Itinerary Details
Swain Destinations: New Zealand's Autumn Colors in Luxury
Day 1 Arrive in Taupo
You will be collected from Taupo Airport and transferred to Huka Lodge.
Huka Lodge
Meals: D
Day 2 Huka Lodge Information - At Leisure
Set on the banks of the Waikato River, Huka Lodge is a stone's throw away from the spectacular cascading waters of Huka Falls. There is ample opportunity to explore the park-like gardens and flower borders or simply soak in the hot pools. Enjoy a game of tennis on our all-weather court. Relax playing a game of petanque. Huka Lodge's dining room is spacious in its proportions and elegant in design. It is a place where guests come together for good food and fine wine punctuated with easy laughter and conversation. Wherever you choose to dine - by the outdoor fireplace, on the terrace, or at a private table under the stars - you find unique food, an extensive wine selection and impeccable service. Your hosts are happy to go to any lengths to provide an appropriate and memorable setting. Evening clothing is casual/elegant - ties and suits are not required. Your stay includes pre-dinner drinks from 6:30PM to 7:30PM, a superb five-course dinner, full breakfast, use of all Lodge facilities, and Taupo airport transfers, if required.
Huka Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 3 Huka Lodge At Leisure
Within the lodge grounds, you can take a leisurely stroll in the gardens, or soak in the pool, enjoy a game of tennis or try a relaxing game of petanque. Should you be drawn further afield, there is an extensive variety of recreational pursuits and adventure experiences available. If fishing is your choice, the Lodge can arrange a wide variety of fishing excursions. Heli-fishing offers a complete wilderness experience in some of the best trout fishing territory in the world. Lake Taupo offers wonderful trout fishing and swimming, and a boat can take you to the many isolated coves and bays fringing the edge of the great lake. Some may choose a quiet game of golf, enjoy horse trekking, sailing, river rafting, hunting or skiing.
Huka Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 4 Travel to Wharekauhau Lodge
Takeoff to Wellington and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Travel by helicopter from Wellington Airport to Wharekauhau Lodge. The scenic 15 minute flight transfer takes you over Wellington and then along the coastline of Palliser Bay before landing at the front of Wharekauhau lodge - a spectacular entrance!
Wharekauhau Lodge And Country Estate
Meals: B, D
Day 5 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. This working sheep station tour is an absolute must for Wharekauhau visitors. Explore the far reaches of the farm and surrounding forest in a comfortable 4WD vehicle.
Wharekauhau Lodge And Country Estate
Meals: B, D
Day 6 Wharekauhau Lodge At Leisure
Enjoy the grandeur and lifestyle of a bygone era, perfectly complete with carefully-chosen antique furniture and oversized classic fireplaces. As you explore Wharekauhau Lodge, you'll discover each room with a distinct atmosphere. From airy open lounges to smaller intimate settings, you can socialize freely or find a cozy space to relax in peace with your favorite novel.
Walk through the French doors and step into another world; Wharekauhau's magical private courtyard and gardens. The immaculate croquet lawn and Petanque field border the inviting, sun-soaked courtyard, an ideal spot to enjoy a local Chardonnay or gather with new-found friends.
With 3,000 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.
Enjoy a treatment at Hauora Spa, each stemming from the Maori philosophy of total health and well-being.
Wharekauhau Lodge And Country Estate
Meals: B, D
Day 7 Travel to Queenstown
Takeoff to Queenstown and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Blanket Bay
Meals: B, D
Day 8 Milford Ultimate - Helicopter Excursion
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. Today's excursion includes a gourmet picnic hamper of delightful cheeses, cold meats, breads, salads and fruit (please advise of any dietary requirements ahead of time). Sip champagne and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages at a location far from where others may travel.
Blanket Bay
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9 Blanket Bay At Leisure
Blanket Bay is a haven of comfort - a sanctuary from the outside world. The experience can provide you with endless ways to help restore your physical and spiritual well-being in this enchanted corner of New Zealand.
Fishing and Heli-fishing - Legendary American travel writer Zane Grey once described New Zealand as 'an angler's El Dorado'. The Lodge's resident, professional guide can take you to wild and untouched rivers offering the best fly-fishing in the world.
Hiking- The Milford Track, which leads to the heart of spectacular Milford Sound, has been described as 'The finest walk in the world'. As with the nearby Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks, it passes by pristine waterfalls and beneath sky-cutting peaks.
Heli-skiing - Ski enthusiasts can enjoy some of the finest skiing in the world during winter (July to September) on the pure powder snow of the surrounding mountain slopes, only minutes away from the Lodge. Among the other vigorous activities on offer are water-skiing, wind surfing and canoeing on Lake Wakatipu.
The Dart River Jet boat oeprates from nearby Glenorcy. Horseback riding and mountain biking can be arranged on the neighboring Wyuna Station property, which stretches for five miles along the shores of the lake.
After a great day exploring the area, go down to the hot tub with a beverage, open the glass doors and relax as the sun sets over the Remarkables. A spectacular way to get ready for cocktails and dinner.
Blanket Bay
Meals: B, D
Day 10 Travel to Queenstown City
Enjoy a leisurely transfer from Blanket Bay to Queenstown City.
Eichardt's Private Hotel
Meals: B
Day 11 Queenstown at Leisure
Enjoy time at leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Set between the towering Remarkable Ranges and the bottomless Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown has it all. Originally settled by the gold miners and station owners, it is now home to adrenaline-filled adventures such as bungee jumping, the Canyon Swing, jetboating, rafting and amazing scenic helicopter flights. Take a more sedate gondola ride to Bob's Peak for great views or the 110-year-old steamer, The Earnslaw, as she cruises around Lake Wakitpu. You may wish to visit Milford or Doubtful Sound or the old gold mining town of Arrowtown. There are some interesting wineries, including Amisfield (great for lunch or early dinners), which is just outside the town. You will find all the souvenirs you need here for your New Zealand visit, including a 'Lord of the Rings' gift store. Queenstown is home to some superb restaurants that cater to all the desires of your appetite.
Eichardt's Private Hotel
Meals: B
Day 12 Travel to Christchurch
Takeoff to Christchurch and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Otahuna Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 13 Arthur's Pass National Park and Tranz Alpine Tour
You will be transferred from your city hotel to Christchurch station to board the famous TranzAlpine Train. Sit back and relax during a train journey that will take you across the Canterbury Plains, wind its way through the stunning Waimakariri Gorge and pass over massive viaducts and through tussock-covered high country before heading into the Southern Alps.
You are met at Arthur's Pass by your guide who will take you through the National Park, where short walks may be taken to experience forests, rivers and mountain vistas. Following the old stage-coach route, travel down the spectacular Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 1860s. As the tour travels through the high country, a stop can be made to view Cave Stream, where it burrows underground in an area of limestone cliffs and gorges, craggy outcrops and a setting of surrounding mountains. The incredible Castle Hill rocks, unique weather-worn and rain-smoothed outcrops of limestone are seen from the highway. The more adventurous may wish to walk to the top of the rocks for magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The return journey to Christchurch will include a visit to the Waimak Gorge where the Waimakariri River enters the vast Canterbury Plains. Lunch is included during today's excursion.
Otahuna Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14 Depart Christchurch
Transfer to the airport by private vehicle before boarding your departure flight.
Meals: B
