New Zealand

Dear Philip,

New Zealand is a magical country covered with lush rainforests filled with charming and unique wildlife, majestic snowcapped mountains, and vibrant cities. Please extend my sincere birthday wishes to your son. He is in for a whimsical surprise!

Day 1: Arrival

You will land in Auckland where you will be met by your private guide, Matt, who will whisk you and your family away to the Bay of Islands. You will have the day to relax and enjoy the natural scenery at Arcadia Lodge, before you start your big adventure tomorrow. Per our conversation, you will find lots of outdoor adventure activities that your whole family will enjoy.

Day 2: Bay of Islands

Today, you will explore the Bay of Islands on a luxury motor yacht. The Bay of Islands is the finest maritime park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of wildlife including dolphins, penguins, whales, gannets and many other species. You will board a private luxury motor yacht in Doves Bay, where your captain will take you on a leisurely route through the islands, stopping in intimate bays for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or to simply sit back with a glass of wine and take in the scenery. A picnic lunch including local gourmet food and wines will be served for you on board. I recommend stopping at Te Tii Bay at the end of the of Paihia lies Te Tii Bay. The beach features wonderful soft golden sand that just melts between your toes. The water is a stunning deep turquoise similar to the warm waters of the Caribbean, calm and perfect for a little fishing and swimming. The native pohutukawa trees provide lovely shade for reading or taking a nap.

Day 3: Hamilton

Enjoy a delicious and healthy home-cooked breakfast at Arcadia Lodge before taking a scenic helicopter ride over the Bay of Islands to Auckland, where you will be met by your private chauffeur to take you the rest of the way to Hamilton. Be sure to bring your camera as the view from above is just spectacular. You will be able to see the numerous green islands and the “Million Dollar View Road” that winds along the white sandy beaches and rocky coastline of the northern coast. It’s just breathtaking and a moment you will cherish forever.

Hamilton is nestled along the banks of the mighty Waikato River and is packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars. This delightful city will be your homebase for the next three days. Its small city center is bustling with people at all hours of the day. You will see street performers and smell the delicious scents of fresh caught fish and roasting coffee beans. While you’re here, be sure to check out the Waikato Museum for Maori art and artifacts. The Maori people have lived in the New Zealand bush for centuries and have an ornate and vibrant culture that you don’t want to miss. You will spend the next three nights at the four-star Hotel Novotel Hamilton Tainui, which is located in the heart of downtown within walking distance of everything. After settling in, you will have the afternoon to explore the town and do a little bit of shopping.

Day 4: Hobbiton

Per your request, you will spend your son’s birthday at Hobbiton, the famous movie set of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It’s every little boy’s dream to experience life as a hobbit. With your private Hobbiton guide, you will spend the morning waltzing between the various colorful and cozy hobbit homes and reminiscing over the best parts of the movies. Your guide will share behind-the-scene and secret tidbits from the movies that your whole family will love. I have also organized a special lunch and birthday cake for your son at The Shire’s Rest once the tour is over. After lunch, you will have the afternoon to explore the vast movie set in more depth. While the kids are out exploring, I recommend grabbing an adult beverage at The Green Dragon Inn, which serves locally brewed beers.

Day 5: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

You won’t want to miss this unique New Zealand spot. The famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves have been opened to visitors since the late 1880s. Matt will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast and take you on this unforgettable boat ride. You will explore the enchanted underground caves by boat floating down the calm underground river while the famous glowworms light your path. You will quickly forget that the walls are spotted with worms as their glittering blue glow mimic the starry night sky of New Zealand. It’s an amazing experience and a moment that you will sure to cherish with your family for a long time.

You will have lunch at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Restaurant & Café before heading back underground for Waitomo’s longest underground guided walking tour. Ruakuri Cave was first discovered about 500 years ago by a young Maori boy. During the guided tour you will hear local Maori legends and see the incredible limestone formations and crystal tapestries. With each bend of the path, you will see new and exciting rock formations bigger than the last. This experience will leave you breathless and in awe of Mother Nature’s natural power and beauty.

Day 6: Onward to Taupo

Enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast at one of the many local cafes before meeting your private chauffeur who will take you to Taupo. You will stop along the way in Rotorua to visit the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you will see the famous Kiwi bird up close and personal. Your family will enjoy a private Kiwi Encounter Behind the Scenes Tour. Kiwis are the smallest flightless birds in the world and are native to New Zealand. It’s also why we refer to native New Zealanders as “kiwis.” Unfortunately, several kiwi species are endangered and it’s rare to see them in the wild. Seeing these cute little birds in their natural habitat is a unique experience that will delight your kids.

You will arrive at the Wairakei Resort just in time for a delicious dinner at the Pavilion Restaurant, which will tantalize your taste buds with only the best New Zealand meats and seafood.

Day 7: Taupo relaxation

Taupo is hot on the heels of Queenstown as a truly all-year-round resort town for adventure lovers. You will have two full days at the Wairakei Resort to enjoy its stunning location on the shores of Lake Taupo, looking out across to the Central Plateau mountain range. The lake, which was formed through a massive eruption thousands of years ago, is the largest in the country and is located in the center of the North Island. The town sits on an underground thermal belt, which results in boiling mud, steam and geysers north Taupo at Wairakei Park and Orakei Korako.

After a morning round of golf on the resort course, Matt will bring you on a guided stroll along the banks of the natural hot water streams that runs through the resort. Your kids will love the Craters of the Moon walk. These nature trails wind around the ever steaming thermal mud pools and tropical forest. The birds are constantly chirping high above you and don’t be surprised to see a playful kea. You will quickly think you’ve stepped back in time to the land of the dinosaurs. Of course, don’t forget your swimsuits—you will spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the natural mineral hot pools. I highly recommend getting a geothermal mud-mask facial.

Day 8: Taupo adventure

Today is your choice of any adventure activity. I recommend any one of the following activities: a private volcanic safari helicopter excursion to White Island; fly fishing; kayaking on Lake Taupo, or horseback riding on Harakeke Farm. Whatever your choice, Matt will help you book an incredible day of pure New Zealand fun.

Day 9: Awaroa Lodge

You will arrive in Nelson by mid-morning where you will be transferred to your awaiting helicopter for your scenic 30-minute flight to Awaroa Lodge. Awaroa Lodge is situated at the quiet northern end of Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and unique environments. While the beautiful setting captures the fresh energy and spirit of New Zealand, Awaroa Lodge is also renowned for its relaxed, informal ambiance and for its superb cuisine. Fresh local seafood, beef, and lamb are complemented with organically grown produce and herbs, picked daily from the Awaroa garden. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax and settle into your new surroundings, or perhaps take a stroll on the nearby golden sand beach.

Day 10: Abel Tasman National Park

Today, you will explore the Abel Tasman National Park by private charter boat with your guide. You will set off from the lodge in the morning, and head to the golden sand coastline of Abel Tasman National Park. On this leisurely trip through the park, you will experience some of the most magnificent coastlines that New Zealand has to offer, where the native bush meets golden sands and crystal clear waters are a playground for birds, seals, and dolphins. As you explore the coast, your boat skipper will point out local seal colonies and secluded beach hideaways. Your skipper will graciously stop at any beach along the way for a beach picnic, swimming, and snorkeling.

Day 11: Christchurch

Today you will fly by private helicopter to the Nelson Airport for your flight to Christchurch. Christchurch is known as New Zealand’s “Garden City” and is the largest of the South Island’s centers. The tree-lined River Avon meanders through its heart and the neo-gothic Christchurch Cathedral presides over “The Square,” retaining something of the essentially English nature of its origins. The public-spiritedness of Christchurch’s founders ensures that a third of the city is preserved in gardens, parks and nature reserves.

You will have a few hours to explore the best of Christchurch and grab some lunch before heading to Grasmere Lodge. I recommend having lunch at the Strawberry Fare, a lovely organic restaurant just outside of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. After lunch, you can explore the Botanic Gardens and all the sweet smelling flowers that dot the countless walking paths. Springtime is the perfect time to see the impressive magnolia blooms.

Day 12: Arthur’s Pass

Today is at your leisure at the lodge. I recommend either a four-wheel drive farm tour or guided walking and hiking. Of course, Matt will be there to aid you in your choice. The Area around Grasmere Lodge has a wide range of walking options, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore the very best of the high country. Tracks lead you through rich native forests, to waterfalls, alpine herb gardens, and mountaintops. It’s quite possible you will see no one else on the track all day. The lodge can pack you a picnic lunch to enjoy. If you’re feeling more adventurous, fishing and canoe trips and horse treks can be arranged per your request.

Day 13: Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier is a great tongue of ice and is set in the rainforests on the slopes of the Southern Alps, just north of the two highest snowcapped peaks in the country, Mount Cook, and Mount Tasman. It’s a must-see place in New Zealand. You will be picked up from your lodge by private helicopter and begin your scenic helicopter tour of Franz Josef Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Your flight will weave through the mountain ranges and along the riverbeds giving you the ultimate view of incredible New Zealand landscape. Enjoy a picnic lunch complete with local New Zealand wine on the glacier. Don’t forget to throw a few snowballs! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book an optional skydive over the Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 14: Queenstown

After a hearty homemade breakfast at the Grasmere Lodge, you will head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. Queenstown is set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic mountains. Spend the day relaxing at the Canyons Lodge with its stunning views of the Shotover River and nearby snowcapped mountains. The kids can swim in the outdoor spa pool while you and your wife indulge in a glass of wine by the fireplace.

Day 15: Milford Sound

Today you will experience the Milford Extravaganza Helicopter Excursion. You will see mountains gliding by as your helicopter winds its way through the Southern Alps on an unforgettable flight to Milford Sound. This breathtaking flight takes you over secluded alpine lakes, lush rainforest, through deep brush-fringed valleys and past rugged mountain peaks. Once you land, you can take a stroll and absorb the natural beauty of Fiordland. Your flight then sweeps the full length of the fiord until you reach the rugged west coast offering a unique opportunity to view seals in their natural colonies. Experience a glacier landing before touching down at one of our secret wilderness sites for some special hospitality including Champagne and cheese board.

Philip, it has been my pleasure to plan this itinerary for your New Zealand Adventure. Please do call if I can be of any help.