Decadent Delight - 16 Days / 15 Nights

Day 1:   Arrive Auckland - Waiheke Island
On arrival at Auckland airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to join your helicopter flight across Auckland's Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island, a magical island paradise in the treasure trove of Auckland's Hauraki Gulf islands.  You will be met on arrival by your hosts and taken to your accommodation.  In the late afternoon enjoy a one and a half hour Lithos Massage.  Throughout history healers have used rocks all over the world. Imagine receiving a treatment that draws on the wisdom of these ancient traditions in an idyllic setting that is not only blissfully relaxing but is extremely therapeutic as well.  Lithos Therapy uses heated and chilled rocks as therapeutic instruments, leaving you feeling more deeply relaxed that you've ever felt before. The rocks are strategically placed and left on parts of the body, the therapist applies the best aromatherapy oils and then begins to massage using the rocks in each stroke. The rocks become an extension of the therapist's hand.  This evening enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the lodge.

Day 2:   Waiheke Island
This morning is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the luxury of your north-facing suite, which has been specially designed to maximize your enjoyment of the view.  Whether you are relaxing in a plump armchair or on the super-king-size bed, soaking in the bath, or lazing in the sun on your private patio, the sea is always directly before you.  Just imagine it. You can watch the sun rise without leaving bed. This afternoon enjoy a privately guided vineyard tour on Waiheke. With tastings at the best boutique wineries, the secrets of Waiheke's stunning world wide success in fine reds will be revealed. You will come away with a deep appreciation of the vintner's art, and the understanding of terrior, weather and the tides of tradition that make up this fascinating milieu.  Dinner this evening is at your leisure.  You may like to experience fine food at a quality restaurant nearby in Oneroa or take the ferry to Auckland city for dinner.

Day 3:   Waiheke Island - Rotorua
After a leisurely breakfast this morning, your hosts will transfer you to join the ferry to Auckland where on arrival you will be met by our representative for your journey to Taupo today (self drive passengers collect your rental car).  Farewell Auckland as you make your way along the southern motorway.  Suburban scenery gradually gives way to the farmland of South Auckland as you travel to Bombay, a major market gardening area.  The Waikato River will then accompany you for much of your journey through the green countryside as you travel to the inland city of Hamilton, a city carved in two by the mighty Waikato River.  Your journey then continues through the fertile Waikato region before arriving at the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Day 4:   Rotorua - Day at Leisure
Treetops is a haven for the senses - a place to relax amid surroundings of unspoiled beauty.  Enjoy gentle strolls around the grounds soaking up the serenity of the outstretched valley.  Bask in the beauty on a sun-drenched lounger on the lawns, breathing the pure air of an ancient paradise.  Cool your feet in the refreshing, spring waters, which cradle the lodge.  Today is at leisure to relax.

Day 5:   Rotorua - Hawke's Bay
This morning depart Rotorua and travel south via the Wairakei geothermal region to arrive at New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, created by the world's largest volcanic eruption.  Your journey then continues as you travel to the Hawke's Bay town of Napier.  The major entertainment on the road from Taupo to Napier is the fantastic scenery.  There's a bit of everything - rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.  The town of Eskdale heralds your arrival in Napier. 

Day 6:   Napier
Today explore the Hawke's Bay and discover the Best of the Bay on your exclusive full day exploration with Long Island Tours.  Luxury guided tours with authentic and distinctive Hawke's Bay characters, local history and knowledge is Long Island Tour's passion, they will take you deep into the beautiful countryside to visit special people and places.  Meet artists in their studios, spend time with Maori people, taste fine wines and meet wine specialists, explore stunning scenery, absorb history and taste delicious foods.  Lunch is included.

Day 7:   Napier - Palliser Bay
Travel south today to the Wairarapa, a rural retreat in the very heart of New Zealand.  Stop in at Martinborough, a unique wine village with over 20 boutique vineyards before continuing onto Palliser Bay where you stay for the next two nights. 

Day 8:   Palliser Bay
Today relax and enjoy a 45 minute aromatherapy body salt glow massage to deep clean and exfoliate the body using a blend of aromatic sea salts, mineral salts and essential oils.  Afterwards enjoy the surroundings of Wharekauhau and move as the mood takes you.  Experience the New Zealand outdoors or simply relax and unwind. Wharekauhau Country Estate offers guests activities to suit all tastes. Whether you're feeling adventurous, or in need of a rest, at Wharekauhau the choice is yours: sit back and savour the tranquillity, or take on the great New Zealand outdoors.

Day 9:   Palliser Bay - Nelson
Return to Wellington today for your flight to Nelson (flight notincluded).  On arrival in Nelson collect your new rental vehicle or transfer to your accommodation.  Set on a 2000 acre working farm, luxury begins with the lodges name - Paratiho is the modern Maori word for Paradise.

Day 10:   Nelson - At Leisure
Today is at leisure.  In keeping with the pampering theme, you may like to indulge in on of the therapies offered at the on-site spa, or partake in some of the recreational activities onsite: tennis court; golf putting green; petanque; croquet; a well-equipped gym complete with a sanarium (a cross between a sauna and a steam room with less steam and heat but the same effect); farm and native bush walks (additional cost).

Day 11:   Nelson - Christchurch
Depart Nelson today and travel south through the wine district and then along the coast to Kaikoura where time permitting you may like to partake in a Whale Watch Tour (additional cost) before continuing to the Christchurch region where you stay this evening.  From the moment you pass through the main gates of this historic estate you step into another time, another place.

Day 12:   Christchurch
At leisure today to relax in the comfort of the lodge surroundings or to explore what Christchurch has to offer.  Perhaps visit the Anglican Cathedral, the Town Hall, the Arts Centre, take a tram ride around Christchurch City or enjoy punting on the Avon River (additional cost).

Day 13:   Christchurch - Queenstown
Travel on o Christchurch Airport this morning and join your flight to Queenstown in New Zealand's beautiful Southern Lakes region.  On arrival travel onto your luxury accommodation (self drive passengers collect your rental car at the airport on arrival).  Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere's premiere four season alpine and lake resort.  Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range, Queenstown is the perfect destination all year round.

Day 14:   Queenstown
Today enjoy a one hour treatment of your choice at Body Sanctum, Queenstown's exclusive day spa.  From the moment that you enter Body Sanctum the feeling is one of tranquillity and peace.  You'll leave today feeling refreshed and revitalised.  The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 15:   Queenstown
Today is at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown.  Whether it's bungy jumping, white-water rafting, heli-skiing, fly fishing, hang gliding, horse riding, jet boating or scenic flights, you will find thrills and excitement in every way imaginable. Meanwhile, other activities such as exploring historic Arrowtown, scenic walks, ecotours, shopping, galleries, cafes and an exciting nightlife provide something for everyone all year round.  Highly recommended is a day excursion to Milford Sound.

Day 16:   Depart Queenstown
Sadly, your holiday is at an end as you travel to the airport today for your onward flight. Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
 

Inclusions - this package is inclusive of the following:

departures daily on request meet & greet on arrival in New Zealand transportation by self drive rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance OR private charter all accommodation as follows: 2 nights at Delamore Lodge in a lodge room 2 nights at Treetops in a Villa 2 nights at The Master's Lodge in a suite 2 nights at Wharekauhau Lodge in a cottage suite 2 nights at The Lodge at Paratiho Farm in a villa 2 nights at Otahuna Lodge in an executive suite 3 nights at Matakauri Lodge in a villa suite all breakfasts pre dinner drinks and canapes and all evening meals (except for day 2) scenic helicopter flight to Waiheke Island 90 minute lithos massage at Delamore Lodge privately guided tour of Waiheke Island vineyards including lunch scenic ferry from Waiheke Island to Auckland full day best of the bay tour including lunch 45 minute aromatherapy body salt glow massage at Wharekauhau Lodge choice of one hour treatment at Body Sanctum in Queenstown

Tariff - please contact us for details and pricing

This package has been prepared by Luxury Vacations to help you plan your rejuvenation holiday in New Zealand.  All of our packages are fully flexible, from the date you travel to the accommodation you stay at, the spa treatments and sightseeing you experience to your mode of transport. 

We also offer a free itinerary planning service so you can design your dream vacation.  We'll match your interests, budget and time frame to find that perfect balance just for you - all the while backed by our specialist advice.

If you'd like further information and pricing on this rejuvenation holiday, please email us and be sure to let us know your proposed month of travel.

Or if you'd like us to help you plan your own individually tailored holiday, simply fill out our free enquiry form with as much information as you can and one of our experienced staff will be in contact.