VIP Romantic Getaway Tour to Fiji & New Zealand: A Private Excursion

Walk through the unique landscape of the Central Otago region, New Zealand

What to expect on this itinerary

Imagine the romance of a white sand beach mixed with the indelible charm of pristine snow. Imagine a place where you can stroll underneath a cozy rainforest canopy and take an exhilarating gondola ride to the top of a mountain covered in Douglas Fir trees. Mix the sweet scent of tropical coconut with the alpine aroma of cedar wood. Your romantic getaway tour to Fiji and New Zealand is custom tailored, taking you from the private island paradise of Fiji to the alpine pleasures around the South Island of New Zealand. You will revel in natural landscapes and intimate luxuries.

Countries Visited

Fiji, New Zealand

Places Visited

Matangi Island, Christchurch, Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Otago Wine Region, Milford Sound

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Matangi - Love in Paradise

Fiji tours are known for romance and endless variety. Enjoy pristine coral reefs brimming with unparalleled color, tropical forests draping islands in emerald greenery, fresh cuisine, intimate landscape, and luxurious views out to the water. Your private transfer meets you at the airport on Taveuni Island and escorts you to the boat landing. The water is cool and refreshing. A soft breeze sweeps across the ocean. The scent of fresh sea encompasses the air. When the boat sets off, the wind brushes against your cheeks, and the main island of Viti Levu fades away. The horseshoe island of Matangi comes into view. The immaculate rainforest is untouched. The beaches practically glow with powdery white sand. The sweet scent of hibiscus overtakes the seaside aroma. Palm trees bend over the beach providing luxurious shade.

The main dining area has a conical roof Fijian style with open walls that look out to the indigo water. Your intimate room has traditional bure elegance, with a thatched roof atop a room filled with modern luxury. Across the bay, you can see the rolling hills draped in tropical lushness as you settle into your beachside paradise letting the romance wash over you.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Day 2

Matangi - Escape to Paradise

Day 3

Matangi - Intimate Island Luxury

Day 4

Matangi - Wonderful Sunshine

Day 5

Christchurch - At the Edge of Nature’s Splendor

Day 6

Greymouth - Intimate Excursions

Day 7

Greymouth - Together Touching the Ice

Day 8

Queenstown - Quaint Alpine Comforts

Day 9

Queenstown - Sensual Flavors of the South Island

Day 10

Queenstown - Splendid Sound

Day 11

Queenstown - Leisure South Island

Day 12

Queenstown - The Beauty of the South

Trip Highlights

  • Indulge in the romance of a sensational beach side resort on a private Fijian Island
  • Relax in the marvelous natural, tropical landscape with gourmet meals, secluded beaches, and modern amenities
  • Enjoy a romantic, classic train ride through the Southern Alps in New Zealand
  • Traverse the unique landscape around Central Otago Region for a luxurious wine tasting tour
  • Discover the sensual landscape in the secluded wonderland of Milford Sound
  • Delight in a private guided tour of Franz Josef Glacier including a helicopter ride to take in the sweeping view
  • Partake in a sensual day spa around Queenstown for a romantic couple’s moment with an open view to the splendid mountain scenery

Detailed Description

Palm-fringed beaches emanate romance. Waterfalls connote intimacy. Snowcapped mountains invoke comfort. Alpine villages embody charm. The 12-day romantic getaway tour to Fiji and New Zealand is perfect for honeymooners or couples in search of a romantic escape, ready to make treasured memories with their loved one.

Lounge on a tropical beach and walk along an ancient glacier. See penguins relaxing on a rocky shoreline and sail around a paradisiacal island. Each day will bring you another treasure and show you another marvel. The hardest decision you will have to make is whether you should stay longer.

Your romantic excursion begins with your arrival on Viti Levu, Fiji, the nation’s largest island. You continue to Taveuni Island where you meet your boat transfer to the private island of Matangi. The next three days are yours to enjoy at your pleasure, taking advantage of the gourmet restaurants and fresh daily catches. You can board a sailboat and explore outer reaches of the beaches, or float above the coral reefs in search of spectacular fish.  Hike up to an opening in the canopy for a view of the horseshoe bay, or take in an intimate picnic on a private beach reserved just for you.

Then, return to Viti Levu to catch your plane to Christchurch, New Zealand. The following day you arrive at the train station where you board your train car for a stunning ride on the TranzAlpine Railway, taking you through the Southern Alps to the town of Greymouth.

Your guide meets you at the hotel in the morning escorting you to the helipad. Board the helicopter and soar around Franz Josef Glacier for an encompassing view before setting down on the snow for a closer look at the snow and ice. The following day you will have a guided tour of the Central Otago Region where you will visit a number of celebrated vineyards notable for their Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

Make your way south on a guided tour of Fiordland National Park where you will spend the day aboard a nature cruise discovering the details of the exquisite landscape on a plush boat. Relax in the alpine city of Queenstown and enjoy tranquil nature or the fabulous, energetic life around the city. Venture up Bob’s Peak for a fabulous hike or soothe your body and mind in the comforts of an alpine spa day. The next day your private transfer will meet you at the hotel to escort you to Queenstown Airport for your departure home.

Starting Price

$13,700 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.8

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 468 reviews

Luxury New Zealand Tour Review: Taupo, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Abel Tasman Park, Mt. Cook, Tasman Glacier, Lake Wanaka

My husband and I went on a wonderful trip to New Zealand visiting both North and South Island. The trip was originally planned for 2021 but had to be postponed until this year. I prefer working with an agent, and Lindsay from our travel agency was extremely responsive, offering helpful options and suggestions. Even though the time we spent on the North Island was right after the torrential rains, we modified the itinerary to spend four days in the Taupo area and two days in Rotorua.

We hiked in the Tongariro National Park and part of the Great Lake Pathway, sailed to view the Maori Rock Carvings, and visited Orakei Korako geothermal pools and Huka Falls in the Lake Taupo area. In Rotorua, we relaxed in the mineral pools of the spa and enjoyed the indigenous Maori experience at Te Puia.

The next 12 days were spent on the South Island where we had sunny and warm weather! One of our favorite places was Abel Tasman Park where we went kayaking and hiked the beautiful Coast Trek. We continued our adventures with a memorable heli-hiking experience on the Tasman Glacier in the Mt. Cook region, followed by visiting the unique blue penguins and Royal Albatrosses on the Otago Peninsula and enjoyed a hike and cruise on the famous Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park.

We ended our journey with three days in the Lake Wanaka area where we kayaked, hiked, and visited some of the region's famous wineries.

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Travel Review: South Pacific Vacation in Australia, Fiji & New Zealand, Sydney, Queenstown, Matamanoa Island, Great Barrier Reef

Rick was our agent and we feel he did an outstanding, superb, wonderful job. My wife and I have made several trips overseas and were a little concerned about going on a three country trip on our own.  But we have to give Rick major props!!!  All our transfers, tours and connections went exactly as scheduled. absolutely no hiccups or late shows by any of our tours or transfers.  All the tours were professional, courteous and clean and small group.  The hotels were exactly as promised and directions were spot on.  The pre-web based review turned out to be a wonderful addition and really helped us during our transfers from country, city and tour. 

The island of Matamanoa Island in Fiji was wonderful.  The adult only island was small enough to give a real tropical getaway feel and had all the necessary amenities to make us feel well taken care of.  Walking 50 feet out our room and snorkeling in the reef was just what we had hoped for.  The trip to Castaway island (where the movie was filmed) was fun.  The snorkeling here was incredible!!!  The staff was friendly and helpful and the restaurant had a variety of dishes that both my wife and I were pleased with.  The table side crepe suzette was to die for. 

Port Douglas  is a wonderful seaside tourist town with lots of great restaurants and night life.  The Great Barrier Reef snorkel was one of highlights.  The sea was especially calm the day we went out and the water was clear.  The fish and coral were magnificent. The reef tour was exceptional and the  staff  very knowlegable and took great care of us.  In town, we especially liked "The Inlet" restaurant. Our hotel  was right downtown close to all the restaurant's, but far enough off the street as not to have any street or bar noise.  We went to the Sunday market and enjoyed the people, street entertainment and venders. 

Sydney is a wonderful big city. Again, our hotel  was very nice and short walking distance to everything. The Circular Quay, Opera house, Darling Harbor .  The small  group city tour was just what we wanted. We climbed the bridge at sunset, went to the Opera house and took a ferry to Manley and had a sunset dinner in a beach side restaurant, "Manley's". Returned on the 8:30 ferry under a wonderful clear full moon night to see the city lights, Opera House and the Bridge" welcoming us.  A truly wonderful view!!! 

We found it to be quite cooler in New Zealand (Christchurch). We arrived the morning of the Rugby World Cup, The New Zealand All Blacks won so everyone was in good mood.   What's left of the city (after the earthquake of 2011) is slowly being rebuilt. Ricks suggestion of the  Botanical Gardens was perfect.  They are breathtaking and the museum was very worth while. The hotel  was wonderfully comfortable and the courtyard beautiful. We  left early to catch our train to Greymouth, which was spectacular! 

We rented a car in Greymouth and drove south down the coast.  Unfortunately we were weathered out in Franz Josef for our heli-hike.  It turned out to be no problem as 20 miles down the road the weather cleared and we were able to stop and see the waterfalls and blue pools.  We had a leisurely drive down the coast to Wanaka where we stay in a B&B.  The owners are from England and are wonderful. They helped us with restaurant recommendations and  reservations.  They have a happy hour for all the guests and real fun.  We got to meet other couples from other countries and shared travel stories.  The nature hike was a hoot. Our guide was very informative, funny and took wonderful care of everyone on the trip.  A real must do.

We had the most spectacular view of the lake from our room  in Queentown.   A highlight of the trip was the Dart River jet boat tour.  What a fun ride and hike through the forest.  At night we took the Gondola up the mountain and had dinner overlooking the city. Milford sound was also spectacular.

We ended our vacation in  Dunedin and arrived early enough to go to the beer tour (fun).  The following morning  tour took us to  where we saw giant Albatross' and the endangered yellowed eyed penguins with a boat cruise. 

When we contacted Rick, we had a time line, a budget and  a general idea of where we wanted to go but no specifics on anything.  Rick put together an outstanding trip for us with many great tours and accommodations. We especially appreciated all the personal time Rick gave us with our numerous questions and concerns.  We are highly recommending him.

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New Zealand Travel Review: Auckland, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Sailing, Wine Tasting, Hiking, 2 Week Adventure Trip
This was a trip of a lifetime.  We worked well together, came up with an awesome itinerary for 6 weeks to New Zealand and Australia.  You name it we were going to do it.  This truly was an itinerary with planes, trains & automobiles.  Let's not forget to include boats, helicopter, camel and kayak.  We had such a variety of things planned including wine tasting in both NZ and Australia.  I can't say enough good things about our travel company!!!  In the planning stages they even spoke to us about where and when to go as far as seasons and which way to go whether it be Australia first or NZ. As it turned out, the recommendation to go to New Zealand first was perfect. We were saved the experience of Australia for only a few weeks and maybe being stuck there!  No stone was left unturned, even when the fires occurred in Australia.  Our impact was going to be minimal.We left the US on March 9th for NZ arriving on the 11th.  No problems with Covid-19, we continued on with our itinerary.  Sailing in the harbor in Auckland, wine tasting on a beautiful little island outside of Auckland.  On to Queenstown which is delightful and Milford Sound for an overnight on a ship.  Absolutely beautiful.  Glad we did this vs a day trip or boat ride.  We flew back to Queenstown, which I'd recommend because you have a great overview of the mountains.  Breathtaking!!  Picked up a rental car and drove to Franz Josef to climb the glacier.  We're an older couple, but this was an incredible, first-time experience! My husband still marvels! We took a train to Christchurch which is still suffering the after effects of the 2011 earthquake.  Again a train up the Pacific Coast which is beautiful to Nelson.  Kayaking, hiking and a catamaran in the Tasman Sea.  What scenery!!  Up to Rotorua for more fun.  Well this is where the wheels starting coming off of our fun.  Things got cancelled because of Covid-19 and the ever changing environment of new shut downs and what the government was asking of people and vacationers.  Starting on the 15th of March our travel agent was continually in contact with us about Covid-19 and how our itinerary was going to be impacted.  She made alternative suggestions, we made the decision to extend in NZ.  As our trip went along, things kept changing....  NZ decided to shut down on March 25 midnight.  Our new flight home was March 29, then March 27.  She worked with us so closely and was so helpful she actually got us a flight home on March 25.  While we were having fun and enjoying ourselves, this company was working for us behind the scenes.  You can't ask for more than that!!  By the way, we came home and quarantined.  To date, we're healthy.

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New Zealand, Australia Vacation Review: Queenstown, Auckland, Milford Sound, Christchurch, 2 Weeks

Zicasso’s trip planner did an excellent job. Communication and the quality of the experiences were everything we'd expected and more, especially in New Zealand. The accommodations were first rate; the highlight was the lodge in Queenstown. The guides and drivers were professional and knowledgeable, especially those in Queenstown and Auckland. We loved the dedicated website for reference, as well as the detailed booklet and maps for both countries. 

For future itineraries, I would add another day in Queenstown and a full day in Christchurch. If days were limited, I would recommend one less day in Auckland and/or skipping the drive/train from Franz Josef. 

The only complication was the day we spent 10 hours going to and coming from Milford Sound.  I recommend doing Milford Sound by plane/helicopter from Queenstown, which would also permit seeing the glaciers/southern alps from the air. The only things we missed were the zoo in Auckland and the Blue Mountain day tour in Sydney. Next trip!

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Australia & New Zealand Travel Agent Review: Sydney, Port Douglas, South Island, Wellington, Kayaking Doubtful Bay, River Rafting
Wonderful. It was well planned and went off without a hitch (other than the rain/flooding in NZ.) Our travel planner is well informed on the area. He listened to what we were looking for and the itinerary reflected that. It was action-packed but the activities did not repeat themselves. We did change a few of the hotels from what the planner initially suggested (as we wanted a king bed) and in hindsight--those were the least liked hotels (especially the hotel in Sydney and the Villas-a bit shabby.)We have friends that did Shotover River Rafting which is probably a more thrilling ride through the Gorge but due to the weather we were glad we were on Dart, as Shotover wasn't running. We did the the Queenstown Steamship cruise (the lunch option) on a day that one of the days that our 4 tours were cancelled due to the raining/flooding and really enjoyed that. Also the Sydney Harbor Lunch was very nice. The weather temperature was pretty good and heard from Franz Josef through Te Anau that the substantial rain was a century event.The tour guides did an excellent job, really enjoyed our guide from Walkabout Cultural and our guide from the Doubtful Bay Kayaking (Doubtful was really more stunning than Milford). We did hit a Millers Point hotel on our first day in Sydney (nice late afternoon activity/view) and would recommend restaurants:1. An international dish restaurant in Port Douglas (best dinner of the trip)2. Makers of the best peanut butter (for a novelty PB snack) in Wellington3.Seafood and Vegetarian restaurant in Christchurch4. Italian in Wanaka (best to make rsvps)5. Hamburger restaurant in Queenstown (for the novelty) and the Pub on the wharf for a good $20 dinner and live music at 8pm 

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Luxury Fiji & New Zealand Tour Review:Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Christchurch, Trans Alpine Railway, Snorkeling
Overall, we were happy with the itinerary and the hotel choices (details about each location below). All the transitions were smooth and hassle free. Fiji Sofitel was a great choice for us. The accommodations were clean, comfortable, and with views. The staff were all super friendly and approachable. There was even free laundry facilities. The lounge area and pool were superb. We loved the complimentary breakfast (lots of fresh fruit and pastries). Dinners at the buffet were OK, good food and service, but nothing special. We also appreciated how close Sofitel was to the port so we could go there for dinner as well. We did take a snorkeling day trip with a travel company partner in Fiji used by this travel company, which was fun. Fortunately the weather was good that day. The main downside of Sofitel (and all of the nearby hotels) is that the beach and water are not really good (thank goodness Sofitel had a nice pool area). If we were to go back to Fiji, we would probably want to explore more of the remote islands. Auckland Scenic Hotels was again a great choice for us. The central location was great, and the room was clean and comfortable. We thought that having both the bus tour and the cruise was maybe too much guided touring of the city. Jeff enjoyed the bus tour because it gave us a chance to get oriented and check out some of the different areas which we may not have had a chance to get to otherwise. We probably could have done without the Harbor Cruise, though. Both the Waitomo caves and Hobbiton tours were better than we expected. However it was a very long day on the bus with many transfers. Too bad the sites are so far away in New Zealand! Rotorua Ibis Rotorua was again a good choice for us. Clean and comfortable, with a nice location. One of the things we really enjoyed was the walk along the lake. We were pleasantly surprised to come across geothermal features right along the hike. We enjoyed the morning at Te Puia. We probably could have spent more of the morning there (and maybe skipped the Agrodome and/or Rainbow Springs). Rainbow Springs looks like a great place to take families, but we could have probably done without. The Mitai experience overall was enjoyable but did not feel authentic, and honestly the food was not good. I'm not sure if any of the other Hangi dinner experiences are any different, but I expected more (especially given the cost!) Christchurch Of all the places we stayed, we thought the Cotswold was the worst experience. Although it looks cute from the outside, the rooms are kind of frumpy and the walls are thin. The staff in the lobby were not particularly friendly or helpful, and the location was not ideal (a bit of a walk to Merivale and far from downtown Christchurch). The TranzAlpine trip was wonderful! Probably not something we would have known to book for ourselves - so it was a treat. The weather cooperated! Franz Josef Punga Grove was a great place with very friendly staff and clean/comfortable rooms. We enjoyed doing hikes around the area. Although we weren't able to go with the guided tour, we went on several of the self-guided hikes, which were nice. Queenstown The Copthorne has a nice lobby, nice rooms, and gorgeous views. Strangely, the hallways were very dingy looking. The tour with the travel company partner in New Zealand used by these travel specialists to Milford sound was great (and seemed like to best tour company). Our driver was Maori, and told us about the legends in both Mauri and English! Although this was also a long bus day, the tour company's bus was more comfortable than other buses we had been on. The Milford Sound experience was also very nice. In general - as I mentioned earlier, all the transfers and pick-ups went very smoothly. We're were a little surprised that our airline seats were not pre-assigned, and we didn't have the ability to pick out the seats for some of the airlines. Is this typical for the airlines (e.g. Air Pacific)?

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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