Day 1-4Auckland/Taupo

A Maori welcome

Touch down at Auckland and be driven to your luxury lodge sitting at the edge of a pristine lake.

Spend the next few days immersing yourself into the unique Maori culture and establish a spiritual connection to the Land of the Long White Cloud. Your Maori guide will take you on a refreshing hike up Mount Titiraupenga to visit their sacred grove of 600-year-old Totara trees. A formal Maori welcome, a powhiri, awaits you here, followed by an intimate sharing session by the local tribe. 

What better way to engage with the Maori culture than trying out Maori carving for yourself? You’ll be taken around to important sites in order to gain a better understanding of the Maori’s connection to New Zealand’s nature. Then head down to the Great Lake Taupo, where you’ll experience the wonders of nature on your very own adventure. Hike through forests, raft down the river, fish in the waters and much more! 

Day 5&6Picton

Cruising down Queen Charlotte Sound

Wake in the morning to a generous spread of breakfast before flying to Blenheim. Step aboard an overnight eco-cruise and meander around the glorious Queen Charlotte Sound. Your hosts, a well-respected Maori couple, will be glad to introduce you to the native wildlife and take you on guided walks to explore the beautiful natural surroundings. As night falls, you’ll be ushered to a secluded spot for dinner under the silver starlight. 

Day 7Kaikoura

Surf’s up at Kaikoura

Cruise to Picton and drive over to your luxury eco-retreat, lodged in the middle of a grove and surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains. Kaikoura has been known as “a maritime Serengeti” and “a Sea World without Walls” — be spoilt for choice with their broad range of thrilling experiences. From learning how to surf at Mangamaunu, one of New Zealand’s best surf breaks, to observing how antlers are harvested from the farm’s stags, there’s sure to be something for everyone. 

Day 8&9Hokitika

Journey to the spiritual centre of the universe

Have a sumptuous breakfast before heading off to enjoy an early morning swim with adorable seals and dolphins, or drive straight to the spiritual centre of the universe — Kura Tawhiti. Appreciate the splendour of the impressive limestone features along the well-trodden track and identify some of the rarest and endangered plants in the Canterbury region.

Drive across the panoramic Arthur’s Pass and reach the tranquil Arahura River, where your expedition camp experience awaits. Feel what it’s like to live in the wilderness as you sleep under the stars, bathe in river water and enjoy delightful local cuisine specially prepared by your Maori expedition host. 

Visit the Arahua River, the local sacred river, that is only accessible to the Maori people. Search for the rare pounamu, otherwise known as greenstone, a hard and durable stone frequently used by the Maoris. while your Maori host explains how it is found and made into exquisite jewellery. 

Day 10&11Wanaka

Soaring over the West Coast

The highlight of the day: a scenic helicopter ride over the West Coast. Explore the Siberia Valley: gaze in wonder at the mountainous landscapes, waterfalls, high alpine lakes and glorious glaciers. Don’t forget to peer below to catch a glimpse of some elusive wildlife like seals, chamois and deer. Then, settle down for a gourmet picnic lunch at a remote location.

After this exciting ride, lodge at an eco-sanctuary by Lake Wanaka. Admire the jaw-dropping view of the serene lake together with the captivating mountain range in the backdrop. At this very luxury lodge, you can enjoy a plethora of exciting activities such as horse-riding, conservation tours, heli-skiing and yoga. 

Day 12-14Queenstown

E-biking adventure in Queenstown

Fly to Martins Bay, located along the southwest coast of South Island. Your personal guide will take you on a tour of one of New Zealand’s richest natural sceneries. Quietly trek across the terrain and spot the native birdlife flitting among the towering podocarp trees. From the comforts of your helicopter, gaze at the looming Mitre Peak and breathtaking Sutherland Falls. Land atop a massive glacier for a rare photo opportunity before returning to your luxury accommodation via the Murchison Mountains, a conservation area specially for the endangered flightless Takahe bird. 

Embark on an e-biking adventure in Queenstown. Ride along the exclusive trail of the famous Motatapu track that sits in the sprawling yellow country fields. Cross mighty rivers, roll over the hills and finish at the gold-mining town of Arrowtown. Before evening falls, you’ll be ushered to your next accommodation at Homestead.

The next morning, you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Kawarau River valley as you are flown up to the Pisa Conservation Area. Then, speed down the steep and rocky track down, past the Tuohys Saddle and arrive at the valley floor. Finish with a stop at the historic Cardrona Pub for a well-deserved cold beer before heading back to Queenstown. 

Day 15

Farewell, New Zealand!

It’s time to bid farewell to New Zealand. After breakfast, relax for a bit before your private transfer to the airport.