Why a Luxury Vacation in New Zealand is Worth Every Mile

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Discerning visitors have discovered that a luxury vacation in New Zealand is not only desirable but absolutely possible. Sure, it takes a long time to get here, at least 12 hours if you're not already in Australia, but it's definitely worth making the effort.

New Zealand Beach

... we just need to help you do it well.

Luxury Tourism to New Zealand

This Southern Pacific gem has a small but growing luxury tourism market that will cater to your every desire.

There are international chain hotels, small boutique lodges, luxury B&Bs. You can travel by private jet, helicopter, luxury sports car, luxury yacht. Or, if you're independently-minded, try a top-of-the-range Campervan, as they're called here...

New Zealand Coast Tree

But it's so far", I hear you say...

Yes, that's true, and all the more reason to carefully plan your luxury vacation in New Zealand.

There's no need to have everything booked and planned down to the last detail. Just the broad brush-strokes of your holiday picture will do. Allow time for spontaneity.

So, where do we begin?

First We Have To Get You Here...

Flying is certainly the easiest and quickest way to get here. That way you get to begin your luxury vacation in New Zealand sooner. And have more time here...

You can use private jets, or commercial first- or business-class. As suits you. All the major award-winning airlines fly here and, if you're using a private jet, there are at least six airports designated as "points-of-first-arrival". No need to fly to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch first if you're really wanting to get to, say, Hawkes Bay...

Start, or finish, your luxury holiday in New Zealand with a luxury cruise, taking in the South Pacific islands as an "aperitif" or "digestif", depending on your whim. Golden beaches, palm trees and sunshine to complete your experience of this land of Robust Sophistication™.

If you are seeking a less structured timelessness, try freighter travel. It can't be called "luxury" in the sense of opulence, but if time is no object it can't be beaten.

Driving here is, I'm sorry, not an option...

What Are You Going To Do?

When you have an idea of when and how you will arrive, it's time to consider all the things you could do...

There are many New Zealand Tour Operators that offer a selection of exclusive luxury tours tailored to suit your special requirements. The choice is vast, including, but definitely not limited to:

City Breaks in Boutique Hotels
Deer Hunting
Fishing Vacations
Golf Vacations
Guided Visits to Art Deco Napier
Experience the savage beauty of Fiordland
Luxury Adventure Vacations
Luxury Farm Stays
Spa Vacations
The Wine Trails of Hawkes Bay or Marlborough
Time Spent Relaxing at Luxury Lodges
Walking Trips in the National Parks
Year-round Skiing

There is no shortage of things to do. Just the time to do them all, so realistically

... your luxury vacation in New Zealand needs to be not less than 12 days here in the country.

Take Your Time, There's No Rush...

You'll need time to recover from the flight, plus time to enjoy your visit. Anything less than 12 days simply won't do you, or New Zealand, justice.

That said, a carefully planned luxury vacation to New Zealand will help you get the most out of your limited time here, however long you may have. Consider, for example, these exquisite examples of custom vacations in New Zealand

Both offerings can be tailored to your individual specifications, made longer or shorter as you need, and include whatever you would like to see and do...

Some Domestic Necessities...

Something not often realised is that every part of this country is less than 130 km (about 80 miles) from the coast. That means wind, lots of it, and changeable weather.

It also means that New Zealand is long. And essentially rural. So travel times need to be carefully considered. You don't want to spend your luxury vacation in New Zealand waiting, and waiting...

Luxury travel within New Zealand, for the visitor with a tight time schedule, is best done by private jet or helicopter. The lodges you will be wanting to stay at are, by their nature, off-the-beaten-track. Which means that commercial air services are not always the most convenient travel element of your New Zealand luxury vacation.

New Zealand Flower and Mountain

For those with a little more time, and the desire to see, smell and touch these legendary landscapes, hiring a car is a realistic option.

If you intend to "self-drive", consider this superb publication, "Driving Scenic New Zealand" to get you started.

And, please, remember that we drive on the left here...

That coast. Who could visit here without spending time on a luxury yacht? Even a couple of days aboard a private yacht anchored in the Marlborough Sounds or cruising the Bay of Islands will rejuvenate those weary bones

... and round out your luxury vacation to New Zealand, just perfectly.

Booking Accommodation

Because there is so much to see and do in so little space and time, most visitors to New Zealand like to book only their accommodation ahead of time.

And leave the rest to spontaneous flights-of-fancy...

All lodges and hotels can help you with the local attractions, things to do and see that are known only to the locals. And are, therefore, not to be missed... (don't forget to share them in our Guestbook)

If you already have a good idea of where you'd like to stay, and when, use our online booking service to check availability of, and book, some of the best accommodation this country has to offer.

If you'd like to book your flights, cruises or freighter travel, put all your questions to Hamish Jamieson, our New Zealand-based IATA Travel Agent, for advice and bookings. If he can't get it for you, it can't be got...

Prompts and Memories

And if you'd just like to know more or can't really decide what you'd like to do, browse around this site or check this selection of books and CDs for inspiration for your next luxury vacation in New Zealand (click on each of the recommended items to learn more, the page will open in a new window)...