A luxury New Zealand holiday brings together extraordinary scenery, memorable experiences and some wonderful places to stay. Cruise beneath Milford Sound's waterfalls, watch whales off Kaikōura, explore Māori culture in Rotorua or spend an afternoon among the vineyards. With around three weeks, you can discover both islands at a comfortable pace, following coastal roads, stopping beside alpine lakes and enjoying the places in between.
New Zealand at a glance
| Flight time from London | Around 24 to 30 hours with one stop, often via Singapore, Dubai or Hong Kong |
|---|---|
| Time difference | 11 to 13 hours ahead of the UK, depending on the time of year |
| Entry | British passport holders need an NZeTA before travel, plus the International Visitor levy |
| Best time to visit | October to April for touring, with June to September for skiing |
| Ideal length | 16 to 21 nights to see both islands without rushing |
| Best for | Couples, families, luxury lodges, road trips, wine and walking |
New Zealand Highlights
- Discover remarkable contrasts, from Northland's beaches and Rotorua's geothermal valleys to the Southern Alps and the fiords of the south.
- Cruise Milford Sound beneath sheer cliffs and waterfalls, with the option to stay overnight for quieter evenings and early mornings.
- Watch whales off Kaikōura, kayak along the coast or take a scenic flight over mountains and glaciers.
- Explore Māori culture with local guides and hear the stories that connect people with the land.
- Enjoy vineyard lunches and wine tasting in Marlborough, Hawke's Bay and Central Otago.
- Stay somewhere special, from welcoming country retreats and family treehouses to lakeside suites and remote alpine lodges.
Discover New Zealand
New Zealand is a country to explore at your own pace, with something different around each bend. The North Island combines Auckland's harbour, Northland's beaches, Rotorua's geothermal landscapes and opportunities to experience Māori culture. In the South Island, coastal roads lead to wildlife encounters, mountain walks and the lakes around Queenstown and Wānaka, with Fiordland's waterways further south.
Your holiday can be as active or unhurried as you like. Follow a walking trail before a vineyard lunch, spend a morning on the water or take a scenic flight into the mountains. Families can bring the adventure to life with Hobbiton, boat trips and wildlife, while couples might combine outdoor exploring with wine tasting and a few particularly special stays.
I'll help you choose a route that gives each place the time it deserves, with manageable driving days and comfortable bases. Whether you explore one island or both, there should be room to stop, follow your curiosity and enjoy being there.
Extraordinary Landscapes
Cruise through Fiordland, walk beside alpine lakes and explore Rotorua's geothermal valleys. Mountains, coastlines and volcanic scenery give each part of your journey a different character.
Unforgettable Adventures
Watch whales off Kaikōura, kayak along the coast or discover Māori culture with a guide. From gentle exploring to something more adventurous, there's plenty to shape around you.
Exceptional Places to Stay
Return from your day's exploring to a riverside retreat, family treehouse or lakeside lodge. Thoughtful hospitality, local food and beautiful surroundings make the stay part of the experience.
Feeling inspired?
Start Planning Your Luxury
New Zealand Holiday
Tell me who's travelling and what you would love to experience, from a family road trip with whales and Hobbiton to a honeymoon of clifftop lodges, Milford Sound and Central Otago wine. I'll create a New Zealand holiday around you and take care of every detail from the first idea until you are home.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of ours. December to February is summer, with long days for beaches, walking and road trips, and prices are at their highest from Christmas to early March, so it pays to book early. Autumn (March to May) often brings some of the year's most settled weather, with the grape harvest and golden colour around Arrowtown. Spring (September to November) is quieter, with snow still on the peaks and waterfalls at their fullest. Winter (June to August) brings skiing around Queenstown and Wānaka and clear skies for stargazing.
| Experience | Best months |
|---|---|
| Touring both islands | October to April |
| Beaches and the Bay of Islands | December to March |
| Great Walks, including the Milford Track | November to April |
| Wine harvest, Marlborough, Hawke's Bay and Central Otago | March to April |
| Autumn colour, Arrowtown and Central Otago | April to early May |
| Skiing, Queenstown and Wānaka | Mid-June to September |
| Whale watching, Kaikōura | Year-round (sperm whales), with humpbacks in winter |
Featured regions
Where to go in New Zealand
Auckland and Northland
Best for: harbour city stays, beaches and sailing. Auckland is the usual arrival point, with a waterfront full of good restaurants and easy trips to the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Head north to the Bay of Islands for sailing, dolphin watching and Waitangi, where New Zealand's founding treaty was signed, and continue to the giant kauri trees of Waipoua Forest.
Rotorua, Taupō and Hawke's Bay
Best for: geothermal landscapes, Māori culture, trout fishing and wine. The centre of the North Island is shaped by volcanic activity, from Rotorua's geysers and bubbling mud pools to Lake Taupō and the peaks of Tongariro National Park. To the east, Hawke's Bay brings Art Deco Napier, long-established vineyards and the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
Marlborough, Nelson and Abel Tasman
Best for: Sauvignon Blanc, sheltered waterways and coastal walks. The top of the South Island is warm and sunny, with the vineyards of Marlborough and the quiet bays of the Marlborough Sounds, many reached only by boat. Further west, Abel Tasman National Park combines golden beaches and clear water with some of the country's gentlest coastal walking.
Canterbury and Kaikōura
Best for: whales, high country and dark skies. Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island, with gardens and a regenerated city centre. Drive north to Kaikōura, where mountains meet the sea and sperm whales feed offshore year-round, or inland to Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest peak, within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Queenstown, Wānaka and Fiordland
Best for: lakes, adventure, wine and Milford Sound. Queenstown sits on Lake Wakatipu beneath The Remarkables, with excellent restaurants, Central Otago wineries and skiing in winter. Wānaka is quieter and more relaxed, while Fiordland in the far south brings Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, best seen on a cruise or from the air.
Ways to experience New Zealand
Lodges and the great outdoors
New Zealand's luxury lodges are a big part of the reason to come. Many sit on working farms, lakeshores or clifftops, with guided walks, fishing and wildlife on the doorstep and an intimate dining room to return to each evening. I like to combine contrasting lodges with a city stay, so each part of the holiday feels different. My New Zealand's Exceptional Lodges itinerary links eight of them, finishing with a helicopter flight into the high country.
Fiords, mountains and glaciers
The South Island's landscapes deserve time. A cruise on Milford Sound shows the fiord's sheer walls and waterfalls up close, and staying on board overnight gives you the quiet of evening and early morning. On the West Coast, a helicopter landing on Franz Josef Glacier shows the scale of the Southern Alps, while Aoraki/Mount Cook offers walks to glacial lakes.
Wildlife and the coast
Watching a sperm whale dive off Kaikōura is a moment many people remember most. Along the coast you can kayak with fur seals, see dolphins in the Bay of Islands or the Marlborough Sounds and visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. I plan around what you most want to see, choosing the right place and season, and always tell you what you can realistically expect.
Wine and food
New Zealand's wine regions are relaxed and easy to enjoy. Marlborough is known for Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke's Bay for Syrah and Bordeaux-style reds, and Central Otago for Pinot Noir grown among the mountains near Queenstown. Lodge dining makes the most of local lamb, seafood and produce, and a guided wine tour means nobody has to drive. My New Zealand's Food & Wine Journey itinerary takes in Waiheke, Marlborough and Central Otago.
Family adventures and film locations
Explore Hobbiton's hobbit holes and gardens, discover The Lord of the Rings filming locations around Queenstown and bring familiar landscapes to life. Alongside boat trips, wildlife and gentle walks, these experiences make lovely additions to a family road trip. I'll balance the activities with comfortable stays and time to relax.
Winter and skiing
From mid-June, Queenstown and Wānaka become ski towns, with Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone within easy reach. A winter trip can pair skiing with lakeside lodges, wine tasting and heli-skiing for experienced skiers. It is also a quieter time to see Milford Sound, with snow on the peaks.
Handpicked hotels
Where to stay: luxury hotels in New Zealand
A glimpse of New Zealand's places to stay, from a clifftop golf lodge and a city hotel in Auckland to treehouses, a country house near Christchurch and a high-country station reached only by helicopter. Many more are available.
Clifftop Coastal Estate
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Northland
Set on a 6,000-acre estate above the Pacific near Matauri Bay, Kauri Cliffs looks out to Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands. Suites have private porches and open fires, and days can be spent on the clifftop golf course, at the spa, on the estate's beaches or horse riding, with the Bay of Islands close by. Best for: golf, coastal walks and the Bay of Islands.
City comfort and rooftop relaxation
Cordis, Auckland
Combine city exploring with time to unwind at this contemporary Auckland hotel. Comfortable rooms and suites suit couples and families, while the rooftop pool and Chuan Spa offer a welcome pause after the long flight. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Chandelier Lounge or choose from Eight Restaurant's international kitchens before heading out to explore. Best for: couples and families wanting city comfort with a pool and spa.
Riverside Retreat
Huka Lodge, Taupō
Huka Lodge began in 1924 as a fishing camp on the banks of the Waikato River and sits in 17 acres of parkland gardens near Lake Taupō. It reopened in 2025 after a year-long renovation with expanded suites and a new wellness offering, and its daily changing menus and wine cellar remain at the heart of a stay. Best for: classic lodge style, trout fishing and the central North Island.
Family Treehouses
Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses, Kaikōura
Hapuku Lodge sits between the Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific, with tree houses set among native trees. Families can stay in the two-bedroom Family Tree House or the three-bedroom Olive House, with kids' menus, bikes, board games and deer to spot from the deck. A spa, sauna and heated mineral pool are there for the grown-ups. Best for: families, whale watching and the Kaikōura coast.
Country house and garden retreat
Otahuna Lodge, near Christchurch
Set in 30 acres of gardens, this restored Victorian mansion has just seven individually designed suites, with original features and deep baths. Food is a highlight, with seasonal menus drawing on the estate's vegetable gardens and orchards. Spend your days exploring the grounds, joining a cooking class or visiting nearby Christchurch before returning for dinner. Best for: couples who enjoy historic houses, gardens and exceptional food.
High-Country Escape
Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, Wānaka
Minaret Station sits at the head of a glacial valley near Lake Wānaka and Mount Aspiring National Park, and is reached only by helicopter. Private chalets each have a deck with their own hot tub, and days are spent hiking, fly-fishing, watching for deer and chamois or flying deeper into the mountains. Best for: remote luxury and helicopter adventures.
Why plan your New Zealand holiday with me?
I'm Rachael. I plan tailor-made holidays for curious travellers who love comfort. New experiences, lovely places to stay and someone looking after the details.
Design
I listen first, then shape your holiday around what you enjoy and what makes you comfortable. From the route to your room, with time to explore and time to relax.
Discover
With trusted specialists and local experts, I find distinctive places to stay and experiences that help you get to know a destination, chosen around your interests.
Travel well
I contact your hotels before you arrive, reconfirm your stay and share your preferences. I ask about upgrades and thoughtful extras where available, and support you until you're safely home.
Sample journeys
Luxury New Zealand Tailor-Made Itineraries
These itineraries are just a few examples of what is possible. I can tailor any of them to suit you or create something completely from scratch around the New Zealand experience you have in mind.
New Zealand's Exceptional Lodges
A tailor-made journey between some of New Zealand's most exceptional lodges, with private cruises, helicopter flights and estate dining woven throughout.
5 nights · Matauri Bay and Taupō
Begin at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs with a private Bay of Islands cruise, then retreat to riverside Huka Lodge for volcanic landscapes and a helicopter safari.
5 nights · Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa
Combine coastal views and wine at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers with country hospitality and estate-grown flavours at Wharekauhau Country Estate.
6 nights · Nelson, Abel Tasman and Christchurch
Stay at Te Koi, The Lodge at Bronte, and cruise Abel Tasman's golden coastline. Continue to Otahuna Lodge for garden walks, seasonal dining and an Akaroa nature cruise.
5 nights · Wānaka and Queenstown
Fly into remote Minaret Station for alpine adventures before finishing at Rosewood Matakauri, overlooking Lake Wakatipu, with a guided tour of the Queenstown region.
Best for: couples celebrating a special occasion, with exceptional stays and memorable experiences throughout.
A Family Adventure: New Zealand & the Cook Islands
A family road trip through the North Island by motorhome, finishing with relaxed days on a Cook Islands beach.
Auckland
Rest after your flight before collecting your four-berth motorhome, ready for a week exploring the North Island.
Waitomo and Rotorua
Discover glowworm caves, geothermal landscapes and Māori culture, with time for woodland walks and lakeside picnics.
Taupō and Hamilton
Explore Huka Falls and Lake Taupō, then visit Hamilton Gardens as you return towards Auckland.
Rarotonga
Swap your motorhome for four nights at Te Manava Luxury Villas. Enjoy your private pool, Muri Lagoon and relaxed beach days before a final overnight stay in Auckland.
Best for: families combining the freedom of a road trip with a comfortable island escape.
New Zealand by Rail, Cruise & Coach
A small-group escorted tour by rail, cruise and coach, with scenic journeys the length of both islands and the driving taken care of.
Auckland and the Bay of Islands
Explore Auckland, visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and cruise towards Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock.
Rotorua and Wellington
Ride a vintage steam train, discover Rotorua's geysers and Māori culture, then travel past Lake Taupō to the capital.
Scenic railways and the West Coast
Cross Cook Strait and join the Coastal Pacific train before exploring Christchurch. Take the TranzAlpine into the Southern Alps, continuing by coach to glacier country and Queenstown.
Fiordland, Dunedin and Christchurch
Spend a night cruising Doubtful Sound, explore Dunedin and Larnach Castle, then return to Christchurch for a farewell dinner.
Best for: travellers who enjoy company, scenic journeys and having the driving taken care of, with just 20 guests aboard a spacious coach.
New Zealand's Food & Wine Journey
A tailor-made journey for couples who love food and wine, from boutique island vineyards to coastal producers, cooking experiences and Central Otago's cellars.
Auckland and Waiheke Island
Begin with a gourmet island tour, tasting boutique wines, olive oil and local produce.
Hawke's Bay and Wellington
Stay at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, explore the coast by all-terrain vehicle and discover Wellington's food scene on a guided tasting walk.
Marlborough and Kaikōura
Visit vineyards, cruise the Marlborough Sounds with seafood and wine, then join a cooking experience at Hapuku Kitchen and head out whale watching.
Queenstown and Central Otago
Finish with vineyard visits and a helicopter flight towards Milford Sound, with a glacier landing if conditions allow.
Best for: couples who enjoy discovering a destination through its food, wine and local producers.
Your New Zealand, Designed
Around You
Your New Zealand holiday might include coastal walks in Northland, Māori cultural experiences in Rotorua and a cruise beneath Milford Sound's waterfalls. Perhaps you'd love to watch whales, explore Hobbiton with the children or spend a few days walking and wine tasting around Queenstown.
I'll help you choose the regions, experiences and places to stay that suit you, with enough time to enjoy each stop. From flights and stopovers to car hire, guided excursions and special stays, I'll bring the details together around the way you like to travel.
Start Planning Your New Zealand HolidayNew Zealand holiday FAQs
October to April suits most touring trips, with long summer days from December to February and settled autumn weather from March to May. Winter, from June to August, is ski season around Queenstown and Wānaka. December to early March is busiest, so it pays to book well ahead.
Around 24 to 30 hours with one stop, usually via Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong or the Middle East. I often build in a stopover where it helps and allow a gentle first day once you arrive.
British passport holders don't need a visa for a holiday of up to six months, but you do need an NZeTA, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, before you travel. You apply for it online, and I remind every client in good time.
To see both islands without rushing, I suggest 16 to 21 nights. With less time it is usually better to focus on one island, most often the South, than to try to cover everything.
It is one of the best long-haul destinations for families with children of about eight and over, mixing short walks, boat trips, kayaking and wildlife with plenty of downtime. I keep driving days short and use internal flights to avoid long drives.
The North Island brings Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua's geothermal valleys and Hawke's Bay wine. The South Island is wilder, with the Southern Alps, the fiords and the lakes around Queenstown and Wānaka. With 16 nights or more you can enjoy both; with less, I usually focus on the South.
For many people it is a highlight: sheer cliffs and waterfalls seen up close from the water. Staying on board overnight gives you the quiet of evening and early morning, and you can also see the fiord from the air by helicopter or light aircraft.
Roughly mid-June to late September, around Queenstown and Wānaka, with Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone within easy reach. It is also a quieter, beautiful time to see Milford Sound with snow on the peaks.
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