Each year members of our team visit various destinations in our travel portfolio—maintaining wonderful relationships with our travel partners and ensuring that our high standards of luxury and service are being met. Here we’ll share the details of our September 2024—Spring in New Zealand—trip with members of the Gifted Travel Network.
First, I took the direct flight from New York to Auckland and am so happy I did. Read about why I think the flight to New Zealand from the U.S. is just right.
Upon arrival, I had two nights at the Hotel Britomart before joining up with the group for a whirlwind tour of the North and South Islands. New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel is beautifully appointed and is located on the waterfront in a trendy area with lots of restaurants and shopping.
Kauri Cliffs
A quick 40-minute flight landed the group at the top of the North Island at Kauri Cliffs. A blend of natural beauty and serene luxury, this remote location is a haven for exploration and relaxation. From the pristine coastline dotted with secluded beaches to the perfectly manicured greens of the PGA golf course, there are a variety of activities available. Our group embarked on a ATV tour with a charismatic storyteller and, despite being a bit chilly (for which guest services was totally prepared to help keep them cozy), they were captivated by his local tales.
Lodging options include spacious suites and residential-style private villas. The main lodge is warm, cozy, and inviting. Meanwhile, every suite has a fireplace and terrace with an ocean view. Once there, you may not want to leave!
Cape Kidnappers
I can only describe the surroundings at Cape Kidnappers as views, views, and more views—with every turn of the head there is a breathtaking view (pictured at the top). In addition to playing a cliff-edge golf course, the group took a not-for-the-faint-of-heart ATV tour along the dramatic cliffsides. The Cape Sanctuary is New Zealand’s largest privately-owned wildlife restoration project and is an incredible destination for viewing wildlife. The group was able to get up close to gannets and seals, and they were mesmerized by glow worms during a night tour.
Situated in the peaceful countryside, Cape Kidnappers has a modern farmhouse vibe. Luxurious suites and villas all have cozy fireplaces and expansive views of the estate with the ocean in the distance.
Wharekauhau
While the Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate is the very epitome of luxury and elegance, the true standout for Katie at this property is the food and beverage. A newly hatted chef and masterful culinary team that includes a dedicated master forager and an estate gardener, an in-house sommelier who curates an exceptional selection of New Zealand wines, and an attentive team with a fine-tuned attention to detail all come together to craft an extraordinary dining experience.
The lodge offers suites or a separate villa that are spacious, comfortable, and immaculate. As much as our team didn’t want to leave, the helicopter transfer to their next destination was too exciting to pass up. From the sky they were treated to views of the mountain range and black sand beaches as they made their way to the South Island.
Otahuna
The group made a brief stop to tour the Otahuna Lodge where they were greeted by the lovely lodge hosts and treated to an exquisite lunch. New Zealand’s largest private historic residence turned luxury lodge oozes old-world charm and modern sophistication. It is meticulously decorated and surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens.
Flockhill
To say that the group was giddy with anticipation to arrive at this relatively new luxury lodge is an understatement. Unveiled in 2022, Flockhill is a modern retreat situated among magnificent mountains, a winding crystal-clear river, a working sheep station, and idyllic countryside. The contemporary, low-profile design truly honors the natural beauty of the outdoors.
Flock Hill Station has been a working sheep station since 1857. A farm tour brought the group up-close-and-personal with the inner workings of the sheep station, herding sheep and collecting wool. Other activities include rock climbing, hiking, cycling, fly fishing, skiing, caving, ATV tours, and horseback riding. Unique and varied dining experiences range from comfy cozy to fine dining. Garden enthusiasts can even tend to the garden with Chef and help prepare afternoon tea with the fruits of your labor.
A stay in a villa or the exclusive homestead offers breathtaking views and lavish amenities. Brand new villas, set to open this month (December 2024) were getting their finishing touches during the group’s visit.
This group covered Kiwi country in a two-week whirlwind, but any one of these properties is a destination all on it’s own. Contact us to work with a New Zealand travel consultant to curate your ideal itinerary.
