auckland & the coromandel peninsula Tours Absolute Luxury New Zealand

Itinerary:

Day 1 Auckland    
Settle into your elegant accommodation and perhaps dine out at one of the city’s eclectic restaurants lining Federal St, or one of the chic bistros of bustling Viaduct Harbour.    

Days 2-3 Auckland to Bay of Islands    
Leave the city behind and drive north to the subtropical Bay of Islands. Situated within its own 30 hectare estate, exclusive Eagles Nest is your home for the next two nights and offers the perfect place to acclimatise. Discover secluded bays, visit quaint art galleries and marvel at the captivating views from your state of the art private villa, nestled amongst lush native bush.    

Days 4-5 Bay of Islands to Auckland
Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Auckland, spending the next two days exploring the city and venturing across the bay to Waiheke Island for a gourmet tasting tour. With a sunny microclimate, scenic cliff-top vineyards and golden beaches, this gorgeous island is a local’s favourite.    

Days 6-7 Auckland to Rotorua    
Overlooking stunning Lake Terawera, peaceful Solitaire Lodge boasts understated luxury in an unrivalled lakefront location. Explore Rotorua’s geothermal parks and enjoy one of the many optional lodge activities (payable locally) including fishing, private 4WD adventures and even helicopter flights over White Island, an active marine volcano.    

Day 8 Rotorua to Christchurch    
Drop off your car and catch the short flight from Rotorua to Christchurch where you will spend the night.  

Day 9 Christchurch to Franz Josef    
Board the TranzAlpine and embark upon one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Bisecting the centre of the South Island, you’ll cross dramatic gorges and pass through the mountainous heart of the Southern Alps before descending through native beech forest. On arrival in Greymouth, pick up your car and continue to glacier country, marvelling at the glorious coastal vistas en route.    

Day 10 Franz Josef    
The tropical rainforest fringing Franz Josef offers a stark contrast to the cascading glacier from which the village takes its name. Take to the skies on an exhilarating helicopter flight over the ice before landing on the glacier itself and hiking across its shimmering, iridescent surface.    

Day 11 Franz Josef to Glenorchy  
The longest but most spectacular drive on your adventure takes you past the snowtipped peak of Mount Cook and along the dramatic west coast. Stop off in pretty Wanaka before trailing the perimeter of Lake Wakatipu past Queenstown, to your next destination: Blanket Bay.

Day 12 Glenorchy    
This world-renowned property offers a traditional lodge experience in a truly breathtaking location. Relish exceptional dining, immerse yourself in amazing scenery on optional guided hikes, or simply relax by the crackling fire in the grand ‘Great Room’.    

Day 13 Glenorchy to Queenstown  
Drive the short distance back to Queenstown and drop off your car. Check into your plush boutique hotel and explore the nearby boutique shops and popular lakefront restaurants.    

Days 14-15 Queenstown  
Enjoy a wealth of activities in New Zealand’s adventure capital from helicopter rides to 4WD tours and on day 15 embark on a Milford Sound cruise with a spectacular flight back included.    

Day 16 Queenstown    
Head to the airport for your onward arrangements as your adventure ends.

Optional Excursions: