Luxury Lodges of New Zealand

You'll begin the holiday in style, with premium lounge access at your UK departure airport – the perfect start to your New Zealand adventure.

On touching down, you’ll be met at the airport by a private driver who’ll bring you to your landmark accommodation – the Hotel DeBrett. You’ll be greeted at this Art Deco icon by welcome drinks, served in a bar that’s hosted Auckland’s fashionable set since the 19th century. Then, there’s the option of resting up in your suite – where goose-down bedding complements egg chairs and local artwork – or heading out to explore.

New Zealand’s largest city excites with superb restaurants, a beautiful waterfront and a spectacular backdrop of volcanic peaks, black-sand beaches and Maori carvings.

Today catch an included ferry, across the Hauraki Gulf, to Waiheke. Although it’s termed the ‘Wine Island’ for its world-class viticulture, you’ll also find a beguiling blend of forests, beaches and olive groves. There’s also Oneroa – the island’s main village and a creative haunt for artists inspired by the island’s laidback charms and untouched nature reserves.

You’ll be met on arrival and brought to The Boatshed – a contemporary architectural masterpiece sitting just above the sun-drenched bay and white sandy beaches of Oneroa. Settle in to a life of included pre-dinner drinks and canapés – the ideal end to days spent tasting your way through vineyards.

Stay: The Boatshed, Waiheke Island

Your return ferry hop will see you back to Auckland, where you’ll pick up your hire car for a drive, through the North Island’s endlessly rolling greenery, to Taupo. This postcard-perfect lake is the beating heart of Maori mythology, with volcanic peaks rising out of shimmering waters. You’ll stay among 254 hectares of tranquil grounds at the ultra-contemporary Kinloch Club, home to New Zealand’s premier golf resort.

Settle into your suite with pre-dinner drinks and canapés before enjoying the first of your farm-to-table evening meals. You’ll also have time to explore the region’s geothermal wonders; there’s everything from crashing waterfalls to bubbling hot springs.

Swapping islands with a short flight from nearby Rotorua, you’ll pick up your next hire car in Christchurch – New Zealand’s English city. It’s a heritage shared with your luxury accommodation; ringed by grounds modelled on Kew Gardens, Otahuna Lodge is the country’s largest private historic residence. Here, you’ll be treated to daily pre-dinner drinks and canapés along with five-course degustation meals, wine paired of course, that showcase the best of the estate’s produce.

You’ll also want to get out and explore, with Christchurch’s botanic gardens, river punting and tram-rattled hills on your doorstep. Seaside rainforest walks will also see you to nearby Kaikoura’s stunning collection of marine life. It’s one of the best places on earth for whale watching.

A spectacular drive, skirting giant bodies of water and snow-capped peaks alike, will bring you to Wanaka for some indulgent relaxation. At your luxury accommodation, private outdoor tubs take in superb lake views and sauna soaks make for the perfect end to days spent hiking, fly fishing or exploring with your lodge’s complimentary mountain bikes.

Whatever you choose, you’ll be treated to a spectacular natural world of shimmering waters, cragged peaks and rolling greenery. You’ll also have no fewer than six world-class ski destinations within easy reach, with burning log fires and a drying room to return to.

From Wanaka travel south with a recommended stop at one of New Zealand's oldest inns, the Cardrona Hotel, rumoured to be the most photographed building in New Zealand, the historic facade hides an award-winning restaurant and legendary beer garden. Refreshed continue to the historic town of Arrowtown before turning onto the Gibbston Highway which passes your accommodation. The valley is a who's who of Otago winemakers where you can try out the finest ranges, from Penegrine to Kinross, or just settle down in the luxury surroundings of the Gibbston Valley Lodge, just a short walk from their own award winning winery.

Stay: Gibbston Valley Lodge

A short-but-scenic drive will bring you to your last stop – a beautifully restored Victoria villa. While you can expect pre-dinner drinks and canapés – along with refreshments available throughout the day – to characterise your stay, Queenstown is the ideal launchpad to a full complement of exciting activities. From hiking, horse rides and pretty lake cruises to skydiving, bungee jumping and parasailing, there’s no shortage of high adrenaline fun.

Alternatively, take some time out with the surrounding vineyards, or book onto a scenic flight, perhaps over the stunning beauty of the South Island’s Fiordlands.

Stay: Azur Lodge, Queenstown

Dropping your hire car off at Queenstown Airport, you’ll board your overnight flight home.