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In the faraway waters of Aotearoa, amidst New Zealand’s northern most islands, is a private hideaway that redefines island living. Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa is located in a protected marine and wildlife sanctuary. You have exclusive use of this sanctuary.
Transfers to Cavalli Island from Kerikeri are by luxury car and amphibious craft. Your accommodation here includes a personal maid, private chef with menu design to your taste, professional butler, spa therapist, all dining and drinks. (Premium spirits, specialty champagnes, wines and tobacco products are an additional cost.)
Recreational activities on the island include jet ski (kneeboard and water skis), kayaks, amphibious boat, dinghy, fishing rods, snorkeling equipment, dive bell – breathing apparatus, inflatable lounger, 8 wheel argo.
DAY TWO
Today you are at leisure to explore and enjoy your own private sanctuary. Indulge in the opulence of traditional Maori well-being spa treatments, from therapists voted the best in the Pacific. Explore the island’s waters via Jet Ski or its hills and dales on an 8-wheel Argo.
DAY THREE
Today enjoy a cruise around the Islands onboard the yacht Mission Hills.
Mission Hills, an elegant, 72ft motor yacht, offers the ultimate luxury, unparalleled cruising includes:- A qualified skipper, deck hand and award winning chef. Indoor and outdoor dining areas. Three luxury ensuite bedrooms adorned with rich walnut finishings, individually controlled air conditioning. Barbeque. Entertainment system including DVD players, TV’s Playstations and library of movies. Internet access and laptop. Use of tender, water toys, kayaks, waterskiing equipment and snorkelling gear.
DAY FOUR
Today you bid goodbye to your exclusive luxury Island retreat as you are transferred back to the Kerikeri Airport where your private jet awaits to whisk you away to your next retreat, Treetops Lodge outside Rotorua.
“Rotorua - feel the spirit – Manaakitanga”, holds a powerful promise and invitation to experience the essence of New Zealand. A deep-rooted Maori cultural concept, Manaakitanga places a responsibility on the local Maori hosts to give you the best of themselves, your time and their history. A feeling you’ll return home with, Manaakitanga begins the moment you arrive in Rotorua whether seeking adventure, rejuvenation, experiences with nature and earth forces, or soaking up Maori and European history, art and culture.
Upon arrival at Treetops Lodge & Estate, pass through the gates and be transported to another world, time and place. Wind your way up through a New Zealand virgin forest canopy of native flora and arrive at the luxurious lodge.
A warm greeting and welcoming hand from the Treetops team, draws you into the magnificence of the place. Sparkling cascades of water tumble over rocks on either side of you; nature embraces you with the ornately carved wooden Rimu doors depicting the beauty and abundance of the valley. They open, beckoning you into the splendour of the Great Room. The harmony between man and nature is realized.
Everything that is New Zealand from carvings, local artistry of the outdoors to hand carved beams depicting Maori folklore is in this uniquely New Zealand Lodge.
Tucked away, the Villas are positioned within a stroll or golf buggy ride to the Lodge . Choose a secluded haven framed by native virgin forest or look out over lakes and wildlife on the Treetops Estate.
Exquisite furnishings adorn these luxurious quarters, featuring a bedroom, spacious bathroom with spa bath, lavish lounge with fireplace and small kitchenette. At Treetops, you are touched by tranquillity and serenity.
After arriving at Treetops the remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the remarkable surroundings.
Pre dinner drinks and a 4 course dinner this evening is included
DAY FIVE
Today you will stand on the edge of a live volcanic crater. After breakfast you will fly by helicopter from Treetops Lodge to White Island and land for a guided walk in the crater of New Zealand’s most active volcano, once home to factory workers who mined the island for sulphur. Ruined remains of this hard life still exist today.
During your flight be on the lookout for dolphins, a common sight in the Pacific Ocean, particularly during our summer months.
You’ll set down for lunch at a location to be decided on the day as well as a landing and guided walk on spectacular Mount Tarawera, the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory.
These iconic volcanoes are steeped in culture and history and are part of the pathway of fire or fault line that cross the North Island.
You’ll return to Treetops for pre dinner drinks and a 4 course dinner.
DAY SIX
Spend some time experiencing Maori culture and cuisine.
For 800 years before the coming of the Europeans, Maori harvested the forest for food and medicines. Your Maori guide will lead you through the forest and show you many of the traditional plants that were utilized. The tour includes with a Maori-style lunch.
The remainder of the day is for you to relax and enjoy.
Dinner this evening is an intimate dinner for two in the Lodge Library.
DAY SEVEN
Enjoy a final breakfast in the Lodge before departure time.
This morning your helicopter will pick you up from Treetops Lodge. Enjoy a spectacular scenic flight across expansive forests, and remote national parks before arriving in the renowned wine region of the Hawkes Bay. Here enjoy a sumptuous lunch and informative wine tour at the world famous Craggy Range winery.
To many people terroir is an elusive and romantic French term, frequently used to describe the inherent characters of soil, climate and culture, as reflected in a wine or the food from a particular vineyard or region. Matt Kramer of Wine Spectator had his own view, and defined terroir as: “A sense of somewhereness.”
At Craggy Range the restaurant is called “Terrôir” – its name reflecting that its food, the vineyard’s wine and its culture, come together sublimely, in a unique and dramatic setting. The emphasis is on local produce, prepared sensitively and cooked by skilled people who are passionate about quality food, presented in a style which is simple and real.
Condé Nast Traveller described the Terrôir restaurant as “a meal as close as you can get to perfection” - where your roast chicken is spit- turned in front of you on a roaring wood fire, and the grilled figs were picked one hour before. And served alongside - the single vineyard wines of Craggy Range.
With food or wine, connection to the land is the same - Terrôir.
Following lunch and at you leisure the journey continues south across the stunning Wairarapa and onto your next accommodation, Wharekauhau Country Estate.
Recapturing the gracious lifestyle of a bygone era, Wharekauhau Country Estate is a luxury lodge with award-winning style situated on a 5000 acre working farm on the South East coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Framed by the Rimutaka Ranges to the West and Palliser Bay to the East, the Lodge is surrounded by ancient, native forest, spectacular beaches, bountiful rivers and tranquil lakes facilitating a veritable smorgasbord of outdoor activities. Each of the sumptuously furnished, charming cottages which are dotted throughout the extensive grounds, enjoy magnificent ocean views and offer complete privacy and seclusion.
High above the thunderous surf of Palliser Bay a small cluster of cottages can be seen amongst the sheep that dot the pastures. These are Wharekauhau’s Guest Cottages.
While you take in the dramatic vistas, relax in absolute bliss and forget the outside world. Deep sofas, fluffy pillows, heated marbled floors, and homemade cookies are just a few of the luxury’s to be enjoyed here.
This evening enjoy pre dinner drinks and a superb gourmet dinner.
DAY EIGHT
Enjoy a hearty and delicious breakfast in the lodge.
 Today you will experience Martinborough’s food and wine with celebrity New Zealand Chef Al Brown.
Celebrity chef guide Al Brown (of top NZ restaurant Logan Brown, TV presenter of the award winning Hunger for the Wild, and cookbook author) will meet you at Wharekauhau where you will then fly by helicopter to a remote, yet beautiful part of the Wairarapa coast. Al will snorkel for one of New Zealand’s finest delicacies, ‘paua’ or native abalone and show you how to shuck this exotic and highly sought after shellfish (weather permitting).
You’ll fly on the pretty, historic village of Greytown for morning tea, followed by an exploration and tastings of locally made contemporary chocolates. You’ll then travel by luxury vehicle to the Martinborough Wine Village for an in-depth vineyard experience with two premium Martinborough vineyards. You’ll meet the viticulturists or winemakers to taste their wine and understand more about the region and its “terroir”, with an in-depth vertical tasting of the region’s highly sought after pinot noir.
Join Al at the second vineyard kitchen for a hands on cooking demonstration of how to make his signature dish using the paua; which on completion you’ll enjoy over a glass of wine with Al and the winemaker, followed by a delicious lunch featuring regional produce. At the end of lunch Al will present you with a personally autographed copy of his new cookbook Go Fish. Return to Wharekauhau Lodge by 4pm.
DAY NINE
Enjoy a hearty and delicious breakfast in the lodge.
This morning a helicopter will land at Wharekauhau to transfer you to the beautiful and pristine Abel Tasman National Park. You will be met at Awaroa and transferred to your private 50ft cruising yacht “Simply Wild” to enjoy a private 3-4 hour exploration of the golden beaches and tranquil inlets of Abel Tasman National Park.
Sailing, walking, swimming, sea kayaking or just relaxing on the beach, plus a gourmet lunch in a private location
On return to Awaroa, your helicopter waits to take you for a scenic trip through New Zealand’s second largest National Park, Kahurangi, with two landings, at high alpine Boulder and Mount Benson, with 360 degree views of the Northwest tip of the South Island, before the short journey to Nelson Airport. You private jet is ready for the next leg of your journey to the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, Queenstown.
Queenstown has captured hearts since the first Maori came in search of pounamu (greenstone or jade) and to hunt the giant Moa bird, and that same magic remains today.
Now an established international four-season resort, it is unsurpassed for the diverse number of experiences on offer and its warm, friendly people.
Queenstown is pure escapism, where the limits stop and people take over. Adventurers, golfers, walkers, film-makers, leisure lovers, fishing anglers, artists, wine enthusiasts, even Hollywood stars and US Presidents – they are all drawn to, and fall in love with, the resort and the intense alpine energy.
Your accommodation here is Eichardt’s Private Hotel.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel is located in the historic district on a premium lakefront position at the heart of Queenstown’s café and restaurant precinct with some of the finest international shopping labels an easy stroll away.
The hotel reflects contemporary provincial elegance, its modern features in perfect harmony with the distinctive antiques and luxurious furnishings of this New Zealand icon. The opulent suites invite you to soak up a sense of quiet before exploring one of the world’s truly remarkable locations.
The Hotel’s Parlour is the ideal setting for lingering over breakfast, with awe inspiring views over Lake Wakatipu and the comforting crackle of an open log fire, complimented by overstuffed chairs and sofas against a backdrop of exquisite antiques and objets d’art.
Eichardt’s sets its own standard for gracious, luxury accommodation with the confident strokes and flawless symmetry that is the hallmark of New Zealand designer Virginia Fisher, married seamlessly with every amenity you would expect in a world-class hotel.
This evening a dinner reservation has been made on your behalf at one of Queenstown’s leading restaurants, Wai Waterfront Restaurant.
Sitting on the Steamer Wharf right on the waterfront, our fine dining restaurant and specialises in seafood, Central Otago wines, and stunning views. Few New Zealand restaurants offer finer dining in a more dramatic location.
DAY TEN
No visit to this magnificent region is complete without a visit to the outstanding and world famous Milford Sound. You shall see it in a very special way.
You will be collected from Eichardts and transferred to Over The Top Heli Base.
A journey of contrasts, your helicopter flight takes you to Milford and beyond from the snow of the glaciers to the warm west coast beaches, New Zealand’s pristine, lush environment comes alive on this wonderful unhurried journey. Un-cork your champagne at your remote picnic site, deep in Fiordland, relax and marvel at nature’s wonders.
Upon return to the Heli base your car and driver will be waiting to return you to Queenstown where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
This evening a dinner reservation has been made on your behalf at a leading restaurant in the historic township of Arrowtown, Saffron Restaurant.
Peter Gawron and Melanie Hill opened Saffron in November 1999. Peter trained as a chef in Adelaide and then worked extensively in Sydney & internationally.
The choice of Arrowtown for the restaurant was made for lifestyle reasons and culinary ones. Peter utilises the fresh South Island ingredients in Saffron's diverse menu which is complimented by an extensive wine list showcasing wines from Central Otago as well as selected wines of New Zealand and a fine cellar of vintage French.
 DAY ELEVEN
This morning is yours at leisure.
Today enjoy an afternoon among the boutique vineyards and spectacular scenery of Central Otago. The private tour is combined with sightseeing – including the AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge and Arrowtown where time and desire permit.
You’ll enjoy tastings at 4-5 wineries and stop for a delightful platter lunch at Carrick Winery. Stroll through historic Old Cromwell Town (time and weather permitting). Then a stunning drive through the Kawarau Gorge learning about the gold history of the region.
This evening in keeping with the theme of the afternoon you will be transferred to one of Queenstown’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants, Gantleys.
Over the last decade Gantleys has built a reputation as one of the country's premium restaurants with New Zealand's most award winning wine list. Owners Brent Rands who is the Sommelier, and Jared Aldridge, the Head Chef, pride themselves on offering the very best in food, wine and personalised service.
Gantleys, with an international reputation for giving diners the experience of not just excellent food and superlative wines, but the historic building is the stuff memories are made of. Set in an historic schist building dating from 1863, built as a wayside inn and surrounded by 2 acres of landscaped gardens amidst majestic mountain scenery.
This evening enjoy an intimate dinner for two in the exclusive wine library
This evening enjoy a degustation menu (food and wine match) in the wine library. You will have the service of a personal sommelier who will introduce the wines with particular reference as to why they were selected to accompany each dish.
DAY TWELVE
Following breakfast at Eichardts there is time this morning at leisure.
Late morning you will be transferred to the Queenstown airport where your private jet will be awaiting your arrival to fly you to the Garden City of Christchurch.
On arrival in the Christchurch your driver guide who will take you on an orientation tour of Christchurch as you make your way to your accommodation.
At the head of a secluded valley on New Zealand’s South Island is a place of replenishment and refinement. It is a place where prestigious luxury accommodation meets exemplary service and cuisine in the context of an elegant, historic country estate. A place where guests receive the warmest welcome and indulge wholeheartedly in the sense of occasion presented by lavish surroundings.
This is Otahuna Lodge. This is New Zealand at its finest.
Epitomizing the phrase “room with a view,” the Verandah Suite is the perfect base from which to start exploring Canterbury. Four doors open onto an enormous arched verandah, reserved exclusively for the suite. Here, you may quietly contemplate the birdsong from the gardens, or toast with a glass of champagne as the sun sets across the Canterbury Plains behind the Southern Alps.
Upon arrival at Otahuna Lodge time to relax and enjoy this truly magnificent property.
The cuisine celebrates the best of seasonal New Zealand produce, with an emphasis on fresh Otahuna estate-grown offerings. Dinner is a five-course chef’s degustation menu which changes daily, making use of the best fresh produce and guests’ dietary requirements. Honest, uncluttered flavours, the finest local ingredients and elegantly restrained presentation are the hallmarks of the Otahuna table.
DAY THIRTEEN
Today the pace will slow down completely. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
This morning you are invited to enjoy a complimentary guided tour of the estate’s garden. Every season offers an interesting variety in Otahuna’s gardens, from the daffodil paddocks in September through to the spectacular oranges and golds of autumn foliage in May and, even in winter, evergreen trees whose bright red berries attract rare New Zealand wood pigeons.
This afternoon you are invited to join the Lodge chef for a cooking class using all the freshest produce meanwhile enjoying a sip or two of wine as you go.
After a relaxing day once again it is time to be spoilt as make your way in to dinner.
DAY FOUTEEN
Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge.
After a busy time exploring New Zealand, enjoy the benefits of this luxury accommodation by indulging in a relaxing or therapeutic massage. Therapists provide a range of treatments, styles and pressures to accommodate a wide variety of preferences.
Your driver will transfer you from Otahuna Lodge to Christchurch Airport where you will check in for your scheduled flight to Auckland.
It is anticipated that your luggage will be interlined from your domestic flight service to your International service and as such upon arrival at the Auckland domestic terminal your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the international terminal your main luggage already having been transferred to your International Service.
Upon arrival at the International Terminal please proceed to the International departures where we must bid you a fond farewell.
HAERE –RA
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