New Zealand: Luxurious Sights and Stays

If natural beauty is luxury for the eyes, then New Zealand offers the ultimate in visual pampering. The North Island welcomes visitors with rolling green hills, pristine bays, and delicious wine regions. But it’s the South Island that really stands to impress, with the Southern Alps crowned by Milford Sound, a 16 kilometre fjord Rudyard Kipling described as the eighth wonder of the world.

New Zealand can be seen many different ways, suiting many different kinds of travellers. Adrenaline junkies will find outdoor activities year round, from leisurely sailing on the Bay of Islands to the heart stopping thrills of Queenstown. Families can hit the road in search of the country’s unique ecology, while food and wine lovers can refine their pallet, hopping between award-winning wine regions on both islands. The ultimate New Zealand adventure however, demands accommodation worthy of these attractions. In both the city and countryside, New Zealand is dotted with exclusive properties that can make a trip feel utterly unique, even while visiting the country’s most popular sights.

Many New Zealand holidays touch down in Auckland as a starting point. Consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities, few places on Earth can match New Zealand’s largest city for lifestyle balance. A major draw is the harbour, which, besides providing a fantastic view to guests in some of the local hotels, has lured prestigious sporting events such as the America’s Cup. The America’s Cup Sailing Experience puts participation in this thrilling event within a visitor’s reach, and is an unforgettable way to explore Auckland on the water. On the North Island’s east coast, Napier and Hawkes Bay might not leap out at the prospective visitor, were it not for the 70 odd vineyards that cover the surrounding hills. A few nights here immerses you in rural New Zealand at its most charming, while the surrounding cliffs offer dramatic views over the Pacific. A vineyard tour is a must for wine lovers, but exclusive accommodations and luxury farm stays such as Cape Kidnappers make the most of this spectacular locale.

Queenstown is the tourist hub of the South Island for good reason. Set on magnificent Lake Wakatipu, it embodies, excites and enchants all about this part of the world. Stay at an exclusive lodge just outside Queenstown, while still enjoying all the town has to offer. Take a guided nature walk through the mountains, enjoying views, local birds and fauna, and incomparably fresh mountain air. A trip to Milford Sound is essential, though it includes a four hour one-way journey by road, and usually takes a full day. You can however splurge on a scenic flight from Queenstown, saving travel time and taking in spectacular alpine regions not seen by road-bound tourists. Goway’s Ultimate New Zealand trip combines these three superb experiences to create a luxurious, all-inclusive New Zealand adventure. Alternatively, skip Napier and Hawke’s Bay, and finish your trip in Australia for the Ultimate Downunder experience.

Of course, there’s much more New Zealand waiting to be seen. You may find your taste of luxury on the shores of Lake Taupo or the Bay of Islands, or on a country estate in Wellington’s much-loved wine region. Goway offers four sample Ultimate Itineraries, which can be customized for discerning travellers: Ultimate New Zealand Ultimate Downunder Ultimate Australia Ultimate Retreats    

By Christian Baines