New Zealand Road Trip

Take a ferry back to Auckland and self drive to Rotorua, the country’s geothermal wonderland and the cultural heart of the nation. Spend three nights at Wildwood Lodge, nestled away on the shores of Lake Rotoehu. This is one of our favourite properties, where you can spot the island’s volcanic nature in action, with spouting geysers, boiling mud pools, and hissing fumaroles. Take a walk through the area in Hongi Hika’s steps to see the sight of the famous canoe battle of 1823. Alternatively, wander further afield for a quick dip in Soda Springs, a natural thermal spring renowned for its healing benefits.

Continue driving south to Taupo, a buzzing town where the Waikato River meets the sparkling turquoise waters of Lake Taupo. Once here, you’ll spend two nights at Huka Lodge for ultimate privacy in seventeen acres of perfectly manicured grounds. Within the grounds, enjoy a game of tennis, petanque or croquet, or relax on the dedicated Yoga Lawn. In summer, enjoy a round of golf or go trout fishing on the lake. In winter, the lodge can be used as a springboard to explore New Zealand’s premier ski slopes.

Next stop is the South Island. Arrive into Nelson following a couple of short flights and spend three nights at Edenhouse, a luxury lodge set in the spectacular scenery of the Orinoco Valley. Shadowed by mountain ranges, Nelson offers a Mediterraneanesque climate with year-round sun. Similarly, it boasts a laid-back atmosphere thanks to its boutique wineries, shoreline cafes, national parks, fresh seafood and beaches. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring vineyards and nearby fishing villages to catch brown trout for dinner. We can arrange a private boat trip for an adventure into Abel Tasman National Park, past Split Apple Rock to hidden coves where you’ll delight in spotting seals and dolphins.

Drive down the coast to the little town of Kaikoura for two nights at Hapuku Lodge, a fabulous property made up of luxury tree houses. Well known for its abundant marine life, Kaikoura is a phenomenal place for whale watching, with other species regularly passing through the waters. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Kaikoura’s aquatic residents, we can arrange for you to swim with pods of wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Similarly, upgrade to a fishing trip to catch crayfish in the Pacific Ocean. From Hapuku, explore the local trails by mountain bike or contribute to your dinner by joining the lodge’s farmers picking olives in season.

Travel south to Christchurch for a night at Otahuna Lodge. After the earthquake in 2011, many historical buildings were damaged with remains still present today; drive around the city to witness an important part of Christchurch’s modern history. Home to a thriving street food scene, indulge in some of the excellent restaurants found in the city. Back at Otahuna, upgrade to a cooking class to understand the lodge’s celebrated food philosophy or feast on a picnic prepared by the chefs. After much indulgence, let your private guide lead you through some of the area’s most stunning gardens, with exclusive access to locations not usually open to the public.