Customize a Travel Adventure with Friends

Bay of Islands

The couples arrived to Auckland via their favorite international air carriers and were then whisked by private helicopter to the Lodge on Kauri Cliffs overlooking the Bay of Islands, known for unspoiled beaches, coastal scenery and historic towns.

During their stay they took an exploratory hike of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about the country’s history and opted from numerous outdoor activities, from championship golf and horseback riding to surfing, mountain biking and more.

Taupo

From the Bay of Islands, the couples boarded a private charter aircraft for the short flight to Taupo and the renowned Huka Lodge. What started as a simple fishing lodge in the 1920s is now one of the world’s top retreats.

Using the lodge as their base, the couples took helicopter flights over the area’s volcanos, inclusive of landing on Whakaari for a tour of this active geological giant and a stop for a private tour at the National Carving and Weaving school. During their days at the lodge they enjoyed fly fishing, kayaking, golf and biking.

Marlborough Sounds

Next the couples transferred by a private charter flight to Blenheim and the nearby Marlborough Lodge. The couples explored the culinary highlights of the Marlborough Sounds region, which include Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Greenshell mussels.

They enjoyed private tours of the area’s boutique wineries, including tank and barrel samples in the wine sellers with the wine makers, visited mussel and oyster farms, and sailed through the Queen Charlotte Sound. They also took a helicopter to Abel Tasman National Park with its golden beaches and turquoise waters for kayaking.

Kaikoura

The couples then transferred by private car down to Kaikoura, a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts, to the Hapuku Lodge, where the mountains meet the sea. They enjoyed multi-course meals sourced from the many local organic farms as well as a whale-watching adventure by light aircraft.

Queenstown

The couples spent the last days of their journey in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, where they set out on a jetboat ride up to Shotover River that included skimming through the shallows and blasting past canyon walls. They also took a private helicopter ride, flying the length of Milford Sound past sheer cliffs and gushing waterfalls. The highlights included landing on a glacier and a gourmet picnic in the alpine wilderness. Other adventures they took included a guided trek along the Routeburn Track and one of them even tried bungee jumping at the Kawarau Gorge.