14 Day New Zealand Luxury Guided Tour

Indulge in the very best of the country with luxury New Zealand tours. Choose from a range of superb accommodation, starting from 5-star hotels to luxury lodges. In addition, travel in a private luxury vehicle, with your very own highly experienced escort / driver-guide and enjoy premium tours around the country.

Experience New Zealand’s top destinations on this 14 day luxury guided tour. Your private guide will meet you at the airport and take you on a New Zealand escorted tour. Along the way, enjoy personalised experiences that will elevate your holiday experience to something truly incredible.

Read on for more details on our luxury New Zealand tours.

14 Day New Zealand Luxury Guided Tour Itinerary | Luxury New Zealand Tours

Day 1 Auckland

Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. World-class shopping and phenomenal dining is never too far from harbours, islands, native bush and black-sand beaches.

Explore Auckland with your guide.

If you would like to get straight into nature; skipper an America’s Cup yacht or experience whale watching.

Option to visit top attractions such as the Sky Tower and Mt Eden’s volcanic crater.

In the evening the fairy lights of Federal Street will lure you into some of the finest restaurants in Auckland.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 2 Rotorua + Private Maori Culture Experience + Rotorua Gondola Premium Dining

Travel time Auckland to Rotorua – 3 hours

Enjoy the scenic drive through rolling farmland to Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. Tour the exciting geothermal attractions with your guide, visiting sulphur springs, mud pools, geysers, and sinter terraces.

In the afternoon experience a private Maori Culture experience. Explore the untouched, sacred land of the Ngāti Pikiao tribe, in this intimate, exclusive and private three-hour 4WD experience. Guided by a local and highly knowledgeable Māori guide, you’ll explore their stunning marae and landscapes. En route, you’ll learn the myths and legends of the people, the rich history and their fascinating ways of life.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Rotorua’s most spectacular location – Skyline Restaurant. Sit back and relax as the views from the gondola unfold on your journey to the Skyline complex. The Skyline Restaurant will then serve you a mouthwatering taste of New Zealand cuisine.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 3 Rotorua Spa & Mud Bath + National Kiwi Hatchery + New Zealand Hāngi & Maori Culture Experience

Stroll through Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve in the morning. Here you will have the opportunity to experience the exciting geothermal features of the area. Afterwards, smooth your skin with silky mud in a mud bath and soak in a relaxing sulphur spa.

Next visit the National Kiwi Hatchery for an exclusive behind the scenes private tour. This comprehensive 1-hour guided experience is a truly unique opportunity to learn about the world-renowned kiwi hatchery conservation program. Afterwards, take more time to learn in the interactive kiwi burrow and see adult kiwi roam and forage.

There is more to see! In the evening experience New Zealand’s cultural side with a evening of Maori Culture and delicacies. See a real life haka and be touched by a traditional Maori welcome. Then feast on the three course meal cooked in the traditional hangi pits. Finish your evening next to a fascinating geyser watching it erupt under the night sky.

Day 4 Napier + Hawkes Bay

Travel time Rotorua to Napier – 3 hours 

Journey to the East Coast and discover Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand. Street after street of stunning and beautifully-restored Art Deco buildings have made Napier famous as one of the most complete collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. Napier is also set within the country’s oldest and second largest wine growing region. Hawkes Bay has many picturesque vineyards and wineries to explore.

A trip to Cape Kidnappers offers great photo scapes, and is home to the world’s largest Gannet colony. More than 6500 breeding pairs of the Australasian gannet (Morus serrator) call Cape Kidnappers home. If you want to get up close, 4WD safaris are available which take you within metres of the magnificent Gannets.

Option to discover an exciting world above & below the water at the National Aquarium. Home to a diverse range of the country’s marine and wildlife – see sharks, stingrays and fish swimming over you in the 1.5 million litre oceanarium or spot the native Tuatara and Kiwi.

Stay 2 nights in Napier.

Day 5 Napier + Hawkes Bay Wine Tour

Enjoy a Napier Wine Experience, visiting world class local wineries for wine tastings and a winery tour with a difference! As you drive through New Zealand’s top wine growing region, you will see and hear what makes this area so special. Special enough to produce hundreds of international awards year after year. At each winery, you will learn what makes a great wine and why. Learn about the wineries that you attend on the day and what makes them different from other wineries throughout New Zealand and the world.

Day 6 Christchurch + Tram Restaurant Dinner

Travel time Napier to Christchurch – 1 hour 40 minute flight

Board a domestic flight to Christchurch on the South Island.

Discover the vibrant and picturesque garden city, renowned for its natural beauty, lively entertainment scene, and strong cultural heritage. With its stunning botanical gardens and tree-lined avenues, Christchurch is both a sophisticated city and beautiful place to relax.

Explore Christchurch with your guide. Recommended activities include the Christchurch Gondola and Punting on the Avon River.

In the evening, experience the luxury of a 36-seater colonial-style dining tram. Enjoy fabulous dining at your private table with a sightseeing tour showcasing Christchurch’s inner city vibrancy and heritage.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 7 Lake Tekapo + Star Gazing

Travel time Christchurch to Tekapo – 3 hours 

Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps.

Lake Tekapo has many things to do and explore. Visit the historic Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the most photographed places in the country. This humble little church sits against the most incredible backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Just around the corner from the Church is the Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue. Another great photo opportunity in an extraordinary setting.

One of the most popular attractions in town is Tekapo Springs with hot pools, spas, steam rooms, saunas and spa therapies.

In the evening experience a magical star gazing tour. Your expert astronomy guides bring the night sky to life, sharing the science and the stories of our Southern skies. Stargaze using the naked eye guided by lasers. Then proceed to explore deeper through up to 16″ optical telescopes, including in the private observatory dome. Take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies. Every night sky beholds something different.

Stay 2 nights in Lake Tekapo.

Day 8 Mount Cook + Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing + Glacier Explorers Boat Tour

Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook – 1 hour

Mount Cook Village is nestled at the base of the Southern Alps. At 3,724 metres, New Zealand’s highest mountain (Aoraki / Mount Cook) is dazzling. There are 27 other mountains in this alpine backbone which peak at over 3,050 metres, all making up the famous Southern Alps.

If you have dreamt of experiencing the ultimate helicopter tour of the Mt Cook National Park, then this signature helicopter flight will tick every box.

-Circle the summit of New Zealand’s highest mountain – Aoraki/Mt Cook
-Experience a snow landing on the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier
-Discover motu huka (icebergs) on the Tasman Terminal Lake
-View blue ice, hanging glaciers and the West Coast Fox & Franz Josef Glacier
-Gaze across to both the East & West coastlines of New Zealand’s South Island
-Enjoy coastal views of New Zealand’s South Island

Next experience the only tour of its kind in New Zealand and one of the only accessible glacial lakes containing icebergs in the world. An amazing encounter with New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Explore and learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across the terminal lake with experienced guides. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake.

Day 9 Wanaka

Travel time Lake Tekapo to Wanaka – 2.5 hours 

Wanaka has a reputation for great food and wine, with a wide variety of lakefront bars, cafés and restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine.

The crystal-clear water of the lakes and rivers are ideal for kayaking, fishing, lake cruises, and jet-boating, or to get an aerial perspective of the region and take a scenic helicopter flight.

Explore Wanaka with your guide – you may want to visit the National Toy and Transport Museum or the Wanaka Lavender Farm, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields, farm animals & display gardens.

Test out your fishing skills at “Hook”, Wanaka’s very unique interactive Lake to Plate dining experience. Catch a Chinook salmon from the scenic spring-fed fishing lakes and then relax as the team prepares it for you. No experience is necessary and fishing equipment can be hired on the day

Stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries and stylish shops. Visit ‘That Wanaka Tree’ for the perfect photo, or enjoy one of the many famous walking tracks such as Mt Iron.

Stay 2 nights in Wanaka.

Day 10 Wanaka + Mou Waho Cruise and Scenic Walk

Enjoy a luxury cruise on the crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve. Home of the lake on an island in a lake. Mou Waho is a predator free reserve and home to many native birds not seen on mainland NZ. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the wood pigeon and the native falcon. A one hour guided bush walk is included which takes you up to a lake right on top of the island, with magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction. On returning to your luxury 55 foot catamaran, you can enjoy afternoon tea aboard as the guides share some of the fascinating history of this entrancing island (Duration 3.5 hours).

Enjoy Wanaka with your tour guide in the afternoon. Get an aerial perspective of the region and take a scenic flight. Stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries and stylish shops, or indulge in a delicious meal from the excellent selection of cafés and restaurants.

Day 11 Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Travel time Wanaka to Manapouri – 3.5 hours

Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable. So get ready to create some lifelong memories as the Fiordland Navigator takes you through the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience.

Your getaway starts in Manapouri with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes you across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove you’ll be met by our crew and the majestic Fiordland Navigator.

Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the Fiordland Navigator blends old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with fully licensed bar and an observation lounge.

As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, your knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter.

After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat – or to simply relax on board.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course buffet dinner prepared by your on-board chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our licensed bar and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars.

Day 12 Queenstown + Onsen Hot Pools

Travel time Manapouri to Queenstown – 2.5 hours

Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges. Let Queenstown awaken your inner-explorer. Whether you’re interested in exploring trails, indulging in food and wine, teeing off stunning fairways or seeking adrenaline thrills – there are adventures to be found here of all tastes and tempos.

Come evening relax in the Onsen Hot Pools in your own private pool for one hour. Onsen Hot Pools is located high on a cliffside overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon. Experience breathtaking alpine scenery and watch the Shotover Jet boats on the river below. A unique feature of Onsen Hot Pools are the retractable picture windows. Convert your pool room from indoor to outdoor and back again at the touch of a button!

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 13 Queenstown + Arrowtown + Queenstown Gondola & Dinner

Visit Arrowtown with your tour guide. This charming gold rush village sits in a natural paradise. A Queenstown “must-do.” Arrowtown is a lively, quirky, historic village. So many pleasures to choose from – Arrowtown satisfies many sides of your personality. The nature lover, photographer, the museum visitor, the shop browser.

Come afternoon sit back and relax and take in the stunning views as you ride the Skyline Queenstown Gondola – the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the must-do activities in Queenstown!

You’ll be carried 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy the best view in the region. Next enjoy a dining experience that is out of this world. The menu is inspired by iconic New Zealand cuisine and infused with international influences.

Day 14 Queenstown + Mt Aspiring National Park + Dart River Jet Safari + Glenorchy

Journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, where myth, heritage and fantasy come to life. As one of Queenstown’s most exhilarating activities, the Wilderness Jet, half day adventure takes you on a spectacular journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mount Aspiring National Park.

You’ll experience a unique combination of breath-taking scenery and an exhilarating ride as you follow the braided, glacier-fed rivers by jet boat. Your guides give you their authentic touch, talking about the area’s rich history, the Greenstone trail and countless Maori legends. You’ll also be given the chance to walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests – an atmosphere you may recognize from The Lord of the Rings films. It’s a complete Queenstown to Glenorchy experience in an untouched natural wonderland.

Whilst in Glenorchy your guide will tour the area. The two main industries in Glenorchy are farming and tourism, which have enabled the town to thrive while still maintaining its unique qualities and southern kiwi culture.

Day 15 Depart Queenstown

Your guide will deliver you to Queenstown Airport for your departing flight.

Planning Luxury New Zealand Tours

We aim to make your luxury tour the best travel experience you have ever had. Our luxury New Zealand tours are carefully designed to bring you the best of the country, from exquisite accommodation to exclusive activities.

For a more exclusive experience, our New Zealand Luxury Escapes brand offers an overview of the top lodges and experiences in New Zealand.

We also offer a 10 Day New Zealand Luxury Guided Tour if you prefer a shorter stay.