Unique, Boutique & Luxury New Zealand

Auckland

Browse the many museums and galleries, including the fascinating New Zealand National Maritime Museum and the Auckland War Memorial Museum, or perhaps take a boat trip out across the Hauraki Gulf to peaceful Waiheke Island, home to artists and the well-to-do. If that’s not enough, there are plenty of excellent restaurants and quirky cafés to try out too.

Bay of Islands

Here, you can take to the seas and cruise among the 144 pretty islets, sailing through the iconic Hole in the Rock and keeping an eye out for dolphins as you go. Back on dry land, swot up on your Kiwi history with a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location for the signing of the agreement between Maori Chiefs and British settlers that lead to the establishment of New Zealand.

Auckland

If you haven’t already, see the city from above at the 190 metre-tall Sky Tower, where you can dine with a view in the relaxed revolving restaurant. For a restful afternoon head down to the colourful Auckland Botanic Gardens and wander through 64 hectares of flowers and native forest. If you like greenery be sure to check out the Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, set inside the crater of the Pukekawa volcano.

Rotorua

You might need to hold your nose while in town, as there’s a distinct whiff of sulphur in the air. But don’t let that put you off, as the town’s lakes, hiking trails and bicycle paths make it a great place to get outside and enjoy the scenery. While you’re here, don’t miss a soak in one of the mud spas and baths.

Paraparaumu

From here you will sail across to Kapiti Island and discover verdant forests, sheer cliffs and a wide variety of bird species, including the rare red-fronted parakeet. For a bit of adventure try the hiking trails in Nikau forest or the many walking trails in Queen Elizabeth Park. Cycling, rafting, scenic helicopter flights and even land sailing are also possible.

Abel Tasman National Park

It’s filled with outdoor adventures – cruise the waterways by boat or kayak, explore the rainforests on foot, flop on the beaches and look out for seals in the bays. It’s great for swimming too, just be careful of the tides.

Marlborough

Get out on the water in a kayak or walk the coastal tracks, treat yourself in the spa or simply sit overlooking the sounds with a crisp glass of wine and a beautiful sunset.

Kaikoura

Kairkoura is all about the wildlife, with whales, dolphins and seals all frequenting the waters here. You’ll have the chance to see them up close on your included whale watching tour, where you might be lucky enough to see the enormous tail flukes of the sperm whale, which reaches lengths of up to 12m.

Christchurch

Take in the gardens and parks with a relaxing punting trip on the Avon River, or perhaps hire a bike and cycle your way around the city. Head down to the Cardboard Cathedral, a temporary replacement for the brick version that was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake, or perhaps take a look around the International Antarctic Centre and learn more about life on the South Pole.

Queenstown

Choose from skydiving, bungee jumping, jet boating and skiing (in winter only). If you’d prefer something more sedate, stroll around the mountain-backed Lake Wakatipu and take a day trip Milford Sound, where you’ll gaze up at the spectacular scenery and admire the towering cliffs and peaks, cascading waterfalls and thick forests that line the coast.