Remarkable New Zealand by Private Air

Arrive in Auckland where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxury accommodation in the heart of Auckland's lively uptown area. Enjoy some leisure time to settle in before this evening's special Signature Experience. Stay Two Nights: Auckland, Cordis Hotel (D)

Signature Experiences:

• Celebrate the beginning of your luxury New Zealand holiday with a hint of what's to come – an evening indulging in delicious cuisine at one of New Zealand's premier restaurants. Meet your fellow travellers at a special welcome dinner this evening at Eight Restaurant at the Cordis Hotel, where you'll enjoy gourmet dishes from eight international cuisines, cooked to taste by excellent chefs right in front of you.

Spend today on Waiheke Island, located a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland. Attracting discerning travellers, artists and wine lovers from all over the world, Waiheke is famous for its 40 kilometres of pristine white-sand beaches, hilly terrain, stunning views, bohemian arts scene and, of course, internationally awarded vineyards and wineries. Enjoy your Signature Experience today, then return to Auckland for an evening at leisure. (B/L)

Signature Experiences:

• Board a ferry from Auckland for the short journey from Waitemata Harbour across the emerald waters of the Hauraki Gulf to beautiful Waiheke Island, being sure to keep an eye out for playful dolphins and other marine life throughout your cruise. Visit an olive grove for tastings then travel to Batch Winery, home of the highest vineyard on this hilly island, for wine tasting before lunch at the property. Following lunch, head to the beachside Oneroa Village to peruse the shops and discover local life on the island.

This morning, board your private aircraft for the short flight north to Keri Keri, situated in the subtropical Bay of Islands. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the treaty between the British colonists and the local Māori people was signed in 1840. Enjoy a guided tour of the site, and a cultural performance. Stay: Bay of Islands, Copthorne Hotel & Resort or Scenic Hotel (B/D)

Reboard your private aircraft this morning, bound for the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Visit Te Puia, home to the mighty Pohutu Geyser, which erupts at least once every hour and is the biggest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. See bubbling mud pools and fill your nostrils with the distinctive aroma for which Rotorua is famous. Te Puia also hosts the fascinating New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Rotorua is rich with Maori culture and with approximately 40 percent of the population of Maori descent, it is the perfect place to experience Maori culture at a special Signature Experience this evening. Stay Two Nights: Pullman Rotorua (B/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Experience Maori culture and learn the importance of manaakitanga – hospitality – this evening as a guest at a traditional Maori feast at Te Pa Tu (Maori Village). Over a magical evening, receive a Haka powhiri (cultural welcome) and be treated to captivating performances of song and storytelling while enjoying seasonal canapes, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Today, select an activity from your Freedom of Choice options. (B)

Freedom of Choice:

• You may choose to step into the remarkable world of J.R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, made famous in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy; pamper yourself with a relaxing thermal soak at the iconic Polynesian Spa on the tranquil shores of Lake Rotorua; or witness one of the world's most famous farm shows at the Agrodome, a beautiful working farm set over 350 acres where you're guaranteed a fun time learning about life on the land, and meeting and hand-feeding the animals.

Commence your day with a flight to the South Island's Marlborough region. This afternoon, tantalise your taste buds with a very special Signature Experience. Later, travel to your accommodation in Blenheim, situated in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Stay: Blenheim, Scenic Hotel Marlborough (B/L)

Signature Experiences:

• Lunch today brings one of the highlights of your luxury New Zealand holiday as your private aircraft delivers you to the Marlborough wine region on the northeast tip of the South Island. Your destination is the heavenly grounds of the iconic Cloudy Bay Vineyards to be served the best local and seasonal produce of the region, excellently prepared by in-house chefs with each course paired with Cloudy Bay wines. The setting for lunch is the stunning, architecturally designed Treehouse building, where sunlight stretches and sways across the timber interior, creating a light, convivial atmosphere perfect for the affair.

This morning, discover the history of aviation with a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. With a rare collection of WW1 and WWII aircraft and creative displays, the centre is a world-class attraction for aviation enthusiasts and historians. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before today's Signature Experience. Then it's time to board your private aircraft bound for Christchurch. Upon arrival, be transported to your accommodation in the heart of Christchurch, Rydges Latimer. Tonight, celebrate local produce with a Canterbury Feast dinner at the hotel. Stay Two Nights: Rydges Latimer Christchurch (B/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Explore more of Marlborough's beauty on a relaxing cruise through the pristine Marlborough Sounds. Relax and indulge in more of the region's incredible cuisine on the Greenshell Mussel Cruise, enjoying freshly steamed mussels paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as you cruise to the scenery of Queen Charlotte Sound.

Today, embark on a city sights tour of Christchurch including a visit to the International Antarctic Centre. This afternoon you may choose to relax or explore more of this historic city, known for its English heritage. Later, take in the sights of Christchurch during a unique Signature Experience filled with more delectable New Zealand dishes. (B/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Tonight, experience a four-course dinner on the iconic Christchurch Tramway Restaurant. Step aboard New Zealand's only dining tramcar on a unique evening commencing with a welcome drink before servings of exquisite local flavours begin to flow.

Board your private aircraft and fly to Wanaka in Central Otago before visiting the fascinating National Transport and Toy Museum where you'll discover the southern hemisphere's largest private collection of aircraft, vehicles and toys. Over 50 years in the making, the collection comprises more than 600 vehicles, twenty aircraft and well in excess of 60,000 toys and miscellaneous items.

After lunch, enjoy today's Signature Experience. Finish the day in the achingly beautiful adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, where you'll be treated to postcard-perfect vistas of Lake Wakatipu from your Lakeview room. Stay Three Nights: Crowne Plaza Queenstown (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Today, take a 4WD Wild Hills safari. Traverse the Wanaka High Country on a scenic off-road journey that will deliver awe-inspiring mountain-top views, historic sites, and short walks through simply spectacular South Island country. Travel from Wanaka to an authentic New Zealand High Country farm West Wanaka Station.

Journey to the jewel in New Zealand's crown today, the majestic Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a place of almost unimaginable beauty. Travel by coach through utterly sublime Fiordland countryside, passing dramatic, towering mountains and World Heritage-listed wilderness areas on one of the world's most spectacular road trips before popping out one side of a one-way tunnel to a view of paradise.

The day includes an unforgettable cruise along the length of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Feel the majesty of this exquisite natural wonder as your vessel bobs over the waves along the Sound, craning your neck to look skyward to the tops of stunning peaks towering over you, and note the waterfalls cascading down sheer rock walls before thundering into the dark waters. Keep an eye out for marine life lazing on rocks along the edges on either side, including penguins and seals. Return to Queenstown this evening. (B/L/D)

Enjoy today's Freedom of Choice and Signature Experience activities in Queenstown. (B/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• Take advantage of offerings in the world's adventure capital today by choosing from a thrilling off-road adventure through the back country with professional drivers from Skippers Canyon 4WD tours; get the blood pumping on an exhilarating jetboat ride twisting and turning along the Dart River; indulge in a more sedate but just as pleasurable wine tour; or set off on a Lord of the Rings Safari of the Scenes 4WD tour through some of the countryside featured in the trilogy.

Signature Experiences:

• Enjoy a gondola ride up Bob's Peak, where you will enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu. At the top, the Stratosfare Restaurant serves a buffet variety of international and local dishes with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the breathtaking scenery. After the meal you can explore the outdoor viewing platform.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland. Enjoy a light lunch, a few beverages and sweeping views below during the flight. Your tour finishes on arrival at Auckland airport. (B/L)