New Zealand: The Ultimate 2-3 Week Escape

You've saved for this moment. You've dreamed of New Zealand's dramatic landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, and world-class hospitality. This 18-day journey respects both your investment and your adventure spirit. We push boundaries during the day, then restore in comfort each night. No camping, no roughing it – just pure adventure paired with deserved luxury.

Gentle start to reset your body clock

Day 1: Touch Down in Auckland

Afternoon: Arrive Auckland International. Private transfer to Hotel DeBrett, a boutique property in the heart of the city. Your suite is ready regardless of arrival time – shower, nap, whatever you need.

Evening: If you're up for it, walk to the Viaduct for casual waterfront dining. Otherwise, room service and sleep – no judgment, no schedule.

Day 2: Auckland Exploration

Late Morning: Natural wake-up. Breakfast at the hotel's Kitchen restaurant whenever you're ready.

Afternoon: Choose your comfort level:

Evening: Welcome dinner at The Grove, Auckland's most awarded restaurant. The degustation menu with wine pairing helps you understand New Zealand's culinary evolution. Early night encouraged.

Day 3: Waiheke Island Day Trip

Morning: 40-minute ferry to Waiheke Island (fresh air helps jet lag).

Full Day: Small group wine tour hitting Mudbrick, Cable Bay, and Stonyridge. Long lunch overlooking the harbor. Beach walk at Onetangi. This is about gentle movement, fresh air, and adjusting to New Zealand pace.

Evening: Return ferry at sunset. Light dinner near your hotel. Tomorrow, the real adventure begins.

Geothermal wonders and Māori culture

Day 4: Journey to Rotorua

Morning: Rental SUV pickup (or private driver if preferred). Scenic 3-hour drive to Rotorua through Hobbiton country.

Afternoon: Check into Treetops Lodge. This 2,500-acre estate offers luxury in the wilderness. After lunch, choose:

Evening: Pre-dinner drinks in the main lodge, sharing stories with other guests. Four-course dinner featuring estate-grown produce and wild game.

Day 5: Geothermal Adventures

Morning: Early access to Te Puia geothermal park. Walk among geysers and boiling mud with a Māori guide who explains the cultural significance. Watch traditional carvers and weavers at work.

Afternoon: Your choice of adrenaline:

Evening: Soak tired muscles at Polynesian Spa's adults-only pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. Dinner at Atrium with views of the lake.

Day 6: Lake Taupo Excursion

Morning: Drive to Lake Taupo (1 hour). Jet boat to Māori rock carvings accessible only from water.

Afternoon: Huka Falls jet boat – intense 360-degree spins below New Zealand's most visited waterfall. Or for the truly brave: skydive over New Zealand's largest lake.

Evening: Stay at Huka Lodge, where Queen Elizabeth II once stayed. Dress for dinner – it's a Relais & Châteaux property where five courses are served riverside.

Capital culture and wine country

Day 7: Drive to Wellington

All Day: Epic 5-hour drive through stunning landscapes (or 1-hour flight if preferred). Stop at Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre to see kiwi birds.

Evening: Arrive at QT Wellington, a quirky luxury hotel in the capital. Dinner at Hippopotamus, the hotel's French-influenced restaurant.

Day 8: Wellington Experiences

Morning: Te Papa Museum for New Zealand history and culture – the earthquake simulator and colossal squid are unexpected highlights.

Afternoon: Choice of:

Evening: Progressive dinner through Cuba Street's best restaurants – let our local guide lead you through Wellington's incredible food scene.

Day 9: Ferry to South Island

Morning: Interislander Ferry across Cook Strait (3.5 hours). Book the Premium Plus lounge for comfort. This is one of the world's most beautiful ferry rides.

Afternoon: Arrive Picton, collect rental car, drive to Marlborough wine region. Check into Marlborough Lodge overlooking the Sounds.

Evening: Winery dinner at Cloudy Bay or Allan Scott – you're in Sauvignon Blanc paradise.

Adventure capital and world heritage wilderness

Day 10: Travel to Queenstown

Morning: Domestic flight Blenheim to Queenstown (1.5 hours of spectacular views).

Afternoon: Check into Eichardt's Private Hotel lakefront suite. Orientation walk through town. Book tomorrow's adventures based on weather and energy levels.

Evening: Burgers at Fergburger (a Queenstown institution), then cocktails at Eichardt's Bar.

Day 11: Choose Your Adventure Level

Morning Options:

Afternoon Options:

Evening: Fine dining at Rātā (Josh Emett's restaurant) with Central Otago wine pairings.

Day 12: Milford Sound Expedition

Full Day: This deserves its entire day:

Evening: Room service and early bed – you've earned it.

Day 13: Glenorchy & Paradise

Morning: Drive to Glenorchy (45 minutes of lakeside beauty). This is Lord of the Rings country. Jet boat excursion through Mount Aspiring National Park – shallow braided rivers, 360-degree spins, magnificent scenery.

Afternoon: Horseback riding to Paradise (yes, that's its real name). Guides share filming locations and local legends. Even non-riders love these gentle horses and epic views.

Evening: Back in Queenstown, casual dinner at Fishbone for incredible seafood.

Day 14: Wine & Relaxation

Morning: Sleep in. Late breakfast at Vudu Café.

Afternoon: Guided e-bike wine tour through Gibbston Valley. Four wineries, cheese factory visit, no driving required. The bikes have motors – hills are easy.

Evening: Farewell Queenstown dinner at The Fork with panoramic lake views.

Glaciers, rainforests, and reflection

Day 15: Journey to Franz Josef

All Day: Spectacular 6-hour drive via Wanaka and Haast Pass (or 45-minute flight). Stop at:

Evening: Arrive Te Waonui Forest Retreat. This rainforest lodge brings luxury to the wilderness. Dinner showcases West Coast cuisine.

Day 16: Glacier Day

Morning: Helicopter to Franz Josef Glacier with snow landing. Walk on the glacier with crampons and expert guides. The blue ice caves are otherworldly.

Afternoon: Choose:

Evening: Glacier Hot Pools surrounded by rainforest. Dinner at lodge with wine from your Gibbston purchases.

Day 17: Return to Queenstown

All Day: Either drive back (different route via Mount Cook) or helicopter transfer with alpine landings.

Evening: Final night at Eichardt's. Celebration dinner at The Grille with wagyu beef and Central Otago's best wines.

Day 18: Departure

Morning: Leisurely breakfast. Last-minute shopping for greenstone jewelry and merino wool.

Afternoon: Private transfer to airport for international departure.

We use 4-5 star properties that balance comfort, location, and authentic character:

Every day includes options for:

Contact for Pricing

November - April: Summer adventures, warm weather, longest days

March - May: Autumn colors, wine harvest, perfect temperatures

June - August: Winter activities available, fewer tourists, cozy lodge nights

September - October: Spring skiing, wildflowers, shoulder season values

Moderate Fitness Needed:

Age Considerations:

Week 1: Adjust to time zone while experiencing North Island highlights

Week 2: Peak adventure in Queenstown when fully energized

Week 3: Balance of glacier experiences and journey home

You'll never feel rushed, yet every day delivers something memorable.

This isn't just a vacation – it's 18 days that remind you why you work hard the rest of the year. You'll return with stories that sound impossible, photos that look fake, and a renewed appreciation for what this planet offers.