Itinerary Details
Swain Destinations: Indulge in New Zealand's Cozy Season
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 Auckland before being delivered to your accommodation.
Tamaki Makaurau, the Maori name for Auckland (meaning a city of 100 lovers), is aptly named with visitors experiencing 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.
The Hotel Britomart
Day 2 Waiheke Island Paradise Tour
Meet your guide at the Downtown Ferry Terminal, where you receive a welcome pack of mineral water, tasting notes and full itinerary. Your stunning and memorable day begins with the 45-minute ferry transfer from Auckland over to Waiheke Island on the sedate 'Quick Cat' Ferry. As you journey across Auckland's spectacular Waitemata Harbour, your guide will run through your Waiheke wine tour itinerary and answer any questions you may have.
Once at the Island, journey on a premium Waiheke wine tour to taste wines at three premium boutique Waiheke vineyards (currently Mudbrick, Kennedy Point and Te Motu - but subject to daily opening and schedules). Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a Waiheke winery restaurant, soak in the stunning coastal scenery and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on New Zealand's own Treasure Island of wine and food. The tour concludes with the return ferry to Auckland.
The Hotel Britomart
Meals: B, L
Day 3 Auckland to Hawkes Bay
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Auckland Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Napier you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hawkes Bay by private vehicle.
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is set on a 6,000-acre sheep and cattle farm on the rugged coastline of the Eastern Coast on New Zealand's North Island. Pure luxury awaits you in beautiful suites, all with dramatic and breathtaking views of the farm and adjoining sea. Local materials are incorporated into graciously scaled rooms full of natural light and unexpected treasures. Spacious cottages, each with breathtaking views, open to large porches overlooking a stunning Pacific panorama. Your tariff includes pre-dinner drinks, dinner, breakfast, complimentary minibar including domestic beers (excludes liquor and wine) and use of all lodge facilities excluding golf and spa treatments.
With a stunning rustic-luxe design, the four Lodge Suites are located adjacent to the main Lodge building, offering the convenience of proximity to lodge facilities. Each room has a spectacular uninterrupted view of the farm, golf course and the Hawke's Bay as well as full (wet) mini bar.
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
Meals: B, D
Day 4 Napier Wine Tour
Today's full day private wine tour will take you on a journey through gorgeous countryside and into the most famous wine growing regions of Hawke's Bay. Visit five internationally recognized wineries, where you'll take part in a series of comprehensive wine tastings, with plain English explanations from your tour guide.
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5 Hawkes Bay 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. 'The Farm' as it is called, is a truly five star experience.
On the exterior, the lodge will resemble a cluster of farm buildings. Local materials are incorporated into graciously scaled rooms full of natural light and unexpected treasures. Comfort and ease are at a premium with each room taking on a character of its own while harkening back to the rural feeling of the New Zealand sheep station and wine country. Spacious cottages, each with breathtaking views, open to large porches overlooking a stunning Pacific panorama. The cottages feature calm colors and materials that suggest a traditional rural farm yet contain all of the modern amenities one could wish for.
Critics and golf devotees alike have already fallen in love with Cape Kidnappers' links-style golf course - it has been voted the 27th best golf course in the world. Now golfers and non-golfers alike will have a luxurious place to stay while exploring the wonders of Hawkes' Bay.
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
Meals: B, D
Day 6 Napier to Christchurch
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred by private vehicle to Napier Airport. Upon arrival you will be transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation just outside of Christchurch.
Otahuna Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 7 Otahuna Lodge at Leisure
Whether you wish to sail in an extinct volcanic harbor, take in the panoramas from one of the world's greatest train journeys or charter a helicopter from Otahuna's Great Lawn into the jaw-dropping scenery of the Southern Alps, there are numerous options to help you become immersed in the sights, sounds and flavors of the amazing place the locals call home. The Lodge staff are able to assist with pre-booking any number of activities during your stay, or you can book in advance to ensure your choices are available.
Take a day trip to the picturesque seaside town of Akaroa. Originally settled by French immigrants, the town has retained many of it's 19th centure public buildings and cottages. Cruise the harbour in search of dolphins. Alternmatively embark on one of the greatest train journeys, the Tranz Alpine which traverses the South Island's majestic landscapes. You can take a cooking class at the lodge, go fly-fishing, go hiking or biking, take a wine tour, or play a round of golf. The lodge offers therapeutic massage, a swimming pool and outdoor spa pool. Touring and activities are at additional cost.
The spectacular 125-year old grounds of Otahuna were laid out and cultivated under the direction of A. E. Lowe who trained at Kew Gardens, London. Wide vistas over lawn and lake contrast beautifully with intimate walks which wind through both outdoor garden rooms and heavily wooded areas.
Otahuna Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 8 Christchurch to Ahuriri Valley
Today you will travel from your Christchurch accommodation to your accommodation in Ahuriri Valley by private vehicle.
The Lindis
Meals: B, D
Day 9 The Lindis at Leisure
Nestled in the pristine Ahuriri Valley in New Zealand's South Island, you will find The Lindis. A unique iconic luxury lodge has been created for you to unwind and relax while taking in the surrounding idyllic setting. In an ever fast moving and stressful world The Lindis provides an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the stillness of nature in modern, sophisticated luxury, all while enjoying Kiwi hospitality at its best.
With an uninterrupted view of the Ahuriri Valley, the lodge suites offer refined high-country luxury with the most sumptuous furnishings. All three lodge suites do not sacrifice on the view and offer a private sitting area both indoors and outdoors, private ensuite, super king-sized bed and gas fire place.
The Lindis
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10 The Lindis at Leisure
Enjoy a wide range of on-site experiences for a truly memorable stay.
The Lindis Lodge is situated on the Ahuriri River, one of the best stretches of water for fly fishing (available December through April) and is internationally renowned as one of the top 5 fly fishing destinations in the world. The area also features some of the best gliding conditions, as well as horseback riding, walking trails, stargazing, e-biking, off-road buggy tours, and many other options.
The Lindis
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11 Ahuriri Valley to Glenorchy
Today you will be transferred from your accommodation in Ahuriri Valley to your accommodation in Glenorchy by private vehicle.
Blanket Bay
Blanket Bay is situated at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, two miles south of Glenorchy and just 40 minutes from Queenstown. Built in the grand style of the finest alpine lodges, it is finished with native timber and stone. At the heart of the lodge is a 30-foot high Great Room with a massive log fireplace, vaulted wharf-timber beams and antique wooden floors. There are several dining options available; meals may be taken in the main dining room or a private dining room, both with views across the lake and large log burning fires. The main lodge houses a game room with a snooker table, television lounge, card tables, shuffleboard table and self-serve bar. There is a spa and steam room facility with fully equipped gym, and a short walk from the lodge is a lap pool. Other activities include charter fishing boats, canoes, windsurfers and bicycles. Accommodations are in spacious lakeside rooms; suites filled with sumptuous furnishings and rich rugs.
Blanket Bay
Meals: B, D
Day 12 Milford Sound Ultimate Experience
Perfected over the years, the Milford Ultimate is Over the Top's trip of a lifetime. Relaxed and unhurried, you can make the most of each incredible environment your pilot takes you to. Leaving Queenstown, fly west over the high-country peaks of Queenstown toward the 'Main Divide' of the Southern Alps and into the World-Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. The scenery unfolds dramatically with vast U-shaped glacier carved valleys rich with primeval beech forests. The Milford Ultimate includes four landings, each at diverse and pristine locations where you can sip the pure waters of an alpine lake; take in the majestic Milford Sound; stroll along uninhabited wild, yet beautiful, west coast beaches, see the blue ice on glaciers high in the Alps and the fiords' coastal rain forests. 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. No two Ultimate trips are the same.
Blanket Bay
Meals: B, D
Day 13 Boutique Wine Experience
Taste award-winning wines at four of the region's premium boutique vineyards. This exclusive tour ventures through three contrasting wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Cromwell and the Bannockburn basin. Sit back and relax in the comfort of a luxury touring vehicle whilst your specialist Wine Guide takes you off the beaten track to explore the dramatic scenery and pioneering history. Indulge at a renowned vineyard restaurant for lunch, savoring a delicious antipasti platter with the finest and freshest produce and choose an accompanying glass of premium wine. You will also have an opportunity to retrace history by wandering around the charming historical precinct of Old Cromwell.
Blanket Bay
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14 Depart Glenorchy
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Queenstown airport by private vehicle.
Meals: B, L
