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Luxury New Zealand Self-Drive Journey

Tailor-made journey · New Zealand

Luxury New Zealand Self-Drive Journey

Duration
18 days
From
$7,195 pp

Tailor-made, always

Every itinerary shaped around your dates, pace and preferences.

One dedicated expert

The same person from the first conversation until you return.

Decades of experience

Over 35 years shaping bespoke journeys for discerning travelers.

Experience New Zealand’s vast beauty on a journey that moves from Auckland’s harborside charm to Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes, Wellington’s creative pulse and the wide-open drama of the South Island.

 

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At a glance...

This twelve-night escape has been curated for slow exploration, meaningful encounters and moments of quiet connection with nature. You’ll journey through volcanic valleys, sail across Marlborough Sounds, walk lakeside trails beneath snow-dusted peaks and stand before the stillness of Milford Sound. Every detail is shaped for ease, balance and discovery.

Plan Your Trip
Luxury New Zealand Self-Drive Journey

In detail

Auckland

Days 1–3

Auckland

Begin in Auckland, the City of Sails. Settle into The Hotel Britomart, your calm, contemporary base in the heart of the city.

Spend your time wandering the waterfront, exploring local galleries and cafés, or taking in panoramic views from the Sky Tower. The streets around Britomart offer a gentle mix of dining, design stores and coastal atmosphere, ideal for easing into the journey ahead.

Rotorua

Days 3–5

Rotorua

Collect your car and drive south through Waikato’s rolling green farmland toward Rotorua, a region steeped in geothermal power and Māori tradition. En route, visit the famous Hobbiton and wander the Shire’s storybook hills before continuing toward Rotorua’s steaming valleys.

Stay at Regent of Rotorua, a boutique retreat close to the lake. Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where native forest is interspersed with colorful geothermal pools, then cruise across the still waters of Lake Rotomahana.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Māori food, storytelling and song, gaining insight into the culture that shapes this region.

Wellington

Days 5–6

Wellington

Fly south to Wellington, New Zealand’s compact, creative capital. Stay at InterContinental Wellington, moments from the harbour.

Explore the National Museum of Te Papa, stroll through the city’s leafy botanical gardens or wander Cuba Street’s cafés and galleries. After dark, join a guided walk in Zealandia, an eco-sanctuary where the elusive kiwi and other native species thrive in the wild.

Marlborough

Days 6–8

Marlborough

Travel across the Cook Strait by ferry, drifting through the quiet inlets of the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in the sailing town of Picton. Collect your car and continue into the Marlborough wine region, where vineyards stretch across sunlit valleys.

Stay at The Vintners Retreat and spend your days exploring artisan food producers and renowned wineries. Walk among the vines, taste acclaimed Sauvignon Blancs and take in the stillness of the surrounding hills.

Kaikoura

Days 8–10

Kaikoura

Drive south along the Pacific coastline to Kaikoura, where snow-tipped mountains meet deep ocean. Stay at The Hamptons, a relaxed seaside base.

Head out by boat in search of dolphins, seals and the region’s famous sperm whales. The following day, walk the Kaikoura Peninsula Track for views of dramatic cliffs and fur seal colonies, learning about the region’s geology and maritime history as you explore.

Christchurch

Days 10–12

Christchurch

Continue south to Christchurch, known as the Garden City. Stay at The Observatory Hotel, a characterful property within the city’s arts precinct.

Wander Hagley Park, explore the botanic gardens or simply enjoy the gentle balance of urban life and open green space. The next morning, board the famed TranzAlpine train, journeying west through the Canterbury Plains toward Arthur’s Pass for a day of alpine walking and expansive landscapes.

Lake Tekapo

Days 12–14

Lake Tekapo

Travel toward Lake Tekapo, part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve. Settle into Ranginui B&B, a lakeside escape with views of turquoise water and surrounding peaks.

Explore the region at your own pace: visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at sunrise, walk through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park or return in the evening for stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere.

Queenstown

Days 14–17

Queenstown

Drive south through shifting high-country landscapes to Queenstown, framed by Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Stay at Queenstown House Boutique B&B, a warm and elegant retreat.

Cruise Milford Sound, watching waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs, then return by light aircraft if weather allows, taking in glaciers and peaks from above. Your final day is yours to shape. Spend it wine tasting in Otago, hiking the breathtaking mountain trails, or simply unwind with a quiet soak in a cedar hot tub overlooking the valley.

Return Flight

Day 18

Return Flight

After a journey shaped by wilderness, coastlines and thoughtful connection, begin your journey home.

Plan Your Trip

Add your Do Not Disturb moment

Bungee Jumping in Queenstown Explore Queenstown’s iconic bungee jumping and skydiving with private access, expert guides, and sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. After Hours Vineyard Dinner in Hawkes Bay A privately arranged after-hours vineyard dinner in Hawke’s Bay, pairing seasonal cuisine and library wines in rare seclusion, curated by Do Not Disturb. Alpine Hot Pools at Dusk A visit to Tekapo’s alpine hot pools at dusk offers rare stillness in one of New Zealand’s most elemental landscapes. As daylight fades over Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps, warm mineral water, crisp air, andly timed darkening skies combine to create a moment of physical and mental ease. Heli-Hike on Franz Josef Glacier A privately arranged heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier offers rare access to one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most dramatic ice landscapes. Reached by helicopter and explored on foot with an expert guide, this experience reveals the scale, movement, and fragility of the glacier far beyond what is possible from valley viewpoints. Bay of Islands Experiencing the Bay of Islands after the last day boats return to harbor reveals a quieter side of New Zealand’s most storied seascape. With beaches emptied, light softening, and the water settling, this privately timed moment offers rare calm in a place usually defined by movement. Glowworm Caves Entering a glowworm cave with a private guide transforms the familiar tourist route into an intimate encounter with New Zealand’s underground magic. Soft lighting and the quiet hum of dripping water, this experience offers a rare moment of calm and wonder beneath the surface.

Your journey doesn’t start with a booking. It starts with a conversation.

Tell us how you want to feel, we’ll take it from there.

Our reviews

Our team brings over 35 years of experience in luxury travel, shaping bespoke journeys for discerning clients worldwide.

See more reviews on Trustpilot
Our trip was truly magical and full of core memories that will last us a lifetime.
Michael • Bora Bora Honeymoon★★★★★
“We just returned from an incredible journey through Ireland, and we couldn’t have had a better experience”
Brad • Ireland Adventure★★★★★
“This was a flawless experience. They took all our thoughts and perfectly curated the most beautiful honeymoon.”
Kris • Sicily Honeymoon★★★★★

Your next steps

Planning your trip should feel effortless.

  1. We Listen

    You share what matters, whether it is a destination, a feeling, or a moment worth celebrating.

  2. We Curate

    Your dedicated expert shapes a thoughtful, private itinerary tailored entirely around you.

  3. You Travel

    Every detail handled. Every moment considered. Support before, during, and after your journey.

Begin your journey

Tell us about your journey

Tell us how you want your time away to feel. Your dedicated expert will be in touch to begin shaping it around you.

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+1 888 931 0363
Rich RyanDelwyn HughesJemima HanrottMaria GardnerSamantha McCormack

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