Most travellers in New Zealand come through Auckland. If this is your first time in the country, it is a mistake to not take the time to explore this wonderful, vibrant city. Though it has a ‘suburban’ feel, you’ll be fooled to think that Auckland is somehow dull. After you settle into your hotel (one of the many secrets Auckland hides), you are spirited away to a boat ride in the bay, which is not only good fun but also a perfect way to get acquainted with the City of Sails. In the evening, you head out for some of the finest eating in the whole of the hemisphere. Whether it is the seasonal Depot or classic Antoine’s, your palate is sure to be amazed.
Waiheke Island is where kiwis go for a weekend escape. No wonder Vogue said that Waiheke is to Auckland what the Hamptons is to New York. Only that in New Zealand, nature is on a completely different level. You begin the day strolling on the gorgeous beaches, stopping for an ice-cream here and there. The many vineyards are a safe haven for those with a taste for the good things in life: nature, wine, food, good company.
You might remember from The Piano the moody strolling in black-sand beaches and the powerful ambience created by the music. Well, you soon find out the most of the merit belongs to the location itself. As you wander around Karekare Beach you enjoy the nature, the waterfalls and the excellent surfing conditions. This secluded gem has attracted many renowned artists in recent years with all of whom we happen to be on friendly terms. More than an art tour, you enjoy VIP access to New Zealand’s art scene.
You travel to Lake Taupo, the geographical and spiritual centre of the North Island. You stay in a luxury lodge that gives you a taste of all that New Zealand can do for you. You enjoy breathtaking views from your private, sun-drenched wooden deck; you can have breakfast here too! You can sail and enjoy other water activities in the lake, or you can ask them to saddle a horse for you and explore the sprawling nature all around.
Today, you drive to the ancestral Māori lands around Lake Taupo. You are hiking in a forest when you are met by powerful Māori warriors, arranged according to their traditions. The chanting and the power that emanates from them is nothing like what you expected this to be: you surrender to their strength. This is the Powhiri, a royal welcome, an acknowledgement of the spiritual potency of the visitors. It is a solemn ceremony that is followed by the warmest of receptions: now you are part of the Māori family. It is an experience none go through unchanged.
It is a special day. You join a Māori chief who also happens to be a chef. He takes you on a foraging journey across a reservation. This is the ultimate farm-to-table experience. As you search for ingredients in the forest and learn of Māori thought and of the natural world, you grow quite an appetite. It is all the better because you are about to experience one of the most rewarding gourmet experiences in the world. You can’t get any fresher.
You fly to Nelson, a city in the northern tip of the South Island. It embodies all that is great about New Zealand: it seamlessly joins nature with culture. With the gorgeous Tasman Bay beaches at your disposal and a vibrant art scene, Nelson is the place to lose yourself, ditch the map, and simply explore. You are bound to find something incredible.
You soon find out that most things in the South Island like to take the prefix ‘heli-’. It’s all in the spirit of fun. You enjoy sightseeing from a helicopter and stop in landmarks that have not been marred by roads or tracks. This is the beauty of the helicopter: you can experience nature in all its purity.
Nelson is somewhat of a wellness mecca. A spa-day will have you fully recharged for the adventures that lie ahead.
Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown is a seemingly paradoxical destination: you can be having lunch in a renovated Victorian house and next minute you are skydiving, paragliding, jet-boating or downhill-biking. The great thing about Queenstown is that you’ll never know what adventure awaits, the possibilities are endless and you enjoy all of this from New Zealand’s top lodge.
From your lodge, you can do whatever you want. You can play a game of golf in the morning, heli-ski around noon and go horseback riding into the sunset.
Milford Sound is the crown-gem of Fiordland. You enjoy this wonder of nature from two perspectives: from above and below. First, your private helicopter gives you the eagle-eyed view of the fjord. After this breathtaking experience, explore this unique landmark from below. The towering cliffs and the waterfalls that plunge down from the heights are something that once seen can never be forgotten.
It’s time to return home. You take with you memories and experiences that belong to you forever. You have a full picture of New Zealand: from the vineyards in Auckland to the Māori spirituality, from the adventure-plenty Queenstown to the relaxing Nelson. It’s good to have it all.
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