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New Zealand Grandeur
New Zealand

New Zealand Grandeur

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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.

  • Garry PlantGarry P.Oceania
  • Catherine LandowskiCatherine L.Africa, Oceania

Overview

Embark on a grand journey through New Zealand's untamed beauty and rugged elegance. Stay at some of the country's most luxurious properties, from a contemporary urban hotel to cozy lodges tucked away from reality. Spend your days unwinding with spa treatments, casting a line in pristine rivers, or perfecting your swing on championship golf courses. Adventure beckons with hiking, mountain biking, ATVs, and horseback riding. From the air, a private helicopter ride displays the expansiveness of New Zealand's beaches, fjords, and mountains. For a glimpse of Kiwi heritage, visit a working sheep station, where rolling pastures meet timeless tradition. With a perfect balance of planned tours and leisure time, every moment of this itinerary showcases the splendor of New Zealand.

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New Zealand Grandeur
Day by day

Your journey, day by day

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Auckland

    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

    Waiheke Island Paradise Tour

    The Waiheke Island Paradise is for the truly discerning wine fan. Your stunning and memorable day begins with the 45-minute ferry transfer from Auckland over to Waiheke Island. Once at the Island, begin your tour and taste wines at three premium boutique Waiheke vineyards. Enjoy a relaxed lunch, soak in the stunning coastal scenery, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on New Zealand's own Treasure Island of wine and food.
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch

  3. Day 3

    Auckland to Taupo

    After a short flight and drive, you'll arrive at Huka Lodge, set on the banks of the Waikato River and a mere stone's throw from the spectacular Huka Falls. True retreats in every sense, the Lodge Suites each open to the Waikato River, and are designed to offer personalized luxury and a harmonious flow with the natural landscape outside.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  4. Day 4

    Huka Lodge Day at Leisure

    Within the lodge grounds, take a leisurely stroll in the gardens, soak in the pool, enjoy a game of tennis, or try a game of petanque. Should you be drawn further afield, there is a variety of recreational activities available, including fly fishing, golf, sailing, river rafting, a jet boat tour, or heli adventure.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  5. Day 5

    Huka Lodge Day at Leisure

    There are many tours available from Huka Lodge. Speak with your travel consultant to learn more about these experiences.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  6. Day 6

    Taupo to Wellington

    A short helicopter ride over Wellington and along the coastline of Palliser Bay lands you at the front of Wharekauhau Country Estate—a spectacular entrance! The lodge offers a relaxed, yet ultimately luxurious environment to soak in some New Zealand hospitality. Set on over 5,000 acres of private land, including rivers, forests and lakes, it commands spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  7. Day 7

    Wharekauhau Farm Tour

    No visit to Wharekauhau is complete without a tour of the surrounding farm. Bordered by the Rimatuka Ranges and Pacific Ocean, this classic New Zealand Romney sheep station features all the activities that have created New Zealand's legendary farming heritage. A springtime visit comes with a delightful perk—watching newborn lambs frolic in lush emerald fields is about as heartwarming as it gets.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Wharekauhau Day at Leisure

    Every day spent at Wharekauhau is a delight to the senses. Explore the grand lodge, each room with its own character, before stepping out to the magical courtyard and gardens. With 5,000 acres of private land, including ancient forests, peaceful lakes, rivers, and a wild and rugged coast, you have plenty of choices when it comes to a route for walking, mountain biking, or ATV quad bike adventures. Or enjoy a Hauora Spa treatment, each stemming from the Maori philosophy of total health and well-being.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  9. Day 9

    Wellington to Christchurch

    A scenic drive leads you to the 1-hour flight from the North to South Island where a private car will take you to your accommodation just outside of Christchurch.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  10. Day 10

    Otahuna Lodge Day at Leisure

    Hundreds of thousands of daffodils greet guests to Otahuna Lodge each spring. Beyond the Daffodil Field are the spectacular 130-year-old grounds, which were laid out and cultivated under the direction of A. E. Lowe who trained at Kew Gardens, London. Winding walks through outdoor garden rooms and wooded areas are a highlight of a stay at Otahuna. 

    Other activities include a day trip to the seaside, a harbor cruise in search of dolphins, a train journey through the South Island's landscapes, fly fishing, hiking, biking, golf, a wine tour, or spa treatment.
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

  11. Day 11

    Christchurch to Flockhill

    Today, you'll journey west from Christchurch, crossing the rolling Canterbury Plains before ascending through the dramatic scenery of the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass. Along the way, you’ll pass glacial rivers, alpine forests, and the serene Lake Pearson. Your destination is the refined elegance and warm Kiwi hospitality of Flockhill Lodge.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  12. Day 12

    Flockhill Day at Leisure

    Flockhill Experiences provide an introduction to the lodge, the working sheep farm, and the beloved 36,000 acres of pristine landscapes. From mustering sheep with their shepherds and dogs, to morning tea down by Lake Pearson, Flockhill offers an array of daily experiences.

    Curated Activities will get you out on the Station with a Flockhill Guide. These adventures, including horse riding, rock climbing, biking, ATV tours and more, give you the chance to embrace the wilderness of the Canterbury region and the Southern Alps. 
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

  13. Day 13

    Flockhill Day at Leisure

    Bespoke Canterbury itineraries can be crafted for visitors wanting to explore further afield on their South Island trip. Tailored to your personal interests with exclusive off-site experiences and seasonal activities including heli-skiing, golf, and wine tours.
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

  14. Day 14

    Flockhill to Blanket Bay

    You will transfer to the Christchurch airport for a short flight to Queenstown, followed by a leisurely drive to Blanket Bay, situated at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu.
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

  15. Day 15

    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

  16. Day 16

    Boutique Wine Tour

    Taste award-winning wines at four of the region’s premium boutique vineyards. This exclusive tour ventures through three contrasting wine sub regions. Sit back and relax while your specialist Wine Guide takes you off the beaten track to explore the dramatic scenery and pioneering history.
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

  17. Day 17

    Blanket Bay to Queenstown Airport

    Ahead of your flight you will be transferred by private vehicle from Blanket Bay to Queenstown Airport.
    • Breakfast

Pricing

Package level

Luxury

Prices are approximations and may vary with exchange-rate adjustments. Each itinerary can be customized around your interests, pace, and preferred hotels.
Twin Share
5/1/2026 - 8/31/2026$26,285 p/p
9/1/2026 - 9/30/2026$26,680 p/p
10/1/2026 - 10/31/2026$30,295 p/p
11/1/2026 - 11/30/2026$33,000 p/p
12/1/2026 - 12/31/2026$32,280 p/p
1/1/2027 - 2/28/2027$41,100 p/p
3/1/2027 - 3/31/2027$38,260 p/p
Single Traveler
5/1/2026 - 8/31/2026$51,590 p/p
9/1/2026 - 9/30/2026$52,380 p/p
10/1/2026 - 10/31/2026$59,615 p/p
11/1/2026 - 11/30/2026$65,025 p/p
12/1/2026 - 12/31/2026$63,580 p/p
1/1/2027 - 2/28/2027$77,575 p/p
3/1/2027 - 3/31/2027$75,540 p/p


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.

  • Ian SwainIan S.Co-President