The Best of Australia & New Zealand: A Summer Journey

Day One

Private Transfer Sydney Airport to Capella Sydney

3 nights Capella Sydney

Set within the magnificently restored heritage‑listed Department of Education building, Capella Sydney is an elegant urban sanctuary that blends Sydney’s rich history with contemporary luxury. Located in the heart of the city, just moments from Circular Quay, The Rocks, and Sydney Harbour, the hotel offers a serene retreat amid one of Australia’s most vibrant destinations.

The hotel’s spacious rooms and suites are beautifully appointed, combining timeless architectural details with modern design, warm textures, and thoughtful comfort. A highlight of the Capella experience is access to The Living Room — an exclusive guest lounge offering all‑day refreshments, curated local experiences, and intuitive, personalised service in a relaxed yet refined setting.

With exceptional dining, a tranquil spa and wellness area, and an atmosphere of understated sophistication, Capella Sydney delivers a stay that feels both intimate and grand. It is an ideal choice for discerning travellers seeking culture, comfort, and a sense of place in the centre of Sydney.

Connect to Country Spa Treatment

Beat the jetlag and return to a sense of self with a sublime journey through this ancient land, leaving mind, body and spirit, deeply relaxed, realigned and re-energised. Stones gathered with permission from Indigenous Elders from wild far-flung regions; Mookaite, (an Aboriginal Mother Earth Stone meaning ‘Running Water’) from Western Australia, Kakadu and Dreamtime from stone country in the Northern Territory, Australian Black Jade and Green Marble from the Pilbara, and Azoria Gold from Queensland. The unique healing vibrations of these heated stones combined with Australian botanicals aromas shift your state of being into a deeper sense of awareness of your true essence. 90 minutes. Auriga Spa, Capella Hotel.

Day Two

Private Sydney Opera House Tour

Step beneath the iconic sails and into the heart of one of the world’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. Guided by expert storytellers, this immersive one-hour experience reveals the architectural brilliance, remarkable history, and vibrant life of the Sydney Opera House—well beyond its striking façade. 

Wandering through its soaring interiors and performance spaces, guests gain rare insight into the stories, controversies, and creative spirit that shaped this UNESCO World Heritage icon. Each tour offers a different perspective, with access adapting to the rhythm of rehearsals and performances, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving experience. 

It is a rare opportunity to see this global symbol from within—where architecture, artistry, and atmosphere converge in a way that is both intimate and quietly extraordinary.

Private Sydney Harbour Luxury Cruise

Experience Sydney Harbour from a more considered vantage point aboard EV Arcadia, a private hybrid-electric vessel designed for those who value both refinement and discretion. Gliding almost silently across the water, this fume-free cruise reveals the harbour in its purest form—where the sounds of wind, water and city life gently take centre stage.

Over the course of your half-day journey, iconic landmarks and hidden coves unfold from a uniquely intimate perspective. On board, a beautifully prepared gourmet lunch showcases the best of Australia’s seasonal produce, thoughtfully sourced and paired with fine local wines—an unhurried celebration of Sydney’s celebrated culinary landscape.

Time on the water is yours to shape. Pause for a swim in a secluded bay, linger over lunch, or simply unwind on deck as the harbour slips by. Every element feels effortless, tailored, and deeply personal.

Beyond the experience itself, each journey contributes to the preservation of Sydney Harbour, with a portion of every charter supporting local conservation initiatives—ensuring this remarkable environment is protected for years to come.

An elegant escape, defined by privacy, sustainability, and a sense of quiet immersion.

Day Three

Sydney BridgeClimb Experience - Burrawa Climb

Ascend the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a way few do—guided not only by the view, but by story. The Burrawa climb invites you to journey to the summit alongside a First Nations Storyteller, revealing the deep cultural history woven through Warrane (Sydney Harbour) and the lands of the Gadigal people. 

Over the course of this intimate, small-group experience, the city unfolds beneath you from a distinctly Aboriginal perspective. As you climb the sweeping steel arches, stories spanning thousands of years are shared—bringing meaning to the landscape, its place names, and the enduring connection between Country and culture.

Reaching the summit, the reward is more than the breathtaking 360-degree panorama. It is a moment of quiet perspective—seeing Sydney not only as it is today, but as it has been understood for generations.

Both a remarkable physical experience and a deeply meaningful cultural encounter, Burrawa offers a rare and considered way to connect with one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

Seaplane to Cottage Point Inn | Fly & Dine Experience

Leave the rhythm of the city behind as you lift gently from Sydney Harbour, tracing the coastline north by seaplane toward a landscape of quiet waterways and untouched bushland. Within moments, the city gives way to the stillness of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where your destination—Cottage Point Inn—sits poised on the water’s edge, accessible only by air or boat. 

Touching down beside the restaurant’s private pontoon, you are welcomed into an experience defined by both setting and simplicity. Lunch unfolds at a leisurely pace, with a refined multi-course menu celebrating modern Australian cuisine and the season’s finest ingredients—thoughtfully composed and quietly exceptional.

Time here feels unhurried. Surrounded by river, forest, and birdsong, the atmosphere is one of calm seclusion—Sydney, though close, feels a world away.

Returning by air, the journey concludes with a striking aerial perspective of Sydney Harbour—its icons revealed from above before you glide back into Rose Bay. 

Effortless, memorable, and deeply atmospheric, this is destination dining reimagined—where the journey is as considered as the experience itself.

Day Four

Private Transfer to Sydney Airport    Flight Sydney to Kingscote (Kangaroo Island) via Adelaide    Transfer to Southern Ocean Lodge

3 nights Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge is one of Australia’s most celebrated luxury wilderness lodges, dramatically positioned on the clifftops of Kangaroo Island overlooking the untamed Southern Ocean. Widely recognized as the pioneer of experiential luxury in Australia, the lodge offers a seamless blend of contemporary design, refined comfort, and immersive connection to nature. 

The lodge features 25 luxurious suites set along the coastline, each designed to frame sweeping ocean views and provide a strong sense of privacy and place. At the heart of the property, the Great Room showcases floor‑to‑ceiling windows, creating a striking communal space where guests gather to dine, relax, and take in the ever‑changing coastal landscape.

Stays at Southern Ocean Lodge are all inclusive, encompassing all meals, premium beverages, and a curated program of guided experiences. Dining highlights the exceptional produce of Kangaroo Island and South Australia, with menus that change daily and celebrate local seafood, artisan growers, and regional wines. 

Guests are invited to explore Kangaroo Island’s extraordinary natural environment through signature guided experiences, including wildlife encounters, scenic walks, and visits to iconic sites such as Flinders Chase National Park and the Remarkable Rocks. For relaxation, the Southern Spa offers a tranquil retreat with treatments inspired by native botanicals, complemented by hot and cold plunge pools overlooking the surrounding bushland. 

Rebuilt following the 2020 bushfires, Southern Ocean Lodge stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal, reconnecting guests with the raw beauty, wildlife, and spirit of Kangaroo Island in a deeply memorable and luxurious way. 

Days Five and Six

Southern Ocean Lodge Signature Experiences

The lodge's signature experiences are the finest introduction to Kangaroo Island's most remarkable landscapes and wildlife. Included in your stay, each guided excursion departs on a small-group basis at scheduled times. Private departures and bespoke experiences are also available.

Wonders of Kangaroo Island

A west-end journey through Kangaroo Island's most celebrated landmarks. Flinders Chase National Park opens at the historic Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, before the route continues to the sculptural grandeur of Remarkable Rocks and the coastal grotto of Admirals Arch, where a resident fur seal colony shelters against the raw power of the Southern Ocean. Duration 3.5 hours

Seal Bay Safari

Seal Bay Conservation Park shelters Australia's third-largest colony of endangered Australian sea lions. A guided walk along its Southern Ocean shores brings guests into rare proximity with these remarkable animals, with insight into their unique breeding cycles and the ongoing research programs dedicated to their protection. Duration 3 hours

Coastal Clifftop Walk

A guided walk from the lodge doorstep along the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay, where the Southern Ocean stretches uninterrupted to the horizon. Sweeping coastal views frame a journey through resilient cliff-top ecology, with osprey frequently overhead and dolphins a reliable presence in the waters below. Duration 1.5 hours

Koalas & Kangas

A short journey to Hanson Bay Sanctuary, where Kangaroo Island's most beloved wildlife gathers in remarkable numbers. Wander through eucalypts in search of koalas resting in the canopy above, before settling in as dusk draws the island's kangaroos out to graze. South Australian beverages and light bites accompany the transition from day to night. Duration 2 hours

Kelly Hill Caves

A guided journey into the subterranean world of Kelly Hill Caves, where caverns and sinkholes have formed over millions of years. Stalactites, helictites and intricate ancient formations are brought to life through a dynamic light display, as your guide traces the remarkable geological story of this extraordinary underground landscape. Duration 1.5 hours

A Taste of SA

A guided wine tasting in the Great Room or lodge cellar showcasing South Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. A different region takes centre stage each evening, from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale to Clare Valley and Coonawarra, offering insight into the state's rich viticultural heritage. Duration 45 minutes

Day Seven

Transfer to Kingscote Airport    Flight Kingscote (Kangaroo Island) to Adelaide    Private Transfer to Sequoia Lodge

3 nights Sequoia Lodge

Perched high on Mount Lofty, not far from the heart of Adelaide yet seemingly worlds away, Sequoia Lodge is an intimate, adults-only sanctuary that invites a deeper connection with South Australia’s landscape, culture, and cuisine. Set within the historic Mount Lofty Estate and surrounded by the Adelaide Hills Botanic Gardens and expansive national parklands, the lodge is quietly enveloped by nature, overlooking the rolling expanse of the Piccadilly Valley.

With just fourteen suites, Sequoia offers a rare sense of privacy and stillness. Each suite is conceived as a retreat in its own right—open-plan, generously proportioned, and oriented toward uninterrupted valley views. Natural materials and soft, earthy tones reflect the surrounding landscape, while sunken lounges, gas fireplaces, deep soaking tubs and expansive private balconies create a space that feels both refined and deeply restorative.

Life at Sequoia unfolds at a slower, more intentional pace. Mornings might begin with a quiet dip in the lodge’s artesian spring-fed hot pools or sunrise yoga overlooking the valley, followed by a leisurely breakfast featuring local produce. Days are shaped by a curated collection of hosted experiences—guided nature walks, wine tastings, stargazing, and encounters with local artisans—each designed to connect guests to the land and its stories.

Dining is equally considered. Within the lodge, seasonal menus celebrate South Australia’s exceptional produce in a relaxed, intimate setting, while just steps away, the acclaimed Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant offers a more elevated degustation experience that showcases the region’s culinary depth. 

Thoughtfully designed, deeply personal, and effortlessly sophisticated, Sequoia Lodge offers more than accommodation—it is an experience of place, where time softens, senses sharpen, and every detail feels considered.

Day Eight

Explore Adelaide Hills | Private Wine Tour

Experience the Adelaide Hills through a more considered lens on this private, fully curated wine journey—designed for those who value both exceptional wines and a deeper connection to place. Hosted by a passionate local guide, the day unfolds at an unhurried pace, revealing the distinctive character of one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions. 

Your experience begins with seamless collection from your accommodation before ascending into the rolling hills, where crisp air, vineyard-lined valleys, and quiet cellar doors set the tone. Throughout the day, a thoughtfully composed selection of wineries showcases the breadth of the region—renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as outstanding sparkling wines produced by both iconic estates and lesser-known small-batch makers.

A typical journey may include a tasting of premium sparkling wines to start, followed by visits to leading producers such as Shaw + Smith, before venturing further off the beaten path to discover boutique wineries seldom accessed by larger tours. It is this balance of acclaimed and emerging producers that defines the experience—offering both context and discovery in equal measure.

Midway through the day, lunch is taken at a relaxed yet thoughtfully chosen local venue—a cosy Hills pub or restaurant where seasonal produce and regional wines are enjoyed in a convivial, understated setting.

As the afternoon unfolds, the itinerary remains fluid. With a private guide at your disposal, the day can be shaped around personal tastes—whether that means additional cellar door visits, time to linger over a particular wine style, or discovering a hidden gem known only to locals. 

Throughout, every detail is seamlessly arranged, with luxury transport, all tastings, and a carefully planned progression ensuring a relaxed and cohesive experience from beginning to end. The result is a day that feels deeply personal—more akin to exploring with a knowledgeable insider than following a fixed itinerary.

Refined yet approachable, this private Adelaide Hills wine tour offers a thoughtful introduction to the region’s wines, landscapes, and people—crafted entirely around you.

Day Nine

Cleland Wildlife Park

In the early morning, Cleland Wildlife Park comes alive to the tune of many iconic Australian animals. This experience offers you the unique opportunity to venture inside Cleland Wildlife Park before it opens to the general public, on a 90-minute engaging adventure. Your experience begins from the moment you enter through the Cleland Conservation Park gates and commence the descent to the Cleland Wildlife Park entrance, passing through the canopy of historically significant stringy bark trees. A spectacular view of thick eucalyptus forest will follow you all the way to Cleland Wildlife Park, where your dedicated host will meet you upon arrival, and will accompany you throughout your experience. 

Yellow-footed rock wallabies are normally a shy and elusive animal in the wild, however they love coming out from their rock homes to meet with guests at Cleland Wildlife Park. Whilst hand feeding and learning about this species, take in the panoramic view over the Adelaide Plains – from rolling hills to the Saint Vincent Gulf, the perfect photo opportunity.

Learn interesting facts about the history and future of the koala, fall in love with their thick soft grey fur and big black noses. At the end of your guided tour, spend 30 minutes to revisit your favorite place in the park, or take the opportunity to stroll and make yourself acquainted with some of the other residents of Cleland Wildlife Park.

Day Ten

Private Transfer to Adelaide Airport    Flight Adelaide to Auckland    Helicopter Transfer to Eagles Nest

3 nights Eagles Nest

Sitting atop its own private ridgeline, Eagles Nest is a retreat like no other, setting the standard for New Zealand luxury lodges. Commanding spectacular views over the Bay of Islands in the Far North of New Zealand, this is award-winning luxury that treads lightly.

A beautifully curated experience for every guest. Distinctive, beautifully appointed five boutique villas and a team dedicated to catering to your every need, from personal trainers to spa therapists, concierge and private chefs. The bespoke Eagles Nest experience awaits.

Each of the five luxury holiday villas at our unique Bay of Islands resort enjoys sweeping views, superior fixtures and fittings, stunning grounds and total privacy. You and your guests can relax in the heart of nature and the lap of luxury, away from the eyes of the world.

Day Eleven

Private Yacht Charter

Discover the Bay of Islands from the water aboard your own luxury charter, a sophisticated way to explore one of New Zealand’s most beautiful maritime regions. With sheltered bays, turquoise waters, and a scattering of pristine islands, the Bay of Islands provides a stunning backdrop for a relaxed and indulgent day at sea.

Step onboard and enjoy the comfort and style of a private yacht as you cruise effortlessly through secluded anchorages and past dramatic coastal scenery. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely sightseeing cruise, time to swim or snorkel in crystal‑clear waters, or a serene setting for lunch on board, each charter is tailored to suit your pace and preferences.

With experienced local crew and a strong focus on personalized service, this private charter offers an intimate and memorable way to experience the Bay of Islands — ideal for couples, families, or small groups looking to combine natural beauty with understated luxury.

Day Twelve

Private Essence of Waitangi

Experience an intimate, behind-the-scenes exploration of New Zealand’s most significant historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This thoughtfully curated journey offers privileged access, deeper storytelling, and personal hosting throughout.

Your experience opens with a karakia (a traditional Māori chant or prayer used to invoke spiritual guidance, protection, and blessings) and an introduction to the meaning and significance of the pōwhiri (traditional Māori ceremony that formally welcomes visitors onto a marae, combining speeches, chants, performances, and the hongi to establish respect, connection, and spiritual balance) and Māori cultural traditions. A cultural performance follows, offering a moving and authentic encounter, with time to connect and capture the moment alongside the performers.

The private guided journey continues across the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, with considered insights into the intricate carvings of the whare, their layered meanings, the Treaty House, and the stories of the Bay of Islands in the 1830s. Guests will also encounter the ceremonial waka and the legacy it represents.

There is time to browse the onsite boutique before a privately guided visit to Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, where the narrative deepens—tracing Māori–Crown relationships, the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the shaping of modern New Zealand.

Lunch at Sage Restaurant, Paroa Bay Winery

Set above the tranquil waters of the Bay of Islands, Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery offers a refined yet relaxed lunch experience in a truly spectacular coastal setting. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and sweeping ocean views, Sage showcases contemporary New Zealand cuisine with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and locally inspired flavours.

The menu is thoughtfully designed to complement Paroa Bay’s estate‑grown and carefully selected wines, making lunch a harmonious blend of place, produce, and provenance. Dine in the stylish, light‑filled restaurant or on the sun‑drenched terrace, where the serene harbour setting provides a beautiful backdrop for lingering over good food and wine.

Unhurried, flavour‑driven, and effortlessly elegant, lunch at Sage Restaurant is a standout Bay of Islands experience — perfect for a relaxed afternoon of fine dining, scenic views, and exceptional hospitality.

Day Thirteen

Helicopter Transfer: Eagles Nest to Huka Lodge

3 nights Huka Lodge

Long regarded as one of the world’s most iconic luxury lodges, Huka Lodge occupies an idyllic riverside setting on the banks of the emerald‑blue Waikato River, just upstream from the famous Huka Falls. Set within 17 acres of manicured, parklike gardens, the lodge offers a rare balance of seclusion, heritage and understated elegance in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island.

The lodge’s twenty exquisitely appointed suites and two exclusive residences are discreetly spaced along the river and garden edges, each opening onto private terraces where birdsong and the constant flow of water create a deeply serene atmosphere. Interiors reflect a refined residential style — warm, classic and quietly luxurious — designed to feel both timeless and welcoming.

Dining at Huka Lodge is a defining experience, with a daily‑changing menu showcasing the finest seasonal New Zealand produce, complemented by an exceptional wine cellar. Guests enjoy a wonderful sense of freedom, with meals served in intimate dining rooms, garden pavilions or bespoke riverside settings. Beyond the lodge, experiences range from fly‑fishing and scenic helicopter flights to lakeside walks, spa indulgence and relaxed river‑side moments, all delivered with the lodge’s hallmark of polished yet genuinely warm hospitality.

Day Fourteen

Private Mt Ruapehu Scenic Floatplane Flight

Begin on the still waters of Lake Taupō, where your floatplane gently lifts off, skimming across the lake before rising into open sky. From above, the sheer scale of New Zealand’s largest lake comes into view, its deep blue expanse stretching to the horizon as you track south toward the Central Plateau.

As the landscape unfolds, farmland gives way to alpine terrain, and the dramatic forms of Tongariro National Park emerge—an otherworldly volcanic landscape shaped by ancient eruptions. Fly over the symmetrical cone of Mount Ngauruhoe, the vivid blues and greens of the Emerald and Tama Lakes, and the vast cratered slopes of Mount Tongariro, where steam and color mark the geothermal heart of the region.

Climbing higher, you approach Mount Ruapehu, the North Island’s tallest peak. Here, the aircraft circles the summit, offering a rare opportunity to look directly into its active crater lake, set within a stark amphitheater of rock, ice and snow. In winter, the mountain’s ski fields trace the ridgelines; in summer, the raw, sculptural beauty of the volcanic terrain is laid bare.

Turning north once more, the return journey reveals the full sweep of the plateau before Lake Taupō reappears below, its calm surface signaling your gentle descent back onto the water—landing as seamlessly as you departed. It is a flight that captures the elemental contrasts of the North Island in a single, unforgettable arc.

Day Fifteen

Private Half Day Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is woven into the very history of Huka Lodge, with the trout‑rich Waikato River originally drawing anglers to this site nearly a century ago.

Enjoy a guided half‑day fly fishing experience in the legendary waters of the Taupo region. This privately guided experience offers a rewarding introduction for first‑timers as well as a superb short session for experienced anglers looking to maximize time on the water.

Fishing takes place on carefully selected rivers and streams around Lake Taupo and the Central North Island, chosen on the day based on conditions, season and guest experience. Guests are provided with premium Orvis‑approved rods, reels, waders and outerwear.

The Taupo region is internationally recognized as the gold standard for fly fishing, with pristine, cold‑water rivers supporting healthy brown and rainbow trout populations. Under the guidance of expert local anglers, guests gain insight into casting techniques, reading water, and understanding seasonal fish behaviour — all set within a landscape of native bush, volcanic terrain and crystal‑clear waterways. Thoughtfully paced and expertly delivered, this half‑day fly fishing experience blends skill, scenery and tradition into a quietly memorable New Zealand adventure.

Walk to Huka Falls

From Huka Lodge, a gentle walk leads you beyond the grounds and toward Huka Falls, following a relaxed route that blends private lodge pathways with a quiet roadside approach. Along the way, glimpses of the Waikato River appear through the landscape, hinting at the energy building further downstream.

As you arrive, the atmosphere shifts—the river narrows dramatically through a volcanic gorge before surging into the powerful cascade of Huka Falls. It’s an easy and accessible walk, offering a simple transition from the calm of the lodge to one of the North Island’s most dramatic natural features.

Day Sixteen

Private to Rotorua Airport    Flight Rotorua to Christchurch     Private Transfer to Otahuna Lodge

3 nights Otahuna Lodge

Set at the base of the Banks Peninsula, Otahuna Lodge is one of New Zealand’s most significant and romantic historic retreats. Built in 1895, this grand Victorian mansion—now exquisitely restored—sits within 30 acres of celebrated gardens, offering a rare sense of heritage, tranquility and timeless elegance just outside Christchurch. 

Accommodation is limited to seven individually designed suites, each retaining refined architectural details such as ornate fireplaces, stained glass and generous proportions, while blending seamlessly with contemporary comfort. With its intimate scale and relaxed house‑style hospitality, Otahuna feels less like a hotel and more like a magnificent private country estate.

Cuisine is a defining feature of the Otahuna experience, with a garden‑led dining philosophy that draws heavily from the estate’s productive potager, orchards and glasshouses. Evenings unfold as elegant, multi‑course dining experiences enjoyed privately within the lodge or in secluded garden settings, showcasing Canterbury produce at its seasonal best.

With its historic pedigree, glorious, landscaped grounds and a deeply personal style of service, Otahuna Lodge offers a richly layered stay—an ideal South Island counterpoint to New Zealand’s coastal and alpine lodges.

Day Seventeen

Kaikoura Whale & Dolphin Heli Encounter

Your day begins with a helicopter lift off directly from the lodge for a scenic coastal flight towards Kaikōura. As you track along the rugged shoreline, the helicopter descends over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where you’ll have up to a 95% chance of viewing sperm whales, migrating humpbacks, dolphins, and other marine life from the air. This aerial vantage point provides unmatched visibility and ensures the best opportunity for wildlife viewing. 

After this marine encounter, experience another marine encounter - swimming with dolphins. An unforgettable encounter in the open waters off Kaikōura, this experience invites you to swim alongside pods of playful dusky dolphins in their natural ocean habitat. Guided by expert crew, you’ll venture into open sea, where these highly interactive and acrobatic creatures often approach swimmers on their own terms—creating moments that feel both intimate and profoundly moving. Encounters are always respectful and unscripted, allowing the dolphins’ curiosity to shape the experience. Whether gliding quietly beside them or simply absorbing the spectacle from the surface, it is a rare and exhilarating connection with one of nature’s most captivating species.

Following the swim, your helicopter lifts off again for the return scenic journey. The route carries you over the Waipara wine region and across the wide, open Canterbury Plains, showcasing a striking contrast of vineyards and farmland before returning you directly to the lodge.

Day Eighteen

Private Christchurch City Tour

Discover the beauty, creativity and resilience of Christchurch on this private, full‑day sightseeing experience, designed to bring the city’s stories, culture and contemporary spirit vividly to life—all at a relaxed, unhurried pace.

Begin with a visit to the iconic Cardboard Cathedral, an enduring symbol of rebirth and hope. Designed by world‑renowned architect Shigeru Ban, this striking structure showcases innovative design and stands as a powerful reminder of Christchurch’s strength and vision for the future.

From here, enjoy a leisurely walk through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, one of New Zealand’s finest public gardens. Wander peaceful pathways among native and exotic plantings, seasonal blooms and tranquil stretches of the Avon River—an oasis at the heart of the city.

Step aboard a traditional Avon River punt and glide gently along the river beneath willow trees and historic bridges. This serene experience offers a uniquely elegant perspective of Christchurch, blending heritage, nature and quiet sophistication.

Continue into the revitalised city centre to explore Christchurch’s cultural highlights, including the historic Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, and the pastel‑hued façades of New Regent Street, now home to boutique stores and cafés.

Midway through the day, enjoy unhurried time at Riverside Market, Christchurch’s vibrant culinary hub. Browse artisan food stalls, sample local flavours, enjoy lunch at your leisure, or pick up handcrafted goods and gourmet treats—an ideal way to connect with the city’s modern food scene.

Day Nineteen

Private Transfer Otahuna Lodge to The Lindis

This morning depart Otahuna Lodge and journey south through the heart of the South Island on one of New Zealand’s great inland drives. Leaving the manicured gardens and rolling farmland of Canterbury behind, the route stretches across the wide‑open Canterbury Plains, where distant mountain ranges begin to rise and the sense of scale gently expands. 

As the landscape transforms, you enter the extraordinary Mackenzie Country, celebrated for its vast skies and a chain of luminous, glacial‑fed lakes. The drive passes near the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, their striking colors created by fine glacial particles suspended in the water. Framed by the Southern Alps and wide tussock plains, these lakes offer some of the most iconic and photogenic scenery in New Zealand. 

Beyond the lakes, the road continues through open high country, where braided rivers, golden grasslands and alpine horizons create a profound sense of space and tranquility. The journey reaches its dramatic high point while crossing the Lindis Pass, an evocative mountain saddle renowned for its sculpted hills, sweeping curves and cinematic vistas. This exposed, elemental landscape marks a clear transition into a more remote and untamed interior world.

Descending from the pass, the drive leads into the secluded Ahuriri Valley, where The Lindis sits quietly within a pristine high‑country setting. The shift from expansive landscapes to architectural calm is seamless, making this journey far more than a simple transfer—it is a defining chapter of the South Island experience.

3 nights The Lindis

Set deep within the remote and breathtaking Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis Lodge is a striking modern luxury retreat designed to sit in perfect harmony with its high‑country surroundings. Almost imperceptibly embedded into the valley floor, the lodge offers sweeping views across tussock plains, rivers and mountain ranges, creating an immersive connection to one of the country’s most pristine wilderness regions.

Architecturally distinctive, The Lindis blends contemporary design with natural materials, featuring expansive floor‑to‑ceiling windows, warm timber finishes and stone detailing that echo the landscape beyond. Accommodation includes elegant lodge suites and secluded glass‑walled pods, each offering privacy, comfort and uninterrupted views, with the pods providing an especially intimate experience under open skies.

Renowned for its refined yet relaxed hospitality, The Lindis offers a deeply personalised stay with a focus on exceptional experiences and cuisine. Guests enjoy contemporary New Zealand dining inspired by seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, alongside curated activities such as horse trekking across Ben Avon Station, fly fishing on the Ahuriri River, guided hikes and stargazing beneath some of the world’s clearest night skies. Recognised by the MICHELIN Guide with Two Michelin Keys, The Lindis Lodge delivers an extraordinary blend of architectural elegance, wilderness immersion and understated luxury in one of New Zealand’s most remarkable landscapes. 

Day Twenty

Ultimate Southern Alps Aerial Tour

Your alpine adventure begins with a private helicopter pick‑up from The Lindis, lifting gently from the Ahuriri Valley into the soaring landscapes of the Southern Alps. From the air, take in extraordinary views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the immense Tasman Glacier and the wild, untamed terrain stretching toward the West Coast, as your pilot traces a spectacular high‑country route shaped by ice and time.

Touch down not once, but twice, on a remote glacier or alpine saddle, where the silence and scale of the mountains surround you completely. At one landing, an elegantly arranged gourmet picnic awaits—complete with table and chairs—set against a breathtaking backdrop of snow‑covered peaks and open sky. Take time to relax, enjoy refined refreshments and absorb the rare stillness of this pristine alpine environment.

This is an experience defined by exclusivity and perspective: intimate helicopter travel, secluded landings and a beautifully styled picnic in one of New Zealand’s most dramatic natural settings. A truly unforgettable moment, and one of the most extraordinary ways to experience the Southern Alps.

Dark Sky Stargazing

As night falls, the Ahuriri Valley reveals one of its greatest wonders. Beneath some of the world’s darkest and most pristine night skies, the landscape gives way to a dazzling celestial display rarely seen elsewhere.

Join expert guides for an immersive stargazing experience, where planets, constellations and the Milky Way emerge with remarkable clarity. For those wishing to capture the moment, a guided astrophotography experience offers insight into photographing the night sky, combining technical expertise with the quiet magic of the dark.

In this remote high‑country setting—free from light pollution—the stars feel close, the silence profound, and the experience unforgettable.

Day Twenty One

Ahuriri Valley Tour

Venture out on a private 4WD tour of Ben Avon Station and the Ahuriri Valley — exploring golden tussock lands, beech forest, sub-alpine herb fields and rare wetland areas as your private driver guide shares insights into the ecology and history of Ben Avon Station and the wider Ahuriri Valley

Black Diamond BBQ Lunch

Tucked deep within the remote wilderness of the Ahuriri Valley, The Black Diamond is a quintessential The Lindis private dining experience—designed for those seeking intimacy, flavour and an unrivalled sense of place.

Begin with a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne, enjoyed as the vast valley unfolds before you. Your personal chef then prepares a refined three‑course gourmet BBQ, served in a secluded outdoor setting with uninterrupted panoramic views. As the light shifts across the landscape and the evening settles in, this immersive dining experience becomes as much about atmosphere as it is about exceptional cuisine.

Thoughtfully hosted and effortlessly elegant, The Black Diamond offers a memorable way to connect with the land, the lodge and each other—far removed from the everyday.

Horse Trek Arrival | Optional Add‑On

For a truly immersive arrival, elevate the experience by journeying on horseback through the Ahuriri Valley. Accompanied by a private equestrian guide, enjoy a one‑hour guided trek across open high‑country terrain, arriving at The Black Diamond as the landscape slowly reveals itself.

Choose between a Western or English saddle and travel at a relaxed pace, taking in the scale, silence and natural beauty of this remarkable valley before transitioning seamlessly into your private dining experience. Private vehicle transfers to and from the stables are included for comfort and ease.

Private Relaxing Hot Tub Under the Stars

Relax in an outdoor hot tub with uninterrupted views of the Ahuriri Valley. 

Day Twenty Two

Helicopter Transfer Lindis Lodge to Blanket Bay Lodge

3 nights Blanket Bay Lodge

Set on the secluded shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the dramatic alpine wilderness of the Southern Alps, Blanket Bay Lodge is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated luxury lodges. Located just 45 minutes from Queenstown yet feeling a world away, the lodge offers an exceptional blend of refined comfort, natural beauty and genuine Southern hospitality.

The lodge’s striking stone‑and‑timber architecture creates a classic alpine retreat, with soaring beamed ceilings, open log fireplaces and expansive windows framing lake and mountain views. Accommodation ranges from elegant lodge rooms and private chalets to the exclusive Blanket Bay Villa and Owners Residence, each offering privacy, space and understated luxury.

Blanket Bay is renowned for its immersive wilderness setting, with easy access to iconic landscapes such as Mt Aspiring National Park, Milford Sound and the Routeburn Track. Guests can enjoy a wide range of curated experiences, from scenic helicopter flights and jet boating to fly fishing, hiking and horseback riding, or simply unwind at the lodge’s spa and heated lap pool. Dining is a highlight, with a daily changing five‑course degustation menu showcasing the finest seasonal New Zealand produce and Central Otago wines.

Consistently recognised among the world’s finest luxury lodges, Blanket Bay Lodge offers an unforgettable alpine escape where adventure, relaxation and exceptional service come together in one of the most spectacular settings in Aotearoa.

Day Twenty Three

Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli

This luxury Heli-Cruise-Heli Ultimate experience is the pinnacle of scenic exploration, combining a breathtaking helicopter journey, boutique Milford Sound cruise, and two unforgettable alpine landings, including the spectacular Earnslaw Burn.

Begin your day with a helicopter pick-up directly from Blanket Bay Lodge and soar over the towering peaks and deep valleys of Fiordland National Park. Pass glacial formations, ancient rainforest, and endless waterfalls before descending into the majestic Milford Sound.

Then, step aboard a boutique cruise vessel for a relaxed, small-group experience on the water. Take in uninterrupted views of sheer cliffs and pristine wilderness. Enjoy a gourmet 2-course plated lunch prepared by their onboard chef.

After the cruise, take to the skies once more for a breathtaking glacier landing. From here, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping views of Fiordland’s pristine wilderness, with the park’s highest peak on full display. And the adventure doesn’t stop there…

Next, land at Earnslaw Burn, a secluded gem few get to see. Towering waterfalls tumble from a hanging glacier, surrounded by cliffs and native bush. It’s a setting that feels almost mythical. Finish the day with a drop-off directly at Blanket Bay Lodge.

This is the ultimate Milford Sound escape — luxurious, intimate, and completely unforgettable.

Day Twenty Four

Wilderness Jet & Funyak Experience 

Discover the wild, untouched beauty of the Dart River through a truly immersive Funyak experience—an unforgettable journey that weaves together jet boating, gentle kayaking, and exploration deep within Aotearoa’s pristine wilderness.

Your day begins with an exhilarating jet boat ride from Glenorchy, carrying you upstream into the heart of the breathtaking Mount Aspiring National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Here, vast alpine scenery, ancient beech forest, and braided river systems set the stage for what follows.

Transitioning from speed to serenity, your guided Funyak journey unfolds as you drift downstream through crystal-clear waters flowing from the Southern Alps towards Lake Whakatipu. Navigating hidden channels and quiet side streams, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of native flora and fauna, with your expert guide sharing the stories and rhythms of this remarkable environment.

Midway, pause on the river’s edge to savour a thoughtfully prepared gourmet picnic, accompanied by birdsong and the stillness of the surrounding forest—a moment of calm immersed in nature.

The experience concludes with a scenic coach journey back to Glenorchy, travelling through landscapes made famous on screen, including locations featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

This full-day journey offers a rare opportunity to step away from Queenstown’s energy and into the elemental beauty of New Zealand’s backcountry—untouched, expansive, and quietly profound.

As part of a living, ever-changing wilderness, each journey is subtly different. While specific routes may vary depending on conditions, the beauty here is constant, revealed in every bend of the river and every shifting light.

No prior experience is required. Your guides provide all necessary instruction and support, ensuring both confidence and safety on the water. Should assistance be needed, they are always close at hand.

All equipment is provided, along with comfortable on-site changing facilities, allowing you to arrive ready to immerse yourself fully in the experience.