Scenic Escape

Want to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s finest? This 16-day escape has you exploring Waiheke Island, Lake Taupo, Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass, Franz Josef, and Queenstown.

Waiheke Island: Day 1 to 4

Stepping off the plane in Auckland, you’ll be whisked away to the nearby Waiheke Island, beginning your stay at the Delamore Lodge. A true island retreat, perched high above the Owhanaka Bay, take in these stunning views from the legendary infinity pool sipping on a glass of New Zealand’s finest. At the same latitude as southern Italy, Waiheke is the perfect location to begin any escape! Your guide will showcase the most reputable vineyards, local galleries, and sculpture gardens, along with an award-winning olive oil mill. If your heart desires, consider wandering into the city by helicopter, yacht or ferry where you can explore the many sights of Auckland, or just kick back taking in the slow-paced island life.

Waitomo to Taupo: Day 4 to 7

Grab your rental car, head south stopping at Waitomo Caves for your exhilarating Black Labyrinth tubing adventure through Ruakuri Cave. Float down an underground river as the glowworms sparkle above. Drive on, to Lake Taupo, settling in at the lakeside Acacia Cliffs Lodge with striking panoramic and mountain views. Explore the beautiful nature trails by foot or bike while listening to the native songbirds. Being the largest lake in the country, the surrounding thermal pools and geysers are renowned. Take your pick of activities from a volcanic safari by helicopter, flying along the fault line before stepping foot on White Island’s crater floor, kayaking on the lake, or getting your dose of Maori culture.

Canterbury: Day 7 to 9

Fly to Christchurch, traveling back in time to the 19th century celebrating the finer things in life at Otahuna Lodge. This exclusive 1895 Victorian mansion combines romance from the past with the pleasures and luxuries of the present. Stroll around the 118-year-old lush gardens or get a hands-on cooking class from famed chef Jimmy McIntyre. The surrounding area is great for exploring! Swim with the rarest and smallest Hector Dolphins in the Akaroa or enjoy riding English saddle alongside the banks of the nearby Waimakariri River. Your time here will be a magical one, take our word.

Arthur’s Pass: Day 9 to 11

Board one the world’s greatest train journeys enjoying the change in scenery while winding through the Southern Alps. Each turn will take your breath away before disembarking at the Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass. Set on 6,000 acres, you’ll have your very own nature reserve to explore from spectacular mountains, alpine flowers and moss carpeted beech forest. As a working country farm, be sure to catch the sheepdogs herding sheep, a true Kiwi experience.

Franz Josef: Day 11 to 13

Hop back on board the TranzAlpine ending up in Greymouth, where you will pick up your rental car and drive south to Franz Josef. Nestled amongst the native West Coast rainforest, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the ultimate luxury wilderness escape. With easy access to Franz Josef Glacier, no stay is complete unless you get up close to these magical ice formations either by Heli-hike or a scenic flight. After a day of adventure, soak it all in at the thermal pools.

Queenstown: Day 13 to 16

For your last stop, make your way to Queenstown, named the adventure capital of the world! Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the peaks of The Remarkables provide an alluring backdrop for adventure and relaxation. Just outside the bustling town of Queenstown, Azur Lodge is the total experience for privacy and serenity. Ever dreamt about hitting golf balls from a mountaintop, jet boating 85mph through canyons, jumping off the tallest bridge, or enjoying a romantic picnic on a high summit? Queenstown will be sure to leave you full of astonishing memories.

Great Ocean Road, Robe: Day 12 to 13

Carry on, after your gourmet breakfast exploring the interior. Consider visiting Mount Gambler, driving through the Myora Forest Reserve to the unique Umpherston Sinkhole. A unique spot filled with lush gardens and resident possums, the scenery will leave you in awe. Pick up some lunch and head to Blue Lake where you can enjoy a picnic at some amazing lookouts. Make your way to the World Heritage listed, Naracoorte Caves National Park. Known for its complex caving system, 28 in total, and recognized for its extensive fossil records aging back several ice ages. Head back to the coast where you will rest your head in Robe, staying at the Fairfield House. This exquisite country accommodation offers dynamic views of the lake, ocean sand dunes, and grassy fields where you can take in the bird, wild, and farm life, from your window.

Port Lincoln: Day 13 to 15

Say goodbye to your hosts after a lovely breakfast, driving four hours to Adelaide. Board your plane to Port Lincoln where you are in for a three-day underwater adventure! You’re in for a once in a lifetime experience – shark cage diving! Encounter the Great White Shark, the most feared predator up close and personal in their natural habitat. You will also have the opportunity to swim with underwater acrobats, Australia sea-lions in the clear waters of Seal Cove and Hopkins Island. This eco-friendly adventure will have you talking for years to come.

Sydney: Day 15 to 17

Return to the pier, where you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Australia’s most well-known city Sydney. You will base yourself in the oldest convict settlement at The Harbour Rocks Hotel. This boutique hotel is a mix of past and present, located a short walking distance from all major icons. This evening, grab a beer at Lord Nelson Brewery or Fortune of War, one of Australia’s oldest breweries before dining at one of the cities award-winning eateries. On your final day, explore like the explorer you are – on your own. Consider renting bikes next door, riding along many of Sydney’s amazing bike trails or go kayaking in the Sydney Harbour. In the evening, why not end your escape with a night out at the theater, at the world famous Sydney Opera House. Your journey here has come to an end but we know you will keep exploring after this one!