South Island New Zealand Vacation - Wildlife, Adventure and Luxury

New Zealand Remote Vacation: Luxury Lodges

Experience the best of the remote beauty of New Zealand in these unique lodges.

This New Zealand Remote Vacation was planned for a retired couple from Palm Springs. They were longing for a time to simply drop out and enjoy the natural beauty of the country. This vacation gave them that opportunity..

They started their New Zealand Remote Vacation: Luxury Lodges in the beautiful alpine scenery of Queenstown, New Zealand’s outdoor adventure capital. They stayed at Azur Lodge, a tranquil oasis on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. They spent one day doing a scenic flight and cruise to the famous Milford Sound.

Continuing their New Zealand Remote Vacation, they transferred to breathtaking and pristine Ahuriri Valley to the Lindis Lodge where they spent several nights enjoying nature, hiking and biking. And spent their nights looking at the flawless night sky.

From there they continued their journey to Flockhill, a working sheep station nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. While at the lodge, they enjoyed horse back riding, fly fishing, did more hiking and enjoyed a cooking class.

Next on their New Zealand Remote Vacation: Luxury Lodges, they traveled to Taupo for their next nights at the stunning Huka Lodge. While at the lodge, they did a little adventure seeking with jetboating on the famous Huka Falls and did some white water rafting. The couple also enjoyed in room massages and the amazing cuisine.

Last on their New Zealand Remote Vacation: Luxury Lodges, they traveled to the top of the North Island to the Bay of Islands and the beautiful Landing Residences. This property is based on a vineyard, so the couple enjoyed the wines, the food and the local wildlife while taking walks through the natural wetlands on property.

The couple ended their stay in New Zealand in Auckland for a few nights of shopping and enjoying the world class resturants. And just for fun they did an America’s Cup Sailing excursion on the bay.

Their New Zealand Remote Vacation: Luxury Lodges was the trip of a lifetime! They loved being spoiled at fabulous luxury lodges while enjoying outdoor adventures in some of the most picturesque regions in the world.

Accommodation
  • 3 Nights Azur Lodge
  • 3 Nights Lindis Lodge
  • 3 Nights Flockhill Lodge
  • 3 Nights Huka Lodge
  • 3 Nights The Landing Residences
  • 2 Nights The The Hotel Britomart
Touring
  • Milford Sound Scenic Flight Cruise Excursion
  • America’s Cup Sailing Excursion
Transportation
  • All private transfers

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! Fly into the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Here you will meet your driver who will quickly transfer you to your hotel for the next three days. Azur Lodge is located outside of Queenstown with beautiful views to Bob’s Peak and the Remarkables. Your cozy room gives you an opportunity to relax and settle into your vacation.
Azur Lodge

Day 2
Start your day by meeting your friendly local guide at your accommodation. You’ll travel in style in a premium Mercedes van designed for touring with only 16 seats onboard. The first leg of our journey to Milford Sound transports you from Queenstown through the picturesque Southland farming country and the charming town of Te Anau, where you will make a brief stop by the lakeside for refreshments. From here, you are welcomed to the Fiordland National Park and the renowned Milford Road. This corridor to the fjord unveils a different side of New Zealand, with its majestic mountains, winding rivers, and the cheeky Kea bird. Throughout the journey, your guide will make multiple stops for photo opportunities and short walks and will entertain you with fascinating local facts and stories. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a 1hr 45min nature cruise that takes you beneath the towering peaks of the fjord. This small boat cruise, accompanied by a knowledgeable onboard nature guide, allows you to explore the edges of the fjord, revealing its impressive waterfalls and unique wildlife, which may include dolphins, penguins, fur seals, and native birdlife. After your cruise, you will be introduced to your pilot who will take you to the skies on a truly incredible scenic flight back to Queenstown. Travelling by helicopter, this flight is approximately 45 minutes, offering aerial views of Milford Sound and Queenstown, along with the impressive snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and braided rivers in between. During the flight, enjoy descending on top of one of the many peaks for a snow landing in the remote alpine wilderness.
Azur Lodge

Day 3
You have a full day to explore Queenstown at your leisure. Visit historic Arrowtown to learn about the early mining history of the region, or perhaps take a wine tasting tour of the Otago region to sample some excellent pinot noirs. If you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, Queenstown is the perfect base for bungee jumping, sky diving, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, zip-lining, canyon swinging, luging, and more!
Azur Lodge

Day 4
Today you will be transferred to your next destination. Near the bottom of the habitable world is the breathtaking and pristine Ahuriri Valley. Carved over millions of years by the once fierce glacial waters of the Ahuriri River, the valley is now a tranquil, yet comfortingly rugged slice of paradise in New Zealand’s South. And resting almost imperceptibly on the valley floor is The Lindis, our new and truly unique luxury lodge.
The Lindis Lodge

Days 5 – 6
These days are yours at the lodge to enjoy as many of the lodges activities or as little as you want. From fly fishing to horse back riding to hiking, you can be as active as. you would like.
The Lindis Lodge

Day 7
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for a quick flight to Christchurch. From there enjoy a beautiful drive to your next destination. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Flockhill combines a working sheep station with breathtaking landscapes and a serene retreat perfect for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking through lush valleys, participating in sheep mustering, or marveling at the panoramic mountain views, Flockhill promises an unforgettable adventure filled with diverse activities.
Flockhill

Days 8 -9
Enjoy these days at the lodge. Do some fly fishing, check out the scenary from horse back, enjoy a good book or do some hiking.
Flockhill

Day 1o
Today you move your to next beautiful lodge. After a transfer and short flight to the North Island, you will arrive at Huka Lodge. Experience unparalleled luxury at this iconic retreat on the banks of the Waikato River. With its exquisite accommodations, world-class dining, and serene surroundings, Huka Lodge offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in a stunning natural setting.
Huka Lodge

Days 11-12
These days are yours to enjoy the activities at Huka Lodge, including guided fly fishing on the pristine Waikato River, scenic helicopter tours, and thrilling jet boat rides to the base of the majestic Huka Falls. For a more relaxed experience, indulge in wine tastings, yoga sessions, and leisurely walks through the lodge’s beautifully landscaped gardens.
Huka Lodge

Day 13
Now you are off to the North Island, take a flight from local Rotorua up to Kerikeri, near the Bay of Islands. At The Landing Residences, private villas offer stunning views of the pristine coastline and lush native bush. During your stay, you will have exclusive access to world-class amenities, including private beaches, vineyard tours, and guided cultural experiences.
The Landing Residences

Days 14-15
Enjoy some of your last days of vacation at leisure at the lodge. You can enjoy a variety of activities, such as exploring scenic hiking trails, enjoying personalized wine tastings from the on-site vineyard, and participating in kayaking or paddleboarding adventures along the pristine coastline. Additionally, cultural tours and historical site visits provide a deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage.
The Landing Residences

Day 16
Take a short flight back to Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant largest city, offers a dynamic mix of stunning harbors, diverse cultural experiences, and world-class dining and shopping opportunities. You will spend your last two nights in the bustling Britomart area of the city.
Hotel Britomart

Day 17
Auckland is famous for offering some of the best sailing conditions in New Zealand. So today sail where the wind takes you on the Waitematā Harbour. What better way to experience the City of Sails, than to sail under the harbour bridge and back past some of Auckland’s famous landmarks on board one of our yachts. After your sailing experience, enjoy a final farewell dinner in the city.
Hotel Britomart

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
16 day stay
2 travelers

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