Action Packed Aotearoa Experience the many diverse and thrilling action and adventure activities in New Zealand on this ultimate holiday, which makes the most of everything this country has to offer. Hike, bike, kayak and horse ride around simply spectacular scenery of ancient rainforests, deep valleys, towering mountains and dazzling glaciers. Immerse yourself in the otherworldly geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, with its bubbling mud pools, kaleidoscopic hot springs and erupting geysers, and go on an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, where you can discover its remote underwater world and see fur seals and penguins. Travel in style along the way, including a ride in a vintage plane over Wanaka and scenic helicopter flights to cruise boats, secluded mountaintop picnic spots and luxury lodges in the heart of New Zealand’s pristine wildernesses.   PERFECT FOR Those after some thrill-seeking adventures and some serious bucket-list ticking, as well as the opportunity to go off-the-beaten-track into some remote, breath-taking landscapes.   IN THE KNOW Extending your time in the North Island to visit the beautiful Bay of Islands, to go sailing around the islands and sandboarding down the golden dunes.

Itinerary details

2 NIGHTS AUCKLAND Fly into Auckland on the North Island, a pretty waterfront city that’s an ideal spot to get a first taste of New Zealand. Head up the Sky Tower for panoramic views over the city, the harbour and the neighbouring islands, and relax in style at the luxurious Sofitel, looking out over the waterfront, with buzzing bars, restaurants and shops on the doorstep.   3 NIGHTS ROTORUA Your adventure holiday begins in earnest as you make your way to the moon-like landscapes of gushing geysers and bubbling mud in Rotorua. Explore these natural wonders in Orakei Korako, an off-the-beaten-track geothermal park where you can see some of New Zealand’s most active geysers, hot springs and aquamarine pools fringed with colourful lava, as well as some of the largest silica terraces in the world – a spectacular sight. You can also venture deep into a volcanic cave to a ‘pool of mirrors’ hot pool at the bottom. We also recommend a heli-adventure over the volcanic White Island, where you can trek around smoking pools and hot rocks, and explore the crater of New Zealand’s most active volcano. Enjoy luxurious accommodation and beautiful views at Huka Lodge, perched above the Waikato River. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the impressive Huka Falls from here.   3 NIGHTS WANAKA It’s on to Wanaka, which, thanks to its spectacular lake and mountain setting, is an awesome outdoor playground and a premium spot for skydiving in New Zealand – so if this is on your bucket list, this is the place to tick it off! If you like being airborne but not necessarily jumping out of a plane, hop on a helicopter and be taken up to a glacier peak, where you’ll be surrounded by pristine ice and panoramic views – or how about a scenic flight in a classic vintage Tiger Moth plane, which offers a unique historic experience as well as incredible views over Lake Wanaka, Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps? Experience amazing aerobatic manoeuvres, and land in a secluded, beautiful spot for a private picnic lunch. Back on land, enjoy a thrilling jetboat trip on the lake or a 4WD safari around the alpine landscapes, giving you the opportunity to visit working farms and meet deer and sheep, enjoy nature walks and experience more spectacular helicopter rides for aerial views over the lake and the beautiful filming locations for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. You can even combine several experiences into one action-packed day – just ask us for details. Relax and take in the mountain views (maybe over a delicious barbecue) at the lovely Wanaka Haven.   3 NIGHTS MOUNT ASPIRING Explore Mount Aspiring and its magical surroundings from the Minaret Station, which sits on a glacial valley in the Southern Alps, on the western shores of Lake Wanaka. These alpine chalets (the epitome of rustic chic) are accessible only by boat or helicopter, and there are just four of them, guaranteeing a truly remote and unique experience. It is also a working farm, home to thousands of sheep and cattle. You’ll arrive in style by helicopter, and once here, the range of delicious activities include hiking and mountain biking adventures, jetboating trips and private helicopter tours over the lakes, fiords and glaciers, where you can fly low over the water, following pods of dolphins, and soar over the mountains. Touch down on a glacier, and enjoy a stop in a secluded alpine meadow or on a mountain top for a scenic picnic lunch, accompanied by champagne. You can even catch lobsters and barbecue them for lunch on a mountain peak – perfect for celebrating a special occasion. Back at the lodge, relax in your hot tub while taking in the views.   1 NIGHT MILFORD SOUND Your next adventure is an overnight cruise on Milford Sound on the Fiordland Jewel, a five-star catamaran whose spacious and comfortable cabins will ensure a good night’s sleep as well as fantastic views. Arrive by helicopter, landing right on the boat’s handy helipad. Milford Sound offers something spectacular at every turn. Waterfalls cascade down the glacier-carved cliffs into the water, and you can see penguins, dolphins and fur seals – and maybe even a whale or two. There will be opportunities to get off the boat and explore, such as with some kayaking, and back onboard, relax in the hot tub and enjoy Michelin-star cuisine, including fresh seafood, and local wines as you take in the views over the fiord, the rainforest, the valleys and the mountains beyond. The onboard remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) gives you an insight into the fiord’s underwater world and its colourful marine life from the comfort of the lounge, while as night falls, you should venture out on deck, as the sky becomes covered in a blanket of stars. In the morning, watch the sunrise over a delicious breakfast.   2 NIGHTS GLENORCHY The last leg of your adventure sees you heading to Glenorchy and Blanket Bay, a beautiful luxury lodge overlooking Lake Wakatipu. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in this stunning setting: go horse riding along the beach at the head of the lake and into the mountains, take a helicopter tour and see the mountain peaks, sweeping valleys and aquamarine lakes from above, and enjoy a jetboat ride from the lodge’s private jetty into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness, weaving your way around ice-capped mountains, glaciers, rushing waterfalls and glassy pools.