New Zealand Discoverer: A New Zealand Private Tour
13 Days / 12 Nights
New Zealand
A Custom New Zealand Vacation, from North to South
Experience the ultimate New Zealand private tour designed for travelers seeking luxury lodges, dramatic landscapes, and personalized adventures. Jaunt north to south, leisurely discovering the beauty and diverse landscape. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or gourmet experiences, our custom New Zealand vacations reveal the very best of the country in seamless style.
Journey at-a-glance
- Day 1 – 2: Bay of Islands
- Day 3 – 5: Taupō
- Day 6 – 7: Hawke’s Bay
- Day 8 – 9: Wairarapa
- Day 10 – 13: Glenorchy
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More Details
Your New Zealand private tour first begins in the beautiful Bay of Islands, one of the country’s most scenic coastal regions. After arriving in Auckland, continue north to Kerikeri before transferring privately to Rosewood Kauri Cliffs.
Along the way, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was between Māori leaders and the British Crown.
During your stay, enjoy time at leisure exploring the property’s many activities and amenities. Highlights of course include:
- Relaxing at the outdoor infinity pool and spa facilities
- Exploring walking and mountain biking trails
- Access to secluded beaches for swimming and kayaking
- Golfing at the acclaimed cliffside golf course
- Spa treatments overlooking native forest and streams
Indeed, the Bay of Islands creates the perfect introduction to any New Zealand tour.
Then continue your New Zealand private tour in Taupō, located beside the country’s largest lake and surrounded by volcanic landscapes. Here, settle into the legendary Huka Lodge, widely regarded as one of the finest New Zealand luxury resorts.
During your stay, enjoy a wide variety of outdoor experiences and leisurely activities. Taupō is known for both adventure and relaxation, allowing travelers to tailor each day to their own pace.
Possible experiences therefore include:
- Fly fishing and boating excursions on Lake Taupō
- Horseback riding through the scenic countryside
- Golf, mountain biking, and jet boating adventures
- Spa treatments and wellness experiences at Huka Lodge
Meanwhile, the lodge’s tranquil riverfront setting provides an ideal place to unwind between excursions.
Then journey onward to Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s premier wine and food regions. You will stay at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, a luxury lodge perched high above the Pacific coastline.
As such, this region offers a balance of nature, wildlife, and culinary discovery. In addition, the property’s vast landscapes invite guests to explore at their own pace.
Highlights include:
- Guided walks to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony
- Scenic hiking and mountain biking trails
- Farm experiences with shepherds and sheep dogs
- Helicopter tours over the coastline and vineyards
- Golf at the celebrated Tom Doak-designed course
- Seasonal kiwi discovery walks supporting local conservation
Consequently, Hawke’s Bay adds both variety and depth to custom New Zealand vacations.
Afterward, travel south through rolling countryside to Wairarapa and the elegant Wharekauhau Lodge. Set beside Palliser Bay on a working sheep station, this peaceful retreat offers a slower pace and authentic rural experiences.
During your stay, enjoy the region’s blend of luxury, farming heritage, and outdoor adventure.
Ker & Downey highly recommends participating in the following activities:
- Guided tours of the working sheep station
- Coastal hiking and mountain biking
- Wine and gin tastings in the surrounding region
- Scenic helicopter flights and ATV adventures
- Gourmet picnic experiences featuring local ingredients
Because Wairarapa remains less visited than other parts of New Zealand, it thus offers a quieter and more personal side of the country.
Finally, your New Zealand private tour concludes in Glenorchy near Queenstown, one of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine regions. Here, enjoy a stay at Blanket Bay, a luxury lodge overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Adventure takes center stage during your final days in New Zealand. First, embark on a thrilling jet boat excursion along the Dart River into Mount Aspiring National Park. Then continue exploring with guided forest walks through untouched wilderness.
In addition, a private helicopter excursion showcases Milford Sound and the Southern Alps from above. Highlights of this experience include:
- Scenic helicopter landings in remote alpine locations
- Aerial views of waterfalls, fiords, and rugged peaks
- Exploration of isolated West Coast beaches
- Guided wilderness walks through native forest
As a result, Glenorchy provides a dramatic and memorable conclusion to custom New Zealand vacations.
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Plan Your New Zealand Private Tour
This luxury New Zealand private tour allows you to discover coastal beauty, world-renowned lodges, alpine wilderness, and personalized experiences across both islands. Moreover, every detail can be tailored to match your travel style, interests, and pace. Add wine regions, private yacht charters, hiking adventures, or additional New Zealand luxury resorts.
Therefore, contact a Ker & Downey Travel Designer to personalize your own custom New Zealand vacation. In the meantime, read more about the seasons and pricing in the South Pacific. For even more travel inspiration, follow Ker & Downey World Travel on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
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Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.
Or give us a call at 800.423.4236.
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