New Zealand offers dramatic landscapes ranging from volcanic peaks to pristine fjords, vibrant Maori culture, and world-class adventure activities. From the cosmopolitan cities of Auckland and Wellington to the stunning natural wonders of Milford Sound and Mount Cook, this island nation delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
Matakauri Lodge
Perched above Lake Wakatipu with direct views of The Remarkables mountain range, Matakauri Lodge offers 11 individually designed suites and lodges, each with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the spectacular scenery. Award-winning cuisine, a private spa, and a dedicated adventures team create an unmatched wilderness luxury experience.
Huka Lodge
Set on the banks of the Waikato River near Huka Falls in Taupo, New Zealand's most celebrated luxury lodge has hosted royalty and heads of state since 1924. Twenty-individual suites with river views, a world-class wine cellar, and private fly-fishing guides exemplify the lodge's timeless elegance.
The Langham Auckland
Auckland's premier luxury hotel near the Sky Tower offers 411 rooms and suites with harbour or city views, the award-winning Eight restaurant, and the Chuan Spa. The infinity pool and impeccable concierge service make this the standout choice for discerning Auckland visitors.
Blanket Bay
An intimate six-lodge retreat on the shores of Lake Wakatipu near Glenorchy, Blanket Bay accommodates just 12 guests at a time, ensuring completely personalised service. The all-inclusive experience covers gourmet meals, fine wines, and a vast menu of adventure activities including helicopter excursions.
QT Wellington
Wellington's most stylish hotel combines state-of-the-art art-directed interiors with a prime waterfront location. The acclaimed Hippopotamus restaurant, rooftop Hot Sauce bar, and theatrical guest experience have made QT the go-to for those seeking something beyond the ordinary in New Zealand's capital.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Amisfield Winery & Bistro
Set among Central Otago's dramatic schist-stone vineyard country near Queenstown, Amisfield offers a daily-changing 'Trust the Chef' menu built around local produce. The wine list showcases over 100 labels, predominantly from Central Otago, and the stone-walled bistro setting is stunning.
Hiakai
Wellington's most celebrated tasting menu restaurant, led by chef Monique Fiso, reimagines traditional Maori ingredients and cooking methods through the lens of modern fine dining. Huhu grubs, pikopiko fern shoots, and horopito pepper appear in extraordinary multi-course creations.
Clooney Restaurant, Auckland
For over a decade, Clooney in Auckland's City Works Depot has been synonymous with elegant New Zealand fine dining. The intimate room, exceptional service, and tasting menus showcasing the finest New Zealand beef, seafood, and produce make this a benchmark Auckland dining experience.
Botswana Butchery Queenstown
Housed in historic Ballarat House overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Botswana Butchery is Queenstown's premier steakhouse with an exceptional New Zealand wine list. Central Otago rack of lamb, dry-aged Wakanui beef, and Bluff oysters feature prominently on the sophisticated menu.
Exclusive experiences
Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Helicopter Flight over Milford Sound and Fiordland
A helicopter flight from Queenstown over Fiordland National Park, landing on a remote snowfield before descending into Milford Sound for a private cruise, is among New Zealand's most extraordinary experiences. Operators including Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters offer bespoke routes.
Private Winery Tour, Central Otago
Central Otago is New Zealand's most prestigious wine region, producing world-class Pinot Noir from terroir-driven single vineyards around Bannockburn, Gibbston, and Cromwell. Private guided tours visiting Felton Road, Amisfield, and Rippon Vineyard with exclusive cellar door access and winemaker introductions.
Overnight Luxury Wilderness Heli-Camp
Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters and similar operators offer private helicopter access to remote South Island locations for overnight glamping in pristine wilderness. Guides prepare gourmet meals, and guests wake to complete mountain or fiord solitude. Available October to April.
Private Sailing Charter, Bay of Islands
Charter a private yacht from Paihia or Russell to explore the 144 islands of the Bay of Islands, snorkelling in the Poor Knights Marine Reserve and anchoring in secluded coves. Skippered charters with catering are available from operators including Carino Sailing.
Lord of the Rings Private Film Location Tour
Private guided tours visiting key Lord of the Rings and Hobbit filming locations including Hobbiton in Matamata, Rivendell (Kaitoke Regional Park), Edoras (Mount Sunday), and Pelennor Fields (Rangitata Valley). Specialist operators provide exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights.
Spas & wellness
World-class spa retreats and treatments.
Chuan Spa at The Langham Auckland
New Zealand's most acclaimed hotel spa draws on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles with a full menu of treatments including signature Chuan Balance Massage, jade stone therapies, and a 25-metre heated indoor pool with hot tub overlooking the city. Open to hotel guests and day visitors.
The Spa at Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown
A dedicated spa pavilion at one of New Zealand's finest luxury lodges offers treatments crafted around native New Zealand botanicals including kawakawa, manuka, and horopito. Treatments are available exclusively to lodge guests in private suite settings overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
Polynesian Spa, Rotorua
Operating since 1882, Rotorua's Polynesian Spa is New Zealand's most celebrated geothermal spa. The Lake Spa Retreat offers private outdoor pools overlooking Lake Rotorua, buffed volcanic scrubs, and signature treatments using local thermal minerals. Adults-only Lake Spa pools from NZD $40.
Luxury transport
Travel in style.
- Car
- Private chauffeur services available in Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown from NZD $120/hour. Signature Chauffeured Cars (+64 9 537 4100) and Platinum Cars Auckland offer fleet vehicles including Mercedes S-Class. Rental car services with premium vehicles (Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover) available from NZD $300/day through Hertz Gold or Europcar Prestige.
- Air
- Helicopter transfers between Auckland and Waiheke Island from NZD $450/person. Scenic helicopter connections from Queenstown to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Glenorchy. Air New Zealand offers Business Premier on all trunk routes with fully flat beds and lounge access. Private jet charter through Skyline Aviation or Air2There.
- Airport
- Air New Zealand Koru Lounges at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch airports offer premium departure experience with gourmet food, barista coffee, shower suites, and business facilities. Priority Pass accepted. VIP arrival and departure services at Auckland International Airport available through Platinum Express.