the subtropical North Island Auckland City of Sails, remote Great Barrier Island, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua

the dramatic and unpopulated South Island Christchurch garden city, the Southern Alps, West Coast glaciers and wildlife, Queenstown, Central Otago vineyards and Fiordland.

snowy peaks, glaciers, volcanoes, lakes, beaches, fiords, harbours, cities, undulating hills, primeval forests and bush.

Arrive in Auckland and stay at Mollies Small Luxury Hotel. See Auckland Harbour from the deck of a yacht, sample some of Auckland's fine restaurants and visit the Viaduct Basin, home to the America's Cup syndicates for two years. Walk in the bush in the nearby Waitakere Hills, picnic and perhaps horseback or quad bike on one of Auckland's a dramatic West Coast beaches.

Take a plane to remote Great Barrier Island and stay at an undiscovered uniquely New Zealand small luxury lodge. With only two guest rooms, gourmet meals included and local guides, you are assured of a memorable experience. Alternatively ferry to Waiheke Island and stay at Waiheke Landing, a contemporary NZ beach house with its own private cove for swimming. Waiheke Island is renowned for its proximity to the city of Auckland yet feels like being a world away. You will have stunning sea and landscape views; enjoy absolute peace as well as proximity to world-class wineries and restaurants serving fabulous food.

Drive to Lake Tarawera near Rotorua. Your lodging here is a luxurious 1930's private lake house updated into the 21st century. With its own private beach, kayaks, a chef and fishing on call as well as the myriad attractions of Rotorua within ten minutes, you will have a fabulous stay. Included is an adventure with a local Maori guide to experience the geothermal and volcanic wonders of the region, some aspects of Maori culture and to soak in outdoor thermal springs.

Fly to Christchurch and transfer to a gracious historic small city hotel or the beautiful Otahuna Lodge an elegant, historic country estate just twenty minutes from central Christchurch . Time to wander in this lovely city with its wonderful new Art Gallery, some magnificent private gardens and nearby the charming town of Akaroa, once a French settlement.

Today the Tranzalpine Express will take you on a breathtaking train journey across the Southern Alps, or The Misty Mountains of Lord of the Rings fame, to Greymouth. Drive down the West Coast through ancient rainforests to Franz Josef in the Westland National Park and walk or fly to view the glaciers. Kayak on the nearby Okarito Lagoon to view the beautiful Kotuku or White Herons.

Drive to Lake Wanaka for two nights staying at either Whare Kea Lodge or Riverrun.
Whare Kea Lodge is located on 60 acres of private farmland overlooking Lake Wanaka. This stunning building captures the full beauty and grandeur of its lake setting and alpine views, whilst providing the ultimate in sophisticated accommodation for its guests.
Riverrun is a small luxury lodge with charm, comfort, fine food and wine and a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Set on an escarpment with spectacular mountain views and surrounded by 500 acres bordering New Zealand's largest river, Riverrun Lodge guests have access to walks and running trails, kayaking, fly fishing or rafting - all only a short walk from the lodge verandas.
There is the option of having a guided walk in the Mt Aspiring National Park or experiencing an exciting flight / bushwalk / jetboat adventure, seeing glaciers, mountain lakes, hanging valleys, vast rainforests and dramatic unspoiled beauty. Maybe you would like to visit a high country sheep station or tour vineyards.

Drive through to Eichardt's Private Hotel in Queenstown, Blanket Bay Lodge at Glenorchy, White Shadows Country Inn or Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown. Choose between vineyard lunches, walks, golf, spa treatments, meals at award winning restaurants, heli sightseeing to glaciers or the Milford Sound, daring adventures or gentler guided excursions such as the Dart River trip or a cruise on Lake Whakatipu.

Drive to Manapouri in the World Heritage area of Fiordland to be taken over the Wilmot Pass to the awesome Doubtful Sound for an overnight trip. Cruising amidst Doubtful Sound's towering peaks and bush clad islands is awe-inspiring. Opportunities to kayak and view dolphins.

Return to Queenstown for your afternoon flight home.

This trip can be altered to suit or can be adapted to be separate North and South Island trips.