Your trip is personal to us. Family owned and traveler focused since 1987.
Search Advisor Login
(800) 227-9246 Speak with a Destination Expert
(800) 227-9246 Speak with a Destination Expert
Contact Us
Springtime in New Zealand
New Zealand

Springtime in New Zealand

Contact UsView all New Zealand itineraries
Personal planning

Speak with a Destination Expert who knows the region.

A real conversation with someone who understands pace, routing, hotels, and the details that make a trip feel personal.

  • Kathryn McCueKathryn M.Africa, Oceania
  • Diana SwainDiana S.Oceania

Overview

See New Zealand’s budding landscapes from all perspectives—by land, air, and sea—in this 16-night journey that is sure to have you asking yourself, “Should I move here?” on more than one occasion. From the pristine waters of the Bay of Many Coves to the unspoiled beauty of Milford Sound by helicopter to the awe-inspiring hike to Flock Hill’s Boulders, take in the splendor of New Zealand’s spring season from every angle.
Springtime in New Zealand
Day by day

Your journey, day by day

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Auckland & Auckland Private Tour

    Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival you will be met by your driver and guide for a half-day introduction tour of the city before being delivered to your accommodation.

    Experience first-hand why locals love this beautiful, geographically and culturally diverse city. Enjoy an extraordinary first impression of New Zealand and optimize your time on your first day in Auckland. The Auckland Private Tour will take in selected historical and cultural sites of significance, cityscapes, harbor views and coastlines, views of ancient volcanic peaks, and parks with unique flora and fauna in New Zealand’s largest city.

  2. Day 2

    Auckland Wine and Dine - Matakana Country and Cuisine - Private Tour

    Within easy reach of Downtown Auckland, Matakana is another special region with its spectacular Hibiscus Coastline and fertile countryside areas which are home to some of the best kept secrets that the Auckland region has to offer. With its lush landscape, fertile farmlands, and stunning beaches, this private tour allows you to choose an exclusive itinerary to match your interests, including great food, wine, scenery, and activities.
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch

  3. Day 3

    Travel to Rosewood Cape Kidnappers via Napier

    Takeoff to Napier and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  4. Day 4

    Rosewood Cape Kidnappers at Leisure

    Located on the North Island in Hawke's Bay, one of New Zealand's most important wine districts, Cape Kidnappers has a rich history beginning with its discovery by Captain James Cook in 1769. 

    Cape Sanctuary is New Zealand’s largest privately owned and funded ‘mainland island’ conservation project. The Sanctuary is a world leader in conservation innovation — where recreation, production, and restoration occur in symbiosis. Guests can embark on a captivating tour of the Cape Sanctuary.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  5. Day 5

    Rosewood Cape Kidnappers at Leisure

    Critics and golf devotees alike have already fallen in love with the Cape Kidnappers links-style golf course—it has been voted the 27th best golf course in the world. Here, both golfers and non-golfers have a luxurious place to stay while exploring the wonders of Hawkes' Bay.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  6. Day 6

    Travel to Bay of Many Coves

    Takeoff to Blenheim and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

    Tucked away on the shores of a stunning aqua-blue bay, Bay of Many Coves peeks through the surrounding lush native bush. Sailing, hiking, kayaking, or just relaxing in the hot-tub or by the pool are available.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  7. Day 7

    Queen Charlotte Track Walk & Wildlife Tour - Private Guided Walk

    Your guided walk along the Queen Charlotte Track begins at Ship Cove and ends at Endeavour Inlet. It is a mixture of stunning podocarp and beech forest with punga ferns and other New Zealand native foliage. This day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track with many beautiful views to be had across the Queen Charlotte Sound. Your informative local guide will talk about the European and Māori history of the area, as well as provide detailed information on the birds and plants you encounter along the way.
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Bay of Many Coves at Leisure

    Spend a day discovering the marine life of the Marlborough Sounds, kayak to a nearby salmon farm, go dolphin and orca spotting on a guided cruise, or go underground to view the stunning glowworms on cave walls. All these experiences and more are available to you at the Bay of Many Coves.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  9. Day 9

    Travel to Marlborough Lodge

    Transfer by ferry from the Bay of Many Coves to Picton, then enjoy a leisurely transfer from Picton to the Marlborough Lodge.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  10. Day 10

    The Marlborough at Leisure

    Marlborough and the top of New Zealand's South Island is a treasure trove of food, wine, arts, culture, and scenery just waiting to be explored, and The Marlborough Lodge sits right in the heart of it all.  Alternatively, there is plenty happening at The Lodge everyday within the 16-acre estate, including a garden tour with the head gardener, cooking demonstration, mountain bikes, tennis courts, heated swimming pool, and walk trails through the gardens. Other activities and day tours include wineries, cruising, flightseeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and golf.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  11. Day 11

    Travel to Queenstown

    Takeoff to Queenstown and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  12. Day 12

    Milford Ultimate - Helicopter Excursion

    Sip the pure waters of an alpine lake. Take in the majestic Milford Sound. Stroll along uninhabited beaches. See the blue ice on glaciers high in the Alps and the fjords' coastal rain forests. Feast on a gourmet picnic hamper and sip champagne. At each landing site, the helicopter will shut down for you to enjoy the quiet sound of the mountains. Perhaps a curious Kea, New Zealand's native parrot, will drop in to say hello.
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

  13. Day 13

    Rosewood Matakauri at Leisure

    Enjoy a picturesque day at leisure at Rosewood Matakauri surrounded by views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Take in the scenic area with a relaxing cruise on the TSS Earnslaw or experience a breathtaking jet boat ride through Shotever River.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  14. Day 14

    Travel to Lake Pearson

    A short flight and car transfer take you to the incredible Flockhill. 
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  15. Day 15

    Flockhill at Leisure

    Flockhill's experiences are inspired by the 36,000 acre playground— it’s like having your own private national park. During your stay you may be able to enjoy a Farm experience, E-biking, hiking, paddle boarding or kayaking, a night sky experience, a taste test kitchen or a biodiversity walk. 
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

  16. Day 16

    Flockhill at Leisure

    You may wish to add to your trip with curated activities that will take you above and beyond, such as a sheep station muster, guided E-bike excursion, fly fishing, Flockhill boulder hike, Cave Stream experience, master cooking workshop, bouldering, or clay bird shooting.
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

  17. Day 17

    Depart Lake Pearson

    Transfer to the airport by private vehicle before boarding your departure flight. Or did you decide to stay forever? 
    • Breakfast

Pricing

Package level

Luxury

Pricing for this package is on request. Please call a Swain Destinations Specialist to customize this journey.


Good to know

Terms and conditions

Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions: www.swaindestinations.com/terms
Make it yours

Start with this itinerary, then make it yours.

Every Swain Destinations trip is fully customizable. Speak with a Destination Expert about pace, hotels, dining, and experiences.

  • Grant (Buster) St. ClairGrant (Buster) S.Oceania