Inspiration Itinerary

Luxury & Adventure

New Zealand

New Zealand Luxury & Adventure

Beginning in Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and a nature lovers paradise, you’ll stay in one of the country’s top properties, evolved from a simple fishing lodge, nestled within a landscape of snow-capped peaks, wild tussock, forests and clear blue lakes and streams. Positioned on a beautiful stretch of the Waikato River surrounded by 17 acres of manicured gardens, spend your days fishing the turquoise green waters, hike through beautiful forests, soar over the magnificent Kaimanawa Ranges or borrow a kayak and float down the spectacular Waikato River.

Moving to the tip of the South Island explore the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound in a 75-year-old classic vessel as you hear stories of the area, learn about the native birds and let your day unfold guided by the tides, weather and wildlife. Exploring one of the world’s premier eco-marine destinations with its unparalleled marine life and spectacular landscapes. Get close to nature with a series of nature walks from beach to bush, try your hand at ocean fishing, visit bachelor sperm whales, swim with dolphins or seals, or take to the sky to enjoy a birds eye view of Kakioura’s marine activity, all these and many more can be tailored to suit your particular interests.

Journey through “the spiritual centre of the universe” as described by the Dalai Lama and cross over the spectacular Arthur’s Pass to be hosted by one of New Zealand’s master greenstone carvers. Lifting out of this remote frontier embark on a “once in a lifetime” journey as you soar over the incredible scenery of the West coast before dropping into the iconic and dramatic alpine scenery to escape into nature as you walk the trails, explore the farm by 4×4 vehicle, wander through the native beech forest and valleys on horseback or heli bike from the top of a mountain.

At the end there is an option to take a privately guided adventure by e-bike along the famous Motatapu Track crossing rivers, climbing hills and taking a few steep descents as you follow a route early Maori used for hunting and gathering, and to move Pounamu (Greenstone) while taking in the spectacular views finishing in the adventure capital of the world.

14 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

PLEASE NOTE:

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis. Hike or bike remote trails and take a dip in a private natural geothermal pool. Renowned as an adventure lover’s playground, Lake Taupo has many activity options to choose from, including fly-fishing, rafting, heli flips and more.

DAY 1-4 | HUKA LODGE - TAUPO | 4 NIGHTS

Arrive in Auckland and transfer by road or air to Taupo. Experience a traditional Maori welcome on the holy mountain Titiraupenga. Spend the day with local spiritual people in different locations to understand the position of carving within Maori spirituality.

DAY 5-6 | MAORI ECO CRUISES - MARLBOROUGH REGION | 2 NIGHTS

Board your near 90-year-old classic vessel and drift through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound as you hear stories of the area, learn about the native birds, take guided walks and let your days unfold guided by the tides, weather and wildlife and your interests.

DAY 7 | HAPUKU LODGE - KAIKOURA | 1 NIGHTS

Explore one of the world’s premier eco-marine destinations with its unparalleled marine life and spectacular landscapes. Get close to nature with a series of nature walks from beach to bush, try your hand at ocean fishing, visit bachelor sperm whales, swim with dolphins or seals and soar across the sky to enjoy a birds eye view of Kakioura’s marine activity.

DAY 8-9 | RUMI LODGE or EXPEDITION CAMP - HOKITIKA | 2 NIGHTS

Join the son of the Paramount Chief in the heart of Pounamau (greenstone) country and discover the local sacred river only accessible by Maori. Look for greenstone learning how it is found and its properties as well as how to work it. At night enjoy local cuisine around the campfire under the stars.

DAY 10-12 | MAHU WHENUA - WANAKA | 3 NIGHTS

Lift out of this remote frontier and explore the stunning landscape of the West coast before dropping into iconic and dramatic alpine scenery to escape into nature as you walk the trails, explore the farm by 4×4 vehicle, wander through the native beech forest and valleys on horseback or heli bike from the top of a mountain.

DAY 13-14 | QUEENSTOWN | 2 NIGHTS

Enjoy the energy of this action packed adventure town with a range of excellent shopping, restaurants and bars to choose from.

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection

Huka Lodge – Taupo, North Island

A rich landscape of lakes, forests, waterfalls and mountains forms a stunning backdrop to this iconic New Zealand retreat in Taupo, the heart of the volcanic North Island and considered as one of the world’s top retreats. Leave the real world behind as you enter the gates of Huka Lodge on a beautiful stretch of the Waikato River. Read More

Hapuku Lodge – Kaikoura, South Island

Located in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Hapuku Lodge is a 5 star Eco-Retreat set on rugged coastline a few kilometers north of the eco-marine town of Kaikoura in the South Island of New Zealand. Nestled 30 feet in the air, the tree houses sit snugly at the base of the majestic Kaikoura Mountains. Read More

Mahu Whenua – Wanaka, South Island

Mahu Whenua is a luxurious high-country homestead in the middle of 55,000 hectares of some of the most iconic and dramatic natural alpine scenery just 20 minutes from Wanaka on New Zealand’s South Island. Immerse yourself in one of the most majestic and pristine parts of the world and be at one with nature. Read More

Eichardt’s Private Hotel – Queenstown, South Island

The grand dame of Queenstown, Eichardt’s Hotel provides a collection of beautifully designed suites and apartments rich in history and the grandest views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains in the heart of Queenstown where everything is an easy stroll away. Eichardt’s Hotel provides the perfect base to suit every taste. Read More

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NEED TO KNOW

13 nights in New Zealand

Please enquire for pricing

START: Auckland, New Zealand | Finish: Queenstown, New Zealand

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.

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Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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