Luxury New Zealand Grand Discovery

Known as the ‘City of Sails’ for its connection to the water, and voted one of the top 10 most liveable cities in the world, the majority of Auckland’s population all live within 30 minutes of beautiful beaches and picturesque hiking trails. Take a stroll down to Viaduct harbour and have a bite to eat at one of the gourmet restaurants, and have a glass of New Zealand’s finest wines.

Accommodation: Hilton Hotel Auckland

Optional add-ons: Auckland Harbour Coffee Cruise, Wilderness Experience – Bush and Beach, Wine on Waiheke

Travel Designers recommendation: Take the 25 minute ferry to Rangitoto Island where you can explore the black lava caves, take a gentle climb to the summit or just relax with a picnic.

Pick up your Avis car hire and journey from the city to the stunning Bay of Islands. Settle in for your next two nights at The Sanctuary, a luxury boutique lodge set in the hillside giving uninterrupted views of the ocean and native bush reserve below. Spend some time exploring the town of Paihia or catch the ferry over to neighbouring Russell, a quaint and historic town with a range of restaurants, cafes and home to New Zealand’s oldest surviving church.

Take to the waters and join a half day cruise out to the 'Hole in the Rock’ on Motukokako Island.

Accommodation: The Sanctuary at the Bay of Islands

Optional add-ons: Scenic Flight Tour to Cape Reinga

Travel Designers recommendation: Step back in time with a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and museum and learn about the history, culture and importance of these expansive grounds.

Depart from the Bay of Islands and spend the evening in the buzzing city of Auckland.

Accommodation: Hilton Hotel Auckland

Travel Designers recommendation: Just 10 minutes from the city centre, head over to fashionable Ponsonby. Home to chic cafes, boutiques, pop-up stalls, bars and award-winning restaurants.

Take in the stunning landscape as you arrive into Rotorua. Check in to the elegant and immaculately designed mansion of Peppers on the Point, which overlooks the beautiful Lake Rotorua. The heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture and home to spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and steam vents, Rotorua has plenty to discover.

Accommodation: Peppers on the Point

Optional add-ons: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Floatplane to White Island, Te Puia, Polynesian Spa Rotorua, Tamaki Tours – Hangi and Concert

Travel Designers recommendation: Immerse yourself in the Maori culture and take part in a tradional Maori Hangi and dance.

The town of Taupo sits at the edge of Australasia’s largest lake and offers an endless list of activities from adventure filled to the more sedate. Join a cruise to see the famous Maori rock carvings, a jet boat to the thundering Huka Falls waterfall, or take on one of the many walks or hiking trails on offer.

Accommodation: Hilton Hotel Lake Taupo

Optional add-ons: Huka Falls Jet Boating, Huka Falls Heli Flight

Travel Designers recommendation: Book a table at the Floating Rock Vineyard and Cafe, perched on the edge of Lake Taupo with stunning views and delicious home produced Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

Travel to the capital of New Zealand, Wellington, on the southern end of the North Island. Bask in the city’s laid-back atmosphere and vibrant café culture, before checking out the many museums, art galleries and theatre shows on offer.

Accommodation: QT Wellington

Secret Escapes Exclusive Offer: Complimentary bottle of New Zealand wine, water and chocolates on arrival

Optional add-ons: Martinborough Gourmet Wine Tour, Twilight Kiwi Spotting

Travel Designers recommendation: Head to the Makara Peak Track and have a go at mountain biking through 250 hectares of regenerating native bush.

Catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton and cruise through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. Explore the area before travelling through Havelock to Nelson, a pretty city flanked by the sea, golden beaches and hills. Check in to the Bay of Many Coves Retreat, set in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, and nestled amongst a rolling landscape of untouched native bush.

Secret Escapes Exclusive Offer: Complimentary upgrade to the Interislander Plus Lounge about your ferry from Wellington to Picton (subject to availability)

Accommodation: Bay of Many Coves Retreat

Secret Escapes Exclusive Offer: Complimentary bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on arrival

Travel Designer’s recommendation: Embark on a guided kayak tour, and paddle through winding waterways trying to spot the endangered kiwi, dolphins and other indigenous birds and animals.

Journey to the South Island’s north-eastern coast to the idyllic seaside village of Kaikoura. Known for its excellent whale watching opportunities, this beauty spot boasts stunning scenery and picturesque coastal walks where you can spot a variety of birds, animals and marine life. Be wowed as you check in to the luxury boutique retreat of Hapuku Lodge and Treehouse, snuggled between the foot of the mountains and the stunning Pacific Ocean.

Accommodation: Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses

Optional add-ons: Wings Over Whales, Whale Watch Kaikoura

Travel Designer’s recommendation: Due to its status as the seafood capital of New Zealand, we highly recommend trying some of the local specialties such as grouper, cod, mussels, paua and crayfish.

Drive to the humble city of Christchurch located on the edge of the Canterbury Plains and with a backdrop of hills and the Pacific Ocean. Punt along the river, wander through Cathedral Square, and visit Quake City.

Accommodation: The George Hotel

Secret Escapes Exclusive Offer: Complimentary bottle of wine on arrival

Optional add-ons: Dolphin Swim Akaroa, TranzApline in a Day

Travel Designers recommendation: Visit the Canterbury Museum and discover items that have symbolised the recent earthquakes, including the spire of Christchurch Cathedral.

Watch as the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps comes into view whilst you make your way towards Wanaka. Here, embrace the great outdoors and choose from one of the many exhilarating activities here such as skydiving, skiing, jet boat rides, or mountain biking. If you would prefer to relax, take a stroll round the stunning 74 square mile lake before having a coffee in one of the many cosy cafes.

Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel

Secret Escapes Exclusive Offer: Complimentary Edgewater branded, locally made soap, delicious handmade chocolates and bottled water

Optional add-ons: Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk, Boutique Wine Trail, Rob Roy Glacier Walk

Travel Designers recommendation: Visit Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World – a mix of rooms of illusion, baffling buildings, and the world renowned Great Maze, things will start to get a little confusing!

Drive through spectacular scenery to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. Sitting on the shore of the stunning Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges, the scenery on offer in this beautiful part of the South Island will take your breath away. Choose from a range of activities including jet boating, 4WD tours and helicopter flights. Alternatively, if you enjoy the quieter pace of life, explore one of the many scenic hiking trails, take a nature cruise or admire the skyline on board a gondola. 

Accommodation: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Secret Escapes Exclusive Offer: Complimentary bottle of Central Otage Pinot Noir, accompanied by homemade friands on arrival

Optional add-ons: Picnic on the Peak, Routeburn Track Day Walk, Milford Track Day Walk, Doubtful sound Wilderness Cruise, Nomad Safaris - Safari of the Scenes, Dart Rivier Wilderness Safari

Travel Designers recommendation: For the best possible views of Queenstown, take the gondola to experience 220 degree panoramic views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cecil Peak. Simply breathtaking.

Extend your stay in New Zealand, or fly to Fiji for a slice of island paradise and a chance to fully relax and unwind. Speak to one of our Travel Designers for expert advice and to help plan your perfect trip.