:5-star QT Auckland Car hire: Pick up your car hire (SUV or similar) on arrival at Auckland International Airport, and drop off on arrival at Greymouth for the TranzAlpine train

Continue your journey to Rotorua, the cultural heart of New Zealand, where geothermal landscapes, steaming valleys and crystal-clear lakes set the scene for unforgettable experiences. Here you’ll immerse yourself in Māori culture at the Te Pā Tū Summer Event, an enchanting evening of storytelling, tradition, seasonal kai and powerful performances set within a forest pā. Combined with Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and natural beauty, this stop offers a rich blend of culture, nature and warmth at the heart of Aotearoa.
Stay: 5-star Pullman Rotorua

Continue south to Taupō, a serene lakefront haven framed by volcanoes, forests and wide‑open skies. Set beside the vast, blue waters of Lake Taupō—New Zealand’s largest lake—this region invites you to unwind in hot springs, cruise to Māori rock carvings, or explore breathtaking natural wonders like Huka Falls and the Tongariro alpine landscapes. With its peaceful atmosphere and dramatic scenery, Taupō offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure on your New Zealand journey.
Stay: 5-star Hilton Lake Taupo

Journey onward to Wellington, New Zealand’s creative and culinary capital, nestled between rolling hills and a sparkling harbour. Explore the city’s vibrant laneways, waterfront cafés and boutique galleries before diving into the nation’s stories at Te Papa, the world‑renowned Museum of New Zealand. From powerful Māori exhibits to interactive natural history displays, Te Papa offers a rich, engaging insight into Aotearoa’s past and present. With its energy, culture and coastal charm, Wellington provides a lively and inspiring chapter in your New Zealand adventure.

Today you board the iconic Interislander ferry for one of the world’s most beautiful sea journeys, sailing across the Cook Strait and weaving through the tranquil, forest‑lined Marlborough Sounds. Arriving in the sunny wine region of Marlborough, settle in for three relaxing nights at Carnmore Chateau Marlborough, your elegant base for exploring New Zealand’s premier Sauvignon Blanc country. Spend your days tasting award‑winning wines, cycling through vineyard valleys, or cruising the peaceful waterways of the Sounds. With its gourmet food, golden light and serene landscapes, Marlborough offers a luxurious and refreshing pause on your South Island adventure.
Stay: 5-star Carnmore Chateau Marlborough

Continue south to Christchurch, a vibrant city where innovation and natural beauty sit side by side. Stroll along the tranquil Avon River, explore colourful street art and landscaped gardens, or visit the rejuvenated city centre filled with boutique shops and modern eateries. With the Southern Alps as its backdrop and a warm, creative spirit throughout, Christchurch offers a refreshing blend of culture, charm and outdoor allure as you journey deeper into the South Island.
Stay: 5-star The Mayfair

Travel inland to the pristine beauty of Lake Tekapo, where turquoise waters meet the vast, open skies of the Mackenzie Region. Settle into the serene comfort of Matuka Luxury Lodge, a peaceful, boutique retreat surrounded by mountain vistas and wide‑open landscapes. Explore the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, unwind beside the glittering lake, or venture into the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve for some of the clearest stargazing on Earth. Tekapo’s stillness, beauty and celestial night skies create an unforgettable, soul‑stirring pause on your South Island journey.
Stay: 5-star Matuka Luxury Lodge

Continue to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, where Lake Wakatipu’s deep blue waters and the soaring Remarkables set an unforgettable scene. Settle in at QT Queenstown, combining luxury, style and sweeping alpine views. From here, embark on a breathtaking Milford Sound tour, travelling through Fiordland’s dramatic valleys before cruising beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls - one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural experiences. Back in Queenstown, spend your days exploring scenic trails, indulging in world‑class food and wine, or simply soaking up the vibrant lakeside atmosphere. Few places blend excitement and beauty quite like Queenstown, a true highlight of your South Island journey.
Stay: 5-star QT Queenstown

Continue north along one of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine drives to Franz Josef, where lush rainforest meets dazzling ice. Here, an unforgettable scenic flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers awaits - soaring above crevasses, icy pinnacles and dramatic peaks for a truly once‑in‑a‑lifetime perspective of the Southern Alps. After landing back in the village, soak in the serene atmosphere, explore rainforest trails, or simply take in the unbelievable views of glacier country. Franz Josef offers a perfect blend of adventure, tranquillity and raw natural beauty on your journey through the South Island.
Stay: 5-star Legacy Te Waonui

Complete your South Island adventure aboard the world‑renowned TranzAlpine, one of the most scenic train journeys on the planet. Travel from the wild West Coast through lush rainforest, past icy rivers and over the dramatic Southern Alps before descending into the sweeping Canterbury Plains. The panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views of waterfalls, gorges and rugged peaks - a spectacular and relaxing finale to your journey. Arriving in Christchurch, you’ll return to the city refreshed and inspired, having crossed some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes in effortless comfort.
Stay: 5-star The Mayfair